Study Visa Checklist
Italian Embassy in Colombo
Version 3/2026 – 03/09/2026
Please note: Under the relevant Italian legislation, the processing time for a study visa application may take up to a maximum of three (3) months. Applicants are therefore strongly advised to submit their applications well in advance, as it will not be possible, under any circumstances, to expedite the processing of applications.
| No. | Document | Yes | No | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Application Form Completed visa application signed by the applicant. Applications of minors should be signed by both parents. |
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| 2 |
One recent ICAO-compliant colour photograph Full face on white background. The photograph must be attached to the application form. |
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| 3 |
Current Passport Passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for a period of at least 3 months beyond the date of return to Sri Lanka. A copy of the current passport bio-data page and a copy of the applicant’s ID must also be provided. |
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| 4 |
Covering Letter Covering letter drafted by the applicant explaining the purpose and aims of the academic study plan, in line with the qualification held by the applicant. |
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| 5 |
General Study Visa – Bachelor’s, Master’s and Single-Cycle Master’s Degree Courses and PhD
“Dichiarazione di Valore” (Declaration of Value) relating to the applicant’s educational or professional certificates, duly legalized by the Consular Office of this Embassy, or alternatively a CIMEA certificate, even if not expressly requested by the university. Proof of enrolment through UNIVERSITALY. Applicants for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Single-Cycle Master’s Degree courses and PhD programmes must demonstrate that they have full and total availability of funds for the entire duration of the degree course, in the amount established by MUR Circular 2026/2028, namely no less than €10,179.85 per year. Alternatively and/or additionally, applicants must provide evidence of a scholarship awarded by the Italian institution. Documentation proving the origin and certain traceability of the funds available to cover the costs for the entire duration of the study period. The applicant’s and/or parents’ or relative sponsor’s most recent Individual Income Tax Return and/or Partnership or Corporate Income Tax Return. Employment details of the parent or relative acting as sponsor, together with an employment confirmation letter, salary slips and/or documents relating to the parents’ socio-economic status. Bank statements for the applicant’s and/or parents’ or relative sponsor’s bank accounts for the last 12 months. Documents relating to assets, properties and vehicles owned by the applicant and/or the parents or relative sponsor. Proof of acceptance of enrolment issued by the Italian school, university or institution. This document should specify the duration and structure of the course, accommodation details, financial grants, if applicable, and any other relevant information. Receipt confirming payment of tuition fees. Proof of accommodation arrangements in Italy. For Bachelor’s, Master’s and Single-Cycle Master’s Degree courses (“Laurea”, “Laurea magistrale” and “Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico”), proof of knowledge of the language in which the course will be held at a level no lower than B2, even if not expressly requested by the university. |
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| 6 |
Research-Based Study Visa – Additional Documents
If the study activity is research-oriented and does not involve paid professional work, the inviting research institute must provide a declaration confirming that there is no remuneration or recourse to autonomous or subordinate work and that the scholarship covers expenses only.1 Financial documents, including salary slips for the last 3 months, if applicable, EPF and ETF contribution statements, personal bank account statements for the last 3 months, including current, savings and fixed-deposit accounts, and certified valuations of movable and immovable assets. If the applicant is employed, a letter from the current employer explaining the purpose of the visit, the date employment commenced, the applicant’s professional status, confirmation of approved leave and details of who will bear the travel and additional expenses. If the applicant is a student, a letter from the school, college, institute or university granting permission for academic leave. |
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| 7 |
Financial Sponsorship by a Third Person, if any If the applicant is financially supported by a third party, the sponsor must provide the following documents: A letter explaining the reasons for financially supporting the applicant and outlining the nature of the relationship or family ties, if any, between the sponsor and the applicant. A letter of employment or proof of the sponsor’s business establishing the sponsor’s financial ability to support the applicant. Bank statements for the sponsor’s accounts for the past 3 months, including fixed deposits, current accounts and savings accounts, providing a clear picture of the sponsor’s financial stability. Certified valuations of movable and immovable assets owned by the sponsor. |
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| 8 |
Insurance Coverage must include overseas medical insurance for a minimum period of 30 days, on the understanding that the applicant will enrol in an insurance scheme upon arrival in Italy. Once in Italy, the applicant should promptly enrol in the designated insurance scheme to ensure continued coverage throughout the stay. |
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| 9 |
Foreign Exchange Letter from the bank stating the issuance of foreign exchange upon receipt of the visa and the applicant’s most recent credit card statements. |
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| 10 |
Confirmed Flight Ticket Reservation Confirmed flight ticket reservation issued by an airline or travel agency. |
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| 11 |
Proof of Previous Travel, if any Copies of visas issued during the last two years by Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. |
Please note
- The Embassy reserves the right to request further documentation if and when required.
- All documents should be provided in original, accompanied by one set of photocopies in A4 size.
- Documents in Sinhalese, Tamil or any other language must be presented with an official English translation and certified by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- For non-Sri Lankan nationals, documents must be certified by the respective Embassy, High Commission or Consulate based in Colombo.
1 In compliance with Article 27 of the T.U. 286/1998, university professors and researchers undertaking academic tasks or remunerative research activities with Italian universities or institutes of instruction must apply for a work visa (subordinate or autonomous).