Student Visa

Q&A for SISSA PhD students

Where should I start from?

The first step to get an Italian VISA is to check which documents are required in order to apply, following this website Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On this website please select "Study - POSTGRADUATE" option.

Where to apply for the visa?

In order to obtain your visa, you have to apply for it in the Italian embassy or consulate of your country of residence. The same website as above can provide you some useful information and contacts Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When you decided for the embassy/consulate you will apply your request to, please inform Students' Secretariat (phd@sissa.it) in order to obtain a supporting letter. The letter will be sent to Italian Consulate/Embassy, too.

Meanwhile, in order to speed up your Visa request: 1) please register on Universitaly website; 2) go to the section “international students 2021” of the same website --> Pre-enrol now. There, you will enter your study documents and SISSA will validate them.

What type of visa do I need?

A STUDENT VISA TYPE D FOR STUDY REASONS - POSTGRADUATE (= "long-term") is required in order to fulfill your Ph.D studies in SISSA. It is also recommended to ask for a Multi-entry type visa, in order that you can leave and re-enter Italy before your permit of stay is issued.

What documents do I need in order to apply for the STUDENT VISA TYPE D?

• The visa application form.
• Passport-sized photo.
• Valid passport.
• Letter of admission in SISSA.
• Letter from SISSA stating that you will be awarded a fellowship. This letter will also state that there is no need to prove your knowledge of the Italian language (since teaching and research activities are conducted in English) and that the school will provide Health Insurance and accommodation upon your arrival.
• Travel ticket.
• Declaration of the availability of suitable accommodation/appropriate lodgings in Italy (see above) as well as the funds necessary for repatriation, possibly supported by a return airline ticket.

Is an health insurance needed for getting a VISA or not?

You can query the data base of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about this question. We noticed that sometimes an health insurance can be asked. If you can, pay for the health insurance of Italian Public System via bank transfer (instructions). When you PhD will begin, you will be refund of these fees.

Is a reservation for an accommodation needed for getting a VISA or not?

In SISSA supporting letter is stated that you will be supported in your search for an accommodation. Sometimes consulates ask for a reservation of a temporary accommodation for a minimum of days. Our advise is to reserve a room in an airbnb apartment in Trieste for 2 weeks to show to the consulate operator.

Tips and warnings

Universitaly main page

• Before applying for the visa for study purposes, we suggest you check carefully the application procedures required by the Italian embassy of your country of residence.
• For the interview, take all the documentation that you have, even though they don't ask for it.
• IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Italian embassy has put a stamp on your invitation letter or on pre-enrolment form. Either of these documents with the stamp of the Visa Office is necessary to apply for the permit of stay once you are in Italy.
• WARNING: If the Embassy requests you to take an Italian exam or to buy an health insurance before doing anything contact the Students' Secretariat.