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study abroad in Italy as an international student.
Studying in Italy as an international student can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it can also be challenging to navigate the application process and adjust to life in a new country. Here are some steps you can take to study in Italy as an international student:
Research universities and programs: Before you apply to study in Italy, it's important to research universities and programs that meet your academic and personal goals. Consider factors such as the location, cost of tuition and living expenses, language requirements, and available scholarships.
Meet the admission requirements: Each university in Italy has its own admission requirements for international students. Some universities may require you to take an entrance exam, provide language proficiency certificates, or submit academic transcripts. Make sure to carefully review the admission requirements for the programs you are interested in.
Apply for a student visa: Non-European Union (EU) students who want to study in Italy for more than 90 days need to apply for a student visa. You can apply for a student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide documents such as your acceptance letter
Choose a program and university: Research the different universities and programs in Italy to find the one that best fits your academic and personal goals. Consider factors such as the program's language of instruction, location, and reputation.
Meet the admission requirements: Check the admission requirements for the university and program you're interested in. These may include language proficiency exams, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.
Apply to the university: Once you have met the admission requirements, submit your application to the university. Be sure to carefully follow the application instructions and deadlines.
Apply for a student visa: International students from outside the European Union (EU) need a student visa to study in Italy. You can apply for a student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. Be sure to apply well in advance of your departure date.
Find accommodation: Look for accommodation options near your university, such as student residences or shared apartments. Be sure to start your search early, as housing can be competitive in some cities.
Plan for finances: Calculate the costs of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses in Italy. You may be eligible for scholarships or financial aid from your university or external organizations. You should also research the requirements for opening a bank account in Italy and obtaining a tax code.
Get health insurance: International students are required to have health insurance in Italy. You can purchase a policy through a private insurance provider or through the Italian National Health Service.
Prepare for the language and culture: Italian is the primary language of instruction in many programs in Italy. If you don't already speak Italian, consider taking language classes before you leave or enrolling in language courses once you arrive. Additionally, researched Italian culture and customs to prepare for life in a new country.
Studying in Italy can be a life-changing experience that opens up new academic, personal, and professional opportunities. By following these steps and being proactive in your preparations, you can maximize your chances of success and make the most of your time studying in Italy.
Overall, studying in Italy offers students a unique opportunity to experience an exciting culture, gain valuable education, and make connections that can help them succeed in their future careers. The some of the benefits of studying in italy is:
Quality education: Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, such as the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. Italian universities are known for their high academic standards and rigorous curriculum.
Cultural experience: Italy is a country rich in history, art, and culture, making it an ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in a new and exciting culture. Studying in Italy allows students to experience Italian culture firsthand, including the food, fashion, and language.
Language learning: Italian is a widely spoken language, not just in Italy but in other parts of Europe and the world. Studying in Italy provides an opportunity for students to learn or improve their Italian language skills, which can be useful for future career opportunities.
Affordable tuition fees: Compared to other European countries, the cost of studying in Italy is relatively affordable. The Italian government offers scholarships and financial aid to both Italian and international students to help with tuition fees and living expenses.
Career opportunities: Italy is a hub for industries such as fashion, design, and culinary arts. It is in the heart of Europe, making it an excellent starting point for travel throughout the continent. Students can take advantage of Italy's location to explore nearby countries and cities, broaden their horizons, and gain valuable international experience.
Networking opportunities: Italy is home to a vast network of professionals and experts in various fields, including science, engineering, and the arts. Studying in Italy provides an opportunity for students to meet and network with these professionals, building valuable connections and learning from their expertise.
A diverse range of programs: Italian universities offer a broad range of study programs, including humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and more. Students can choose from a wide range of courses and programs to find the one that best fits their interests and career goals.
Work on or off campus
As a study permit holder, you may be able to work on-campus or off-campus without getting a work permit. Make sure you meet the requirements before you find a job.
Work as a co-op student or intern
You will need to get a work permit if your study program includes a required co-op or internship placement. Find out how to apply for a co-op work permit.
Work after you graduate
You may also be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to continue working in Canada after you graduate. Find out if you’re eligible for a PGWP.
Apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance. The times needed to process your application may vary among visa offices. Check our application processing times for details.
Yes. You can leave Canada and return as long as your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or eTA is expired, you must apply for and receive a new one before you leave.
Exception
There’s only one exception to this. You may be able to re-enter Canada with an expired visitor visa (not an expired eTA) if:
- you only visit the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and
- you return to Canada before your study permit expires.
When you return to Canada
If your study permit is still valid, or we extended your permit while you were away, we may let you enter as a student.
If we’re still processing your study permit extension, we may let you enter as a visitor. In this case, you can’t study until you get your extended study permit. The officer at the port of entry may also ask you to prove you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.
A border officer may have some questions for you when you arrive back in Canada. If the officer believes there’s reason to refuse your re-entry, you won’t be able to re-enter Canada. The officer may ask you for a copy of your extension application, the fee payment receipt, or any other document to prove you applied for an extension.
If you’re from the United States, Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon
You can re-apply for a new study permit and pay the fees at the port of entry if you’re a:
- citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
- resident of Greenland, or
- resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Doing this means you’ll get your study permit faster. Once you’re in Canada, you must withdraw your previous application to extend your study permit. Use our web form and select ‘Withdrawal of application’ under Type of application/enquiry.
Yes. You can leave Canada and return as long as your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or eTA is expired, you must apply for and receive a new one before you leave.
Exception
There’s only one exception to this. You may be able to re-enter Canada with an expired visitor visa (not an expired eTA) if:
- you only visit the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and
- you return to Canada before your study permit expires.
When you return to Canada
If your study permit is still valid, or we extended your permit while you were away, we may let you enter as a student.
If we’re still processing your study permit extension, we may let you enter as a visitor. In this case, you can’t study until you get your extended study permit. The officer at the port of entry may also ask you to prove you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.
A border officer may have some questions for you when you arrive back in Canada. If the officer believes there’s reason to refuse your re-entry, you won’t be able to re-enter Canada. The officer may ask you for a copy of your extension application, the fee payment receipt, or any other document to prove you applied for an extension.
If you’re from the United States, Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon
You can re-apply for a new study permit and pay the fees at the port of entry if you’re a:
- citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
- resident of Greenland, or
- resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Doing this means you’ll get your study permit faster. Once you’re in Canada, you must withdraw your previous application to extend your study permit. Use our web form and select ‘Withdrawal of application’ under Type of application/enquiry.
If the learning institution you’re studying at is de-designated while you’re studying there, you can keep studying until your current study permit expires. However, you won’t be able to extend your permit unless you’re enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI).
If you’ve deferred your enrolment
If you’ve deferred your enrolment and the learning institution that issued your letter of acceptance is de-designated before you start studying, you cannot start studying at that school.
If you’re in Canada with a valid study permit
You’ll need to
- apply to and be accepted at a new DLI
- update the information about your learning institution in MyAccount
If your study permit has been approved but not issued yet
We’ll send you a request to provide a new letter of acceptance from a new DLI. If your study permit is approved, you’ll need to update the information about your learning institution in MyAccount.
You don’t need to change your study permit if you’re changing your school or study program
If you’re a high school student
If you’re moving to post-secondary school and want to be able to work while you study, you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit. There is a fee to make this change. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new study permit from within Canada.
If you’re a post-secondary student
While you don’t need to change your study permit, you do have to tell us when you change post-secondary schools. Find out how to tell us that you’ve changed your post-secondary school.
If you’re moving to a school in Quebec
If you’re moving to a school in Quebec (and your previous school is outside Quebec), you must get a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). You need a CAQ for any level of school, including primary.
While you don’t need to change your study permit, you do have to tell us when you change post-secondary schools. Find out how to tell us that you’ve changed your post-secondary school.
