Visa Denied, Money Gone: The Bitter Price of Blind Trust
Kathmandu/New Delhi – Every year, thousands of students from Nepal and India dream of pursuing higher education in Europe, with Italy increasingly becoming a popular destination. Attractive online advertisements by various consultancies, promising "100% visa success," "free education," and even claims of offering substantial cash incentives (up to €8,000) post-visa approval, have significantly fueled this interest. Sadly, such enticing claims often lead students into a spiral of misinformation, financial distress, and academic disappointment.
The Trap of Deceptive Promises
In recent months, social media platforms in Nepal and India have seen a surge in advertisements by education consultancies making lofty promises to potential students. These claims frequently include:
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"Guaranteed 100% Scholarship"
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"Schengen Visa – Limited Seats Only!"
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"Complete Processes from Nepal—No Need to Go to India"
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"IELTS Optional for Masters; only 5.5 needed for Bachelors"
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"Study gaps of 5–9 years acceptable, low academic percentages allowed"
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"€8,000 cash post-visa approval"
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"Guaranteed jobs, accommodation, airport pickup, and PR assistance"
These advertisements frequently lure students, particularly from rural and remote areas, who often lack access to accurate information. Some consultancies are charging exorbitant amounts, ranging from NPR 400,000 up to NPR 600,000 (approximately INR 2.5 to 3.75 lakh) as fees to navigate the visa application process, giving false assurances of guaranteed visa approvals.
A student from rural Nepal, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared his experience: "I paid around NPR 500,000 after borrowing money at a high-interest rate. The consultancy provided fake documentation, resulting in my visa being rejected. I lost all my money and now face huge debt."
The Genuine Pathway to Study in Italy
Studying in Italy involves a structured and rigorous application process, far removed from the overly simplified promises made by many consultancies. Here are the official steps:
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University Acceptance: Students must apply to Italian universities via the official government platform, Universitaly. The admission process involves submitting verified academic transcripts, motivation letters, and proof of English language proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL).
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Pre-enrollment: Once accepted by a university, students must complete pre-enrollment through the Universitaly portal. This mandatory step is required before proceeding with visa applications.
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Declaration of Value (DoV): The DoV is a critical document certifying the authenticity and equivalence of the student's highest academic qualification in Italy. Previously, the Consulate General of Italy in Kathmandu handled DoV applications, but students frequently raised concerns regarding document handling and procedural difficulties.
Significant Update (Effective May 12, 2025): Nepali students can now submit DoV requests through VFS Global Nepal, known internationally for professionalism and efficiency. This step is seen as a positive development, enhancing transparency and trust in the process.
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Visa Application:
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Nepali Students: Visa applications are processed through the Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata, India.
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Indian Students: Apply through the Italian Embassy or consulates located in New Delhi, Mumbai, or other regional diplomatic missions.
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Bangladeshi and Pakistani Students: Must apply through respective Italian diplomatic missions in Dhaka and Islamabad.
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Required visa documents generally include:
- University acceptance letter
- Pre-enrollment confirmation
- Declaration of Value (DoV)
- Proof of financial support (approximately €6,000–6,500 per year)
- Proof of accommodation and valid health insurance
- Valid passport and recent photographs
Even when scholarships are awarded, students must demonstrate sufficient financial means during visa applications. Common reasons for visa rejection include incomplete paperwork, insufficient financial evidence, and inconsistencies or inaccuracies in application materials.
Realities of Life as a Student in Italy
The attractive promises made by consultancies rarely align with the ground reality. International students should note:
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Scholarships: While regional scholarships such as the DSU grant exist, they are competitive, means-tested, and usually only partially cover living costs and tuition fees. Scholarships require yearly renewal based on strict academic performance criteria.
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Employment Opportunities: Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, but job availability is limited, competition fierce, and proficiency in the Italian language is often essential. Average part-time wages range between €8–€12 per hour, insufficient alone for complete living expenses.
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Accommodation Challenges: Finding affordable housing in Italian cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence requires careful planning, with prices generally higher than anticipated by incoming students.
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Permanent Residency (PR): Obtaining permanent residency in Italy is not automatic post-study. It involves several years of continuous legal residency, stable employment, and fulfillment of other legal criteria.
A Nepali student in Turin, providing firsthand insight, commented: "I was told I’d easily find jobs and receive a full scholarship. The reality is that without Italian language skills, finding even basic part-time work is challenging. My scholarship helps but doesn't cover all my living expenses. You should prepare at least €7,000–€8,000 for your initial year."
Safeguarding Vulnerable Students
Students from remote regions in Nepal and smaller towns in India are particularly susceptible to misinformation due to limited internet access and dependence on local agents. Many report being encouraged by consultancies to fabricate documents or to provide false information during visa interviews—practices that risk visa denial and even future bans.
Advice for a Secure and Successful Italian Study Journey
Despite these challenges, Italy remains an outstanding academic destination. Students must take the following precautions to ensure success:
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Always apply directly via Universitaly for genuine, accurate admission information.
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Utilize VFS Global Nepal for Declaration of Value and visa applications.
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Avoid consultancies making unrealistic guarantees.
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Connect directly with Italian universities and genuine student communities online (e.g., Facebook groups like Nepali Students in Italy).
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Ensure adequate financial planning, budgeting approximately €600–€800 monthly for living costs.
Conclusion
Studying in Italy offers immense academic and personal growth opportunities, provided students approach the process responsibly and realistically. It is critical for potential students and their families to seek verified information from official sources and exercise caution regarding consultancy services. Education abroad should be a journey built on reliable facts—not false promises.
For official information, prospective students can visit:
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Editorial Note:
The following are links to advertisements from various educational consultancies. Including these links does not imply that all claims made by these consultancies are entirely false or misleading. We encourage readers to critically analyze these advertisements and verify the claims independently. As always, you—our valued audience—are the best judges.
