FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Italy student visa?
The official page asks for: pre-enrolment validated by the university on Universitaly, suitable accommodation in Italy, health insurance valid in Italy, passport valid 3 months beyond the visa and recent passport photo, as well as the money to live on.
How much money do I need for the Italy student visa?
At least EUR 10,179.85 a year from the 2026-2027 academic year, from traceable sources, your own or your family's. Grants from trusted institutions also count.
Do I need to pay tuition before I apply?
University fees are normally paid before enrolment is completed. The visa list does not ask for fee proof.
Can I work while I study in Italy?
Part-time work up to 20 hours a week, with a limit of 1,040 hours a year.
Can I stay in Italy after I graduate?
Graduates with a bachelor's, master's or PhD, or a higher arts or higher technical diploma, can apply to stay to look for work or start a business. The official pages do not state its length.
Can I get a Italy student visa for a language course?
Yes.
How long can I stay on the Italy student visa?
The first residence permit follows the visa. After enrolment it is renewed for a full year at a time. Yes, each year, if you pass at least one exam in the first year and two in later years. Never more than three years beyond the course length.
How much does the Italy student visa cost?
EUR 50 for the long-stay national visa, usually collected in local currency.
Who can apply for the Italy student visa?
Open to people from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. People from outside the EU who need a visa to enrol at an Italian university or higher arts institution. They pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal first.
How do I apply?
Pre-enrol on Universitaly, then apply for the visa at the Italian embassy or consulate for where you live. In Italy, send the residence permit request through a post office within 8 working days of arrival.
Sources
- Italy: Study visa (type D, university enrolment) and residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per studio) (universitaly-private.cineca.it)
- Italy: how to apply (vistoperitalia.esteri.it)
- Italy: Study visa (type D, university enrolment) and residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per studio) (consbuenosaires.esteri.it)
- Italy: Study visa (type D, university enrolment) and residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per studio) (portaleimmigrazione.it)
- Italy: Study visa (type D, university enrolment) and residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per studio) (portaleimmigrazione.it)
- Italy: Study visa (type D, university enrolment) and residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per studio) (portaleimmigrazione.it)
- Italy: Universitaly pre-enrolment portal (universitaly.it)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.