Student Visa

Q&A for SISSA Ph.D. 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 at the Italian Embassy or Consulate of your country of residence. You can find more information and useful contacts at the above mentioned site Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When you have decided where to send the request (Embassy/Consulate), please inform the Students' Secretariat (phd@sissa.it) in order to obtain a supporting letter. The letter will be sent to the Italian Embassy/Consulate, too.

Meanwhile, in order to speed up your Visa request: 1) go to Universitaly website; 2) in the carosello blue window “International Students 2023” of the same website --> follow these steps: a) Registration; b) Pre-enrol now. There, you will enter your personal and academic information and documents and SISSA will validate them. Please note that you do not need to enter an Academic ID in the form.

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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 to 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 held 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?

Regarding this issue, you can query the data base of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Non-EU citizens must have private health insurance with specific requirements, in order for a health insurance policy for foreigners to be considered valid in Italy must meet minimum coverage requirements, set by law and approved by the Consulate/Embassy issuing the visa (minimum coverage € 30,000 € per event, the insurance should cover for hospitalization and urgent medical services, medical repatriation included) the embassy will place a stamp on the insurance.

The private health insurance must be valid from you arrival to Italy till the end of December. For the upcoming year you will submit the application to the health insurance of the Italian Public System, the fee is € 700,00 (you will receive the form and instructions from the Students' Secretariat). The paid amount will be refunded by SISSA.'

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

In SISSA supporting letter is stated that we will support you in finding an accommodation. Sometimes Embassy/Consulate requires a proof of 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.

Tips and warnings

• Before applying for the visa for study purposes, we suggest that you check carefully the application procedures required by the Italian Embassy of your country of residence.
• For the interview, bring all documents, even though they will not ask for it.
• IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Italian Embassy has put a stamp on your invitation letter or on the 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 a health insurance, before doing anything, contact the Students' Secretariat.