Reviewed by Yasir Khan, Founder, LAMTANS Group of Companies, and British Council registered consultant
To study in Italy from Pakistan you pre-enrol on Universitaly, wait for your university to validate it, then apply for a type D student visa at the Italian Embassy in Islamabad. You must show EUR 10,179.85 for the year. This guide covers the 2026/27 steps and costs.
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Study in Italy from Pakistan: Universitaly steps
- Pre-enrol on Universitaly for your course.
- Wait for your university to validate the pre-enrolment. Only validated applicants can apply for a visa.
- Get an appointment. The Embassy of Italy in Islamabad says BLS-Intiana emails appointments in the order your university validated you, and only people who live in the Embassy’s area are accepted.
- Apply for the type D study visa (valid for 365 days) with your documents.
- After you arrive, apply for the permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within eight days.
Italy student visa from Pakistan: deadline and appointment
The visa deadline for 2026/27 degree courses is 30 November 2026. Master’s, PhD and foundation courses have no fixed deadline, but you cannot request the visa after classes start. The consulate decides alone, and a university validation does not guarantee a visa. The Embassy warns that neither it nor BLS-Intiana has a number on a messaging app or charges any deposit or commission for study appointments. No page we opened states the visa fee or the processing time, so we confirm both at your consultation.
Documents for an Italian student visa
- Visa form, photo, passport valid 3 months beyond the visa, and a flight booking.
- Validated and signed Universitaly pre-enrolment, admission letter and motivation letter.
- CIMEA statement of comparability, plus a Declaration of Value, and apostilled education records translated into Italian.
- Language certificate: B2 in all four skills for English-taught degrees, or Italian at B2 for Italian-taught ones.
- Health insurance of at least EUR 30,000 valid across the Schengen area, and accommodation proof.
- NADRA Family Registration Certificate, apostilled and no more than six months old.
- Proof of funds (see below). Documents are valid for six months from issue.
Proof of funds for Italy
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amount | EUR 10,179.85 a year, for 2026/27 |
| Where | A bank account in the student’s name |
| Not accepted | Cash, third-party guarantees, bank guarantees and surety bonds |
| Postgraduate applicants | Six months of signed and stamped bank statements and three years of tax returns |
The Embassy looks for regular monthly funds, not one large deposit. An Italian institution scholarship counts. A sponsor’s affidavit must state the amount, source and duration, and be apostilled and translated. The 2025/26 circular showed EUR 6,947.33, so the 2026/27 figure is much higher.
Working in Italy as a student
Students may work up to 20 hours a week, according to a regional government page updated on 14 August 2026. Longer work needs the permit converted to an employment permit. After an Italian degree, Italian immigration law provides for a permit of nine to twelve months to look for work or start a business. We read that rule through a secondary source, so we confirm it at your consultation.
Study in Italy for Pakistani students: English and HSSC entry
Universities in Italy taught in English
Italy asks for B2 English for English-taught degrees. Politecnico di Milano’s master’s programmes accept IELTS 6 or TOEFL iBT 78, and its English-taught bachelor’s accepts IELTS 5; confirm the score for your own course.
HSSC entry
The circular asks for at least 12 years of schooling. The University of Perugia accepts the HSSC, Intermediate or DAE for first-cycle entry with at least 45%, assessed by subject group. For a master’s, Perugia accepts a four-year bachelor’s, or a two-year pass bachelor’s followed by a two-year master’s. Whether Italy requires a foundation year for HSSC-only applicants is not stated, so each university decides.
Study in Italy for free? Fee waivers and scholarships
The University of Padua lists its International Excellence Scholarship, 100 fee waivers for English-taught degrees and Italian government scholarships. We could not confirm amounts or Pakistani eligibility from an official page.
DSU scholarship Italy
Italy’s DSU (diritto allo studio universitario) is the regional right-to-study scheme. It gives income-tested scholarships, tuition exemption and a regional tax refund (er-go.it). Non-EU families must submit income and asset papers from their own country’s authorities, legalised or apostilled and translated into Italian. Self-certification is never accepted (er-go.it). For 2026/27, ER.GO amounts run from €1,445.08 to €7,171.11, depending on ISEE band and residence status. Lazio’s DiSCo amounts run from €1,145.08 to €7,556.78 and include two daily meals (laziodisco.it). ER.GO’s scholarship deadline was 24 August 2026, and Lazio’s first phase closed in July 2026, so check each region for 2027/28 dates.
How we help
We help with course choice, Universitaly pre-enrolment, CIMEA documents and visa preparation. We cannot promise a visa. Compare other countries on our student visa from Pakistan guide or see all study abroad destinations, including France, Germany and the UK.
Sources
Figures checked on 11 October 2026.
Last updated 16 October 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to study in Italy?
EUR 10,179.85 for the year for 2026/27, in a bank account in your name. Cash and third-party guarantees are not accepted.
What is the Italy student visa deadline for 2026/27?
30 November 2026 for degree courses. Master’s, PhD and foundation courses have no fixed deadline, but you cannot apply once classes begin.
Where do I apply for an Italian student visa in Pakistan?
At the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad. BLS-Intiana emails appointments to validated Universitaly applicants who live in the Embassy’s area.
Can I work while studying in Italy?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week during your studies. Longer work needs a change to an employment permit.
Can I apply to an Italian university with the HSSC?
Some universities accept it. The University of Perugia accepts the HSSC, Intermediate or DAE with at least 45%. Each university decides on a foundation year.