If you have decided to study in Italy, it is necessary to think about how to get a residence permit for this reason. We will discuss the details in this article.

A residence permit for study reasons is granted to non-EU citizens who wish to come to Italy to study – at university or for an internship – after the issuance of a special study visa at the Italian diplomatic mission in the country of origin or residence.

Until 2014, special quotas were set annually for access to training courses and professional internships, which provided for a maximum number of study visas to be issued; since 2014, quotas are not set annually, but every 3 years.

Law No. 128 of 8 November 2013 provides that the duration of the study residence permit will correspond to the duration of the “course of study in educational institutions, universities, as well as in the field of higher artistic, music and dance training or training with proper certification”.

A circular of the Ministry of Interior dated 22 February 2011 states that the residence permit for studies may be extended if the foreign national is enrolled in courses related to the single course for which the application has been requested.

In order to enrol on a university course, a citizen of a non-EU Member State must present documentation relating to qualifications obtained in the country of origin and a certificate of knowledge of the Italian language.

If the citizen who requested it meets the necessary requirements, an entry visa is issued.

In Italy, you can request a residence permit for studies by filling in an application form and enclosing the documents required for this type of residence permit at the local post office. Receive a call slip to the Police Headquarters – Immigration Service – for photo identification and subsequent issuance of the permit.

Documents required:
1) Application in the form filled in and signed by the interested person;
2) A photocopy of the entire passport or other equivalent document.

For the issuance of the first residence permit it is necessary to present:
1) a photocopy of the certificate proving that the applicant is studying on a course, countersigned by the Italian diplomatic/consular representation at the time of issuing the visa for entry;
2) photocopy of the insurance policy valid in Italy for the period of validity of the residence permit, against the risk of injury.
period of validity of the residence permit, against the risk of illness and/or accidents.

The first time residence permit for studies, issued to university students, as well as for Master’s or Doctoral degrees, immediately after the visa is issued, has a limited duration (usually 3 months), if an entrance exam for admission to a university department is required. If you pass the examination, you have to submit the request for residence permit again. The request for extension of the residence permit must be submitted 30 days before and no later than 30 days after the expiry of the short-term residence permit.

To extend the residence permit it is necessary to present:
1) photocopy of documents confirming the availability of monetary resources;
for the period of validity of the residence permit. An employed student can demonstrate income by filling out a special income form;
2) photocopy of the insurance policy, valid in Italy for the period of validity of the residence permit, against the risk of injury.
period of validity of the residence permit, against the risk of illness and accidents;
3) photocopy of the certificate confirming the passing of at least one educational examination – for the first renewal of the residence permit and at least 2 examinations for the subsequent renewal of the residence permit, (except for force majeure).

The residence permit that will be issued has a validity period indicated on the visa itself (usually according to the duration of the course of study or traineeship).

NOTES

1) The residence permit for studies allows the foreign student to work part-time – a maximum of 20 hours per week with an annual limit of 1040 hours.
2) The residence permit for studies can only be extended if the entry visa has been issued for the entire period of the multi-year course of study.
3) The residence permit for studies may never be extended for more than three years (beyond the duration of the course of study).
4) The residence permit for studies may not be used or extended for a course of study different from the one for which the visa was issued, with the exception of a transfer to another faculty for intermediate/higher level courses.

(5) The residence permit for studies after the entry into force of Legislative Decree 154/2007 may be extended even if the course or the location of the course has been changed (telegram of the Ministry of Interior of 7 December 2006).

6) A residence permit for study can be converted into one of the types of residence permit for work.

If you have any questions, write to the numbers in the contacts and we will advise and help you make the best choice.