Italy is a beautiful country that is also home to a number of world class universities. If you are looking to head to Italy for further studies, read on to learn more about what Indian students should expect with the process for a student visa.
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Immigration to another country is always a unique experience. And while this guide can help highlight parts of the visa process, it is not intended to substitute professional advice. If you have questions about how to go about your visa, contact a visa professional for help and who will walk you through the process. And stay up to date on policies and procedures on the Embassy of Italy in India website.
🎓 Italy student visa application
If you are an Indian student looking to pursue a program in Italy for more than 90 days, you are required to get a Long Term “D” visa.
The Long Term “D” visa allows students to study in the country, to stay beyond 3 months and until their program is completed, and travel to other countries that fall under the Schengen visa region.
Each regional Italian consulate and the Embassy for Italy in India, New Delhi manages the student visa process for Indian nationals. They in turn use VFS Global to help gather information and process applications. You will have to interact with VFS Global in India as you submit your application and conduct the necessary biometric and interview steps.
The Italian embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction of your resident state will be the ultimate decision-maker on your application. It is also where you can drop off your application and documents. The jurisdiction is determined by where you have been currently living for over 6 months.
Here is how it breaks down across India:
- Embassy of Italy, New Delhi: Residents of New Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh
- Consulate of Italy in Mumbai: Residents of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Daman and Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, and Pondicherry
- Consulate of Italy in Kolkata: Residents of the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Tripura, Sikkim and West Bengal, the Union Territory of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Nepal.
Additionally, here are the VFS Global Centres that can accept your application and that can also do any additional information gathering:
New Delhi
Italy Visa Application Centre,
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd,
Shivaji Stadium Metro Station,
Mezzanine Level Baba Kharak Singh Marg,
Connaught Place New Delhi - 110001
Jalandhar
Italy Visa Application Centre,
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd,
3rd floor, Aman Plaza, Plot No 310,
Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg,
Nakodar Chowk, (opposite to lovely autos), Jalandhar,
Punjab - 144001
Chandigarh
Italy Visa Application Centre,
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd,
Elante Offices, Entry from Gate No. 3 ,Unit no. B 209, Second Floor,
Office Block B, Plot no. 178- 178A, Industrial & Business Park,
Phase - I, Chandigarh (U T) 160002, India
Jaipur
Italy Visa Application Centre,
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd,
Manglam Ambition Tower
1st Floor, Agrasen Circle (Malan ka Chauraha), Subhash Marg, C Scheme
Jaipur, 302001
There are other VFS visa centres in Ahmedabad, Pune, Goa, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi which fall under the jurisdiction of the Italian Consulate General of Mumbai. Kolkata, Guwahati and Kathmandu (Nepal) fall under that of the Italian consulate in Kolkata.
Remember, VFS Global does not approve or refuse your visa application. That is solely done by the Embassy of Italy in India.¹
Not sure if you need a visa for your time in Italy? Check to see what kind of a visa you might need for Italy with this handy guide.
What are the do’s and don’ts for an Italian long term “D” visa? Take a look below:
| Do’s ✅ | Don’ts ❌ |
|---|---|
| Gain admittance to an Italian institution before applying | Apply for a Short term visa if you intend to stay longer than 90 days |
| Enroll in a full time academic program in Italy | Apply for a visa before you have enrolled and pay your tuition fees |
| Check the requirements for your relevant Italian consulate or embassy | Apply for a visa without a passport with the requisite time validity |
| Submit your application 3 months before your departure date | Work on a study visa unless specifically stated and approved by your institution |
🛂 Italy student visa process
Here is a quick step by step guide on the Italian student visa process²:
- Be accepted into a qualifying educational institution in Italy and gather documents showing your enrollment
- Identify the Italian embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction for your area in India
- Download the application from the website
- Complete the application and gather required documents
- Book an appointment at a VFS Global visa application centre
- Pay the application fee
- At the time of the appointment, submit your application and documents
- Complete your biometric registration at the application centre
- Track your application using your unique reference number
- Await your decision
- Collect your passport and documents from the visa application centre
You must apply within 15-180 working days prior to your prospective date of departure for Italy. It is best to check with your embassy or consulate directly to know how much time would be recommended beforehand to apply. Certain months of the year, like July and August, can be busier than others.
The Embassy of Italy in India has the right to request an in-person interview or additional documents after your submission. Be prepared in case you are asked to do either or both.
Once you are in Italy, you may be requested to complete a Resident Permit in your local city. Follow the instructions given by your university or educational institution.
🏫 Italy student visa requirements for Indian students
Let’s break down the requirements for Indian students to apply for an Italian long term “D” study visa. The first major one being, your passport.
You will need to submit your passport alongside your application. Your passport must:
- Have been issued within the past 10 years
- Be valid for at least 3 months after your stay in Italy is complete
- Be machine readable
- Can not be handwritten
- Have at least 2 blank pages
Now that your passport is in order, let’s take a look at what else is required to have for your study visa in Italy.³
💶 Italy student visa financial requirements
You will have to show evidence of meeting two main financial requirements- tuition and living expenses. Most schools or universities in Italy will require a certain amount of payment towards tuition to hold your spot for enrollment.
For the visa, you will need to show proof of having easy access to € 460.28/₹ per month of the academic year or €5977.79 Euros per one year:
| Minimum income to show | |
|---|---|
| Income to show per month | €460.28/ ₹40,759 |
| For 1 year | €5,977.79/ ₹5,29,345 |
*All INR prices shown are converted at the mid-market exchange rate of EUR €1 = ₹88.55 as of May 31, 2021
You can show proof of funds by attaching:
- 3 months original bank statement signed and stamped by the bank.
- Guarantees or scholarships by the Italian institution
- Credit or scholarships provided from other verified institutions
If you are to be supported by family during your stay, they will then be categorized as your Sponsor. In the case of a sponsor, you can show:
- Qualifying bank statements under the family member’s name, plus
- a letter of commitment
- A copy of their ID proof
✈️ For the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, one part that comes up under documents for your application is your air travel booking. If you haven’t booked your travel to Italy to start your study, you can show an additional €2,200/ ₹1,94,814* in your financial requirements in lieu of air tickets.
Additionally, if your university isn’t providing accommodation and you haven’t arranged for accommodation in Italy by the time of your application submission, you will need to show an additional €9,000/ ₹7,96,968* on your financial documentation.⁴
🚨One of the top reasons for a visa refusal is not meeting the financial requirements. So it is recommended to begin the application process once you are confident in your ability to fund your tuition and stay.
*All INR prices shown are converted at the mid-market exchange rate of EUR €1 = ₹88.55 as of May 31, 2021
📃 Documents required for Italy student visa
Here is a consolidated list of the documents required for a student or long term “D” visa. But remember, you may be asked for additional documents by the Italian embassy⁵ ⁶.
- Application form
- 2 passport size photographs
- Acceptance of enrollment at an Italian university or education institution
- Evidence of meeting financial requirements
- Evidence of Academic qualifications from India
- Receipt of tuition fees paid, if applicable
- 1 photocopy of your passport front page
- 1 photocopy of your passport last page
- 1 photocopy of all previous Schengen visas, if any
- 1 photocopy of valid UK and US visas, if any
- Evidence of Medical Insurance coverage up to €30,000
- One way air ticket
- Proof of accomodation in Italy
Medical insurance is required for applications to study in Italy and must carry a repatriation clause. In most cases the Italian university will be providing insurance coverage, but in case not, here is a list of approved insurance providers.
Items like flight tickets and accommodation are required pieces of your application for a successful submission. However, the Embassy of Italy or consulate are not responsible for those expenses in the case your application is refused. It is advised to purchase refundable tickets as and when possible.
⌛ Italy student visa processing time
A long term “D” visa in India takes at least 15 working days, but with an average processing time higher than that. It is suggested to give yourself at least 3 months before your date of departure to submit your application.⁷
📋 Italy student visa checklist
To apply for a student, or long term “D” visa, you will need to submit your application through the Italian embassy or consulate for your region. Ensure that you:
- Have your acceptance letter into an Italian educational institution
- Have a fully completed and signed application
- Your passport is valid for the requisite amount of time
- You have financial means to cover your living expenses
- You have paid your tuition fees as required per your institution
- You can show evidence of accommodation in Italy
- Evidence of academic qualifications in India
- Air travel is arranged
- A minimum of 2 passport sized photographs
- Photocopies of your passport
- Cover letter detailing your motivation as well as travel dates, if applicable
- Application fee is paid
If you do have any questions about supporting documents and procedures, you can reach out to the Embassy of Italy in India or the Consulate General of Italy in India with any questions.
🏷️ Italy student visa fees
The Italian student, long term “D”, visa application fee for Indian students is €50⁸.
You will have to pay the visa application fee at the visa application centre at the time of submission.
Italy student visa fees in Indian Rupees
You can pay the application fee at the visa application centre in India. All major payment methods are typically accepted at the embassy or VFS Global centre, but check with your respective centre before your appointment.
| Application Fee in Euros | Application Fee in Indian Rupees* | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | €50 | ₹4,428 |
*All INR prices shown are converted at the mid-market exchange rate of EUR €1 = ₹88.55 as of May 31, 2021
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Sources:
- Long term Study D visa
- Italian Study Visa process
- Passport Requirement
- Financial requirements
- Documents 1
- Documents 2
- Processing time
- Fee
All sources checked as of 2 June, 2021
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
FAQs
Is it easy to get Indian student visa from Italy? ›
Student Visas can be obtained on furnishing proof of admission (original admission letter) from recognized Universities/Institutions in India for a maximum period of 5 years, restricted to the duration of the course,.
What are the requirements to study in Italy for Indian students? ›If you're a student from India, you'll need the D National Visa to study in Italy. This visa is made specifically for students like you who are ready to begin their study abroad adventure in Italy.
Is getting Italian student visa easy? ›The short-stay student visa for Italy
As mentioned earlier, the Type C or short-term stay visa is quite easy to obtain when coming to study in Italy and an applicant is subject to a few requirements such as having a valid passport and proof of the course enrolled for.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Proof that you have an accommodation in Italy; Proof that you have financial support (at least € 467,65 per month for the academic year, a total of € 6.079,45 per year);
Italy's student visa refusal rate was 8.2 percent in 2017 and increased to 9.6 percent in 2018, with a further increase to 9.9 percent in 2019.
Is interview compulsory for Italy student visa? ›The students who wish to pursue their higher education in Italy, will have to apply for a visa. In order to get the visa, firstly you have to appear for the visa interview at the consulate.
Can I settle in Italy after study? ›Those holding a master's degree or PhD are eligible to stay back in Italy after their studies for 12 months. The post-study work permit can be applied for after the applicant gets a full-time job or even an internship opportunity. Officially 'permesso di Lavoro' - a work permit/employment permit would be needed.
Can I get PR after study in Italy? ›Yes, an international student can get PR in Italy after study. The temporary residency visa must be obtained when first arriving in Italy by non-EU citizens. Only then you can apply for Permanent residence permit.
How much Indian student earn in Italy? ›The average hourly pay for part-timers in Italy is €7, thus weekly earnings can go up to €140 and monthly, the international student can earn up to €560.
Why is Italy student visa rejected? ›Reasons for Italian Student Visa Rejection
The most common reason given by the embassy to rejected applicants was the failure to justify the purpose along with lack of proper accommodation details.
Why would Italy visa be rejected? ›
Past Immigration Violations
Overstaying the limit of visa or not following the designated itinerary or spending periods of time in Italy without authorization are few reasons for Italy visa rejection.
Saudi Arabia is considered the most difficult student visa to get but there has been arguments about that this toughness is only for Non-Muslims and that Muslim countries like Pakistan easily get Saudi student visa but that is still a matter not approved of by Saudis.
How many students earn monthly in Italy? ›Average part-time salary for International Students in Italy: The minimum wage per hour is 7 Euros. So according to this, you can earn up to 140 Euros a week and 560 Euros a month. Generally, Italian companies hire you as an intern and pay you between 500 and 1000 euros; paid internships are rare.
How much study gap is acceptable in Italy? ›Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Admission
For Bachelor's program, maximum 2 years of study gap is acceptable, only if justified. For the Master's program, maximum 8 years of study gap is acceptable, only if justified.
Italian student visa processing time
The processing of your visa application should usually take between one and three weeks, however, you should aim to schedule your visa interview around six weeks in advance. That means you should start the process two or three months before your departure date.
A student visa does not allow self-employment. This means in order to undertake work you should be given a formal document by the employer such as a 'contract of employment' or a 'worker's agreement' or some other written statement confirming your employment status.
Which country rejected visa most? ›| Schengen State | Uniform visas applied | Refusal % |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 1701379 | 9.26% |
| Germany | 2056296 | 9.08% |
| Hungary | 228793 | 7.76% |
| Switzerland | 556520 | 7.41% |
Student Visa in Italy without IELTS
You don't need an IELTS to study in this beautiful country.
- Don't show up. ...
- Don't bring all of the documents and receipts that are required. ...
- Be vague about your study plans and goals. ...
- Choose a university at random. ...
- Underplay your academic capability. ...
- Don't have a solid plan to finance your studies.
The most common reason for a student visa application being refused is due to insufficient funds or incorrect financial evidence. Some examples are: Not showing the required money for 28 continuous days and/or. Submitting financial documents that are more than 31 days old and/or.
How can I pass my student visa interview? ›
- Make a Good First Impression.
- Communicate Clearly.
- Speak English.
- Be Prepared.
- Know Your School and Program.
- Prove Your Intent to Return Home.
- Keep Your Answers Precise and Concise.
- Stay Positive.
If you are holding a valid study residence permit you are allowed to work in Italy for max. 20 hours per week (up to max. 1040 hours per year).
Can I bring my husband to Italy while studying? ›Visas for accompanying family members (“familiari al seguito”) allow a non-EU citizen to enter Italy accompanied by his/her family members. Even those who hold a study visa, in the cases and conditions foreseen by law, can apply for visas for accompanying family members.
Does Italy give PR? ›A form of an Italian residence permit is a legal document that you must have if you intend on staying in the country for more than 3 months. As per the Italian immigration law, there are two types of residence permits- Temporary and Permanent.
Which country gives PR easily to students? ›Canada also ranks number one globally with a high quality of life. It has easy pr laws and many employment opportunities for international students.
Can my spouse work while I study in Italy? ›Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work? If the spouse is an EU citizen, he or she will have a Permit of Stay that allows the spouse to work. If the spouse is not an EU citizen, he or she will probably have a non-working visa (Visto per familiari al seguito) and will not be able to work.
How many hours student can work in Italy? ›With a student visa for Italy, you are only allowed to work part time. Meaning, for a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year.
How many Indians study in Italy? ›"There are 5000 Indian students in Italy now.
Is Italy cheap for Indians? ›Italy is 117% more expensive than India. Nov 2022 Cost of Living.
How much bank balance is required for Italy student visa from India? ›Therefore, the bank balance to meet the financial requirements of a student visa in Italy per month is approximately 448,07 EUR per month for the academic year, a total of 5824,91 EUR per year. A minimum 6-month balance of 3,000 EUR is required.
How do I convince my visa officer for a student visa? ›
If you can get a letter from your employer, or indicate a date that you will return to work, this will help your application. If you are not employed, provide a plan for how you will use your new diploma or degree to start a job. This also helps convince the visa officer that you have a reason to return home.
What do visa officers check? ›While conducting visa interviews, consular officers look at each application individually and consider the applicant's circumstances, travel plans, financial resources, and ties outside of the United States that will ensure the applicant's departure after a temporary visit.
Do I get a refund if my student visa is refused? ›If my Student Visa is rejected how can I get my refund? If your visa is denied or you canceled the admission, you will be refunded the amount you paid after deducting the following; International Postage fee (In case you canceled the admission before we post the documents, it will be refunded) Program Registration fee.
Is there an interview for Italy visa? ›After processing the Italy student visa application, aspirants are usually called in for an Italy student visa interview. The Italy student visa interview questions and answers are quite basic and not burdensome. Moreover, the acceptance rate for Italian student visas is also quite high.
On what basis visa gets rejected? ›Visa rejection may happen when you fail to prove your eligibility to visit a particular country. It mostly takes place as the applicants fails to provide important information, or sometimes because of certain document missing.
Is getting Italian visa difficult? ›For citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries, visiting Italy requires tourist visas. These must be obtained with the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their home countries, however, the procedure is not complicated or lengthy.
Why do student visas reject? ›Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
A: Undoubtedly, you need to put some effort to acquire a student visa for any country, however, the most prominent options to accomplish easy attainment of student visa as an Indian student are Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Which country has highest student visa rejection rate? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
What is the basic salary in Italy? ›Average Wages in Italy increased to 2475 EUR/ Month (2576.059 USD/Month) in 2021. The maximum rate of average wage for employees was 2502 EUR/ Month and minimum was 1176 EUR/ Month.
What is the gender pay gap in Italy? ›
...
Gender pay gap in Italy in 2020.
As an international student in Italy, you are free to take a part-time job in order to help cover your costs. Non-European students need to have a valid residence permit and, according to Italian Law, are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week.
What are the disadvantages of studying in Italy? ›- Carbs, Carbs, and More Carbs. Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, macaroni, ciabatta, pizza… ...
- It's a Popular Destination for International Students (and Tourists) ...
- Italian Time ⏰ ...
- You'll Never Want to say Arrivederci.
- Science and Technology.
- Art and Design.
- Social Studies.
- Education.
- Humanities.
- Health.
- Hospitality.
Tuition fees and living costs are both affordable. Yes, when you study in Italy you don't have to worry about the affordability. If you're low on budget, we recommend that you stay near Padua, Turin, or Pisa. Otherwise, cities like Rome, Bologna, and Milano can become an expensive option.
Does Italy student visa require interview? ›The students who wish to pursue their higher education in Italy, will have to apply for a visa. In order to get the visa, firstly you have to appear for the visa interview at the consulate.
How much bank balance is required for Italy visa? ›The overall amount required for an Italy Schengen visa for stays up to 5 days for one person is EUR 269.60 (equivalent to INR 22,812.89)*, while for stays up to 10 days for one person, you'll need EUR 44.93 per day. Additional amount required for each additional applicant travelling with you.
Is Italy a good place to study for Indian students? ›Italy is an affordable destination for international students. Italy is one of the most affordable countries in Europe where you can study abroad and that goes for tuition fees and living costs as well. You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies in Italy.
Which is the easiest country to get student visa for Indian? ›Australia. The only country in the world to cover an entire continent; Australia has a lot to offer, from a world-renowned higher education system to (maybe) the best version of MasterChef. It is a multi-cultural hub which welcomes international students with open arms and an easy visa procedure.
Which country gives easy student visa for Indian? ›A: Undoubtedly, you need to put some effort to acquire a student visa for any country, however, the most prominent options to accomplish easy attainment of student visa as an Indian student are Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
How long does Italian student visa take in India? ›
Italian student visa processing time
The processing of your visa application should usually take between one and three weeks, however, you should aim to schedule your visa interview around six weeks in advance. That means you should start the process two or three months before your departure date.
Yes, an international student can get PR in Italy after study. The temporary residency visa must be obtained when first arriving in Italy by non-EU citizens. Only then you can apply for Permanent residence permit.
Which visa is hardest to get for Indians? ›- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand hold the top-most positions for being the best immigration-friendly countries for Indian students. They are also known for being easy PR countries for Indian students.
Which country has highest student visa success rate? ›Australia Student Visa
Australia is known as the best student destination globally because of its high-quality education, low cost of living and opportunities to work. Australia welcomes international students from all over the world, and the higher education system in Australia differs from other countries.
- Canada.
- Germany.
- Australia.
- United States.
- Italy.
Student visas in Italy are issued by Italian Embassies or Consulate-General offices in your country of origin.
How many Indian students go to Italy? ›"There are 5000 Indian students in Italy now.