Can international students work and stay on after studying in Italy?

On an Italian permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio, international students can do a limited amount of part-time work alongside their full-time course, which helps with living costs. The bigger advantage comes at the end of studies: the study permit can be converted into a work permit, and in many cases this conversion happens outside the Decreto Flussi quota — a meaningful benefit given how much the quota constrains other applicants.

That makes studying in Italy a practical pathway to longer-term residence. Time accrued lawfully can eventually count toward the EU Long-Term Residence permit after five years, and ultimately toward citizenship by naturalisation. The key is securing qualifying work and converting your permit before your study status ends.

Because permitted working hours and the conversion rules can change, confirm the current position with your institution and on the official portal. ACME can help you plan the transition from study to work and time the permit conversion so you stay in status.