Studying abroad offers more than academic growth; it immerses students in diverse cultures, broadening their worldview. They meet people from different backgrounds, forming friendships and professional networks. Italy stands out as a destination that embodies these experiences, with its vibrant history, culture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Students go to Italy not only for its world-class education, but also for the chance to live in a culturally rich environment. This article provides a detailed guide on applying in Italy for bachelor's, master's, and PhD, covering key aspects such as study costs, student visas, scholarships, and benefits.
What Makes Italy a Top Destination for International Students?
Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest universities, renowned for centuries of academic tradition and continuous development of their educational systems. These institutions are highly respected in global academic forums, with several ranked in the prestigious QS World Rankings: Politecnico di Milano (123), Sapienza University of Rome (134), and the University of Bologna (154).
According to Global PEO (Professional Employer Organization) Services and Forbes, the country, a member of the EU (European Union) also boasts the third-largest economy in Europe and ranks ninth globally. This economic strength provides abundant opportunities for internships, on-the-job training, and industrial placements in various sectors.
While Italian is the primary language, the growing importance of English in academic settings has contributed to the increasing number of international students. Cities like Milan, Rome, and Turin are among the most student-friendly in Europe, offering an ideal environment for higher education.
Beyond academics, Italy’s appeal extends to its rich cultural heritage and tourism. As ranked by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Italy holds the 4th position in global tourism. The country thrives with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites (59), including 53 culturally significant sites and 6 of outstanding natural beauty.
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Top Universities and Popular Courses in Italy
Top 10 Italian Universities
- Politecnico di Milano
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Bologna
- University of Padua
- Politecnico di Torino
- University of Milan
- University of Naples Federico-II
- University of Pisa
- University of Florence
- University of Turin
Popular Courses
Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Business and Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, Hospitality and Tourism, Medicine, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Political Science, etc.
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How to Apply for Admission in Italian Universities
Like other Schengen countries, Italy follows a two-semester education system. The first admission season, Fall, begins its application process between November and April. Courses typically start in late September or early October, after all applications are received from April to July. During this period, leading universities admit the maximum number of students across various courses.
The Spring admission season accepts applications between July and September, with courses beginning between October and December. Admissions are finalized between February and March, and the courses commence afterward.
In Italy, each educational institution requires separate applications through its own web portal. Specific deadlines, required documents, and application costs are detailed on the university websites. It’s important to note that only one course can be applied for at each university.
Pre-enrolment
Pre-enrolment is a crucial step in the admission process for Italian educational institutions. It is a prerequisite for applying to any course. Students must apply by registering on the Universitaly portal (https://universitaly-private.cineca.it/index.php/registration/firststep).
At this stage, students should research the website of their preferred university and contact admission officers to gather all relevant information and instructions. After that, all required documents must be uploaded to the Universitaly portal for the chosen study program. Once the pre-enrollment online application is completed, the university will begin preparing the offer letter.
During this time, students will be instructed to pay the study fee. Typically, this fee is charged in three installments throughout the academic year. The first installment is paid at the time of admission, and subsequent installment dates are notified by the respective universities.
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Documents Required for Admission Application
- Completed online application form
- A valid passport
- Documents of Previous Educational Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent certificate and academic transcript for undergraduate programs
- Graduation certificate and academic transcript for postgraduate programs
- Postgraduate certificate and academic transcript for doctoral programs
- A minimum score on the language proficiency test:
IELTS: 6 or TOEFL iBT: 59 for undergraduate programs
IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 79 for master’s programs
IELTS: 7 or TOEFL iBT: 96 for Ph.D. programs
- Study Fee Payment Receipt: A minimum of 1 installment out of three. In most cases, the amount is between 120 and 180 Euros, equivalent to BDT 15,862 to 23,793 (1 Euro = BDT 132.18).
- CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Multiple motivation letters
- Medical Certificate and Health Insurance
- GMAT or GRE test results (for master’s programs)
- Portfolio (for applicants in creative fields)
- Research Proposal (for Ph.D. programs)
- Contact information for the supervising professor and a consent form for supervision of the - student’s research
- Summary of relevant publications (if applicable)
- Evidence of work experience – for some selected programs
- Additional documents may be required depending on the university, course, and program.
How to Apply for a Student Visa in Italy
Students wishing to study long-term in Italy must apply for a Type-D visa, also known as a national visa, which allows for stays exceeding 90 days. This visa is valid for the entire duration of the selected full-time study program.
Bangladeshi students can apply for a Type-D visa through VFS (Visa Facilitation Services), the global partner of Italian immigration. Access the application form via the following link for download:
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/italy/bangladesh/english/pdf/visa-d-long-term.pdf
After filling out the form, it must be printed, signed manually, and submitted to the VFS center along with the relevant documents.
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Documents Required for Visa Application
- Fully completed and manually signed National (Type-D) Visa Application Form
- Two recent color photographs:
Photographs must be in ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) format (size 4 x 3.5 cm), taken on a white background, and no older than 6 months.
- Original valid passport and photocopy of each page:
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of arrival in any Schengen country and must have at least two blank pages.
- Proof of pre-enrollment at an Italian university or AFAM Institute (Institute of Fine Arts, Music, and Dance) (only for pre-enrollment): Admission and study costs must be mentioned.
- Admission offer letter from the Italian university.
- Proof of applicant's financial solvency:
- The student’s personal bank statement from any bank in Bangladesh for the last 6 months.
- Proof of financial resources if sponsored:
The sponsor’s bank statement from any bank in Bangladesh for the last 6 months.
Proof of family relationship with the sponsor (the sponsor must be related by blood or marriage).
Proof of financial resources is required even if the student has been awarded a scholarship.
- IELTS Certificate (minimum score 6) as proof of English language proficiency. The certificate must be issued no more than two years before the visa application date.
- Proof of student residence in Italy:
Apartment purchase or rental agreement, or
Resident statement from an Italian citizen or a foreign citizen with a permanent residence permit in this country. The identity card of the person signing the statement must be attached.
- Advance air ticket booking details.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage of EUR 30,000 (BDT 39,65,486), including medical fees, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.
- Marriage certificate (if married), divorce certificate (if divorced), or death certificate of spouse (if widowed or surviving spouse).
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Visa Application Submission and Biometric Registration
An online appointment does not require submitting visa-related documents at VFS. However, the application process must be initiated by completing the link form at https://vfsforms.mioot.com/forms/CFNC/.
The appointment date will be sent to the candidate’s email address provided in the form. A printout of this email must be brought when visiting the VFS center.
Italy VFS Center Addresses in Bangladesh:
Dhaka: Nafi Tower (4th & 5th Floor), 53, South Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212.
Chattogram: World Trade Center Chattogram, (5th Floor), 102/103 Agrabad C/A, Commerce College Road, Chattogram-4100.
Sylhet: 4th Floor, Nirvana Inn Complex, Ramer Dighir Par, Mirzajungal Road, Sylhet-3100.
Applicants must attend the VFS center between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for submission. On the appointment day, biometric registration will be completed, which involves taking a photograph and scanning all ten fingerprints. In some cases, an interview may be conducted. Once the process is completed, the candidate will receive an acknowledgment letter or receipt upon payment of any incidental expenses, including the visa fee.
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Visa Processing Time and Incidental Costs
A study visa typically takes a minimum of 21 calendar days to process. However, delays may occur due to document verification or other reasons.
As per Italy's VFS website, the Type-D visa fee is EUR 50 (BDT 5,750). The VFS global service charge is EUR 38 (BDT 4,370), and an additional bank draft charge of BDT 270 applies.
Visa Processing Status and Collection
The status of the visa application can be tracked via the VFS web portal during the verification process. To track the application, visit this link:
https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/IzcvBCb/70NmWcryI2n01dau+KWr9vOycRn8+9h+u8XIqecwY3I+ZSwJbdFTpO9OZlVSATCCz354s5WEZMMYrE=
Applicants must enter their last name and reference number, which can be found on the receipt issued by VFS. You can also inquire about the visa status by calling +8809606777666.
Once the visa is approved, the candidate will be notified via phone. After receiving confirmation, the passport with the visa can be collected from the VFS center. The original receipt or acknowledgment letter and a national identity card must be presented during collection.
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