Student Visa for Italy. Step-by-Step Guide to study in Milan
How to Apply for a Student Visa for Italy: Documents, Courses, and Official Support
🧭How to Get a Student Visa for Italy – Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a non-European citizen planning to study in Italy for more than 90 days,
you must apply for an Italian Student Visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
This visa allows you to attend recognized Italian language schools or university programs
and remain in Italy for the entire duration of your studies.
To qualify, you must enroll in a course that includes at least
20 hours per week of in-person lessons and is approved by the
Italian Ministry of Education.
At
Il Centro – Italian Language School in Milan,
we have been welcoming international students since 1986, offering
long-term Italian language courses that fully meet all visa requirements.
Once you complete your registration, our team provides all the
official documents required for your visa application, including:
✅ Certificate of Enrollment (Certificato di Iscrizione)
✅ Proof of payment of your course fees
✅ Official acknowledgment from the Italian Ministry of Education
✅ School registration documents
One of the most important parts of your visa application is your
Motivation Letter (Lettera Motivazionale), where you explain
why you wish to study Italian and how this relates to your academic goals.
A well-written, personal, and coherent motivation letter helps the Embassy understand that your
project in Italy is serious and consistent with your background.
Our staff will guide you step by step and offer tips on how to structure and write your motivation letter
to strengthen your visa application.
Everything You Need to Know about Studying Italian in Milan with a Student Visa
If you’re planning to study Italian in Milan with a student visa, you’ll find everything you need to know below — from long-term courses and visa extensions to the residency permit (permesso di soggiorno) process once you arrive in Italy.
These frequently asked questions will help you understand how our recognized Italian language school supports you before and after your arrival in Milan.
If you stay in Italy and learn Italian in Milan for less than 3 months
You are going to study in Italy for less than three months. In this case you don’t need an Italian student visa as you can enter Italy as a tourist. (ATTENTION: Please note that citizens of some countries require a student visa even for short-term stays. Check this link for the latest regulations).
If you stay in Italy and learn Italian in Milan for more than 3 months
You are going to study in Italy for more than three months. In this case you must request a student visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country. Go ahead reading to check all the documentation you may need.
📝 Our long-term Italian intensive courses that meet this requirement:
€2.500 for 16 weeks
€3.000 for 20 weeks
€3.500 for 24 weeks
€5.300 for 48 weeks
(includes all didactic materials 📚 and extracurricular activities 🏛️, held once a week).
Long-term Italian Courses for Student Visa Application
📝 Our long-term Italian Intensive Courses that meet VISA requirements:
€2.500 for 16 weeks
€3.000 for 20 weeks
€3.500 for 24 weeks
€5.300 for 48 weeks
(includes all didactic materials 📚 and extracurricular activities 🏛️, held once a week).
Required Documentation to Get a Student Visa for Italy
1. Visa Documentation Provided by Our School
Once the full course fee is paid, we provide all the necessary documents for your visa application, including:
- Invoice
- Enrollment Certificate
- Acknowledgments from the Italian Ministry of Education
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Chamber of Commerce Company Registration
2. Required Documents for Visa Application
To apply for a student visa at the Italian Embassy/Consulate in your country, you must submit the following:
- Valid Passport
- Health Insurance for the entire stay in Italy
- Proof of Accommodation (Invitation from a host family or certificate of lodging from our school)
- Proof of Economic Coverage (1000 € per month for your stay)
- Confirmed Flight Reservation
3. Italian Language Requirement for Visa
You must have completed the A2 level of Italian language proficiency to apply for a student visa.
4. Motivation Letter for Visa Application
A well-crafted motivation letter is essential for your visa application. This letter should clearly explain:
- Your academic and/or professional background
- Reasons for choosing Italy for your studies
- How the chosen study program relates to your future career goals
5. Visa Motivation Letter Structure
The motivation letter should be formal, well-structured, and clear, as it plays a critical role in the visa evaluation process.
6. A2 Level Italian Language Course Assistance
Our school assists beginners in completing the A2 level of Italian before applying for a student visa. We offer online Italian courses tailored to your needs, with excellent flexibility and quality, although these courses are separate from the visa application process and have additional costs.
7. Our Italian Language Course Levels
At Il Centro – Italian School for Foreigners in Milan, the division of levels follows the Common European Framework (A1–C2) with our own detailed subdivision into interlevels.
To complete one interlevel, students generally need around 40 hours of group lessons.
You can explore the full description of all levels and interlevels on our dedicated page:
Italian Levels – Il Centro Milan.
8. Visa Application Process and Country Variations
Please note that the visa application process may differ depending on your country. For more details, contact the reception or your local Italian Embassy/Consulate.
9. No Refunds After Visa Approval
Once your visa has been approved, please note that no refunds will be given.
Once You Arrive in Italy
Once you arrive in Italy, you’ll need to visit the nearest post office within 8 days to fill in the postal kit for your residence permit.
Don’t worry — our staff will personally guide you through this process and help you complete all the necessary paperwork correctly.
In Case Your Visa Application Is Refused
In case the visa application is refused, we provide the refund except for a 250 € of administrative fee once we receive the original visa refusal letter officially signed by the Italian embassy/consulate.
Fees are always charged to the student.
What level of Italian do I need for a student visa?
To apply for a Study Visa in Italy, international students must demonstrate that they have successfully completed the A2 level of Italian. This level certifies basic communication skills and ensures that you can manage daily life and studies in Italy with confidence. Check our page.
Fees are always charged to the student.
Can I extend my student visa or residence permit in Italy?
Yes, you can apply for a residence permit renewal (“permesso di soggiorno”) before your visa expires, provided you are still enrolled in an officially recognized Italian language course. Our staff will assist you with all paperwork.
