Study in Italy: Guidelines for Completing Administrative Procedures

In this article, I will guide you through the complete administrative procedures to study in Italy. Paperwork and bureaucracy put us back, but they are essential to be able to study in Italy.

When one decides to study abroad, and more specifically in Italy, some formalities must be taken into account to be able to do everything correctly, but also to make the most of local student life. To begin, you will need your identity document when you stay.

As for the rest of the countries of the European Union, this will be your entry passport for almost all local institutions: banks, doctors, airlines, accommodation, etc. However, for some of these procedures, you will need a fiscal code.

This tax identification number is free and will allow you to hire a telephone line, rent an apartment, find a job, or open a bank account. It’s about the little things in life that make it so much easier. To obtain it, all you have to do is contact the Agenzia delle Entrate and be accompanied by your identity document.

If you have chosen Italy, you should bear in mind that each administrative process requires small procedures, which can put off international students. Don’t panic, we are here to clear the way.

Guide to studying in Italy

Here are the basic steps to help you enter Italian student life smoothly:

Step 1: Choosing Your Program and University

• Research: Explore universities and programs that align with your academic interests and qualifications. Utilize official university websites and resources like the Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) website (https://www.miur.gov.it/).
• Application: Follow the application procedures outlined by your chosen university. This typically involves submitting transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), recommendation letters, and a motivation letter.

Step 2: Securing Your Visa

• Visa Type: Depending on your nationality and the duration of your studies, different visa types may apply. Common visa options include study visas and long-stay visas.
• Application Process: Contact the nearest Italian embassy or consulate in your home country to initiate the visa application process. Gather required documents, which may include proof of enrollment, financial resources, and health insurance.
• Processing Time: Visa processing times can vary, so plan and initiate your application well in advance.

Step 3: Completing Residence Permit Procedures

• Residence Permit: Non-EU students residing in Italy for more than 90 days require a residence permit. Apply at the local Questura (police headquarters) within eight days of entering Italy.
• Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including your passport, visa, proof of enrollment, accommodation confirmation, and evidence of financial resources.

Step 4: Registration with Local Authorities

• Anagrafe: Register at your local “Anagrafe” office within eight days of establishing residency. This allows access to essential services and public healthcare.
• Taxes: Depending on your situation, you might need to register with the Italian tax authority (Agenzia delle Entrate) for tax purposes.

Additional Considerations

• Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage valid throughout your stay in Italy. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may not cover all expenses, and additional private insurance might be required.
• Accommodation: Explore student housing options offered by universities, private rentals, or shared accommodations. Secure your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak student enrollment periods.
• Living Expenses: Research average living expenses in your chosen city and create a realistic budget covering housing, food, transportation, and other necessities.

The visa: Complete the administrative procedures to study in Italy

Before studying abroad, especially in Italy, having a visa will be important (especially if you are not European). There are two possibilities: tourist or student visa. If you are going to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you will need a study visa. Otherwise, a tourist visa will suffice.

A study visa can only be issued by the Italian Consulate (or the Consular Section of the Italian Embassy) competent for the territory of the applicant’s country of residence, making sure to have contracted very specific health insurance, with the INA ., the Assicurazioni d’Italia, in addition to the one you have in your country of origin.

When applying for a tourist or study visa, each candidate must provide specific documents :

• A passport is valid for at least 3 months.
• An airplane ticket (or any means of transport) showing that you have traveled to Italy.
• Proof that you have sufficient financial means to stay in Italy.
• Confirmation that you are staying in Italy.
• The health insurance you will have.

Although the study visa must also be validated with a document that proves the veracity of the courses you are going to take in Italy, the tourist visa and some Italian consulates can help us solve possible administrative problems, worthy of this type of administrative situation. A real aid to mobility, which will not free us from tuition fees.

Accommodation

To rent a house in Italy, there are different solutions, depending on the wishes and needs. Specifically, the ideal is to find accommodation from there. It may seem risky, but colleges can help.

There is also the solution of the university residence. These types of residences are usually quite expensive and limited places for foreign students, but you will make sure you have a roof over your head upon arrival.

The college university can also be very helpful in finding decent housing. It is a public accommodation, where you will find all the necessary services, from the gym to the library. Keep in mind, however, that a certain registration is required for access.

Of course, there is also the famous solution of renting or sharing a flat. In Italy, they may request a deposit of up to three months together with the month of rent. So make sure you have a big budget to apply for an apartment.

For reference, a study in a big city like Rome can cost between € 400 and € 600 per month. This is a type of stay widely used in Italy by Spanish or foreign students.

The doctor

If you study at the university, the Italian paperwork will be essential.

The same goes for health in Italy: you will have to do some paperwork. First of all, you will need to obtain a free European health card valid for one year. It will allow you, as a European student, to benefit from free care.

In this case, get ready to put yourself in the shoes of an Italian, by registering with the Local Health Agency ( Azienda Sanitaria Locale ). Like the SSN (National Health Service), being part of it will give you the opportunity to benefit from care similar to the local one.

A small detail, although it is good to know before you go: in Italy, medical and dental care is mostly free. All you need to do is consult a general practitioner hired by USL ( Unità Sanitaria Locale ), and voila!

Get financial aid to study in Italy

If you want to listen to Laura Pausini in Italy, you will need to comply with all the administrative procedures of your studies.

Regarding finances in general, it should be known that, although Italy is a little cheaper than Spain depending on which area, the cost of living will be substantially the same. The tuition fee, between € 1,000 and 1,300 on average, is added to a daily life of close to € 1,000 per month.

Therefore, reserve a small mattress at the beginning if you do not want to be caught off guard or if you cannot find work on arrival in the host country.

It should be noted that there are some scholarship systems, such as the Erasmus scholarship. Many European students go with the Erasmus program, which simplifies many of the steps and formalities. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is empowered to grant scholarships, like some private services, check their website, you never know!

This scholarship, awarded by the Italian government, can reach € 700 per month. It is a research grant for foreign students studying specific disciplines. You can find out more through the Ministry of Spain.

Conclusion

This paper provides a general overview, and specific procedures and requirements might vary based on your individual circumstances and chosen university. Always consult official university websites, government resources, and relevant embassies or consulates for the latest and most accurate information.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can pave the way for a successful and enriching academic experience in Italy.