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Italy · Student Visa

Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.

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Student visas for Italy depend on course type, duration, nationality and consular assessment. For university study, non-EU applicants normally coordinate admission and pre-enrolment through the institution and Universitaly before the visa step — but note Universitaly's own caveat: pre-enrolment validation supports visa issuance, it does not guarantee it. After arriving, long-stay students must request a residence permit, normally within eight working days.

For degree courses at Italian universities and art and music (AFAM) institutions, non-EU applicants follow joint procedures issued by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) with the foreign, interior and education ministries; the current edition covers the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years. The pre-enrolment request for a study visa is filed only through Universitaly, MUR’s free official portal, and the institution assesses the foreign qualification itself. For Italian-taught bachelor’s, master’s and single-cycle degrees, each institution sets an Italian test of at least B2, with exemptions such as a recognised B2 certificate; for courses taught in another language, the student certifies that language instead. Visa applications for 2026/27 degree courses must reach the competent consulate by 30 November 2026 (31 October 2027 for 2027/28), and institutions may set earlier dates; master’s, doctoral and other courses have no fixed deadline but must apply before teaching starts. The consulate checks means of support of €10,179.85 a year from lawful, traceable sources, suitable housing in Italy — applying for, or being eligible for, a university residence place does not count — and health insurance, and it also assesses migration risk. Universitaly stresses that a validated pre-enrolment guarantees neither a consular appointment nor the visa. Within eight working days of arrival, students request the study permit from the Questura using the kit available at post offices, and they request renewal at least 60 days before it expires. A study permit allows employment of up to 20 hours a week and 1,040 hours a year — hours can be concentrated, for example during breaks, as long as the annual cap holds — and self-employment with no hour limit; working more than 1,040 hours requires converting to a work permit.

  • Pre-enrolment only through Universitaly; validation guarantees neither an appointment nor the visa.
  • Means of support: €10,179.85 a year, plus suitable housing and health insurance.
  • Visa deadline for 2026/27 degree courses: 30 November 2026; institutions may set earlier dates.
  • Study permit within eight working days; employment up to 20 hours a week and 1,040 hours a year.

  1. 1

    Coordinate admission and pre-enrolment

    For university study, non-EU applicants normally work through the institution and Universitaly for admission and pre-enrolment before the consular step.

  2. 2

    Treat pre-enrolment as support, not a guarantee

    Universitaly states that pre-enrolment validation supports but does not guarantee visa issuance. Plan for the consular assessment as a genuine step.

  3. 3

    Apply at the competent Italian mission

    Apply to the Italian embassy or consulate covering your area of residence, with the documents its guidance specifies for your course type.

  4. 4

    Request the residence permit within eight working days

    This is the tightest deadline in the process. Long-stay students must request a residence permit after arrival, normally within eight working days — plan it before you fly.

  5. 5

    Know the work limits and renewal date

    A study permit allows employment of up to 20 hours a week and 1,040 hours a year, and self-employment with no hour limit. Request renewal at least 60 days before the permit expires.

  • Admission and pre-enrolment coordinated via Universitaly where applicable
  • Understood that pre-enrolment does not guarantee the visa
  • Competent Italian mission identified
  • Documents assembled for your specific course type
  • Residence-permit request planned within eight working days of arrival
  • Proof of funds and insurance prepared
  • Work limits (20 h/week, 1,040 h/year) and 60-day renewal date noted

Frequently asked questions

Does Universitaly pre-enrolment guarantee my visa?

No. Universitaly states that pre-enrolment validation supports visa issuance but does not guarantee it. The consular assessment remains a real stage, so prepare your file rather than treating pre-enrolment as the decision.

How soon after arriving must I apply for a residence permit?

Normally within eight working days. That is a tight window once you factor in travel and settling in, so identify where and how to file before you leave home.

Can I work on an Italian student residence permit?

Yes. Employment is allowed for up to 20 hours a week and 1,040 hours a year; you can concentrate the hours, for example during breaks, as long as the annual cap holds. Self-employment has no hour limit. To work more than 1,040 hours a year, the permit must be converted into a work permit.

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