How to obtain a visa

How to Obtain a Visa Visa Types and Procedure

International students wishing to study in Italy can apply for two different types of visas, depending on their status: visa for study reasons or visa for religious reasons. The application procedures are different, and the University can only offer support for the issuance of the visa for study reasons. Students coming to Italy with a visa for religious reasons, on the other hand, must refer to their own congregation or institute for the entry visa application. Below is more information on the procedures to follow in either case.

Visa for Religious Reasons

The visa for religious reasons is intended for students belonging to religious congregations or institutes who are traveling to Italy for reasons related to spiritual, academic, or community formation.

For the application, it is necessary to provide an official letter from the Major Superior and proof of acceptance at a religious community in Italy.

Click on the button below to find the file with instructions and the steps to follow.

Download the instructions

Study Visa

The visa for study reasons is intended for students who wish to attend a university course in Italy and allows them to stay in Italian territory for the entire duration of their studies.

To obtain it, it is necessary to present several documents to the Italian Consulate in your country, including the pre-enrollment certificate issued by the University.

Below you will find information on the steps to follow and instructions on how to request the Pre-enrollment Certificate.

Applying for a Study Visa

To obtain a study visa (type D), it is necessary to apply to the Italian Consulate in your country.

Each Consulate may require specific documentation: we therefore invite you to consult the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (vistoperitalia.esteri.it) or the website of the competent Consulate to find out the updated requirements.

Among the essential documents, you will also need to present the Pre-enrollment Certificate issued by the University, which certifies your admission and enrollment in an academic program.

Procedure for Obtaining the Pre-enrollment Certificate

Below are the operational steps to follow to obtain the certificate required for the visa application:

1

Admission Application

The first step is to submit the online admission application through the form provided by the Registrar’s Office.

After positive evaluation by the Faculty Dean or Institute Director, the General Secretariat will be asked to draft the pre-enrollment certificate.

Costs and Service Details

Authentication and shipping costs

Service	Cost
Authentication of the certificate	€20
Shipping via insured courier	€40
Total cost	€60 (excluding bank charges)

Payment methods

Payment can be made by bank transfer.

In the description, specify:

“Authentication and/or shipping of pre-enrollment cert. – Name Surname”

Documents to be Attached to the Admission Application

To obtain the Pre-enrollment Certificate necessary for the visa application, it is essential to attach a series of documents to the online application. The documentation is largely similar for religious and lay students, but there are some differences, especially regarding letters of presentation and declarations of responsibility.

Some documents must be submitted in digital format, others in original hard copy at the General Secretariat counter or must be sent to the address:

Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum

Segreteria Generale

Via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190

000163 – Roma (RM)

ITALY

Here is the detailed list, divided by profile.

To be uploaded online (digital format):

Photocopy of a valid identity document (preferably passport)
Indication of the domicile in Rome during studies (indicated in the admission form)
Photocopy of the obtained qualification, including grades
Self-certification of the qualification (model available at the University)
Copy of the Licentiate thesis (only for those enrolling in the Doctorate)
Certificate of knowledge of the Italian language at level B1. (Alternatively: commitment to take the exam or present the certificate within the first semester)

To be submitted in original (hard copy):

Letter of presentation from the Religious Superior or the Ordinary of the Diocese of origin. The Ordinary’s signature must be authenticated by the Apostolic Nuncio.
Declaration of responsibility (“taking charge”) or self-support document.
- If issued by a religious man or woman: it must be authenticated by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
- If issued by a priest, a private individual, or an entity: it must bear the nihil obstat of the Ordinary of the Italian Diocese, with the signature authenticated by the Apostolic Nuncio.
- In case of self-support: the document must bear the nihil obstat of the Ordinary of origin, with the signature authenticated by the Apostolic Nuncio.

To be uploaded online (digital format):

Photocopy of a valid identity document (preferably passport)
Indication of the domicile in Rome during studies (indicated in the admission form)
Photocopy of the obtained qualification, including grades
Self-certification of the qualification (model available at the University)
Copy of the Licentiate thesis (only for those enrolling in the Doctorate)
Certificate of knowledge of the Italian language at level B1. (Alternatively: commitment to take the exam or present the certificate within the first semester)

To be submitted in original (hard copy):

Letter of presentation from the Ordinary of the Diocese of origin. The Ordinary’s signature must be authenticated by the Apostolic Nuncio.
Declaration of responsibility (“taking charge”) or self-support document.

Useful contacts

For assistance or further information regarding the pre-enrollment and visa application process, you can contact the University’s Orientation and Admissions Office:

Email: ammissioni@upra.org

Studying in Italy

International students who wish to study in Italy can apply for two different types of visas, depending on their status: a student visa or a religious visa.

The application procedures differ, and the University can only provide support for obtaining a student visa, which is reserved for lay students.

Religious students, on the other hand, must refer to their own congregation or institute to apply for a religious entry visa.