How to Get a Student Visa for Master’s in Italy?

Learn the step-by-step process to get a student visa for a Master’s in Italy. Admission, documents, and tips for smooth approval.

Dreaming of pursuing your Master’s in Italy? With its world-renowned universities, rich cultural history, and affordable tuition fees, Italy is one of the most attractive destinations for international students. But before packing your bags, the most important step is securing your Italian student visa.In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a student visa for your Master’s in Italy.

Step 1: Choose Your University & Program

The first step is selecting the right university and course for your Master’s. Popular Italian universities like Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Torino, and many others offer a wide range of English-taught Master’s programs. Once you receive an official letter of acceptance (pre-enrolment) from the university, you can start your visa application.

Tip: Universities usually open applications 6–9 months before the intake, so apply early.

Step 2: Understand the Type of Visa

For international students planning to study in Italy for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Type D (Long-Stay) Student Visa. This visa allows you to stay in Italy for study purposes and also enables you to apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) after arriving in Italy.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Here’s a list of common documents you’ll need:

✅ Visa application form (duly filled and signed) ✅ Valid passport (with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months beyond your stay) ✅ Letter of acceptance / enrolment from the Italian university ✅ Proof of sufficient financial means – usually bank statements showing you have enough funds to cover your stay (approx. €6,000–€7,000 per year) ✅ Proof of accommodation in Italy (university hostel confirmation, rental agreement, or declaration of hospitality) ✅ Valid health insurance (with coverage of at least €30,000)  ✅ Proof of no criminal record (if required by the consulate)  ✅ Visa fee payment receipt (approx. €50–€100, depending on the country)  ✅ Passport-sized photos (meeting Italian visa photo requirements)

Tip: Requirements may slightly differ based on your nationality, so always check with the nearest Italian consulate or VFS office.

Step 4: Book Your Visa Appointment

Once your documents are ready, schedule an appointment with the Italian consulate or visa application center (like VFS Global) in your country. During the appointment:

• Submit your application and documents

• Provide biometric data (fingerprints)

• Answer any questions the visa officer may ask
  

Tip: Appointments often fill up quickly, especially during peak admission season, so book as early as possible.

Step 5: Show Proof of Financial Means

One of the most common reasons for visa rejection is failure to prove adequate funds. You must show that you can cover:

• Tuition fees (even if partly paid by scholarship)

• Living expenses (€6,000–€7,000 per year)

• Travel costs

Funds can be shown through:

• Bank statements in your name or your sponsor’s name

• Scholarship confirmation (like DSU scholarship)

• Sponsor letter (if parents or guardians are funding you)
  

Step 6: Arrange Accommodation

You need to prove you have somewhere to stay in Italy, such as:

• University hostel booking

• Apartment rental contract

• Declaration of hospitality from a friend or relative living in Italy

Tip: Some universities help students arrange accommodation after admission – always check with the university.

Step 7: Health Insurance

You must have valid health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000 for at least one year. Options include:

• Private insurance from your home country

• INA-Assitalia policy (a popular low-cost option for international students)

• Regional health service (SSN) subscription after arriving in Italy
  

Step 8: After Arrival – Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno

Getting your visa is only the first step. Within 8 days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for the residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the local post office or Questura (police headquarters). You’ll need:

• Visa and passport copy

• Admission letter

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of financial means

• Health insurance copy

The residence permit is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Conclusion

Getting a student visa for your Master’s degree in Italy isn’t complicated, but it requires careful planning, timely document preparation, and understanding the process.  Key points to remember:

• Apply to universities early

• Keep your finances and accommodation documents ready

• Book your visa appointment well in advance

• After arriving, apply for the residence permit promptly
  

If you feel confused or need guidance, consult with an expert or a trusted education consultant like YES Italy, who can help you at every step – from choosing the right course and university to securing scholarships and visa assistance.

Studying in Italy can be a life-changing experience. With the right preparation, your Italian dream can soon become a reality!