Keystone logo
Italy

Study Law in Italy 2024

Study in Italy

Becoming a Lawyer in Italy

Lawyers in Italy are referred to as "avvocati" and belong to the country's national bar association called the "Consiglio Nazionale Forense". Lawyers may also be members of their local bar association since the legal profession in Italy is decentralized. However, the Consiglio Nazionale Forense is responsible for dispensing disciplinary measures on all practicing lawyers in Italy and adheres to a code of conduct that applies to counselors working in all Italian territories.

Because Italy is a European Union country, its legal education requirements mirror those of other EU countries. Completion of undergraduate (LLB) and graduate level (LLM) is mandatory, along with at least one year of interning with a law firm or other law-oriented entities. Passage of the bar examination is necessary before lawyers can practice law in Italy.

Tuition Fees

Cost of attending law school in Italy varies widely depending on area and whether the university is public or private.

Change currency

Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    408
  • Share of utilities

    66
  • Internet subscription

    28
  • Local transportation

    35

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    9
  • Cinema ticket

    9
  • Pint of local beer

    5

About Italy

Italy is a southern European, parliamentary republic bordered by Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and France and includes the islands of Sardinia and Sicily as part of its territory. The Vatican City and San Marino are sovereign states existing within Italy while the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia is located in Switzerland. With the fourth biggest economy of any European Union member, Italy is also an influential Regional and Middle Power and an established participant of NATO, the World Trade Organization and all three annual "G" summits.

Italy's government is a bicameral parliament consisting of two houses--the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies. The "Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri" (President of the Council of Ministers or Prime Minister of Italy) is head of government and is elected to office by the President of the Republic. The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies are independent entities that never meet unless under specific circumstances as described in Italy's constitution.

Italy's Legal System

Administrative, criminal and civil courts comprise Italy's legal system. Criminal cases involve tribunals, judges and juries, unlike administrative and civil courts that only require lawyers to complete litigation. Following judgment, a party in criminal court can appeal to a higher court up to Italy's Supreme Court, if applicable.

Civil court justice is allocated by the "giudice di pace" (the justices of the peace), judges, tribunals, appeals and supreme courts.

Protection of individual and legitimate interests is the function of Italy's administrative courts. Cases heard in administrative court primarily deal with public interests, public funds and problems surrounding estates, wills or city/village issues.

Visa Requirements

  1. Visa type C: Short-stay visa or travel visa valid for one or more entries and for a period not exceeding 90 days.
  2. Visa type D: Long-stay visa valid for more than 90 days.

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Visa type C; Visa type D

Price and currency

USD 70

The fee for a student visa to Italy is typically around 50-70 USD. The fee may be subject to change.

Who can apply for the visa?

EU/EEA students can enter Italy with a valid passport or an ID card and are entitled to complete a degree in Italy without a visa for as long as they wish. These students must, however, register with the Questura (police station) within 8 days from their arrival, in order to obtain a residence permit.

Non-EU students are required to obtain a student visa prior to entering Italy. For study more than 90 days you will then need to apply for a residency card (permesso di soggiorno) at the local post office within the first 8 days of arrival in Italy. This along with your visa will allow you to stay in Italy for the duration of your studies. There is a fee associated with the residency card.

Citizens of some non-EU countries do not require a visa to stay and study in Italy for a period of up to 90 days.

You can find an overview of these countries here: https://www.immigrationworld.com/italy/how-to-apply-for-italy-student-visa/

Where can you make the application?

Italian embassy or consulate

You need to apply for your student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country. You will also need to have an interview at the embassy or consulate.

Website:

How to make the application?

After you have received the letter of acceptance or letter of admission for your intended course of study, you can check your eligibility for obtaining an Italian student visa and then go ahead with the visa application procedure. You will need to present the following documentation:

  • Entry visa application form; you can find it at
    http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/Moduli/it/Formulario Visto Nazionale.pdf
  • Recent passport-size photograph;
  • Travel document valid for at least three months after visa;
  • Enrollment or pre-enrollment in a university course;
  • Proof that you have accommodation in Italy;
  • Proof that you have financial support (at least € 448,07 per month for the academic year, a total of € 5824,91 per year);
  • Adequate insurance coverage for medical treatment and hospitalization;
  • Proof of the availability of the financial means needed for repatriation;
  • Proof of adequate knowledge of Italian or English according to the language of the program;
  • If the student is a minor, they must have the consent of expatriation signed by each of the parental authorities, or in their absence, by the legal guardian.

When should you apply?

You should apply for an Italian student visa at least three months before your planned arrival to Italy. The processing of your visa application may take between 1–3 weeks. You should schedule your visa interview around four to six weeks in advance.

The length of the student visa depends on the length of your course.

Processing time

3 Weeks

Work opportunities

If you are from the EU, you are allowed to work in Italy without the need for a work permit. Working hours should not exceed 20 hours a week during the semester. You can only work full time during the holidays between semesters.

International students from outside the EU will need to apply for a work permit at a local immigration office in Italy. First, you need to have a signed employment contract and show a copy at the immigration office.

Hours per week

20

Why do you need this type of visa?

Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.