Studying at an Italian university
Italy offers many English-taught programs and lower fees. The process runs through the Italian embassy in Beirut, with a fixed pre-enrollment window each year — plan around it.
Step by step
Choose your university and program
2–4 weeksBrowse programs on the Universitaly portal. Many bachelor and master programs are taught in English (e.g. Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi); Italian-taught programs need B2 Italian.
Request the dichiarazione di valore
Several weeksSubmit your original baccalaureate and transcripts to the Italian embassy in Beirut to obtain this statement certifying your qualifications. Request it early — it is required before pre-enrollment.
Complete pre-enrollment (pre-iscrizione)
January–February windowPre-enroll through the embassy during the official window, which usually opens in January–February. Spots are limited; apply on the first day it opens.
Receive university acceptance
Varies by universityThe university confirms your place after reviewing the forwarded documents. Keep the acceptance for your visa file.
Prepare financial proof
1–2 weeksShow access to roughly €6,000–€8,500 per year (region-dependent) via a bank statement, sponsor letter, or scholarship. Verify the current amount on the embassy website.
Get health insurance
A few daysArrange health insurance valid in Italy for the visa. You can later register with the national health service (SSN) after arrival.
Apply for the student visa
2–6 weeksSubmit your visa application at the embassy with the pre-enrollment confirmation, acceptance, financial proof, and insurance.
Arrive and apply for the permesso di soggiorno
Within 8 days of arrivalWithin 8 days of arriving in Italy, apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the post office, then complete university enrollment.
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