If foreign students, not from the European Community, want to spend a period of study in Italy to learn our language and culture, it is necessary to apply for a study visa at the Italian Consulate in the country of residence.
From many countries it is not necessary to apply for a study visa and it is possible to stay in Italy as a tourist for up to three months. For longer periods of time it is necessary to have a study visa (or another type).
Students who wish to apply for a study visa can use our services to learn about and obtain, at the time of enrollment, the documents necessary to obtain the visa to be submitted to the Italian embassy or consulate in their country.
We are available to provide the student with all the information and support to prepare what is necessary.
To submit a request for a study visa, the documents generally required are:
• a valid passport;
• a certificate of enrollment in a course of study that requires attendance of at least 20 hours per week;
• international health insurance;
• a document certifying the availability of adequate means of support for the entire duration of the stay in Italy;
• a document certifying the availability of accommodation;
• the flight ticket reservation.
It is necessary for the student in possession of the visa, within 8 days of arrival in Italy, to complete and send the kit for the request for a residence permit available at the authorized Post Offices or at the Police Headquarters (Immigration Office) competent for the territory.
The Residence Permit for Study Reasons can vary from 6 months to 1 year, based on the type of course of study activated. It can be renewed, in the case in which it is necessary to cover the entire course of study foreseen in the issue of the entry visa.
Once the visa has been obtained, the student will not be able to change the period of study or the type of course.
In the event that the visa is refused, it will be possible to obtain a refund of the course fee upon presentation of the refusal letter from the Consulate.
In this case, €250 will be deducted from the amount paid, the handling fee, as per school regulations.
