Schengen Visa vs Student Visa for Italy (Type C vs Type D): the simple guide
Many international students contact Il Centro asking: “Can I study in Italy with a Schengen visa?”
The answer depends on one thing: how long you plan to stay.
Official reference: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) — “Tipologie di visto e durata”
read here.
✈️ Schengen Visa (Type C)
Short stay: maximum 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
Great for tourism and short courses (under 90 days).
🎓 Student Visa for Italy (Type D)
Long stay: for more than 90 days. Issued by Italy as a National Visa.
Required for long-term study plans in Italy.
What is a Schengen Visa (Type C)?
The Uniform Schengen Visa (VSU) is a short-stay visa (also called Type C).
According to the official Italian visa definitions, it is valid for the territory of the Schengen Area and is issued for short stays.
Duration rule: the maximum stay is 90 days in any 180-day period, calculated from the date of first entry.
It can be issued for one, two, or multiple entries.
(Official reference: MAECI — “Tipologie di visto e durata”)
source.
If your course (or your total stay in Schengen) is longer than 90 days, a Type C visa is not sufficient.
What is a National Visa (Type D) and why students need it
For stays of more than 90 days, Italy issues a National Visa (VN), also called Type D.
This is the visa typically associated with long-term study plans in Italy.
(Official reference: MAECI)
source.
Important travel detail (often misunderstood):
holders of a valid Type D visa can travel in other Schengen countries (different from the issuing country)
for up to 90 days per semester, as long as the visa is still valid.
(Official reference: MAECI)
source.
Type C vs Type D: quick comparison
| Topic | Schengen Visa (Type C) | National Visa (Type D) |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Short stays in the Schengen Area | Long stays in Italy (over 90 days) |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in any 180-day period | Over 90 days (depending on the program) |
| Best for studying Italian in Italy | Only for courses under 90 days | Yes, for long-term study plans |
| Travel to other Schengen countries | Yes, within visa conditions | Yes: up to 90 days per semester in other Schengen states if the visa is valid |
The most common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
⚠️ Mistake #1
Booking a course longer than 90 days while planning to enter with a Type C visa.
⚠️ Mistake #2
Misunderstanding the “90/180” rule: it applies to your total time in the Schengen Area.
⚠️ Mistake #3
Confusing “visa” with “residence permit” (different things, different steps).
⚠️ Mistake #4
Assuming rules are the same for every nationality (requirements can vary by country).
Which one do I need? (simple step-by-step)
Check your total length of stay
If your planned stay in Italy (or the Schengen Area) is up to 90 days, you may be under a Type C framework.
If it’s over 90 days, you will generally need a Type D national visa.
Choose the correct course plan
Short stay (under 90 days) → short course options.
Long stay (over 90 days) → long-term programs that match a student visa plan.
Use official definitions (and avoid myths)
Always rely on official sources for visa type and duration:
MAECI — Tipologie di visto e durata
.
Read the full Il Centro guide (with residency permit)
For the complete process (student visa + residence permit steps), start here:
Student Visa & Residency Permit for Italy — Il Centro
.
Need help choosing the right visa for your study plan?
Tell us your nationality and how long you want to study in Milan — and we’ll guide you step by step.
Start from our complete page:
Student Visa & Residency Permit for Italy
.
FAQ
Can I study Italian in Italy with a Schengen visa (Type C)?
Yes, only for short stays and within the official limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.
If your program is longer than 90 days, you generally need a Type D national visa.
(Official reference: MAECI)
source.
What is the Italian student visa called?
For stays over 90 days, the official category is the National Visa (VN), Type D.
(Official reference: MAECI)
source.
If I have a Type D visa for Italy, can I travel in Europe?
Yes: holders of a valid Type D visa can travel in other Schengen countries (different from the issuing country)
for up to 90 days per semester, as long as the visa is still valid.
(Official reference: MAECI)
source.
What is a visa with limited territorial validity (VTL)?
A VTL is valid only for the Schengen State that issued it (or, in special cases, only for specific listed States).
It is an exceptional derogation and not the standard visa route for students.
(Official reference: MAECI)
source.
Disclaimer: This page is for general information. Visa requirements can vary by nationality and consulate. Always check official sources.