The application,
step by step.

STUDENT VISA · NON-EU APPLICANTS

Non-EU student visa - requirements, application, timeline.

If you are a non-EU citizen planning to study with us for more than 90 days, you need a National Study Visa (Visa D). This page walks you through the four things you need to know: who needs the visa, how to apply, what the typical timeline looks like, and how to find the right Italian consulate for your home country.

01 · Requirements by program type

Non-EU / Non-EEA students. Many nationalities - including citizens of countries with Schengen visa-waiver agreements - can enter Italy without a visa for stays up to 90 days. For longer Italian language courses (16 weeks or more), a National Study Visa (Visa D) is required and must be obtained before departure. Verify with your local Italian consulate for your specific passport.

Why our long-term courses are study-visa eligible: Italian law does not formally accredit stand-alone language schools. Accademia di Italiano operates as part of Unicollege SSML, an Istituto ad Ordinamento Universitario accredited by Italy's Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR). The institutional context lets us issue consulate-grade documentation for our long-term courses (16+ weeks, 80+ hours/month) - which is what your local Italian consulate is actually checking.

Short courses (up to 90 days). Citizens of countries with Schengen visa-waiver agreements do not need a visa for these programs. Standard passport entry to Italy applies. Long-term courses (16+ weeks). A National Study Visa (Visto Nazionale - Type D) is required. You must apply at the Italian Consulate in your home country before departure.

02 · How to apply for a National Study Visa

For long-term course participants. The process happens at the Italian consulate in your home country.

1. Receive your Accademia acceptance letter. Once admitted, we issue an official acceptance letter confirming your enrolment, program dates and institution details. This is a required document for your visa application. 2. Locate the right Italian consulate. Your application must be submitted to the Italian Consulate or Embassy that covers your home country and region. Use the official consulate finder below. 3. Book a consulate appointment. Most Italian consulates require an appointment. Book as early as possible - slots in major cities can fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer. 4. Gather your documents. Prepare all required documents before your appointment. Each consulate may have slightly different requirements - always check the specific consulate's website for the most current list. 5. Attend your appointment. Bring original documents and copies. Pay the visa fee (typically €50). Processing takes 15-30 business days on average. 6. Collect your visa and travel to Italy. Your National Study Visa will be affixed to a passport page. Double-check the dates and your name before leaving the consulate.

04 · Recommended timeline - Fall semester

February - March. Apply to Accademia di Italiano and receive your acceptance letter. March - April. Book your consulate appointment; begin gathering documents. May - June. Attend consulate appointment; submit visa application. Receive National Study Visa; confirm housing in Italy. Late August / Early September. Arrive in Italy · Accademia orientation week · begin Permesso di Soggiorno process.

05 · Find your Italian consulate

Visa applications must be submitted in person at the Italian diplomatic mission (Embassy or Consulate General) with jurisdiction over your area of residence.