How to Get a Student Visa for a PhD in Italy

So, you’ve been accepted onto a PhD programme in Italy, congratulations! Before you can jump into your research (and perhaps some very good coffee), there’s the small matter of getting permission to live and study there. If you’re from outside the EU or EEA, that means applying for a student visa.

And while the idea of dealing with consulates and paperwork might seem a little daunting, the process is perfectly manageable once you understand what’s required. Spoiler: It involves more than just a passport and a smile. Let’s walk through the full process, step by step.

Key Things to Know First

• A long-stay student visa is required for non-EU/EEA nationals—apply at the Italian consulate with your official university admission letter.
• You’ll need to submit original documents, including proof of funds (€5,500+), confirmed accommodation, and health insurance with coverage of at least €37,500.
• Book your visa appointment 4–6 weeks after receiving your offer, then prepare for an interview. Processing may take up to three months.
• Provide proof of language proficiency, and ensure all non-Italian documents are legally translated.
• Within 8 working days of arrival, you must apply for a residence permit and attend fingerprinting at the local Police Headquarters.

 

Who Needs a Student Visa and What Documents Do You Need?

Let’s start with the basics. If you’re a non-EU or EEA national, you’ll need a student visa for stays longer than 91 days (which includes your PhD). EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa but will need to register their residency once in Italy.

Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the end of your stay, and an official acceptance letter from your Italian university is essential.

The application must be submitted at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country, and it’s not unusual for processing to take up to three months, so don’t leave this part to the last minute.

Documentation is everything here. You’ll need to submit originals and photocopies, and anything not in Italian must be translated and legalised. It’s also worth checking whether you’re eligible for any visa exemptions, but assume you’ll need one unless you’re told otherwise.

See official guidance on student visa document requirements →

The Visa Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve got your university acceptance in hand, the application process begins in earnest.

Start by assembling the required documents:

• Your university admission letter
• A completed visa application form
• A recent passport-size photo
• Proof of enrolment
• Accommodation confirmation (either a rental contract, university housing offer, or a signed declaration from your host)

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. Don’t assume your current passport is fine, check the date now.

Then, book your consulate appointment. Aim for around 4 to 6 weeks after you’ve been accepted, but monitor appointment slots regularly, last-minute cancellations happen.

The visa interview is your next milestone. Review your documents thoroughly and prepare to discuss your study plans and financial situation.

Finally, submit your signed application and pay the €50 visa fee. From there, the waiting begins. Processing can take up to three months, so keep track of your application and stay ready for the next step.

Financial Requirements and Accommodation Proof

Your visa won’t be approved without proof that you can support yourself in Italy. Fortunately, the requirements are clear (if a little strict).

You’ll need:

• Original, stamped bank statements from the last six months showing a balance over €5,500
• Income verification, or
• A notarised affidavit of sponsorship, including the sponsor’s tax returns and remittance records

It’s worth noting that the Italian consulate typically expects monthly funds in the region of €450 to €515. You’re not expected to be rich, just to demonstrate that you won’t be stuck financially during your studies.

For accommodation, you’ll need to show that you have a place to stay. Acceptable proofs include:

• A rental agreement plus your landlord’s ID
• An official university housing offer
• A letter of availability from your institution

Missing or vague documentation here can lead to visa delays. Make sure everything is signed, specific, and recent.

Health Insurance and Language Requirements

Italy takes student health coverage seriously—and you should too. To be granted a visa and, later, your residence permit, you’ll need health insurance with a minimum coverage of €37,500. This must include:

• Emergency treatment
• Hospitalisation
• Repatriation

If you’re staying for more than 90 days (which, again, you are), you’ll need to register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN). This usually costs around €700 per year. Alternatively, you can use private international health insurance, provided it meets the same coverage requirements.

Language proficiency is also required. Depending on your programme, this may be in English (IELTS, TOEFL) or Italian (CILS, CEFR).

All certificates must be officially translated and legalised, especially if issued outside the EU. This isn’t just a formality—your university and the consulate will need to verify them.

If you’re staying less than 90 days, a Schengen Visa will be required instead, along with private health insurance valid throughout the Schengen zone.

Short-stay visa insurance requirements →

Applying for a Residence Permit Once You Arrive

Once your visa is approved and you arrive in Italy, the next step is registering your stay. This means applying for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), and you have 8 working days to do it.

Start by collecting a postal kit from Poste Italiane. You’ll need to submit:

• A copy of your passport and visa
• Proof of enrolment
• Documents showing economic self-sufficiency
• Your health insurance

After submitting your forms, you’ll receive an appointment at the Police Headquarters (Questura) for fingerprinting and to continue the process.

Make sure to apply under the correct permit type:

• Study permit for standard PhD programmes
• Research permit if your PhD involves funded scientific research

Attendance at the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (or the local Prefecture) is required. Here, you’ll provide biometric data and complete registration.

Health insurance coverage is mandatory here too, and it must meet Italian national standards. You’ll also need to renew your permit before it expires, and report any address or enrolment changes promptly to stay compliant.

If this process sounds bureaucratic… that’s because it is. But once you’re through it, you’ll be fully legal, fully enrolled, and ready to enjoy everything that doing a PhD in Italy has to offer. Ancient libraries, rigorous scholarship, and yes, probably some very good espresso.