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 guideline was issued 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 will fix appointments for submitting visa applications. Applicants won’t need to make separate appointments.

Under the revised rules, the 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. Certificates should be clearly indicative of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

In addition, students will be asked 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 for university pre-enrolment procedures is October 29, according to the embassy.