Long-stay visa for study purposes
This visa is for individuals wishing to follow courses, training programmes, or higher education studies in Italy for a period exceeding 90 days. It is necessary to have obtained a pre-enrolment from a recognised educational institution.
Specification reviewed on
Required documents
The list below is exhaustive. Each document is described as it must be submitted, including the most common errors that lead to rejection.
Resources
Proof of financial resources
You must demonstrate that you have the means of subsistence for the duration of your stay, i.e. a minimum amount of €6,079.45 for the academic year. This proof can be provided through personal or parental financial guarantees, or provided by institutions or bodies deemed reliable by the diplomatic mission.
Common errors
- The documented amount is below the required threshold, or the documents provided (for example, bank statements) are not deemed sufficiently reliable or recent.
Education
Summary of the validated pre-enrolment application
This document is generated by the UNIVERSITALY online portal once the higher education institution has validated the application. It certifies the candidate's prior acceptance and is essential for the visa application.
Common errors
- Submitting a pre-enrolment application that has not yet been validated by the institution, or a simple confirmation of submission of the application from the portal.
Secondary school leaving diploma
For enrolment in a first-cycle degree (Laurea), you must submit the original of your secondary school leaving diploma, which must certify at least 12 years of schooling. The document must be apostilled and accompanied by an official translation into Italian.
Common errors
- The qualification certifies fewer than 12 years of schooling, or the apostille or certified translation is missing.
Undergraduate university degree
For enrolment in a postgraduate course (Laurea Magistrale), you must present the original of your undergraduate university degree. The document must be apostilled and accompanied by an official translation into Italian.
Common errors
- The degree is not recognised or does not allow for the continuation of studies in the country of origin, or the apostille or translation is missing.
Transcript of records and university course syllabus
For enrolment in a second-cycle degree (Laurea Magistrale), you must provide a certificate from your home university listing the examinations passed and the detailed syllabus for each subject. A Diploma Supplement, if available, may replace this document.
Common errors
- An incomplete document that does not detail the study programmes may prevent the Italian university from assessing equivalences and validating the enrolment.
Certificate of passing the university entrance examination
This document is only required if an academic aptitude test is mandatory for university admission in your country of origin. It must certify that you have passed this examination.
Common errors
- Failure to provide this document if such an examination is a condition for university admission in the country of origin.
Insurance
Health insurance
You must have adequate insurance cover for medical expenses and hospitalisations. Although this document is formally required for the residence permit application upon arrival in Italy, it is listed among the prerequisites for obtaining the visa. The insurance policy must not include any limitations or exceptions on the rates for emergency hospitalisations.
Common errors
- An insurance policy that does not cover Italy, that has significant exclusions or reimbursement caps deemed insufficient.
Accommodation
Proof of accommodation
You must provide proof of suitable accommodation in the national territory. The rules do not specify the exact nature of the accepted documents (for example, a rental agreement, a declaration of hospitality, a long-term hotel reservation).
Common errors
- A very short-term hotel reservation that does not cover the beginning of the stay may be deemed insufficient.
Other documents
National visa application form (Formulario Visto Nazionale D)
This is the official application form for a long-stay visa (type D). The applicant must complete it in full and sign it. The document can be downloaded from the embassy's website.
Common errors
- An incomplete, unsigned form, or the use of a version that is no longer in force, may lead to a refusal.
Proof for repatriation
You must prove that you have the necessary funds for your return journey, or provide a transport ticket for this return. Presenting a return flight ticket is one way to meet this requirement.
Common errors
- Lack of a return ticket or of specifically documented funds for repatriation.
Have your situation reviewed
Having the list does not indicate whether your situation will lead to a successful outcome. The questionnaire takes a few minutes and an adviser will send you a written opinion within one working day, whether your application is admissible or not.