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The definitive guide for international students

How to Study Design in Italy

Studying in Italy is a unique opportunity for international students who want to develop their creativity in an inspiring, multicultural, and academically excellent environment. If you’re considering enrolling at IAAD. – Istituto d’Arte Applicata e Design, it’s essential to know every step of the process: from applying for your student visa to obtaining your study permit in Italy, and finally starting your courses.

This guide explains exactly how international students can study in Italy, providing all the practical information needed for both EU and non-EU applicants to begin their design education journey successfully.

Do you want to start your journey and study in Italy?
Get ready for an unforgettable experience — but before you go, make sure to pack the IAAD. Handbook.
This step-by-step guide has been designed to help international students through every stage of the process, from arrival in Italy to the first day of classes at IAAD.

READ OUR HANDBOOK

🔝 Summary

EU vs Non-EU Requirements
Step-by-Step Guide: From Arrival to Your First Day at IAAD.
FAQ

EU vs Non-EU Requirements

EU Students (Schengen Area)

May enter Italy with a valid ID card or passport
No residence permit required for stays of up to 90 days
For stays over 90 days, both minors and adults must register at the local Municipality Office

Non-EU Students

Study permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): must be requested within 8 days of arrival at a Post Office (“Sportello Amico”), attaching the official application kit
Declaration of presence: required for initial stays shorter than 90 days (renewable)
Temporary residence and post-arrival assistance provided by the IAAD. support team

🔝 Summary

EU vs Non-EU Requirements
Step-by-Step Guide: From Arrival to Your First Day at IAAD.
FAQ

EU vs Non-EU Requirements

EU Students (Schengen Area)

May enter Italy with a valid ID card or passport
No residence permit required for stays of up to 90 days
For stays over 90 days, both minors and adults must register at the local Municipality Office

Non-EU Students

Study permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): must be requested within 8 days of arrival at a Post Office (“Sportello Amico”), attaching the official application kit
Declaration of presence: required for initial stays shorter than 90 days (renewable)
Temporary residence and post-arrival assistance provided by the IAAD. support team

a Step‑by‑step guide: from coming in Italy to the courses’ start

Step	What to do	Useful links
1. Gather information	The process for international students can feel overwhelming. Download our official Handbook to follow every step without missing any details.	Handbook
2. Student Visa	Apply through the Universitaly portal for the academic year 2026/27.	Universitaly – official ministerial portal
3. Study permit	Request it within 8 days of arrival via the Post Office “Sportello Amico” using the official Ministry of Interior kit.
4. Proof of financial means	Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies (fideiussione is not accepted).
5. Declaration of Presence / Residency Registration	Mandatory for stays less than 90 days, or residency registration for longer stays.
6. Admission Test	Available remotely for international applicants, with flexible scheduling outside standard admission dates.	Register to the Admission test
7. Course Start & Orientation	IAAD. offers housing support, English-language orientation sessions, and integration activities.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

1. Gather Information
The process for international students can feel overwhelming. Download our official Handbook to follow every step without missing any details.
Handbook

2. Student Visa
Apply through the Universitaly for the academic year 2026/27.
Universitaly – official ministerial portal

3. Study Permit
Request it within 8 days of arrival via the Post Office “Sportello Amico” using the official Ministry of Interior kit.

4. Proof of financial means
Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies (fideiussione is not accepted).

5. Declaration of Presence / Residency Registration
Mandatory for stays less than 90 days, or residency registration for longer stays.

6. Admission Test
Available remotely for international applicants, with flexible scheduling outside standard admission dates.
Register to the Admission test

7. Course Start & Orientation
IAAD. offers housing support, English-language orientation sessions, and integration activities.

FAQ

How many days do I have to request my study permit after arriving in Italy?

You must apply within 8 working days after entering Italy, as required by the Ministry of the Interior.

What documents are required for the study permit?

A valid passport with visa, proof of university enrollment, health insurance, and proof of adequate financial means.

Can I apply for my visa and study permit before entering Italy?

Yes. You must first pre-enroll via Universitaly, obtain your eligibility letter, and then apply for your visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country.

How can I prove my financial means?

Through family or institutional guarantees. The official “Study in Italy” portal outlines acceptable criteria.

Can I take the admission test remotely?

Yes. International students can take both the creative test and interview online, with flexible dates.

Is a language certificate required?

Yes, for courses taught in Italian, a B1 or B2 CEFR level is required. This is not needed if you are enrolling in English-taught programs or already have a B2 or higher certificate.

Do I need to know Italian?

For non-EU visa applicants, a basic Italian proficiency check is required for programs taught in Italian, unless exempt according to the Ministry’s official guidelines.

The test is not required for:
– those enrolling in courses taught in English;
– those who have obtained a certification no lower than level B2 among those listed in the Ministerial Guidelines (see ATTACHMENT 1 – CIRCULAR 2025/2026 – VALID FOREIGN QUALIFICATIONS);
– those who hold a secondary school diploma obtained from Italian schools abroad and from schools listed in the Ministerial Guidelines;
– other cases indicated in the Ministerial Guidelines.

FAQ

How many days do I have to request my study permit after arriving in Italy?

You must apply within 8 working days after entering Italy, as required by the Ministry of the Interior.

What documents are required for the study permit?

A valid passport with visa, proof of university enrollment, health insurance, and proof of adequate financial means.

Can I apply for my visa and study permit before entering Italy?

Yes. You must first pre-enroll via Universitaly, obtain your eligibility letter, and then apply for your visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country.

How can I prove my financial means?

Through family or institutional guarantees. The official “Study in Italy” portal outlines acceptable criteria.

Can I take the admission test remotely?

Yes. International students can take both the creative test and interview online, with flexible dates.

Is a language certificate required?

Yes, for courses taught in Italian, a B1 or B2 CEFR level is required. This is not needed if you are enrolling in English-taught programs or already have a B2 or higher certificate.

Do I need to know Italian?

For non-EU visa applicants, a basic Italian proficiency check is required for programs taught in Italian, unless exempt according to the Ministry’s official guidelines.

Any questions?

Visit our FAQ section.

FAQ

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