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3 ways to enter

Italy visas

Italy student visa

Study and educational training can be covered by a Schengen visa for a short stay. Longer study usually needs a long-stay visa or residence permit. Some supervised school groups can enter without a visa.

Ways to get a Italy student visa

  1. Short-stay study visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a Schengen visa for study, educational training or scientific research can apply without paying the visa application fee.

    Stay
    Usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
    Valid for
    As issued for the trip.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries, as issued.
    Fee
    No Schengen visa application fee. An external application service may charge a separate fee.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an accepted application with no issues; delays can occur.
    1. Apply to Italy's embassy or consulate if Italy is the main destination.
    2. Submit the application no more than six months before entry with the relevant supporting documents.
    3. Attend in person for a first application and provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.

  2. Long-stay study permission

    Other permit

    Students from outside the EU single market generally need long-stay permission when staying for more than 90 days.

    Stay
    A long-stay visa generally covers less than a year; a residence permit covers longer periods.

  3. Visa-free supervised school trip

    No visa needed

    Pupils who are not EU single market citizens but legally live there can qualify when travelling in a general education school group with a teacher. Italy also grants an exemption to visa-required pupils living in the United Kingdom on a school excursion with a teacher.

    Stay
    A short stay or transit for the EU single market resident school-group exemption.

Who needs it

Students who need a visa must apply even when their application fee is waived. Travellers from outside the EU single market generally need long-stay permission for stays over 90 days.

Who doesn't

Some school pupils travelling with a teacher qualify for visa-free entry.

How to apply

  1. For a short-stay visa, apply to Italy's embassy or consulate if Italy is your main destination.
  2. Submit the application no more than six months before entry.
  3. Provide the relevant supporting documents and attend in person for a first Schengen visa application.
  4. For a stay over 90 days, use the applicable long-stay visa or residence permit procedure.

What to bring

  • The relevant supporting documents for study or educational training.
  • An accepted travel document.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photo for a Schengen visa, if required.

Good to know

  • A fee waiver does not remove the requirement to apply for a visa.
  • Detailed Italian long-stay study requirements are not specified.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for Italy?

Students who need a visa must apply even when their application fee is waived. Travellers from outside the EU single market generally need long-stay permission for stays over 90 days. Some school pupils travelling with a teacher qualify for visa-free entry.

What are the ways to get a student visa for Italy?

There are 3 options: Short-stay study visa (a visa from an embassy); Long-stay study permission (a special permit); Visa-free supervised school trip (no visa at all).

Who can go to Italy without a student visa?

Pupils who are not EU single market citizens but legally live there can qualify when travelling in a general education school group with a teacher. Italy also grants an exemption to visa-required pupils living in the United Kingdom on a school excursion with a teacher.

How long can I stay on a Italy student visa?

Short stays usually follow the 90-day limit in any 180-day period. Longer study needs the relevant long-stay permission.

How much does a Italy student visa cost?

The Schengen visa application fee is waived for study, educational training and scientific research.

What documents do I need for a Italy student visa?

The relevant supporting documents for study or educational training.; An accepted travel document.; Fingerprints and a digital photo for a Schengen visa, if required..

How do I apply for a Italy student visa?

1. 1. For a short-stay visa, apply to Italy's embassy or consulate if Italy is your main destination. 2. 2. Submit the application no more than six months before entry. 3. 3. Provide the relevant supporting documents and attend in person for a first Schengen visa application. 4. 4. For a stay over 90 days, use the applicable long-stay visa or residence permit procedure.

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for Italy?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Italy visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a student visa for Italy be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Italy student visa rules?

On Italy's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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