Study in Italy

Each year, the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) publishes the guidelines for the admission of foreign students to university courses.

For information on procedures and the timeline for enrollment in Italian Universities, Fine Arts Academies, Music Conservatories, Schools of Specialization, and other courses—as well as for information on the academic programs offered by Italian institutions and scholarships—you can consult the Universitaly portal.

Instructions are available for the enrollment of non-EU foreign students for all academic courses, including:

• Bachelor’s / Master’s / Single Cycle Master’s Degrees (Universities / Polytechnics)
• First and Second Level Academic Diplomas at institutions of Higher Artistic and Musical Education (AFAM), such as:
  • Fine Arts Academies
  • National Academy of Dance
  • National Academy of Dramatic Arts
  • Legally recognized Fine Arts Academies
  • Music Conservatories
  • Equivalent Music Institutes
  • Higher Institutes for Artistic Industries (ISIA)

Information regarding enrollment procedures and the documentation required to apply for a study/enrollment visa is available by clicking on the following link: ENROLLMENT OF NON-EU FOREIGN STUDENTS – A.Y. 2026/2027.

Information about recognition of foreign qualifications and how to request a Declaration of Value is available here: Recognition of foreign qualifications and Declaration of Value.

FAQ

– If my university requires it during pre-enrollment, how can I obtain an italian tax code (Codice Fiscale)?
Students who need a tax code for university pre-enrollment can obtain it automatically through the UNIVERSITALY portal when submitting their pre-enrollment application.
The issuance of the tax code can be finalized:

1. At the Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) or the Police Headquarters (Questura) when applying for a residence permit (for non-EU students);
2. At the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) by submitting form AA4/8 (for EU students).

More information is available here: Tax Code

– If my Declaration of Value (required by the university to complete enrollment) is not yet ready, can I still apply for a study/enrollment visa?

      Yes, it is mandatory to present a Declaration of Value, or alternatively a CIMEA certificate. Recognition of foreign qualifications and Declaration of Value.

     This Embassy can accept applications for study/enrollment visas, even in the absence of the declaration of value, by attaching the deposit receipt requested at the Consular office or alternatively the appointment confirmation on the ‘Prenotami’ portal.

– If I have to take an admission test for a university, what type of visa should I apply for?

1. If you have an in-person language or admission exam scheduled before obtaining your final diploma, or at a time that does not allow you to complete the regular pre-enrollment process, you may apply for a short-stay Schengen study visa (type C) free of charge. If you pass the exam, you will then need to apply for a long-term study/enrollment visa (type D).
2. If the admission exam takes place after obtaining your final diploma and at a time that allows you to complete the regular pre-enrollment process, you must apply directly for a long-term study/enrollment visa (type D).

– How long does it take to issue a study/enrollment visa?

For applicants holding a Lebanese or Syrian passport, the issuance of a type D study/enrollment visa takes a minimum of 20 days. Therefore, it is recommended to submit your visa application at least one month before your intended travel date.

– Can I travel to Lebanon/Syria before receiving my study residence permit (with just the application receipt) and return to Italy afterward?

You can travel to Lebanon/Syria and return to Italy as long as your visa is still valid.
If your visa has expired and you have not yet received your residence permit (but only have the receipt of application), we strongly advise you NOT to leave Italy.
Otherwise, to return to Italy, you will need to apply for a re-entry visa, which requires a clearance (nulla osta) from the competent Police Headquarters and may take up to 90 days to process.