Step 1: Research & Choose a Course

1.1 Select a Degree & University

Italy has several world-renowned universities offering degrees in engineering, arts, business, fashion, design, and humanities. The most popular institutions include:

• Politecnico di Milano (Engineering, Architecture, and Design)
• Sapienza University of Rome (Science, Medicine, Arts)
• University of Bologna (One of the oldest universities in the world)
• Bocconi University (Business & Economics)
• Politecnico di Torino (Engineering)

👉 How to Research?

• Check university websites (universitaly.it)
• Explore English-taught programs if you don’t know Italian
• Compare tuition fees, scholarships, and course structure

Step 2: Check Eligibility & Admission Requirements

2.1 Academic Requirements

• For Bachelor’s (Laurea Triennale):
  • Must have completed 12 years of education (10+2)
  • Minimum 60% in Class 12
  • Some universities require an entrance exam
• For Master’s (Laurea Magistrale):
  • A 3- or 4-year undergraduate degree
  • Minimum 55–60% marks
  • A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

2.2 Language Requirements

• English-taught courses: IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL 80+
• Italian-taught courses: B1/B2 level of Italian (via CILS or CELI test)

Step 3: Apply to Universities

3.1 Where to Apply?

• Directly on the university’s website
• Via Universitaly Portal for centralized applications

3.2 Documents Required

✅ Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
✅ 10th & 12th Mark Sheets (attested by MEA)
✅ Bachelor’s Degree & Transcripts (for master’s applicants)
✅ IELTS/TOEFL Certificate
✅ SOP & LORs
✅ Resume/CV
✅ Portfolio (if required for courses like design, architecture)
✅ Italian Language Proficiency Certificate (if applicable)

3.3 Application Deadlines

• September Intake (Main intake): Apply between November – April
• February Intake: Apply between June – October

Step 4: Apply for Scholarships

Italy offers several fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships for Indian students:

4.1 Popular Scholarships

• Italian Government Scholarships – Covers tuition + €900/month stipend
• DSU Regional Scholarships – Covers tuition, accommodation, and meals
• Invest Your Talent in Italy – For master’s students in engineering, management, etc.
• Erasmus+ – Covers living expenses for exchange students

👉 How to Apply?

• Check the university’s financial aid section
• Apply early, as most scholarships have deadlines in March–May

Step 5: Pre-Enrolment via Universitaly

Once you get an admission letter, you must pre-enrol on Universitaly (www.universitaly.it):

• Create an account
• Fill in personal details and upload documents
• Select your university and course
• Submit and wait for university approval

⏳ Processing Time: 4-8 weeks

Step 6: Apply for a Student Visa (Type D – Long Stay Visa)

6.1 Where to Apply?

At the Italian Embassy or VFS Visa Center in:
📍 New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore

6.2 Visa Requirements

✅ Valid Passport
✅ University Admission Letter
✅ Pre-Enrolment Confirmation (from Universitaly)
✅ Proof of Funds (Minimum €6,000 in a bank account for the past 3 months)
✅ DSU Scholarship Letter (if applicable)
✅ Health Insurance (valid for 1 year, min. coverage €30,000)
✅ Flight Booking & Accommodation Proof
✅ Visa Fee (~₹8,000 – ₹9,000)

⏳ Processing Time: 4-6 weeks

Step 7: Prepare for Departure

7.1 Book Accommodation

• University dorms (apply early!)
• Private apartments (Check sites like Spotahome, Uniplaces)

7.2 Open a Bank Account

• UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca Sella allow non-residents to open accounts

7.3 Pack Essentials

• Convert some INR to Euros (€)
• Warm clothes (Italy gets cold in winter)
• Indian spices & medicines (hard to find in Italy)

Step 8: Arriving in Italy – Get Your Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit)

Within 8 days of arrival, apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno at the Post Office:

• Fill out the “Kit Permesso di Soggiorno” form
• Submit documents + pay a fee (~€100)
• Get an appointment at Questura (Police Station) for biometrics

⏳ Processing Time: 1-3 months

Step 9: Start Your Studies & Settle in Italy

🎓 Attend orientation, join student groups, and explore the city!
💼 Look for part-time jobs (20 hours/week allowed)
💳 Apply for a Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code) for jobs & rentals

Final Tips

✅ Apply early to avoid last-minute stress
✅ Learn basic Italian to help with daily life
✅ Apply for a DSU scholarship (most Indian students qualify!)
✅ Network with Indian student communities in Italy

That’s it! You’re ready to study in Italy. 🇮🇹🎓 If you need specific help, let me know! 😊