Italy revises student visa requirements
VFS Global will send emails to students who have already registered on their respective university portals and arrange appointments for submitting visa applications
ATT Desk Report 
Italy has introduced new guidelines for Bangladeshi students seeking visas for higher education, including revised sponsorship rules, language documentation requirements and changes to the application process.
The guidelines were issued on Sunday through visa processing agency VFS Global.
The Italian Embassy in Dhaka said VFS Global will send emails to students who have already registered on their respective university portals and arrange appointments for submitting visa applications. Applicants will not need to make separate appointments.
Under the revised rules, financial sponsorship is no longer limited to parents but now includes grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Family members living in Italy will also be allowed to serve as sponsors for prospective students.
Applicants must submit language proficiency certificates issued by internationally recognised institutions or universities, the embassy said. The certificates should clearly indicate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
In addition, students will be required to provide a CIMEA certificate or a Declaration of Value proving the authenticity and recognition of their academic qualifications.
The deadline for student visa applications under the university pre-enrolment procedure is October 29, according to the embassy.
