Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — StudyVerified 2026-04-20Italy Study Visa — Short Term (Schengen Type C)
The Italy Study C Visa is for students undertaking study or research in Italy for up to 90 days. Students whose admission is subject to an entrance test at an Italian university apply under C; those with a final study certificate/admission for >90 days apply under Study D (long-term). Study C visa is GRATIS (fee-exempt) — only VFS service charge applies. Study visa applications without DoV or CIMEA certificate are NOT accepted unless explicitly not required by the Italian University/Institute.
Heads up — Italy Visa Checklists Vary by Jurisdiction
The info below is per the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi (North Jurisdiction).
Italy splits visa decisions across 4 Indian consulates — New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru — each with slightly different document checklists, fees rounding, and processing nuances. The requirements listed on this page match the New Delhi (North) jurisdiction.
New Delhi (North) jurisdiction covers
SureshotVisa helps Indian applicants across all states (and Indian citizens abroad) — not just New Delhi. If you reside in a Mumbai / Kolkata / Bengaluru jurisdiction state (or outside India), reach out and we'll confirm the exact checklist and steps that apply to your consulate.
Processing
Up to 90 Days processing (not 15 days like other Schengen C)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days
Starting Fee
GRATIS
Apply At
13 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Italy visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1North jurisdiction — Applications from residents of New Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh are decided by the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi. Place of passport issue does NOT determine jurisdiction — residence does. Applications from other jurisdictions go to Mumbai / Kolkata / Bengaluru consulates with slightly different checklists.
- 2Applicant MUST mention their OWN working phone number on the application form and at the counter — not the agent's or representative's number. The Embassy reserves the right to verify, and non-compliant applications may be judged incomplete.
- 3Visa applications must be submitted in the country where the applicant has continuously lived for the last 6 months — proof of residence required. The Embassy cannot process applications from visitors to India (even Indian nationals abroad).
- 4Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages. For Short-term visas, 6 months validity from travel date is required.
- 5Travel medical insurance is mandatory for ALL Schengen visa applicants — minimum €30,000 coverage, valid throughout Schengen territory, covering the entire stay (or repatriation for multi-entry). Only approved Indian Travel Insurance companies are accepted (see VFS Italy site for the current list); alternatively, policies from countries where claims are recoverable in Schengen States.
- 6Polio vaccination certificate required IF applicant is from / stayed >4 weeks in: Afghanistan, Kenya, DRC, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic (vaccination must be 4 weeks to 12 months before travel).
- 7Photo specs: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, light/white background, color, ≤6 months old, 80% face zoom, non-smiling, no sunglasses/hat (unless religious). Stick (don't staple) on the application form.
- 8The Embassy reserves the right to ask for additional documents or a personal interview even if not mentioned on the official checklist.
- 9Visa fee, VFS service charges, and value-added service fees are NON-REFUNDABLE if the application is refused or withdrawn while under processing.
Who Can Apply
- Indian students attending Italian university entrance tests
- Students on short-term exchange programs or summer schools (<90 days)
- Short professional training programs at Italian institutions
Not eligible under this visa:
- Courses >90 days — apply for Study D (long-term)
- Novitiate / religious training — apply for Study visa (D)
- Full-degree enrolment — always D visa
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Embassy Visa Fee — Study C | GRATIS |
| VFS service charge | ₹631 |
Visa fee is GRATIS / FREE for this category. However, the VFS Service Charge of ₹631 (per applicant, inclusive of all taxes) still applies. Optional value-added services (courier, courier assurance, premium lounge) are available at extra cost. Visa fee and service charges are non-refundable if the application is refused by the Embassy of Italy or withdrawn while under processing.
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents (ALL required — points 6, 7, 8 critical)
- !Application form (C) — duly filled + signed
For minors: signed by both parents.
- !One recent passport-size photograph (white bg, not stapled)
- !Valid passport
Issued ≤10 years, 3 months validity beyond visa duration, 2 blank pages.
- !One set photocopy of applicant's passport
- !Personal cover letter
- !Original Study Certificates attested by HRD + duly apostilled by MEA
SDM attestation is NOT accepted.
- !ONE of: DoV (already issued by Italian Diplomatic Mission / DoV application) OR CIMEA Certificate
CIMEA accepted if Italian University accepts it in place of DoV. Without DoV or CIMEA, application is NOT accepted unless Italian institute explicitly waives it.
- !Receipt of FULL PAYMENT of enrolment fees
If portal not yet open or fee not acceptable, provide adequate proof.
- !B2-level English certification (if course in English — IELTS/TOEFL preferred) OR B2-level Italian certification (if course in Italian)
- !Confirmation receipt of enrolment downloaded from UNIVERSITALY portal AND/OR original letter of admission from University/Institute in Italy
Financial Documentation
- !Proof of means of support in Italy (≥€534.41/month or €6,947.33/year)
Income source OR sponsorship letter + sponsor's ID + sponsor's ITR-V (3 years) + sponsor's bank statements (6 months, stamped by bank manager).
- ○Educational loan (accepted only if deposited + visible on bank statements)
- ○Scholarship proof in original (if from Italian Government)
Boarding & Lodging
- !Adequate proof of boarding and lodging for entire intended stay
Hotel booking OR Home Rent agreement OR Accommodation provided by University/Institute.
- !Roundtrip flight ticket
- !Medical Insurance (€30,000 min, includes repatriation clause)
Schengen-compliant Travel Medical Insurance or Italian Insurance Company.
For Minors
- ○Birth Certificate — original, attested, apostilled
- ○If one legal guardian: submit Death certificate / Divorce certificate / Proof of sole custody (attested + apostilled) + 1 copy
- ○If travelling with one parent: original APOSTILLED consent letter from other parent
- ○If minor alone: both parents summoned to Embassy to sign consent
- ○Guardianship acceptance letter from Italian guardian + copy of ID + 1 copy
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Get admission offer / entrance test call from Italian Institute
Original letter OR UNIVERSITALY confirmation.
Get DoV OR CIMEA
DoV from Italian Diplomatic Mission OR CIMEA Certificate (if accepted by your Italian Institute).
Apostille Indian study certificates via MEA
HRD attestation + MEA apostille — SDM alone is not accepted.
Arrange finances, insurance, flight, accommodation
€534.41/month support proof, €30k insurance, roundtrip ticket, hotel/rent/campus accommodation.
Book VFS + submit
FREE visa fee; ₹631 VFS charge. Processing up to 90 days — apply well in advance.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen (C) Visa Application Form — English
Print back-to-back, fully completed and signed by the applicant. A separate form is required per applicant.
Schengen (C) Visa Application Form — Italian
Italian-language version of the same form.
National (D) Visa Application Form
For all long-stay (>90 days) Category D applications.
Declaration on Travel Health Insurance
Mandatory declaration confirming €30,000 minimum coverage from an approved Indian insurer (or approved Schengen alternative).
Processing Time (Waiver) Declaration
Waiver acknowledging standard processing time and the Embassy's right to extend it.
Data Protection Form
Privacy consent for data handled by VFS / Embassy.
DoV Application Form (for Study visas)
Declaration of Value required for study visas when CIMEA alternative not accepted by the Italian university.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply 3–4 weeks before travel — early enough to handle Embassy extension (up to 45 days), not so early that bookings become stale.
- Fill the application form online at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/ita/ BEFORE visiting VFS — most VFS centres have limited on-site PCs and filling there creates long queues.
- Italian-language documents are preferred for Business / Family Reunion invitation letters — if originals are in Italian, include an English translation only when required by the Embassy.
- Buy travel health insurance ONLY from the approved Indian insurers list (VFS Italy maintains the current list) — insurance from non-approved providers is rejected even with €30k+ coverage.
- Indian documents (birth/marriage/relationship certificates) need to be duly apostilled by MEA. Italian certificates are to be requested via the ANPR portal with QR code.
- Financial documents: last 6 months personal bank statements (not business accounts), stamped/signed by branch manager. Last 3 years ITR with barcode + Challan receipts strengthen the case.
- CIMEA certificate — check with your Italian University whether they accept CIMEA in place of DoV. CIMEA is faster to obtain.
- Study C is fee-free (gratis). Only VFS charge applies — don't pay the €90 embassy fee.
- B2 language certification is essential — IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught courses, CELI/CILS/PLIDA/IT for Italian-taught courses.
- Apply ~3 months in advance for Study C — processing can take up to 90 days.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.DoV/CIMEA missing and Italian institute didn't explicitly waive it
- 2.Study certificates attested only by SDM (not MEA apostille)
- 3.Language certification missing or below B2 level
- 4.Financial support below €534.41/month threshold
- 5.Enrolment fee receipt missing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Study C actually free?+
Do I need DoV or CIMEA?+
What's UNIVERSITALY?+
How long is processing?+
Can I do internship on Study C?+
If my admission is subject to entrance test?+
Let us prepare your Italy Study Visa — Short Term — (Schengen Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Italy Visa Types
Italy Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens travelling to Italy for tourism, sightseeing, and non-business leisure — up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Italy Business Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay business visa for Indian professionals making conferences, negotiations, or exploratory business visits in Italy — up to 90 days.
Italy Visit Visa — Family & Friends (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting family members, relatives, or friends in Italy — up to 90 days. EU-national family members use a separate streamlined category.
Italy Research Visa — Short Term (Schengen Type C)
Free-of-charge Schengen short-stay research visa for Indian researchers visiting Italy for research activity (≤90 days) with a Host Agreement (Convenzione di accoglienza).
Italy Religious Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian religious workers (priests, pastors, preachers, teachers) travelling to Italy for up to 90 days for religious work.
Italy Sports Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for professional and amateur Indian sportspeople, judges, and adjudicators participating in sports events in Italy.
Italy Transit Visa (Schengen Type C) — Seafarers
Schengen transit visa for Indian applicants who have flight or ship connection in Italy — typically for seafarers joining/disembarking ships at Italian ports.
Italy Invitation Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian applicants invited by an Italian Public Body or Institution for a 'public' purpose — political, cultural, scientific events.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Italy website and Embassy of Italy. Last verified 2026-04-20. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.