How To Obtain a Study Visa – INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS @ UNIVERSITY OF SIENA

DISCLAIMER: For detailed and up-to-date information on national immigration procedures, students are advised to refer to the designated authorities. The University of Siena does not bear responsibility for the information provided on this page, which is intended merely to give students a preliminary overview of entry procedures into Italy.

The visa application process begins after the admission, through the universitaly.it portal.

As of November 2, 2023, the current regulations specify the following. In order to obtain a visa for study purposes, international students must demonstrate to the Italian embassy or consulate:

Sufficient financial means for the duration of their stay. This amount is set at €467.65 per month, totaling €6,079.45 for the academic year. Proof of these funds in Italy can be provided through personal guarantees, those of parents, or credible Italian or foreign institutions/entities, including universities and local governments recognized by the Italian diplomatic representation.
Availability of funds for repatriation, which can also be demonstrated with a return ticket.
Secure accommodation in Italy.
Comprehensive medical and hospitalization insurance. At the time of the Residence Permit application, once in Italy, students should provide evidence of one of the following insurance coverage:
- A consular statement verifying entitlement to healthcare, based on an agreement between Italy and the student’s home country.
- A valid foreign insurance policy in Italy without restrictions or exceptions to rates set for emergency hospitalization.
- An insurance policy from national bodies or companies, accompanied by a statement that ensures no exceptions or restrictions to emergency hospitalization rates throughout its duration.

Pay Attention

To enroll in our courses, you must secure your visa and finalize your registration before the enrollment closure deadline (usually, around the latter half of December). After this date has passed, you will need to initiate the admission process again for the next academic year and submit a new visa application.

It’s worth noting that several programs commence in September. To ensure you don’t miss the start, we strongly recommend arriving in Siena before classes begin.

Once you have received the Letter of Eligibility for Enrollment from our University, it is your responsibility to initiate the visa application procedures as soon as possible. Obtaining the visa can take up to three months.

What if my visa application is delayed or rejected?

The issuance of visas is solely under the jurisdiction of Italian embassies and consulates. Universities do not have any authority to intervene in the work of the embassies. If your visa application is delayed or rejected, we cannot provide assistance in any way.

When can I submit my visa application?

Visa applications are processed via the universitaly.it website, overseen by the Italian government. Each year, the start date for these applications varies and is determined by the Italian authorities. After obtaining their acceptance letter from the University of Siena (Letter of Eligibility for Enrollment), students should consistently monitor both the government’s website and apply.unisi.it for the latest updates on opening dates.