Italy Student Visas

Studying in Italy: Making Italy Your Classroom
Italy with its rich history, musical language and ubiquitous art makes a wonderful classroom. Opportunities for language learning or scholarly studies abound, especially in the main cities of Rome, Florence, Bologna and Milan.
 
To study in Italy, you can immerse yourself in language studies, join one of the organized study abroad programs, or enrol directly in an Italian university. European students have the right to study in Italy under the Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci initiatives.
Students interested in direct enrolment in an Italian university should follow these steps:
Possess a high school/secondary school diploma. In general, there are no admissions tests for Italian universities. Possession of a high school diploma is the only requirement. In some cases, particularly in the scientific fields, enrolment is limited. You must sit an entrance exam for those programs. Admission is based on pre-determined quotas for foreign students.
Prove that you are able to support yourself in Italy either through your own financial means or through scholarships and grants.
Speak sufficient Italian to be able to complete all your coursework in Italian. The language of instruction at all universities is Italian. You will be required to pass an oral and written Italian language test at your university in September. If you do not speak sufficient Italian, you can apply to study in a preliminary Italian language course.
Contact the nearest Italian embassy or consulate in January or February to receive the most up-to-date schedule of application procedures and deadlines. The embassy or consulate will assist you in the "pre-enrolment" period of your application.

Choose a university. You can only apply to one university.
Submit your completed application by June.
Obtain a student visa. All non-EU students must obtain a student visa before arriving in Italy. Students do not have the right to work in Italy. European students are guaranteed the right to study at any Italian university, and do not require a student visa.
If you do decide to study in Italy, here are a few additional pointers
Once you arrive in Italy, be sure to visit your local police department within eight days to obtain a Permesso di Soggiorno.
Make sure that you have adequate medical insurance. You will not be covered under the Italian health care system.
An international driver's license will allow you to drive in Italy for one year. If you stay longer than one year, you will have to obtain an Italian driver's license.
Contributed by:
The Italian Embassy - London
http: //www.amblondra.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Londra