Students applying for an Italian study visa must prove they can support themselves during their studies. Italian consulates and the Ministry of Universities and Research circular for international students now set this at €10,179.85 per year.
What counts as proof
- Bank statements in your name or from a close family sponsor, with documentation.
- Funds that are legal, traceable and verifiable.
- Scholarships can help, but simply applying for one is not enough evidence.
Money that has only recently been deposited may be questioned, so plan your finances early.
Where this fits in the process
- Get admitted by an Italian university.
- Complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly and wait for the university to validate it.
- Apply for a type D study visa, including your proof of financial means.
- Within eight days of arriving in Italy, apply for your residence permit for study.
Working while you study
Your study residence permit allows work for up to 20 hours a week, up to 1,040 hours a year. Part-time income should not be relied on to meet the visa requirement.
Requirements can differ slightly between consulates. Check the website of the Italian embassy or visa centre handling your application. Need help? Book a free consultation.
Sources
- universitaly.it/studenti-stranieri (opens in a new tab)
- ambhelsinki.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/study-visa-visa-for-students-enrolling-in-full-italian-university-programs-bachelors-masters-phds/ (opens in a new tab)
- home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/student-italy_en (opens in a new tab)
This article is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so always confirm current requirements with the official sources.