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Complete guide to studying in Italy
The Italian Student Visa allows non-EU citizens to enroll in eligible bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and other recognized higher-education programmes. The process normally combines university admission with pre-enrollment on the Universitaly portal and validation by the institution; university validation is essential but does not itself guarantee the visa.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the official annual subsistence benchmark is €10,179.85, in addition to any tuition, accommodation, insurance, and return-travel funds required by the Consulate. Applicants must also prove suitable accommodation, health coverage, and the educational documents requested for the chosen programme.
The study residence permit is renewable while academic progress and the other legal conditions are met. It allows employment up to 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year. After an eligible Italian qualification, a graduate may seek the dedicated post-study job-search status if the specific legal requirements are satisfied; it is not an automatic extension for every course or student.
Legal basis: Procedures for entry, residence, enrolment and recognition of qualifications for international students — 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 · Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998 — Articles 39 and 39-bis on study (current text)
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Review the requirements, documents and procedural steps below.
You can apply if you meet all the following requirements:
You've been admitted to an eligible programme and completed Universitaly pre-enrollment and university validation where required
You live outside the EU and need a visa to enter Italy
For 2026/2027, you can prove at least €10,179.85 for annual subsistence, plus any additional required costs
You have health insurance that covers your stay in Italy
You can prove you have a place to live in Italy (rental contract, student housing, letter of hospitality)
Many Italian universities offer scholarships that can help cover tuition, housing, and even meals.
Indicative 2026 monthly planning ranges by city:
| City | Shared Room | Studio Apartment | Monthly Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | €500 – €700 | €800 – €1,100 | €1,100 – €1,400 |
| Milan | €550 – €750 | €850 – €1,200 | €1,200 – €1,500 |
| Bologna | €450 – €650 | €700 – €950 | €1,050 – €1,300 |
| Florence | €450 – €650 | €700 – €950 | €1,050 – €1,300 |
| Padua | €400 – €550 | €650 – €850 | €950 – €1,200 |
| Perugia | €300 – €450 | €450 – €600 | €800 – €1,000 |
| Lecce | €280 – €400 | €400 – €550 | €750 – €950 |
| L'Aquila | €250 – €400 | €400 – €550 | €750 – €900 |
| Siena | €350 – €500 | €500 – €700 | €850 – €1,050 |
| Pavia | €350 – €500 | €500 – €700 | €850 – €1,050 |
| Udine | €300 – €450 | €450 – €600 | €800 – €1,000 |
| Camerino | €250 – €400 | €400 – €550 | €700 – €900 |
Studying in a smaller city not only saves you money, it also gives you a peaceful environment, close contact with professors, and an easier integration into local life.
For 2026/2027, plan for the €10,179.85 subsistence benchmark plus separate costs:
The official subsistence amount does not automatically cover tuition, return travel, insurance, or every accommodation cost. Qualifying scholarships and accepted family support can form part of the financial evidence.
Tax obligations depend on your situation:
Tax residence, income source, employment status, deductions, and treaty rules determine the final tax position. Student status alone does not create a general tax exemption.
What you'll typically need to apply for the student visa:
Align admission and visa evidence We reconcile the Universitaly pre-enrolment, university validation, foreign-qualification documents, language evidence and financial plan, while checking the competent Consulate’s timetable and checklist for the specific course and academic year.
Foreign educational and civil documents may require translation, apostille or consular legalization, a Declaration of Value, or CIMEA documentation depending on the university, issuing country and Consulate. We coordinate the exact route.
With Future Italian, obtaining the student visa will be simple and stress-free. We accompany you step by step in realizing your academic dreams in Italy.
Filing responsibilities, authority steps and expected sequence
Apply to the Italian institution, receive admission, complete Universitaly pre-enrollment, and obtain university validation where required. Validation supports the visa file but does not replace the Consulate's decision.
How long does it take?
The complete student visa process from university admission to residence permit.
Planning your move to Italy isn't just about dreams. There's also a mountain of bureaucracy: forms, translations, embassy appointments… Where do you start? What do you need? How do you avoid mistakes? We'll guide you step by step.
We'll help you choose the right university and explain the entire visa process in simple, clear terms.
We assist with filling out your application, gathering financial proof, and translating documents.
We'll book your appointment, prepare you for the interview, and walk you through each step.
From your permesso di soggiorno to your codice fiscale and housing, we help you settle in smoothly.
We guide you on how to stay in Italy, find internships, or convert your visa to a work permit.
We help you find the right ones and apply in the smartest way possible.
You dream of studying in Italy. We handle the paperwork. With Future Italian, you're never alone
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