How To Apply For Italy Student Visa (Type D) | Step-by-Step Guide

Applying in Italy and getting an acceptance letter from the university can be a tedious and time-consuming process. We have made this process simple for you with the complete step-by-step guide for applying to Italy as a Pakistani student for a Type-D visa.

Basic Information Regarding Italy That You Should Know

Italy has:

• The cheapest education in the entire EU
• Two intakes (Fall & Spring)
• Offers the most scholarships and stipends in the EU
• Accepts a CGPA as low as 2.0/4 or 50% for the application
• Accepts the MOI (medium of instruction) certificate
• Requires a Bank Statement of only 6500 – 7000 euros (21 to 24 lac PR) – reduced further if stipend offered
• Family Reunification after a valid residence permit in Italy

Issues with Italy For Pakistani Students:

• Visa appointment (appointment slots are limited, and when opened, fill within seconds) – Appointment Mafias are established, and they book appointments at a fee 10x the original fee of the appointment (1 to 4 lac PKR)
• Completing all documents – Italy is one of the countries in the EU that requires the most paperwork
• Arranging a valid bank statement with proofs for the fund source and other financial documents
• Long Processing Delays
• Visa Rejections from Minor Mistakes – small errors in forms or missing a required document can lead to outright rejection
• Risk of Fraud and Scams – High demand has led to the prevalence of dishonest agents charging exorbitant fees without guarantees
• Challenges in Residence Permit Renewal

Intakes Application Dates & Deadlines

• It is better to apply 6 months earlier for each intake.
• Fall Semester (September/Oct) has the most courses and scholarships.

Please check our global calendar, where we track the application deadlines for each country.

Documents Required For Application

Checklist

Here’s a checklist for both the university application and student visa application:

Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1a: Getting Your Documents Ready For University Application

Obtaining Original Documents

1. (For Bachelors) Obtain your original transcript and certificate of Matriculation and Intermediate via your regional board office (if you haven’t). O-Levels & A-Levels students would need their original transcripts for attestation later. Also, get your MOI/English proficiency letter from your school/college if applying for a Bachelor’s.
2. (For Master’s) Point 1 + Obtain your Bachelor’s degree from your university and the original transcript. Also, get your MOI/English proficiency letter from your university if applying for a Master’s.
3. (For PHD) Point 1 + 2 + Obtain your Master’s degree from your university and the original transcript. Also, get your MOI/English proficiency letter from your university if applying for PHD.
4. Obtain two LORs (letter of recommendation) from the last institute you studied in. Here are the samples of LORs and best practices.
5. Make a highly motivational SOP (statement of purpose)/motivational letter (please check the essential guide of creating SOP here).
6. Experience letter (to fill a study gap).
7. Certificates, achievements, awards, and research work (for an edge over other students).
8. Valid passport (valid for at least the entire duration of your study program plus an additional 6 months).
9. Passport-sized photograph (recent, colored, white background).
10. CV (Curriculum Vitae) – See the format here.
11. IELTS academic result (optional) (for borderline CGPA, below 2.7) – 6.0 overall for UG and 6.5 overall for PG

Optional: For specialized fields like medical, architecture, and veterinary, most universities conduct an entry test. For that, you will need your results of that entry test to apply.

Getting Attested Via IBCC & HEC

1. Get your Matric and Intermediate original transcripts and certificates attested via IBCC. For O and A-Levels, and any other degree, first get an equivalence from IBCC, and get it attested at the same time. You do not need to get O/A Levels certificate and transcript for attestation. Only the equivalence certificate needs to get attested, apostile and DOV.
2. (For Master’s) Get your Bachelor’s degree attested by HEC.
3. (For PHD) Get your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees attested by HEC.

Step 2: Research Italian Universities

• You can start by checking universities that are offering admission for international students.
• For that, check our list of Italian universities where we compare everything, or make an ID on Italy’s official portal, known as Universitaly, and search from there as well.
• Please verify your eligibility for the course.

Step 3a: University Application and Admission

Register on the Universitaly Portal

1. Register on Universitaly
2. Fill the pre-enrollment forms, and upload the required documents.

Submit Application

You can apply either through:

1. Universitaly portal (highly recommended) ✅- if applying to public universities or applying to multiple universities in Italy
2. The university’s admission system – private or specialized universities not integrated into Universitaly or if required by the institution

Here’s a post that compares both of these.

• Apply to at least 6 universities (the more the better). Most of the universities don’t charge an application fee, but don’t let it stop you from applying to multiple universities. Application fee ranges from 30 to 100 euros per application for each university, and this is separate from the pre-enrollment fee.

Wait For The Admission Letter

• Once accepted, the university sends an official Admission Letter, which is essential for pre-enrollment.
• Check all the conditions, such as attestation, certification, and so on.
• Accept your preferred offer and pay any program deposit.
• Request the pre-enrolment summary from Universitaly (if applicable).

Step 3b: Translation & Apostille

You should have already scanned your attested academic documents. If not, then scan it before applying for a university, and then send the academic documents for translation first and then MOFA apostille verification (of the original documents, not translated ones).

Translation of Your Documents

Though all the Italian consulates in the world do not ask for translation of English documents. However, Pakistan is an exception. The Karachi consulate specifically states:

For study visa all foreign educational documents have to be translated in Italian language

So you have to get all your educational documents translated into Italian regardless of the language they are in. Here’s the official list of certified translators issued by the Italian consulate in Islamabad.

• Process Time: 3 – 7 working days (normal), 1 – 2 working days (expedited)

Apostille Verification by MOFA

After sending your application to the university and getting a translation completed, you need to send all your original academic documents for apostille verification by the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Translations are also included in this and should not be excluded at all.

• Process Time: 7 – 14 working days (normal), 3 – 5 working days (urgent)

Step 3c: Getting Your Bank Statement Ready

This is a side step and must be started after a university has given you an admission letter.

• Bank statement required: 6000 to 7000 euros (depends on each city’s living requirement, please check this list) + any remaining tuition fee (show all these expenses for 1 year)
• Duration: 3 to 6 months (✅ 6 months recommended)

You can either:

1. Maintain a monthly balance of €6,000 to €7,000 for 3 to 6 months – ✅ recommended, or
2. Add €1,000 to €1,200 monthly for a 6 months bank statement or €2,000 to €2,400 for 3 months bank statement

Best practices:

1. Should show a steady or consistent balance over the last 3 to 6 months.
2. Avoid a sudden large deposit made between 3 to 6 months before a visa application. If added, you must provide supporting documents such as property sale deeds, business income, or salary slips.
3. Should not be a new account, as it raises suspicion
4. Should be original, stamped, and signed by the bank 
5. Must include a bank letter mentioning the account opening date and authorized signatories, especially for non-individual or joint accounts.
6. Make sure that bank statements and documents are recent, typically within 10 days of the visa appointment date.
7. A clear explanation or affidavit about fund sources and availability for the entire study period helps strengthen the application.
8. Official translation of any fund proof that is not in English or Italian.
9. You must be a filer and have submitted tax returns showing your assets. PDFs can be downloaded of your tax return and NTN number, and attached to the financial documentation. This ensures your financial capability and how likely you are to return to your home country.

In case of sponsored:

1. All of the above (in the name of the sponsor)
2. A notarized affidavit of support from the sponsor
3. Provide proof of the sponsor’s relationship to you (e.g., family certificate/FRC from NADRA or marriage certificate)
4. Formal letter from the sponsor explaining their relationship to you and willingness to fund your education and living costs.

In case of stipend/scholarship awarded:

• Bank statement will be:
  • Original balance – stipend allowance = New required balance
• Hence, it will be greatly reduced and much easier to show, improving your visa chances.

Step 4: Request DOV or CIMEA Certificate (For Masters & PHD Only)

This is needed after your admission letter, for pre-enrollment (mostly), visa application, and enrollment in the university after arrival.

Check if your university requires:

• Declaration of Value (DOV) from the Italian consulate in Pakistan, or
• CIMEA Statement of Comparability (online application at cimea.it)

1. If DOV is needed:
   • Book an appointment at the Italian Embassy (Islamabad) or Consulate (Karachi/Lahore). Sadly, you can’t book an appointment separately for DOV. For that you have to book study visa appointment. It is better to book your visa filing and DOV together if DOV is not required in your pre-enrollment since the appointment is hard to get and agents charge high fees. If it is required then you will have to opt for CIMEA.
   • Submit apostilled originals, translations, admission letter, passport copy, and pre-enrolment summary.
   • Make sure you have all in this checklist uploaded by the Italian consulate in Islamabad.
2. If CIMEA is accepted:
   • Register and upload scanned apostilled documents online (degrees/certificates, transcripts, translations (if needed), Photo ID/Passport Bio page, and proof of payment).
   • Pay the fees and wait for the completion email.
   • Once available, download the PDF, print and attach it to your university pre-enrolment and visa application.

Step 5: Pre-enrollment (Pre-immatricolazione)

Pre-enrollment (pre-immatricolazione) is the official recognition of your foreign qualifications by the Italian university before your arrival. It is a mandatory step to obtain the pre-enrollment certificate required for the visa application.

Now that you have completed all the attestation, apostille process, and DOV/CIMEA equivalency certification, it’s time for the pre-enrollment certification at the university, which will be needed for the visa application.

You will be needing:

1. Admission Letter
2. Academic Documents (Apostilled)
3. DOV or CIMEA certificate
4. Translation
5. Passport Bio Page Copy
6. Payment receipt of university pre-enrollment or application fees (if applicable)

It should be noted that the application fee for an admission letter is different from the pre-enrollment fee and is usually free for most public universities. However, the pre-enrollment fee is either added to the tuition fee or demanded separately by the university. Both of them are non-refundable.

Step 6: Getting Ready For Student Type-D Visa

Before starting all this, make a travel plan. Check when your course starts from the pre-enrollment letter and admission letter. You should arrive 1 to 2 weeks earlier than your university semester start date. So the flight reservation and insurance plan must include that 1 or 2 weeks early arrival as well.

Step 6a: Apply for Police Character Certificate

Process Time: 3 working days after application

A Police Character Certificate has a validity of 6 months. That is why we didn’t apply for it at the start in Step 1 because the complete process might take more than 6 months, and your PCC will expire before the visa application.

Documents Required for PCC

• Original and photocopy of CNIC (Computerized National ID Card) or B-Form
• Original and photocopy of Passport
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Application form (available at the police station/Khidmat Markaz, or online for Punjab)

Where To Apply

• Punjab, Islamabad, AJK:
  • Visit your nearest Khidmat Markaz (Service Centre) or apply on the Punjab Police Global Portal if the online service is available.
• Other Provinces (Sindh, KP, Balochistan):
  • Visit your local police station or the relevant district police office.
  • KP may require an affidavit stamped by an Oath Commissioner.

Application Process

• Fill out the character certificate application form.
• Submit all required documents to your Khidmat Markaz/service center.
• A live photograph is often taken as part of the application process.
• Pay the application fee (e.g., Rs. 500 for most Punjab stations).

Collection

• Collect your Police Character Certificate from the same office/center.
• For applicants abroad, an authorized blood relative with an authority letter and attested Power of Attorney can apply on your behalf.

Step 6b: Reserve Accommodation

Remember to reserve accommodation as it will be needed to be shown in the visa application. You do not need to book an accommodation with full payment this early; instead, you need to reserve it.

Types of Accommodation

The types are arranged according to which type offers the best visa support:

1. School/University Dormitory: (✅strongest visa support)
   • Apply directly through your institution’s housing office
   • Request an official accommodation confirmation letter from the university. The letter must clearly state:
     • Your full name
     • Room or apartment address
     • Start and end dates of your reservation
     • Rental fee/terms
   • Usually non-refundable or limited refund (depends on the university)
   • Minimum 1 semester term-agreement
   • Reservation via fee payment for one semester or a fixed reservation fee
   • Most secure and the highest visa approval method
   • The cheapest for a reservation
2. Private Accommodation (Rental Contract): (strong visa support)
   • Use reputable housing portals like UniPlaces, Idealista, HousingAnywhere, or Studapart.
   • Agree with a landlord and sign a rental contract for a room, flat, or apartment.
   • A formal signed rental contract stating:
     • Your name
     • Property address
     • Lease start and end dates
     • Rental terms/costs
   • Need to pay at least 1 month of rent for the reservation, which can be refundable or non-refundable depending on the rental contract.
   • More expensive than the above type
3. Shared Rentals (Co-living): (strong visa support)
   • This is the cheapest and most used type of accommodation that students prefer after arriving in Italy.
   • Provides a good social support in a new city
   • For this, you will need:
     • Your Name on the Rental Agreement or Sublease
     • Landlord’s Declaration or Consent: A written statement from the landlord confirming that you reside there and sharing the property with others.
     • Proof of Residence Details
4. Staying With Family or Friends (“Dichiarazione di Ospitalità”): (moderate to strong visa support)
   • Your host (friend, relative, acquaintance) must write and sign a “Dichiarazione di Ospitalità” (Declaration of Hospitality) which clearly states:
     • The host’s willingness and right to host you
     • Your name and planned period of stay
     • Property address
     • Host’s contact details
   • Include their valid Italian ID/passport and property ownership deed or lease.
   • The cheapest, usually free
   • Good for short-term stays, but the above types are preferred for long-term stays
5. Temporary Hotel/Hostel/Airbnb: (moderate to low visa support)
   • Book online through sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, Hostelworld, or the property’s direct site.
   • Reserve for at least 30–45 days if possible.
   • Booking confirmation email or receipt showing:
     • Your full name
     • Property address
     • Stay dates (must cover initial visa period—minimum 1 month is safest)
     • Contact info of accommodation
   • Most expensive
   • Easiest cancellation and good cancellation policies with a complete refund or a low reservation fee

What to consider

• Reserve for at least a month
• Check the pros and cons of each type of accommodation
• Verify that the reservation details are 100% correct
• Always ask for a signed agreement, not just a verbal agreement
• Always mention a travel plan or cover letter, even if optional or not needed for a reservation of more than 30 days. This is not needed if your term agreement is longer than 1 month.

Here’s how to make a good travel plan.

Step 6c: Reserve Flight Or Itinerary

You need a flight reservation proof attached to your visa application. For that, you will need to reserve a flight with temporary flight reservations or “dummy tickets”. No need to do a complete confirmed booking and pay complete payment as there are a few months left for your departure. Moreover, after getting your visa you can also cancel and book a cheaper flight.

Use Flight Reservation or Dummy Ticket Service

• Obtain an embassy-compliant flight reservation or dummy ticket that serves as official proof of onward travel.
• These services provide a valid PNR and itinerary without requiring full ticket payment.
• This solves the visa requirement without upfront expense or risk if visa is delayed or refused.
• Examples: dummyticket.com, pakvisa.pk, or other trusted providers.

These sites provide official-looking flight reservation codes (PNR) without purchasing a ticket and are cheap.

Step 6d: Get A Private Student Insurance

• Health insurance must be done before visa application and must cover the full visa duration which is complete 1 year. It must start from your planned arrival date to the completion of 1 year and should have a coverage of at least €30,000.
• Even if your degree is 2 years, the insurance duration for visa purposes must match your initial visa validity, not the full course length.
• When you apply to renew your visa for the second year, you will renew or purchase new health insurance covering the extended period.
• We recommend IMG, Swisscare and Asia Insurance. We have made a comparison of each insurance providers in EU for more details.

It should be noted that this private insurance is separate and not to be confused with the local insurance you get in Italy after arrival.

Step 6e: Recheck Every Document For Any Errors

Please verify that all the documents are complete according to the checklist above. Look for errors, including:

1. Personal Information Accuracy:

• Full name is spelled correctly and consistently across all documents.
• Date of birth matches exactly (day/month/year format).
• Passport or ID numbers are accurate.
• Contact details (address, phone number, email) are correct and up-to-date.

2. Document Details and Completeness

• All pages of transcripts, certificates, and forms are included (no missing pages).
• Dates of issue and expiry (where applicable) are visible and correct.
• Official stamps, seals, and signatures are clear and authentic.
• Translations are complete, certified, and correctly matched to originals.

3. Formatting and Legibility

• Documents are clean, smudge-free, and easy to read.
• Scanned copies are not blurred, cropped, or angled incorrectly.
• Paper size and orientation are appropriate (A4 size standard, usually).
• Use original language documents and certified translations side by side if required.

4. Consistency Between Documents

• Educational qualifications correspond to the dates on transcripts.
• Course names and levels match the university application requirements.
• Reference letters have correct names, dates, and official letterheads.

5. Special Requirements

• Apostille stickers or legalization stamps are affixed and visible if required.
• Declaration of Value (DOV) or equivalency certificates correspond exactly to your qualifications.
• Visa application forms are fully and correctly filled out without blank fields.
• Photos on forms meet size and specification guidelines.

Step 7: Book A Visa Appointment

This is probably the greatest obstacle for Pakistani students. Appointments should be booked at least 3 to 4 months before the travel date. For September intake, you will be booking appointment in between April to June. Usually it should be:

• Register at BLS Italy → Book Appointment → Select Student Visa (Long Stay National Visa, Type D) → Choose Visa Application Center Location → Select Appointment Date and Time → Confirm Booking

We wish it was that simple. Italy issues limited appointments for Pakistani students. The students applying for Italy are way more than the available appointments. Because of that there is a high competition. The student who completes the form first and pays the visa application fee secures that slot.

Because of this appointment mafias exist in Pakistan that offer appointment booking service at an absurd premium ranging from 1 lac to 4 lac PKR. They have multiple computers working with bots that quickly fill the form. That is why they book an appointment way before any student can. If you are looking to study for Italy and as mentioned at the start, you will need the help of these booking agents. It’s unethical but we are forced to get their services unless Italy changes the appointment method like Spain did last year, it would create a fair competition for all students that actually want to go study in Italy.

This initially raises the total cost of reaching Italy for a Pakistani student and is the most expensive step in this entire guide.

Step 8: Applying For A Student Type-D Visa

It’s finally the time to apply for the student visa, also known as the Italy Type-D Visa. Please check the checklist at the start and make sure that you have all the documents as any blunder could cost you a rejection, waste your precious 1 or 2 months and your appointment fee.

Reach your designated center and submit the documents to the officer. Be prepared for any questions. Your intention should be clear and genuine.

It usually takes up to 2 months for the decision and the application can be tracked online as well.

Step 9: Pre-Departure Preparation

1. Finalize Documentation

• Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire stay and has your student visa (Type D) affixed correctly.
• Admission Letter: Carry original and multiple copies of your university acceptance or pre-enrollment letter.
• Academic Documents: Carry original and multiple copies of all your academic documents including DOV/CIMEA.
• Accommodation Details: Have proof of accommodation ready – university dorm booking or rental agreement.
• Insurance: Obtain valid travel/health insurance covering the full duration of your visa (at least €30,000 coverage).
• Financial Proof: Carry your bank statements, sponsor letters, and evidence of funds as submitted in the visa application.

2. Understand University and Course Details

• Study course curriculum, credit system, and academic calendar.
• Check orientation schedules and initial registration dates.
• Contact university support services or international student offices for queries.

3. Arrange Travel and Ticketing

• Book your airline tickets after visa approval, preferably refundable or flexible tickets.
• Plan arrival at least 1–2 weeks before semester starts.
• Check baggage limits and pack essentials accordingly.

4. Financial Planning and Currency

• Convert an initial amount into Euros (around €1000) for immediate expenses.
• Carry international debit/credit cards accepted in Italy and inform your bank about travel plans.
• Know local ATM locations and currency exchange outlets.

5. Accommodation and Local Arrangements

• Confirm housing arrangements and connectivity options (wifi, utilities).
• Familiarize yourself with local transport options from airport to accommodation.
• Prepare local emergency contact numbers and embassy contacts.

6. Health and Medical Preparations

• Carry any prescribed medications with prescriptions.
• Check vaccination requirements (COVID-19, other recommended vaccines).
• Understand local healthcare procedures and emergency contacts.

7. Packing Essentials

• Pack climate-appropriate clothing, adapters for Italian power plugs (Type F & L).
• Keep useful gadgets: smartphone with international SIM or roaming, laptop, portable charger.
• Include personal documents safely in carry-on luggage.

8. Cultural and Legal Awareness

• Learn basic Italian phrases and cultural norms to ease communication.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and student rights in Italy.
• Know important rules regarding visa stay, residence permit, and work regulations.

9. Communication and Support

• Save contact info for university, consulate, emergency services, and your local support network.
• Download essential apps for transport, banking, and communication in Italy.
• Join student forums or social media groups for Italian international students.

Step 10: Arrival in Italy & Enrollment

1. Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno):
   • Within 8 days of arrival, apply at the local Questura (police station).
   • Submit visa, passport, university enrolment proof, and housing contract.
   • Process time: 1 to 3 months
2. University Enrollment:
   • Present originals (apostilled + translated), DOV/CIMEA, and passport at the Registrar’s Office.
   • Complete fee payment and receive student ID.
   • Process time: Same day to 2 days
3. Health Insurance Registration:
   • Enroll with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) or maintain private insurance.
   • Process time: 1 to 4 weeks
4. Bank Account and SIM Card:
   • Open a local bank account to manage living costs.
   • Purchase a local SIM for mobile data.
   • Process time: few hours to a day

This is the complete guide from applying in an Italian university till the arrival in Italy for an international, non-EU, Pakistani student. If you have any questions, you can ask in the comment section.