The study visa allows entry into Italy for the purposes of a long-term but fixed-term stay for foreign nationals who intend to attend university courses, within the quota established by the decree referred to in Article 39, paragraph 4 of Testo Unico n°286/1998 and subsequent amendments and additions, and under the conditions established by the provision referred to in Article 46, paragraph 2 of D.P.R. n° 394/1999 and subsequent amendments and additions.

Non-EU candidates who need to apply for a study visa in order to enroll in the following courses: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Single-cycle Master's degree, First and second level University Master's degree, PhD, Specialization Diploma, and Advanced Course, MUST, prior to applying for a visa, submit a pre-enrollment application on the ministerial portal UNIVERSITALY.

Candidates for university courses that require prior admission by the relevant course council for the purposes of enrollment must also upload the letter of admission received from the requested course to the Universitaly portal (for further information on the documentation to be attached in the case of pre-enrollment in a PhD or Master's program, please contact the PhD Courses, Master's Degrees, Postgraduate Education O.U., or the National PhD SDC O.U.).

To check whether you need to apply for a study visa (type D) at the Italian Consular Diplomatic Representation in your country and what documents are required, please consult this link.

The documents required to obtain a study visa are:

• form for the entry visa application;
• recent passport-size photograph;
• valid travel document with an expiry date at least three months after the expiry date of the visa requested;
• proof of accommodation in Italy: hotel reservation, declaration of hospitality;
• health insurance, if the foreigner is not entitled to healthcare in Italy under agreements or conventions in force with their country;
• enrollment in postgraduate courses (master's degrees, doctorates, specializations, advanced courses, etc.) at Italian public or private universities authorized to issue legally valid qualifications;
• Financial means of subsistence for the planned stay. These means are quantified at €534.41 per month for each month of the academic year, equal to €6,947.33 per year. The availability of these means of subsistence in Italy must be proven by personal financial guarantees or those of parents or Italian or foreign entities or citizens legally residing in the country, or provided by Italian institutions and entities of proven creditworthiness, including universities, local governments, and foreign institutions and entities considered reliable by the Italian diplomatic representation;
• The availability of the sum necessary for repatriation, which can also be proven by showing a return ticket;
• Suitable accommodation in Italy;
• Adequate insurance coverage for medical care and hospitalisation (Art. 39 c.3 T.U. No. 286/1998 and Directive 01.03.2000 of the Ministry of the Interior), which the student must demonstrate they have when applying for a residence permit and for which the following options are accepted:

1. insurance policy with national institutions or companies accompanied by a statement from the insurer specifying that there are no limitations or exceptions to the rates provided for emergency hospitalisation for its entire duration;
2. a consular statement certifying the right to healthcare under an agreement between Italy and the country of origin;
3. a foreign insurance policy, the forms of assistance provided by which are valid in Italy and which must not involve limitations or exceptions to the rates established for emergency hospitalisation for its entire duration.

The requirements and procedures for issuing visas are set out in a specific provision, published annually by the MIUR, in agreement with the MAECI and the Ministry of the Interior.

For full details on the issuance of visas for Italy, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, visa section.