VISA FEE: CFA F 33,000
The “study – university enrolment” visa allows foreign students to travel to Italy in order to enrol in a degree programme at an Italian University or at an Italian Institute of Higher Education in the Arts and Music (AFAM), whether public or private. The procedure is governed by Legislative Decree 286/1998, Presidential Decree 394/1999, and the annual guidelines issued by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR).
The first step is pre‑enrolment on the Universitaly portal, the only official channel through which international students may apply for admission to Italian university programmes. The procedure generally opens between April and July each year, although dates may vary depending on MUR instructions. Through the portal, the student selects the degree programme and university, uploads the required documents, and waits for the university to issue an initial clearance.
Among the documents to be uploaded on Universitaly, particular importance is given to the Declaration of Value, issued by the Italian Embassy in the country where the qualification was obtained, or to the CIMEA Statements of Comparability and Verification. The Declaration of Value certifies the nature of the diploma, the duration of the educational path, and the legal value of the qualification within the local education system. Without this document, the university cannot complete the evaluation of the application. To obtain it, the student must present the original diploma, transcripts or “relevé de notes”, any supplementary certificates, and an official translation into Italian. Once issued, the Declaration of Value must be uploaded to Universitaly so that the university can lift the conditional admission and confirm acceptance.
Only after the university has lifted the reserve and approved the application may the student submit the visa request to the Embassy of Italy in Abidjan. It is advisable to do so well in advance—ideally between July and September—to allow the consular office sufficient time to review the documentation before the start of the academic year.
To obtain a study visa for university enrolment in Italy, the international student must demonstrate adequate financial means to support themselves throughout the academic period. Regulations require a minimum availability of €534.41 per month, for an annual total of €6,947.33, calculated over thirteen months. This amount may be demonstrated through personal resources, financial support from parents or close relatives, support from Italian or foreign residents in Italy (e.g., through a revolving credit facility in favour of the student), or through scholarships granted by universities, institutions, or public/private bodies considered reliable by the consular office (including scholarships awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The student must also demonstrate the ability to cover return travel expenses (e.g., by presenting a return ticket) and must provide proof of adequate accommodation in Italy. In addition, health insurance coverage valid in Italy, without limitations for urgent hospitalisation, is required.
Alongside financial requirements, a key element is knowledge of the Italian language, at least at B2 level of the CEFR, when the programme is taught in Italian. Italian universities normally verify language proficiency through a test organised by the institution—preferably remotely—before the visa request. Alternatively, a recognised language certificate may be submitted.
What documentation is required?
To obtain the visa, the applicant must submit, in addition to the duly completed and signed application form, a valid travel document and passport photos:
- Pre‑admission letter issued by the University through Universitaly, stating that “the student is admitted to the study programme”;
- Declaration of Value or CIMEA Statement;
- Round‑trip travel ticket (or booking);
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the requested period of stay, according to the parameters established annually by the MUR (for the 2025–2026 academic year: €534.41 per month, for an annual total of €6,947.33), demonstrated through personal bank statements, or those of parents or close relatives (in this case accompanied by a formal declaration of financial support), or through scholarships;
- Health/medical insurance valid in Italy for medical care and hospitalisation, without limitations or exclusions;
- Proof of adequate accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation for at least one month, rental contract, or declaration of hospitality).