A recent report by Istat revealed that over 27,000 new study permits were granted by Italian authorities in 2023, marking the highest level since 2013, EU Helpers reports.
These study permits now account for 8.3 per cent of all new permits issued for various reasons. Leading the surge is Iran, with 4,209 of its nationals being granted residence permits for their studies.
Nationals of other countries were also granted a high number of study permits, with the figures being as follows:
- China (3,779)
- Türkiye (2,074)
- India (1,785)
- Russian Federation (1,241)
- United States (1,091)
A key finding about study permits in Italy is the gender balance among international students. Data show that in 2023, 54.3 per cent of permits were issued to female students, especially from Russia and the US. In contrast, fewer women from India and Pakistan are studying in Italy, reflecting differences in cultural and socioeconomic conditions.
Iran Leads Surge in International Students in Italy
Additionally, there has been a remarkable rise in Iranian students, jumping from 973 in 2015 to 4,209 in 2023. This surge makes Iran the leading non-EU country for students in Italy. Kazakhstan has also gained recognition, entering the top ten countries for student enrollment in 2022 and maintaining this status with 854 new students in 2023.
Moreover, the average age of non-EU students arriving in Italy is 25.5 years, reflecting a vibrant and youthful demographic.
Lombardy is the most popular region, welcoming nearly 24 per cent of all international students in 2023. In addition to Lombardy, other popular cities include Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont, each hosting around ten per cent of the student population.
This trend reinforces that Western nations offer women greater educational opportunities than regions where traditional norms may limit access.
Italy’s Student Visa Options
For those students who intend to study in Italy, the latter offers two main student visas:
- Visa Type C (Short-Stay Schengen Visa): This visa is for students studying in Italy for up to 90 days, like summer schools or short courses.
- Visa Type D (Long-Stay National Visa): This visa is for students whose courses last longer than 90 days.
The short-stay visa costs €90, while the long-stay visa costs around €50, plus extra fees for the residence permit.
