Italy is one of the most sought after countries in the world not only for students looking to study abroad, but also for many researchers who come to Italy to research, as well as for many who come to find jobs. Besides, a huge number of tourists also visit Italy to enjoy its scenic beauty and rich history. Italy is therefore a bustling country which has so much to offer that it is not possible to list all that here. Suffice to say, Italy is an enchanting place.
Italy is also a place where the culture is multi-ethnic and the people are welcoming and warm. A large number of students therefore come to study in Italy, including from India. This is because a study in Italy for Indian students can open windows of opportunity for the students and give them a chance to prove their mettle in any field they choose.
Before you set out to apply for studies in Italy, here are some of the requirements that you need to take care of-
- Get your Documents in Order
The most important document that you need is of course your passport. Keep it ready and handy. Besides, most foreign universities have their own systems of verifying qualifying marks and your academic records. Most universities in Italy require you to produce marks transcripts of your qualifying exams or an equivalency certificate from the qualifying institute. You should therefore contact your potential university to be sure about the documents that you need and keep them ready in advance.
- Clear a Language Test
Most universities in Italy teach in the English language to foreign students. For such courses and universities, you must produce a good test score in an English language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL etc. You should check which test are considered valid in the university you are applying in, and appear in that test accordingly. Some courses and universities in Italy also require you to have a basic functioning knowledge of Italian. While some universities teach Italian to you through add on courses in your first semester, some also require you to learn the language beforehand. Check with your potential university for details.
- Be Prepared to List your Plans and Objectives
Admission to some courses in Italian universities require you to write certain specific letters like cover letters or statements of purpose. These are documents written by the candidates themselves, outlining their aims and objectives for studying a particular course in Italy. Some courses also require you to produce a research outline. You should be ready with all these.
- Contact your Referees
Some courses in Italian universities like the ones for which admissions are held all year round like doctorate courses require you to furnish reference letters. These are letters to be written by a teacher or a professor or a senior that you studied or worked under, and these are demanded by the university to have a sort of guarantee of your capabilities. You should therefore stay in touch with some of your previous teachers because you might have to ask them to write a reference letter for you.
- Check the Visa Formalities
An Italy student visa is of different types depending on the country you belong to and the duration of your course. As an Indian student, the most commonly required student visa is the Visa type D, which is a Long-stay visa valid for more than 90 days. You should be in contact with the university you have applied to for formalities regarding your visa status.
- Keep Some Cash Handy
There are some additional costs involved with studying in a foreign country besides the cost of study. These include your travel expenses, visa processing fees, and miscellaneous charges. You should therefore keep some cash handy to meet all these expenses.