In 2023, Italy issued more than 27,000 study permits, the most since 2013

Italy saw a remarkable increase in the number of residence permits granted for study reasons last year, up 9.4% from 2022 statistics.

More than 27,000 new study permits were issued by Italian authorities in 2023, the most since 2013, according to a recent Istat report.

Currently, 8.3% of all new licenses issued for various purposes are these study permits. Iran is at the top of the increase, with 4,209 of its citizens receiving study-related residency permits.

Numerous study permits were also issued to citizens of other nations; the numbers are as follows:

• China (3,779)
• Türkiye (2,074)
• India (1,785)
• Russian Federation (1,241)
• United States (1,091)

The gender balance of overseas students is a significant discovery regarding study licenses in Italy. Data indicates that female students, particularly those from the US and Russia, received 54.3% of visas in 2023. However, due to cultural and socioeconomic disparities, fewer women from Pakistan and India are pursuing education in Italy.

Iran Leads Italy’s Increase in Foreign Students

The number of Iranian students has also increased dramatically, rising from 973 in 2015 to 4,209 in 2023. Iran is now the top non-EU nation for students in Italy as a result of this increase. With 854 new students in 2023, Kazakhstan maintained its ranking in the top ten countries for student enrollment, further solidifying its reputation.

Furthermore, the average age of non-EU students coming to Italy is 25.5 years old, indicating a young and active population.

In 2023, Lombardy accounted for around 24% of all international students, making it the most popular area. Along with Lombardy, other well-liked cities with roughly 10% of the student population are Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont.

This pattern demonstrates that Western countries provide women with more educational possibilities than areas where access may be restricted by cultural restrictions.

Italy’s Options for Student Visas

Italy provides two primary student visas for people who want to study there:

1. Visa Type C (Short-Stay Schengen Visa): This visa is intended for students taking short courses or summer schools in Italy that last no more than ninety days.
2. Visa Type D (Long-Stay National Visa):Students whose studies last more than ninety days are eligible for this visa.

The cost of the long-stay visa is approximately €50, plus additional payments for the residency permit, while the short-stay visa is €90.