Student Visas in Italy
Studying there, and whether study leads to residency
Study visas sit outside the work quota, tuition at public universities is low and means-tested, and graduates may convert to a work permit within the quota reserved for them. Student time counts toward citizenship, though at reduced weight for some purposes.
| Application | Through Universitaly pre-enrolment plus a consular visa source |
| Public university tuition | Commonly EUR 500–4,000 per year, scaled by family income |
| Work while studying | Up to 20 hours per week |
| After graduation | Conversion to a work permit, within a reserved quota |
| Regional grants | Means-tested scholarships covering fees, housing and meals |
The cost advantage is real
Italian public universities charge fees scaled to family income, and the bands are generous by Anglophone standards. International students frequently pay a low four-figure sum annually, and regional right-to-study grants can cover fees entirely alongside subsidised housing and meals for those who qualify.
A growing number of degrees, particularly at master's level in engineering, economics and design, are taught in English.
Applying
- Pre-enrol through the Universitaly portal, which links the university, the consulate and the ministry.
- Obtain the university's acceptance and, where required, sit the entrance examination or language test.
- Apply at the consulate with proof of funds, accommodation, and health insurance.
- On arrival, apply for the permesso di soggiorno within eight working days.
- Register with the national health service, which students may do for a modest annual fee.
Converting after graduation
Graduates of Italian universities may convert a study permit into a work or self-employment permit, drawing on a portion of the quota reserved for conversions. This is materially easier than entering through the general quota from abroad, and it is the most reliable long-term route for anyone under thirty.
The other advantage is time: every year of legal residence as a student counts toward the ten years required for naturalisation.
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Official sources
Checked against these pages in September 2026. Fees and processing times change without notice — confirm before you act.