Italy is a popular study destination for international students. It offers quality education, affordable tuition, and lower living costs than some Western countries. The country also has a rich culture and history, making it an attractive option for international students.
Just like every other international student, working and studying are possible for you if you live in Italy. However, that could only happen under certain conditions. Not awful conditions, anyway.
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If you are an international student from any of the EU countries, you have the right to work while studying in Italy. However, your study hours should not exceed 20 hours per week. But you may get more hours if the school is on holidays.
On the other hand, if you are a non-EU student, your conditions might differ a little. You may only get permission to work during your studies if you obtain a work permit. Your job offer must be from an Italian-based employer, and this requires a process that may be slightly complicated. To process your work permit, it might take up to two months. This depends on your region of residence, though. Advisably, do not rush to get a job offer the moment you arrive in Italy. Focus more on getting acquainted with your environment and understanding how people live their lives.
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Student job in Italy
Finding a part-time job as an international student in Italy is one of the wisest decisions to make. There are varieties of jobs to be chosen from, and you will be able to make some money to finance your expenses without being stuck with loads of needs and no means of offsetting them.
To further buttress the above point, your visa status will stipulate if you are eligible to work in the country. You can only work part-time for 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours during the vacation periods.
You might also be lucky to get a university-assisted internship for bachelors and postgraduate students. These jobs do not just pay well; they offer experience and career development that will help you as a student and during your job search.
Students who are native English speakers will be able to find a job with home tutoring. This kind of job is sought after in Italy, as long as you have attained a proficient level of English skills. You get your pay in hours, and the hourly rate is, on average, €30. This is quite encouraging.
Similarly, many universities offer paid jobs to their students to take up roles within the university. Faculties and departments also do likewise. You can use the pay from these jobs to offset tuition or living costs.
If you have a basic knowledge of the Italian language, you can apply for jobs in many service sectors like supermarkets, warehouses, restaurants, cafes, and so on. These jobs require some level of Italian for communication purposes.
If you have online skills, you can focus your attention on online gigs or digital space jobs. Writing, editing, social media management, graphic design, web design, and digital marketing, among others, are especially good for you. While cashing in on them, you would be the one in control of your time. You can also work at any time, even without a work permit, as most of your services are on a freelance basis. However, do not forget your number one reason for being in Italy.
Finally, you could find some part-time jobs in your field, as it is a good way to gain hands-on knowledge and experience even before you graduate. Some of the experiences you gain are going to help you apply for higher level jobs in your field.
Tuition Fees and Funding in Italy
Universities in Italy set their own tuition fees. However, state universities have a legal minimum fee for enrollment and a maximum amount students can contribute towards their costs and services. This should not exceed 20% of state funding. The range of tuition fees at the Italian state universities is between €150 and €4,000 per year.
On the other hand, private universities charge far more than state universities in Italy. Their tuition could get as high as €20,000 per year. EU or EEA students probably would not pay more than Italian citizens, but not so for other nationals. To gain admission to study, any postgraduate degree program attracts a higher tuition fee. If you receive a grant from the university, you are not expected to pay tuition fees.
All students have the same platform to apply for financial aid. The funding will be based on your financial condition and academic merits. The financial support you receive can help you take care of tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses. You can get across to your institution for further information on this.
Getting a part-time job in Italy is one way to fund your education. But as you may not work under certain conditions imposed by your visa, it is not advisable for you to solely rely on getting a part-time job to offset your expenses. Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses, assuming you are not able to get a part-time job.
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Living in Italy as a student
Italy is one of the most beautiful places you could live and study. Although it has a world record for gastronomical delight, the food in Italy is quite affordable for international students. So, if you are gastronomic, Italy might give you just what you delight in.
Also, Italy has wonderful countryside features like mountains, volcanoes, beaches, and coastlines. Most of the major cities are located close to the coast, which means that studying in this beautiful country will earn you a great experience you will never stop talking about.
Living in Italy as a student might not afford you the opportunity to live on campus, as most universities do not have residential halls. However, you could meet a housing officer who would help you secure decent accommodations around the university.
Make sure you look for accommodations specifically for students, as they are cheaper than searching for a house on the private market. More so, the location of your university will play a great role in how much you can spend on expenses with regards to your accommodation, food, and overall standard of living. However, you should budget around €500–€1 000 per month for accommodation or €1 200–€1 500 per month for general expenses, including social activities.
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Transportation in Italy
The major means of transport in Italy is public transport, as there is a decent network of transportation, including buses, trains, trams, and metros. You might also choose to buy a moped—some cities in Italy are already swamped with this! A moped is a light-weight, two-wheeled vehicle that is designed not to go faster than a specified speed limit. You will need skills and confidence to be able to enjoy your ride.
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Student Visas and Immigration
Citizens of the EU who came to study in Italy do not need a student visa in order to do so. What they just need is a valid identification card or passport. Also, they can stay for the length of time they want. But then, if you plan to stay longer than 3 months in Italy, you need to register with the Italian National Health Service to gain full health coverage.
However, it is not so with non-EU students. International students who are citizens of non-EU member states must possess an Italian student visa before they are permitted to enter the country.
For convenience’ sake, it is advisable that you start the visa application three months before the commencement of your degree program in Italy. It could take up to 60 days before the issuance of a visa, so you must start early enough in order not to be caught in the web of confusion.
If possible, contact the Italian embassy in your home country for further information and advice. Nevertheless, you are likely to need the following documents, which are to be made available by the university where you are planning to study in Italy:
- Letter of acceptance
- Letter of enrollment
- Insurance letter
- Course schedule.
The student visa to be issued to you will be valid for the length of time you will stay in Italy for your studies only. For it to be issued to you, you must present proof that you have:
- I secured suitable accommodation in Italy.
- The financial means to support yourself
- Medical insurance to take care of your health issues in Italy
- A valid return ticket or have made a financial provision for your travel back to your home country after your studies.
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Stay Permits for Non-EU Students
For you to be permitted to arrive in Italy, you must have your student visa. With this, you can apply for your stay permit, which is for study purposes. Ensure this is carried out within your eight days of arrival in the country. If you do not have a stay permit in Italy and mistakenly leave the country, you may not be permitted to return to Italy.
To get your stay permit, you have to visit the local police station (Questura) closest to your residence. Furthermore, you will need the following in order to apply for your Italian town or city residence:
- A valid passport with an Italian study visa
- Proof of bank statement or any financial means to sustain yourself in Italy
- Certificate of health insurance.
In addition, if there is a need for you to move to a different location in the course of your stay in Italy, your change of address must be reported to the local police station within 15 days of your relocation.
Conclusively, Italy is a great place for you to study. If you choose to work while studying, it is fine. Just
