Italy Student Visa for MBBS Students: The Complete 2025 Guide

Italy has become one of the top destinations for international students pursuing an MBBS. With globally recognised medical universities, affordable tuition, and an enriching cultural experience, it offers a golden opportunity for aspiring doctors. But before you step into your classroom, there’s one essential requirement you cannot ignore—the Italian student visa.

1.  What is a Student Visa and Why is it Important?

A student visa is an official entry permit that allows you to live and study in Italy legally. For MBBS students, it is the foundation of their journey. Without a valid visa, you cannot:

• Enrol in your university.
  • Apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno).
  • Access student facilities or legally stay in the country.

Securing your visa on time is as important as clearing the IMAT exam itself.

2.  Visa Requirements: Proof of Financial Stability

One of the most critical parts of the Italian student visa application is proving you can support yourself financially.

• Show Fund Requirement: Students must show ₹30–₹36 lakhs INR in their or their parents’ bank account.
  • Duration: These funds need to be maintained in the account for a period of 3–6 months

prior to the application.

• Important Note: This is only a “show fund” requirement, not money you need to spend. Once your visa is approved, the money can be withdrawn.
  • Alternative Proof: In some cases, consulates may accept:
    • A joint account with parents.
    • Property papers (subject to consulate approval).

This proof assures the Italian authorities that you can cover your living expenses during your studies.

3. The Step-by-Step Visa Process for MBBS in Italy

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the student visa application process:

Step 1: IMAT Result & Conditional Acceptance Letter

Once the IMAT results are published, students who meet the university’s cutoff score will receive a conditional acceptance letter.

Step 2: Pre-Enrollment

This is a mandatory step where you register on the UNIVERSITALY portal to align your application and documents with the university’s requirements.

Step 3: Declaration of Value (DOV)

The DOV (Dichiarazione di Valore) is a document that certifies your educational qualifications are valid for admission to an Italian university.

• An appointment must be booked at a VFS Global centre to apply for it.
• The DOV process generally takes around 30 days. Your visa application cannot proceed without it.

Step 4: Visa Application at VFS

After receiving your DOV, you can formally apply for the student visa.

• The process includes document submission, fee payment, and sometimes a visa interview.
• Visa processing usually takes 30–45 days.

Pro Tip: Prepare for the visa interview.KALINGAEURO offers mock interviews to help you practice and build confidence.

Step 5: Final Enrollment & Unconditional Letter

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Italy and complete the final enrollment at your university.

• You will receive your unconditional acceptance letter, officially confirming your place.
• At this stage, you will also pay the regional enrollment fee, which is typically around

€156.

5.  Other Essential Requirements

Apart from academic and financial documents, the following are mandatory:

• Accommodation Proof: A hotel booking for at least 35 days to prove your initial accommodation plans.
  • Insurance: Both travel insurance and a comprehensive health insurance policy

covering your entire stay.

• Travel Itinerary: Confirmed flight tickets showing your travel plans to Italy.

• Document Verification: Ensure all your documents are apostilled and translated as per the specific consulate’s requirements.

6.  Timeline of the Visa Process

Here is a quick overview of the timeline from your exam result to your final enrollment:

1. IMAT Results → Conditional Letter: (Immediate)
2. Pre-Enrollment → University Formality: (Parallel)
3. DOV Process: ~30 Days
4. Visa Processing: 30–45 Days
5. Final Enrollment → Unconditional Letter + €156 fee: (Upon arrival)

On average, the entire process from the IMAT result to final enrollment takes 2–3 months.

7.  How KALINGAEURO Supports Students

At KALINGAEURO, we simplify the entire student visa process by offering end-to-end support:

• Document Guidance: Helping you prepare financial proof, academic papers, and all supporting documents.
  • DOV & VFS Assistance: Booking appointments and managing the required paperwork.
  • Visa Interview Preparation: Conducting mock interview sessions to boost your confidence.
  • Accommodation & Travel Support: Assisting with hotel bookings, insurance, and air tickets.
  • Final Enrollment Help: Ensuring you complete your final enrollment smoothly and receive your unconditional acceptance letter without delays.

Our mission is to ensure every student can focus on their medical dreams while we handle the complex procedures.