Applying for an Italian language school in Italy: A 2026 guide

Have you always dreamed of immersing yourself in Italy’s rich culture and beautiful language? Enrolling in an Italian language school in Italy and taking part in a study abroad program can be a truly rewarding experience.

And with a little planning, it can become a reality. This guide helps you navigate the process, from defining your goals to packing your bags.

1. What are the first steps to planning your Italian language study?

The first steps involve defining your purpose and choosing your ideal city.

• Define your purpose: Are you looking for a short-term language immersion during a trip, or are you planning a longer stay? For short-term learners from visa-exempt countries, you can study Italian for up to three months without a visa. For longer stays, a student visa will be required. If you need a tourist visa for entry, the process is similar to that for long-term courses. You can check if you need a tourist visa or if you can enter visa-free using our convenient visa calculator.

• Choose your ideal city: Do you envision yourself in a bustling metropolis like Milan or Rome? Or perhaps a charming smaller city like Siena? If you dream of the sea, coastal towns such as Salerno or Taormina might be ideal. The choice of city will significantly shape your experience, so pick one that resonates with your aspirations.

2. How do you select the right language school and course?

Italy offers a wide range of excellent language schools; however, it’s important to ensure that the one you choose is recognized by the Italian government and meets high quality standards. You can verify this by checking whether the school is a member of accredited quality associations, such as IALC or ASILS.

All our partner schools fit these criteria and are located throughout Italy. You can check them on our dedicated page to find the perfect fit.

• Course options: Choose from various courses based on intensity and class size. Many schools also offer special programs, such as preparation for university entrance, culinary arts, film studies, or certification exams.

• Visa requirements: For the student visa purposes, a minimum of 20 hours of lessons per week is usually required. This is the most common type of course and an excellent choice not only for those who need a visa, but also for anyone who wants to learn Italian quickly while still having time to explore the city and experience everyday Italian life.

3. What is the application process for an Italian language school in Italy?

Once you’ve chosen your school and course, the application process involves the following steps

• Complete the online application form: This will typically include details about your preferred school, your desired study length, your current Italian language proficiency (if any), and other personal information.

• Pay the deposit: To secure your spot, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This is not a fee required by Go! Go! Italia, but it is school charge and it is deducted from the total amount of the school costs. The deposit amount can vary by school, ranging from around 200 Euro to roughly 25% of the total tuition fee. This initial payment confirms your commitment and reserves your place in the program.

• Settle the remaining tuition fee: After paying the deposit, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance of your tuition. For short-term courses, it’s generally acceptable to pay within a few weeks before the course begins or even on the first day of school. However, if you require a visa, you have to pay the full amount within a few weeks before your visa interview. This ensures that your enrollment documents, crucial for the visa application, can be issued in a timely manner.

4. How do you obtain your visa and prepare for departure?

The final steps involve securing your visa and preparing for your journey.

• Obtain necessary enrollment documents for visa application: Once your tuition is paid, the school will issue your official enrollment documents. These are vital for your visa application. Gather these documents along with any other required paperwork for your embassy interview. You can check the required documents here.

• Receive your visa and depart for Italy: After your visa interview, assuming all your documents are in order, you can typically expect to receive your visa within a couple of weeks to a month. With your visa in hand, it’s time to pack your bags and embark on your incredible journey to Italy!

Start your Italian adventure today! Go! Go! Italia is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us!