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Meta title: Italian Language Courses in Italy: Visa, Fees | StudyU
Meta description: Italian language courses in Italy: type C or D visa, the 20-hour rule, 2026–2027 fees in Perugia, Siena and a private school, proof of funds, CILS and CELI.
Last modified: 2026-10-01

# Italian Language Courses in Italy: Visas, 2026–2027 Prices and Choosing a School

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Italian courses in Italy come in three main forms: short intensive courses at private schools, long semester or year programmes, and courses at the two universities for foreigners in Perugia and Siena. A Russian citizen needs a Schengen type C study visa for a course of up to 90 days and a national type D visa for anything longer; for a private school, the Moscow consulate expects at least 20 hours of classes per week, and its document list for language courses includes an Italian certificate at B2 or above. A month at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (levels A1–B2) costs about $610 (€540) for 18 hours a week, and Siena charges about $644 (€570) until the end of 2026. A full year at a private school costs roughly $6,500–7,000 in tuition alone, before accommodation.

| At a glance | As of 1 October 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Course up to 90 days | Schengen type C study visa; per the Moscow consulate list, no consular fee |
| Course over 90 days | National type D "Study" visa, fee about $56 (€50), then a residence permit within 8 working days |
| Minimum load for a type D visa at a private school | 20 hours a week (Moscow consulate list) |
| Courses at universities for foreigners (Perugia, Siena) | The visa route requires Universitaly pre-enrolment |
| Perugia, A1–B2 | About $610 (€540) for 4 weeks, 18 hours a week |
| Siena | About $644 (€570) a month until December 2026, about $689 (€610) from January 2027; 80 hours a month |
| Private school example | Scuola Leonardo da Vinci: about $294 (€260) for one intensive week of 20 lessons of 45 minutes |
| Proficiency certificate | Not included: CILS, CELI or PLIDA are separate exams |

Palazzo Gallenga in Perugia, home of the University for Foreigners, June 2010. Photo: Bibopg79 / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palazzo_Gallenga-Stuart.JPG), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## Which format fits your goal {#section-1}

Start with why you need Italian. The answer decides the city, the school, the length and the visa.

| Goal | Format | Length | Visa for a Russian citizen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Start speaking, a working holiday | Intensive private course, 20–30 lessons a week | 1–8 weeks | C |
| Prepare for an Italian-taught degree | Long course up to B2 with CILS or CELI preparation | 6–12 months | D |
| University setting and credits | Courses at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia or di Siena | A month, a term or longer | C, or D through Universitaly |
| Test the language before committing | Courses at home, such as the Italian Cultural Institute in Moscow | One term | None |
| Italian for work or relocation | Business or professional course plus an official exam | 1–3 months | C or D |

If Italian is a step towards a degree, work back from the programme's requirement: Italian-taught degrees usually ask for a B2 certificate. The full admission route for Russian citizens is in our guide to [studying in Italy as a Russian citizen](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-in-italy-for-russian-citizens). Cities, universities and the general study route are on the [Study in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-italy) page.

## Study visa for a language course: the Moscow consulate's list {#section-2}

The Italian consulate in Moscow places language courses, secondary schooling and university preparation in one visa category. Its document list gives the main rules.

Courses up to 90 days. One set of documents, no consular fee, health insurance for the whole stay and return tickets. For a type C visa, the proof-of-funds list also asks for the applicant's employment record from Russia's Social Fund for the last 10 years, with a digital signature.

Courses over 90 days. Two identical sets, a consular fee of about $56 (€50), and insurance for at least the first 30 days. The school's invitation must state:

- the course dates and description;
- the number of hours per week, at least 20;
- the exact accommodation address;
- any scholarship and its amount.

Add the enrolment certificate and proof of payment. The list also asks for a copy of your previous education diploma and expects the course to relate to your field; otherwise a motivation letter in English or Italian is needed. The consulate makes the visa decision.

The B2 certificate on the list. Item 7 of the Moscow list reads, in Russian: «Международный сертификат (классификация Совета Европы) о владении итальянским языком не ниже уровня В2 (для языковых курсов)» — in English, "An international certificate (Council of Europe scale) of Italian at no lower than level B2 (for language courses)". Unlike the diploma copy, which the list requests only for a type D visa, this item is not tied to a visa type. For a beginner it is a real obstacle for both the short and the long study visa. Before paying for a course, ask the visa centre whether a file without such a certificate will be accepted for your programme; the final decision remains with the consulate.

Funds. For courses the consulate applies the Italian Interior Ministry table: for stays over 20 days, €206.58 plus €27.89 per day.

| Course length | Minimum funds per person |
| --- | --- |
| 1 month (30 days) | About $1,179 (€1,043.28) |
| 3 months (90 days) | About $3,069 (€2,716.68) |
| 6 months (180 days) | About $5,905 (€5,226.78) |
| 9 months (270 days) | About $8,741 (€7,736.88) |

Unpaid accommodation and tickets are added on top. For a type D visa the consulate also asks for proof of the student's or a parent's income: an employment letter and a three-month statement. Cash and currency exchange receipts are not accepted.

Where to file. Moscow and Moscow Region: VMS; other regions of the Moscow consular district: Almaviva; the North-West: the Saint Petersburg consulate through VMS. Applicants aged 12 and over give fingerprints in person. Timelines and centres are covered in our [Italian student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-italy).

Teenagers. A study visa for a minor is available from age 15, or from 14 only for cultural exchange programmes authorised by the Italian foreign and university ministries. An adult in Italy must take responsibility for the child, with notarised parental consents and a signed letter of responsibility. See our guide to [secondary school in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-secondary-school-in-italy).

After entering on a type D visa, the student has 8 working days to apply for a residence permit, as explained in our [permesso di soggiorno guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-permesso-di-soggiorno-for-students).

## The "20 lessons a week" trap {#section-3}

Private schools count lessons; the consulate counts hours. In Scuola Leonardo da Vinci's 2026 price list a lesson lasts 45 minutes, so a standard 20-lesson intensive equals 15 clock hours a week. That may not be enough for a long type D visa. Before paying, ask the school to state the load in hours in the visa invitation and make sure it reaches 20.

## Universities for foreigners: Perugia and Siena {#section-4}

Two state universities specialise in Italian as a foreign language: the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (home of the CELI exam) and the Università per Stranieri di Siena (home of CILS). Their courses are longer and more academic than private-school courses, and Siena awards ECTS credits for passed monthly exams.

|  | Perugia | Siena |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | A1–B2: about $610 (€540) per 4 weeks; C1 and C2 from about $542 (€480) | About $644 (€570) a month or $1,751 (€1,550) for 3 months until December 2026; from January 2027 about $689 (€610) and $1,887 (€1,670) |
| Load | 18 hours a week at A1–B2, 50-minute lessons | 80 hours a month, 240 hours per term |
| Level length | A1: 2 months; A2–C2: 3 months | Each level is one term |
| Start dates | Terms start in January, April, July and October; single months can be booked any time | Modules January–March, April–June, July–September, October–December |
| Discounts | About $56 (€50) off if paid by the 10th of the previous month | 10% from the fourth month |
| Outcome | Level certificate after the final exam, with at least 70% attendance | 4 ECTS per month for a passed exam; no more than 16 hours of absence |

For these courses the Moscow consulate list requires a Universitaly pre-enrolment validated by the university. This is a separate route from a private school's invitation, so plan early: the pre-enrolment window follows the university's calendar.

Count the hours as well. Perugia teaches 18 hours a week at A1–B2, below the 20 hours the list requires in a commercial school's invitation. University courses rest on a different basis (Universitaly pre-enrolment) and the list sets no separate hours rule for them, but the consulate may still assess the workload. If you go to Perugia on a type D visa, ask the university to confirm in writing that your course qualifies for a study visa. Siena's 80 hours a month equal 20 hours a week. Siena enrols school leavers holding a certificate that gives university access and has a separate form for those without one.

Siena also states clearly that attending courses and passing the monthly exam does not give a CILS certificate; CILS is taken separately at an official session.

## Private schools: what the price includes {#section-5}

Private schools suit short stays: new groups start almost every week, evening and one-to-one formats are available, and the school helps with accommodation. Here is the 2026 price list (valid 1 January to 31 December 2026) of one chain with centres in Florence, Milan, Rome, Turin and Viareggio, Scuola Leonardo da Vinci:

| Programme | Load | Price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Intensive, 1 week | 20 lessons | About $294 (€260) |
| Intensive, 4 weeks | 80 lessons | About $1,017 (€900) |
| Long-term intensive, 12 weeks | 240 lessons | About $2,373 (€2,100) |
| Semester course, 24 weeks | 480 lessons | About $4,067 (€3,600) |
| Academic School Year, 32 weeks | 650 lessons | About $7,000 (€6,195) |
| Sabbatical Year, 48 weeks | 960 lessons | About $6,508 (€5,760) |
| Registration fee | Once per 12 months | About $90 (€80) |

According to the school, the price covers tests, materials, documents for the visa and residence permit, and a certificate of attendance. Accommodation is extra: a single room in a shared flat for the Academic School Year is about $8,315 (€7,360) for 32 weeks, a homestay room with breakfast about $9,575 (€8,475). CILS preparation is a separate course, and the exam fees at this centre are about $102 (€90) for B1 and $119 (€105) for B2, plus about $34 (€30) for exam registration.

This is one example rather than a national average. When comparing schools, compare the price per hour rather than per week, and add accommodation, insurance and visa costs.

## What six months of Italian in Italy costs {#section-6}

An example for a 24-week private course, excluding flights:

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Course, 24 weeks (Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, 2026) | About $4,067 (€3,600) |
| Registration fee | About $90 (€80) |
| Type D consular fee | About $56 (€50) plus the centre's service fee |
| Minimum funds for a 180-day visa | About $5,905 (€5,226.78) |
| Accommodation | School offer or city market; the visa needs a confirmed address |

The funds figure is the minimum the consulate checks, not a forecast of your spending; real living costs in Milan or Florence are usually higher. For legal ways to pay a school from Russia, see our guide on [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## A course certificate is not a proficiency certificate {#section-7}

A school or university-for-foreigners document proves attendance. Universities, and some administrative procedures, expect a CLIQ certificate instead: CILS (Siena), CELI (Perugia), PLIDA (Società Dante Alighieri) or Cert.it (Roma Tre). These exams are held at accredited centres, including in Russia. Levels, dates and fees are in our guide to [Italian language certificates CILS, CELI and PLIDA](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-italian-language-certificates-cils-celi-plida).

If the course is preparation for a degree, choose one that ends near an exam session and check which certificate your target university accepts.

## Learning Italian at home first {#section-8}

The Italian Cultural Institute in Moscow, part of the Italian Foreign Ministry network, runs courses from A1 to C2, in person and online; its course website is linked from the institute's official page, and CILS can be taken there. A year or so of classes at home is often cheaper than the same progress in Italy. If you travel with a CILS or CELI certificate at B2, the certificate item on the Moscow list is covered, and the course in Italy becomes polishing and admission preparation.

## Questions to ask a school before paying {#section-9}

1. How many hours (not lessons) per week, and how long is a lesson?
2. Will the visa invitation state hours, dates, accommodation address and payment details?
3. What is the maximum group size, and what happens if you are the only student at your level?
4. Does the course prepare for CILS, CELI or PLIDA, and is the school an exam centre?
5. What are the refund terms if the visa is refused?
6. What does school-arranged accommodation cost for the whole stay, and what is included?
7. Is there a registration fee or a materials fee?

## Common mistakes {#section-10}

- Buying 20 lessons of 45 minutes for a type D visa. The consulate counts hours, and 15 hours falls short.
- Applying for a long course with no link to previous study or work and no explanation. The consulate expects a motivation letter.
- Treating Perugia or Siena like a private school. Their courses require Universitaly pre-enrolment on the university's timetable.
- Treating a school certificate as a language certificate for university. Admissions use CILS, CELI, PLIDA or Cert.it.
- Paying in full before confirming the course meets the visa rules. Get the invitation and check the requirements first.

## FAQ {#faq}

### What visa do I need for an Italian language course?

For a course of up to 90 days, a Russian citizen needs a Schengen type C study visa, which the Moscow consulate list issues without a consular fee. For a longer course, a national type D visa with a fee of about $56 (€50) is required, followed by a residence permit. The Consulate General of Italy decides on the visa.

### How many hours a week does a type D course visa require?

According to the Moscow consulate list, a private school's invitation must show at least 20 hours of classes a week. Many schools count 45-minute lessons, so 20 lessons equal 15 hours. Ask the school to state the load in hours; whether the programme is sufficient is the consulate's decision.

### How much do Italian courses in Italy cost in 2026?

At Scuola Leonardo da Vinci an intensive week costs about $294 (€260) and 24 weeks about $4,067 (€3,600), plus a registration fee of about $90 (€80). At the Università per Stranieri di Perugia a month at A1–B2 costs about $610 (€540); Siena charges about $644 (€570) until the end of 2026. Accommodation and visa costs are extra.

### Can I take a course in Italy as a complete beginner?

A school will issue an invitation at any level, but the Moscow document list for a language-course study visa includes an Italian certificate at B2 or above, and that item is not split between type C and type D visas. Beginners are better off building a base at home first and asking the visa centre in advance how the item will be applied to their file. The consulate makes the visa decision.

### Does a language course in Italy give a certificate for university admission?

No. A school's or university-for-foreigners document confirms attendance and level on its own scale. Universities accept CILS, CELI, PLIDA or Cert.it certificates, and the admissions office of the chosen programme decides which exam and level it requires.

### Where can I study Italian through the Italian embassy in Moscow?

The Italian Cultural Institute in Moscow, an Italian Foreign Ministry institution attached to the embassy, runs courses from A1 to C2 in person and online, with CILS preparation. Enrolment opens by term, and places and timetables are set by the institute.

## Sources {#section-12}

- [VMS, Moscow: study visa for courses, secondary schooling and university preparation](https://italyvms.com/documentformsk/studencheskaya-viza-priglashenie-ot-kommercheskix-shkol/), [proof of funds and Interior Ministry table](https://italyvms.com/finansovaya-garantiya/), [minors](https://italyvms.com/nesovershennoletnie-grazhdane/), [biometrics](https://italyvms.com/biometriya/)
- [Consulate General of Italy in Moscow: where to apply](https://consmosca.esteri.it/ru/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/dove-chiedere-un-visto/)
- [Università per Stranieri di Perugia: course fees](https://www.unistrapg.it/it/offerta-formativa/corsi-di-lingua-e-cultura-italiana/tariffe-dei-corsi-di-lingua-e-cultura-italiana), [course structure](https://www.unistrapg.it/it/offerta-formativa/corsi-di-lingua-e-cultura-italiana/corsi-di-lingua-italiana), [visa and residence permit](https://www.unistrapg.it/it/offerta-formativa/corsi-di-lingua-e-cultura-italiana/informazioni-gli-studenti-sui-corsi-di-lingua-e-cultura-italiana/visto-e-permesso-di-soggiorno)
- [Università per Stranieri di Siena: regular Italian courses, 2026 and 2027 fees](https://cluss.unistrasi.it/1/50/88/Corsi_ordinari_di_lingua_italiana.htm)
- [Scuola Leonardo da Vinci: 2026 dates and prices (PDF)](https://www.scuolaleonardo.com/images/download/Italian-language-dates-and-prices.pdf)
- [MUR and Universitaly: procedures for international students, 2026/27 and 2027/28 (PDF)](https://universitaly-private.cineca.it/uploads/universitaly-pubblico/Circolare_2026-2027_studenti_internazionali.pdf)
- [Italian Cultural Institute in Moscow: language and culture](https://iicmosca.esteri.it/ru/lingua-e-cultura/)

All sources checked on 1 October 2026. ECB reference rate of 1 October 2026: €1 = $1.1298; dollar amounts are rounded.

If you want to work through your route, send a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply): document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU; the school makes the enrolment decision and the consulate decides on the visa.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Studying in Italy as a Russian Citizen: Type D Visa, Universitaly and Recognition](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-in-italy-for-russian-citizens)
- [Secondary School in Italy for International Students: Licei, Boarding, Visas and Guardianship](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-secondary-school-in-italy)
- [Studying in Italy for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-italy)
- [Student Visa for Italy: Documents, Proof of Funds and Deadlines for 2026/27](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-italy)
- [Permesso di Soggiorno for Students: How to Get and Renew Your Italian Residence Permit](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-permesso-di-soggiorno-for-students)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)

Updated: October 2026