There is no government body that licenses study abroad consultants in Italy. The system is built around official platforms and university accreditation.
For Mandatory Pre-enrollment: Universitaly Portal
For Qualification Verification: CIMEA Official Website
For Official Study Information: Study in Italy (by MUR)
Rome. The Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and CIMEA are both located in the capital city.
6 to 9 months. This lengthy process is due to the mandatory academic verification (DOV/CIMEA), the Universitaly pre-enrollment timeline, and the subsequent visa application process.
National 'D' Visa for study (`Visto Nazionale per Studio`). This visa allows entry into Italy. Within 8 days of arrival, the student must apply for the Permit of Stay (`Permesso di Soggiorno`), which is their official residence permit card.
A student consults with an agent, who assesses their academic background to ensure it meets the requirements of the Italian higher education system (e.g., having 12 years of schooling for a Bachelor's degree).
The consultant guides the student through one of two mandatory processes to validate their academic credentials:
- `Dichiarazione di Valore` (DOV): A "Declaration of Value" obtained from the Italian Embassy/Consulate in the student's home country. This is a traditional, often lengthy, process of legalizing and certifying the value of a foreign diploma.
- CIMEA Statements: A faster alternative accepted by many universities. The student applies online to CIMEA for a "Statement of Comparability" and a "Statement of Verification" for their academic titles.
This is a non-negotiable step. The consultant helps the student fill out the online pre-enrollment application on the Universitaly portal. They will upload their personal details, academic documents, language certificates, and select their chosen university and program. The application is then forwarded electronically to the chosen university for evaluation.
The university reviews the Universitaly application. If the student is deemed eligible, the university will "pre-accept" the application on the portal. The student can then download the validated application summary, which is a required document for the visa.
The consultant helps the student prepare the necessary financial documentation for the visa.
Requirement: Proof of access to a minimum of €468.07 per month for the academic year, totaling approximately €6,085 per year. This must be proven with a recent personal bank statement, family sponsorship letter with their bank statements, or an official scholarship letter.
The student books an appointment and applies in person at the Italian Embassy/Consulate or its designated visa application center (e.g., VFS Global).
Key Visa Documents: Visa application form, passport, photographs, the summary of the pre-enrollment application validated by the university from the Universitaly portal, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation in Italy for at least the initial period, and proof of health insurance.
A personal interview with a consular officer is a standard part of the process. The officer will verify the student's academic background, motivation, and financial stability.
The consultant will prepare the student for questions such as:
- Why Italy? Why did you choose this particular university and city?
- How does this program fit into your future career plans?
- Who is funding your education and stay, and how?
- Do you have any family in Italy or the Schengen Area?
If approved, a Type D visa is stamped in the passport. This allows entry into Italy.
The student enters Italy. The visa is just an entry permit; the real legal document is the Permit of Stay.
This is a notoriously bureaucratic but absolutely essential process. Within 8 working days of arrival, the student MUST start the application for their `Permesso di Soggiorno`.
1. Get the Kit (`kit postale`): The student goes to a designated Post Office (`Poste Italiane`) and gets the application kit (a large envelope with forms).
2. Submit the Kit: The student fills out the forms (with help from the university or a `Patronato` office), buys a revenue stamp (`marca da bollo`), and submits the completed kit back at the Post Office. They receive a receipt (`ricevuta`) which acts as their temporary permit.
3. Attend the `Questura` Appointment: The receipt will have a date and time for an appointment at the local police headquarters (`Questura`). Here, the student submits their documents and has their fingerprints taken (`fotosegnalamento`).
4. Collect the Card: After several weeks or months, the student is notified to return to the `Questura` to collect their physical, electronic `Permesso di Soggiorno` card. This is their official residence permit.