To study in Italy, you’ll need several documents to apply to universities and for a student visa. Here’s a breakdown of the commonly required documents:

1. For University Admission

Undergraduate Studies:

1. Completed Application Form: From the university’s official website.
2. High School Diploma: Translated into Italian (if required) and certified.
3. Transcript of Records: Detailing your grades and courses.
4. Proof of Language Proficiency:
   • Italian: CELI or CILS certification (if the course is in Italian).
   • English: TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognized English proficiency tests (for courses in English).
5. Letter of Motivation: Explaining why you wish to study the course and your future plans.
6. Passport Copy: A valid passport.
7. Portfolio: (For design, architecture, or art programs).

Postgraduate Studies:

1. Undergraduate Degree Certificate: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
2. Transcript of Records: Showing academic performance.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including academic and professional achievements.
4. Recommendation Letters: From professors or employers.
5. Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose: For research-oriented programs.
6. Proof of Language Proficiency (Italian or English, as applicable).

2. For a Student Visa

Once admitted, you’ll need the following documents for your visa application:

1. Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
2. Letter of Admission: From an Italian university.
3. Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
4. Proof of Accommodation: Such as a dormitory booking or rental agreement.
5. Proof of Financial Support:
   • Bank statements showing sufficient funds.
   • Proof of scholarships or financial guarantees (if applicable).
6. Health Insurance: Valid in Italy and covering at least €30,000.
7. Flight Reservation: A ticket showing intended travel dates.
8. Passport-Sized Photos: Meeting the Italian visa photo requirements.

3. Additional Requirements

• Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore): Issued by the Italian Embassy, confirming your qualification’s equivalence to Italian standards.
• Italian Fiscal Code (Codice Fiscale): Required for opening a bank account and other formalities in Italy.

Tips

• Start the application process early, as it can take weeks to months to prepare and process documents.
• Check specific requirements with the university and the Italian consulate in your home country.
• Keep all translations and certifications from recognized authorities.

Step 1: Choose a Program and University

1. Research Italian universities and programs that suit your academic goals.
   • Popular universities include the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, and University of Padua.
2. Check the program language (Italian or English) and admission requirements on the university’s website.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

General Documents for Admission:

1. Completed Application Form: From the university’s official website.
2. Academic Certificates:
   • High School Certificate (for undergraduate programs).
   • Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (for postgraduate programs).
   • All documents should be translated into Italian or English and certified by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh.
3. Transcript of Records.
4. Proof of Language Proficiency:
   • Italian: CELI or CILS (for Italian-taught programs).
   • English: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent (for English-taught programs).
5. Statement of Purpose (SOP): Explaining your motivation for applying.
6. Recommendation Letters: From teachers or employers.
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
8. Passport Copy: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
9. Portfolio: Required for creative programs like design or architecture.

Additional Documents:

• Declaration of Value (DOV): Issued by the Italian Embassy in Bangladesh to verify your educational qualifications.

Step 3: Apply to the University

1. Online Application: Submit your application through the university’s portal.
2. Application Fee: Pay any applicable fees.
3. Deadline: Application deadlines are typically between January and July for programs starting in the fall.

Step 4: Receive Admission Offer

1. If accepted, the university will issue an admission letter.
2. Some universities may require a pre-enrollment through the Universitaly portal (an official Italian education platform).

Step 5: Apply for a Student Visa

Documents Required for Visa:

1. Visa Application Form: Filled out completely.
2. Admission Letter: From an Italian university.
3. Valid Passport: With at least two blank pages.
4. Proof of Accommodation: Such as a dormitory booking or rental agreement.
5. Proof of Financial Support:
   • Bank statements showing sufficient funds (approx. €6,000 per year).
   • Sponsorship letter (if applicable).
6. Health Insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 valid in Italy.
7. Flight Reservation: Ticket showing intended travel dates.
8. Passport-Sized Photos.
9. Academic Documents: Certified and translated copies.
10. Declaration of Value (DOV): Obtained from the Italian Embassy.

Step 6: Travel to Italy

1. Once the visa is approved, make final travel arrangements.
2. Arrive in Italy and apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days of arrival.

Important Notes

• Language Requirement: If your program is in Italian, you may need to take an Italian proficiency test or enroll in a language course before starting.
• Scholarships: Look into scholarships such as the DSU Scholarship, Invest Your Talent in Italy, and university-specific grants.
• Pre-Enrollment: Required for some universities, done through the Italian Embassy in Dhaka or Universitaly.

1. Politecnico di Milano (Polytechnic University of Milan)

• Focus: Engineering, Architecture, and Design.
• Location: Milan.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Ranked among the top engineering and design universities worldwide.
  • Offers numerous English-taught programs.
  • Located in Milan, a hub for technology, fashion, and business.
• Notable Courses:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Fashion Design

2. University of Bologna

• Focus: Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences.
• Location: Bologna.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Oldest university in the world (founded in 1088).
  • Highly diverse student community.
  • Offers scholarships like the Unibo Action 1 & 2 for international students.
• Notable Courses:
  • Economics and Business
  • International Relations
  • Modern Languages and Literature

3. Sapienza University of Rome

• Focus: Science, Engineering, and Humanities.
• Location: Rome.
• Why It’s Great:
  • One of the largest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
  • Offers a wide range of English-taught master’s programs.
  • Located in the historic and vibrant capital city.
• Notable Courses:
  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Data Science
  • Archaeology

4. Politecnico di Torino (Polytechnic University of Turin)

• Focus: Engineering, Technology, and Architecture.
• Location: Turin.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Known for cutting-edge research and innovation.
  • Affordable tuition fees with scholarship opportunities for international students.
• Notable Courses:
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Industrial Design

5. University of Padua

• Focus: Medicine, Law, and Natural Sciences.
• Location: Padua.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Second-oldest university in Italy (founded in 1222).
  • Strong emphasis on research and innovation.
  • Offers scholarships like the Padua International Excellence Scholarship.
• Notable Courses:
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physics
  • Business Administration

6. Bocconi University

• Focus: Business, Economics, and Finance.
• Location: Milan.
• Why It’s Great:
  • One of Europe’s leading universities for business and management studies.
  • Offers highly competitive English-taught programs.
  • Excellent industry connections and career opportunities.
• Notable Courses:
  • International Management
  • Economics and Social Sciences
  • Finance

7. University of Pisa

• Focus: Engineering, Physics, and Humanities.
• Location: Pisa.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Known for its academic rigor and historical significance.
  • Affordable tuition and cost of living.
• Notable Courses:
  • Computer Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Art History

8. University of Milan

• Focus: Medicine, Life Sciences, and Law.
• Location: Milan.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Offers a blend of traditional and innovative academic programs.
  • Access to Milan’s vibrant cultural and industrial environment.
• Notable Courses:
  • Biotechnology
  • Law and Sustainable Development
  • Medicine

9. University of Trento

• Focus: Computer Science, Sociology, and Engineering.
• Location: Trento.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Highly regarded for research and academic excellence.
  • Known for its supportive environment for international students.
• Notable Courses:
  • Artificial Intelligence Systems
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Cognitive Science

10. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

• Focus: Humanities, Environmental Sciences, and Business.
• Location: Venice.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Combines academic rigor with the charm of Venice.
  • Offers unique programs like Sustainable Development and Global Markets.
• Notable Courses:
  • Tourism Management
  • Environmental Science
  • International Trade

Why These Universities Are Great for Bangladeshi Students

• Affordable Tuition: Many public universities have low tuition fees (typically €1,000–€3,000 per year).
• Scholarships: Opportunities like the DSU Scholarship, Invest Your Talent in Italy, and university-specific scholarships reduce financial burden.
• English-Taught Programs: Widely available in various fields.
• Cultural Experience: Italy offers a welcoming environment with rich culture and history.