Visa Information for Kenyan Students Heading to Italian Universities

To study in Italy, Kenyan students must obtain a D National Visa.

If you are a student with a strong desire to pursue your education in Italy, this particular visa is tailor-made for individuals like yourself. Here are the necessary steps Kenyan students must take to obtain a student visa for studying in Italy.

To apply for a visa, you have two options. The first is to access the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and submit it at the VFS Global Centre. The second option is to directly submit your application to the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi, Kenya. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at the centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken. If you decide to apply online, the payment will be taken care of during the application process.

If you choose to download and print the form and bring it to the Visa Application Centre, you will have the opportunity to make the payment during your appointment. As part of the visa application process, Kenyan students will need to provide biometric information. This includes fingerprints and photographs, which are used by countries to enhance security measures. It is important to note that a visa interview is not necessary during the application process.

To make sure that your entire degree program falls under the Italian D National Visa’s validity period of more than 90 days, you might need to request an annual renewal. After completing your degree, if you decide to stay in Italy, it will be necessary to either request a new visa or prolong your current one in the immigration office. Keep in mind that an amount of 50 EUR must be paid to apply for the visa. The method of payment will differ depending on your circumstances, could be online, at a visa application centre in Kenya or payment through a bank transfer.

To obtain an Italian visa, it is mandatory for Kenyan students to acquire health insurance. Also, a key requirement for this visa application process is furnishing proof of financial stability which includes an adequate monthly sum of 460 EUR or more to sustain oneself throughout the course of study. However, Kenyan students are exempt from demonstrating their English proficiency skills if they intend to attend an international school in Italy. Having the necessary skills is crucial for success in your classes and navigating Italy. Setting up a Restricted Bank Account will not be necessary for Kenyan students. This type of account limits monthly withdrawals and can only be accessed upon arrival in Italy.

The processing time for Schengen visas varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case. To ensure sufficient time for processing, applicants should submit their applications at least four weeks before their intended travel date. In cases where all the necessary documents are promptly provided to the Embassy (excluding the day of submission and return to VFS), the processing time typically amounts to ten calendar days.