Student Visa: Overview for Nigerians ₦416,767
The Student Visa is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Italy. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Student Visa fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦181,748 (~$133 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦10,884,506 (~$7,967 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦235,019 (~$172 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦416,767 (~$305 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦416,767 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦181,748: Paid to the Italy immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Credential evaluation — ₦235,019: A third-party body (WES, ACS, Engineers Australia, SAQA, or equivalent) verifies that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet Italy’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
- Proof of funds — ₦10,884,506: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 4–8 weeks (apply well before semester start)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Student Visa requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦416,767 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 4–8 weeks (apply well before semester start).
Expert tip
Student Visa
Italy is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for affordable education. Public universities charge €900–€4,000/year for non-EU students — a fraction of UK or US fees. Sapienza in Rome can be as low as €300–€1,500/year based on family income, while Politecnico di Milano charges ~€3,900–€4,000/year. Private institutions like Bocconi cost €17,000–€18,500/year. The financial requirement is €6,947.33/year (~$7,572 USD), proven through a bank letter (not statement) on letterhead with a wet signature. You need health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage — students can voluntarily enroll in SSN for ~€2,000/year or get private insurance for less. You can work up to 20 hours/week (1,040 hours/year). After graduating, apply for the ‘permesso di soggiorno per attesa occupazione’ — a 12-month post-study job-seeking permit. CIMEA evaluation (€150) validates your Nigerian qualifications for university admission.
Where Nigerians settle in Italy
Once your Student Visa is approved, most Nigerians head to Milan or Rome. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Milan: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,967,891/month · Lagos–Milan flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Large
- Rome: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,544,857/month · Lagos–Rome flights from ~$510 · Nigerian community: Large
- Bologna: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,436,749/month · Lagos–Bologna flights from ~$550 · Nigerian community: Medium
Life in Milan
Milan is Italy’s economic capital and most expensive city — but also where the best-paying jobs are, especially in finance, fashion, tech, and design. Numbeo data shows 1-bed apartments averaging €1,472 in the city centre and €1,033 outside. Skip the centro and look at Quarto Oggiaro, Corvetto, or Lambrate for rents under €900. The ATM monthly transit pass costs €39 and covers metro, tram, and bus across the city. Milan has a growing Nigerian community and several African grocery stores in the Porta Venezia and San Siro areas. The job market is strong for tech and engineering roles, and Milan’s position as a European business hub means more English-speaking workplaces than other Italian cities.
3% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Italy as their destination. Average Japa Score: 58/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦300K–₦700K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Student Visa cost for Nigerians moving to Italy?
- Total government fees for the Student Visa are ₦416,767 (about $305). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦235,019, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Student Visa processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Student Visa is 4–8 weeks (apply well before semester start). Apply from the Italy High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Student Visa?
- You need to show ₦10,884,506 ($7,967) in savings for the Student Visa. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Student Visa application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Credential evaluation from an approved body is required to verify your Nigerian qualifications. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦10,884,506 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Italy.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02