National Visa (Type D) - Student Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Up to 90 days
- Fee
- EUR 50
- Validity
- 365 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
National visa (Type D) for non-EU/EEA students enrolled in accredited Italian educational institutions for courses lasting more than 90 days (at least 20 hours of courses per week or 80 hours per month). Covers university degree programs (bachelor's, master's, PhD), language schools, professional training, and cultural institution programs. Required for ALL non-EU/EEA nationals regardless of whether they are visa-free for short stays. Fee is approximately EUR 50 for students. Processing can take up to 90 days. Students must apply via the Universitaly portal for pre-enrollment. Within 8 days of arrival in Italy, students must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at the local Questura. Student visa holders may work part-time up to 20 hours/week (1,040 hours/year). Fingerprints required since January 2025 (Decree No. 145), with exemptions for US, Canadian, Japanese, and UK citizens.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals require a Type D visa for study stays exceeding 90 days, including nationals of visa-free (Annex II) countries.
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Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled in an accredited Italian educational institution for a course of at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) lasting more than 90 days.
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Financial
Must demonstrate minimum annual financial means of approximately EUR 6,947.33 through personal funds, parental support, or institutional financial aid.
Minimum funds: EUR 6,947.33 per year
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size, white background
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Official bank letter with wet signature (NOT bank statements), parent's notarized affidavit with bank letter, or financial aid letter from institution; Minimum amount: EUR 6,947.33 per year (EUR 448.07/month)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Schengen Area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: University dormitory confirmation, rental agreement, or letter from institution confirming campus housing (short-term bookings not accepted); Must cover full stay: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form (Study)
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Varies by consulate; Amount: EUR 50 (approximately USD 58.10)
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Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes
How to apply
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Online application
For university programs, register and pre-enroll via the Universitaly portal (www.universitaly.it). Complete the online pre-enrollment process and obtain confirmation.
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Document gathering
Collect enrollment letter, financial proof (bank letter with wet signature, NOT bank statements), accommodation proof, health insurance, academic transcripts/diplomas with apostille or legalization as needed.
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Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at the Italian consulate/embassy in your jurisdiction. Apply well in advance, especially for fall semester (June-September is peak season).
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Fee payment
Pay approximately EUR 50 student visa fee at the consulate.
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Document submission
Submit two sets of all documents (one original, one photocopy) at the consulate appointment.
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Biometrics
Provide fingerprints as required since January 2025 (Decree No. 145, October 2024). Citizens of USA, Canada, Japan, and UK are exempt per Ministry decree of May 8, 2025.
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Processing wait
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks but can take up to 90 days. Delays are common during peak admission months (June-September).
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Visa collection
Collect passport with Type D visa sticker. Within 8 days of arriving in Italy, apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at the local Questura.