Ibrahim Gardner
Italy is home to some of the world's best schools for fashion and architecture, and with its many scholarship opportunities for international students, it's also quite an affordable study destination. The Italian government offers scholarships to international students, and Italian universities also provide a wide range of English-taught courses, so knowledge of the Italian language is not necessarily required. Scholarships in Italy are mostly awarded based on academic achievements and/or financial means. There are two main types of financial aid in Italy: government scholarships for foreign students and scholarships sponsored by a specific university. These scholarships differ in value and whether they cover accommodation expenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Types | Government scholarships, university scholarships, regional scholarships, private scholarships |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate, Masters, PhD |
| Fields of Study | Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics, Management, Arts, Music, Dance, Language, Culture |
| Benefits | Tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, research allowance, meals |
| Eligibility | Academic merit, financial need, age limit, country of residence, language proficiency |
| Application Process | Apply directly to universities, separate applications may not be needed, applications open from April to May |
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What You'll Learn
Italian Government Scholarships
The Italian Government offers scholarships for international students to pursue their studies in Italy. These scholarships are designed to foster international cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, promote Italian language and culture, and support Italy's economic system. The scholarships are open to foreign citizens and Italian citizens residing abroad.
There are two main types of Italian government scholarships:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) Scholarships: These scholarships are offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). They are available for foreign students not residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad. The scholarships are offered for Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs, as well as research projects under academic supervision. The grant amount varies depending on the program and can be up to 16,243.00 euros per year for a PhD scholarship.
- "Invest Your Talent in Italy" Program: This program is supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Ministry for Economic Development. It offers students from specific countries, including India, Indonesia, and Mexico, the opportunity to pursue Master's and postgraduate degree courses in English in fields such as Engineering, Advanced Technologies, and Economics at prestigious Italian universities. The best students are offered scholarships sponsored by partners and corporate sponsors.
In addition to these national-level scholarships, there are also regional-level government scholarships that international students can apply for. These scholarships are provided by each Italian region and have their own eligibility criteria and application processes.
To apply for Italian government scholarships, students must typically meet certain academic and economic requirements. For some scholarships, there may be age limits and language proficiency requirements, especially for Master's and PhD programs. It is important to refer to the official websites and portals for detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and deadlines for each scholarship program.
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University scholarships
Italy offers a wide range of scholarships for international students wishing to pursue their higher education in the country. These scholarships are offered by the Italian government, universities, and other organisations.
Italian Government Scholarships
The Italian government offers scholarships to international students at the national and regional levels. These scholarships are available for Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and Research programmes. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) provides scholarships worth €9,000 for a duration of nine months, potential tuition fee waivers, and health and medical insurance coverage for the entire stay. The Italian Government Scholarship for foreign students also provides a monthly payment of €900, covering tuition and medical insurance.
Many Italian universities offer scholarships for international students, including:
- University of Bologna: This university offers scholarships for both undergraduate and Master's studies. The scholarship provides a study grant of €11,000 gross for Unibo Action 2 and tuition fee waivers for Unibo Action 1. For the academic year 2025/26, the university is offering 30 scholarships worth €6,500 gross, including full exemption from tuition fees, to outstanding international students.
- University of Padua: The University of Padua offers 62 fully-funded scholarships to international students with excellent academic records. These scholarships are available for Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes taught in English. The scholarship includes a subsistence allowance of €8,000 and a tuition fee waiver.
- University of Pavia: The Edisu Pavia scholarship provides accommodation, one meal per day, and a sum of money based on the student's economic situation.
- University of Milan: For the academic year 2024/25, the University of Milan offered 55 scholarships worth €8,000 each, along with tuition fee exemptions, to international students admitted to Master's degree programmes.
- Scuola Normale Superiore: This university offers 75 PhD scholarships to international students, providing monthly stipends and covering tuition fees.
- EDISU Piemonte: Students enrolled in full-time Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programmes at universities in Piedmont, such as the Politecnico of Torino and the University of Torino, can apply for EDISU scholarships based on merit and economic requirements. The scholarship amount varies and can include accommodation assistance.
Other Scholarships
In addition to the Italian government and university scholarships, there are other opportunities offered by organisations and specific programmes:
- NATO Defense College Fellowship: This is a fully-funded research scholarship that provides a stipend to cover living expenses and travel costs for the fellow's stay in Rome.
- "Invest Your Talent in Italy" Programme: This programme, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Ministry for Economic Development, offers scholarships to students from specific countries (including Azerbaijan, India, and Vietnam) for Master's and postgraduate degree courses in fields like Engineering, Advanced Technologies, and Economics at prestigious Italian universities.
- Facebook Fellowship Program: A fully-funded scholarship for international students.
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: This programme offers full tuition coverage, accommodation, travel expenses, and a monthly living stipend for international students pursuing Master's degrees.
It is important to note that most scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and/or financial needs. Additionally, some universities offer scholarships to continuing students, so it is worth exploring options within your chosen university as well.
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Application process
The application process for scholarships in Italy for international students varies depending on the type of scholarship and the institution offering it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a scholarship in Italy as an international student:
Italian Government Scholarships:
- Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI): This scholarship is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The application period for the academic year 2025-2026 was open from April 25 to May 16, 2025. Applicants must submit their applications through the "Study in Italy" portal. The scholarship provides a financial grant of €9,000 for nine months, potential tuition fee waivers, and health and medical insurance coverage. To be eligible, applicants must meet the age requirements, reside in an eligible country, hold the necessary academic qualifications, and demonstrate language proficiency in Italian or English.
- Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students: These scholarships are offered for Master's Degrees, Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD programs, Research, and Italian Language and Culture Courses. Applications are typically submitted through an official portal, and specific requirements may vary.
University-Specific Scholarships:
- University of Padua: The University of Padua offers fully funded scholarships to international students with excellent academic records. These scholarships are available for Bachelor's and Master's degree programs taught in English. Applicants must hold a non-Italian secondary school diploma or a non-Italian Bachelor's degree, respectively. They must also apply to one or more English-taught degree programs at the university. Need-based scholarships require proof of financial need, while merit-based scholarships require excellent academic results.
- University of Bologna: The University of Bologna offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and master's studies. The scholarship provides a study grant of €11,000 gross or tuition fee waivers. The application process likely involves applying directly to the university, but specific details may vary.
- Bocconi University: Bocconi University offers merit-based scholarships to international students enrolling in Bachelor's or Master's programs. The scholarship includes a partial or full tuition waiver worth up to €13,000 per year for Bachelor's and €14,000 per year for Master's. The application process involves demonstrating merit and meeting the university's requirements.
- EDISU Scholarships: EDISU Piemonte Scholarships are available for students enrolled in full-time Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programs at Universities of Piedmont, such as the Politecnico of Torino and the University of Torino. The scholarship amount varies based on merit and economic requirements. Part-time students can also apply if enrolled in a bachelor's degree. Accommodation service may be provided.
- Other University Scholarships: Many other universities in Italy offer scholarships for international students, such as the University of Milan, Scuola Normale Superiore, Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), and more. Each university will have its own application process and requirements, so it is important to refer to the specific university's guidelines.
Other Scholarships:
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: This is a fully funded master's scholarship that covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and a monthly living stipend. The application process involves meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting the required documents.
- Regional Scholarships: These scholarships are granted by the local government of each Italian region and are available to both Italian and international students. They are awarded based on merit and financial need. Applicants can visit the official website and select the region where their university is located to apply.
- Other Opportunities: There are various other scholarship opportunities available, such as the Invest your Talent in Italy program, which offers scholarships in specific fields to students from certain countries. Additionally, some scholarships are offered specifically for students from low-income or developing countries, providing the opportunity to study at public universities in Italy with reduced fees.
It is important to note that most scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and/or financial need. Many universities allow students to apply for scholarships simultaneously with their university applications. However, specific application processes and requirements may vary, so it is essential to refer to the official websites and guidelines of the respective scholarship programs and institutions.
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Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for scholarships in Italy for international students vary depending on the type of scholarship and the awarding institution. Here are some common eligibility criteria:
Academic Achievements and Merit
Many scholarships in Italy are awarded based on academic merit and achievements. For example, the University of Padua offers 62 fully-funded scholarships to international students with excellent academic records. Similarly, the University of Bologna offers scholarships to outstanding international students. The Bocconi Merit and International Awards at Bocconi University are also merit-based scholarships that require students to demonstrate high academic performance.
Financial Need
Some scholarships take into account the financial situation of applicants. For instance, scholarships offered by EDISU Piemonte distinguish between merit-based and economic requirements. For need-based scholarships, applicants must prove that their family income is below a certain threshold, usually through official documentation.
Country of Residence
Italian government scholarships, such as the Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI), are often open to international students from specific eligible countries. The 2025 Italian Government scholarship program covered 143 countries and territories.
Age Requirements
There may be age restrictions for applicants. For instance, the Italian Government Scholarship has an age limit of 28 years and 364 days for applicants at the bachelor's, master's, and linguistic stay levels, while the age limit for the PhD program is 30 years and 364 days.
Course Requirements
Eligibility also depends on the specific course requirements. For master's degree programs, applicants typically need to hold a bachelor's degree. For PhD programs, applicants must meet the academic requirements of the Italian university and submit an official admission letter.
Language Proficiency
While Italian language proficiency is not always required, as many universities offer English-taught courses, some scholarships may require applicants to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in Italian or English, depending on the chosen program.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria can vary, and students should refer to the specific requirements of the scholarship they are interested in. Additionally, when applying to an Italian university, students can often apply for scholarships simultaneously, without needing a separate application.
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Benefits and allowances
Scholarships in Italy for international students offer a range of benefits and allowances that vary depending on the scholarship provider and the type of programme. Here is a detailed overview of the benefits and allowances commonly offered by Italian scholarships for international students:
Italian Government Scholarships:
The Italian Government offers scholarships to international students, providing a monthly allowance of 900 euros, covering tuition and enrolment fees, and including medical insurance. These scholarships are available for Master's and PhD programmes at top Italian universities.
University Scholarships:
Many Italian universities offer their own scholarship programmes for international students. For example, the University of Bologna offers full tuition fee waivers and study grants of €11,000. Bocconi University provides full tuition waivers and accommodation. The University of Padua offers subsistence allowances of €8,000 and tuition fee waivers. The University of Pavia provides accommodation, meals, and a sum of money based on the student's economic situation.
Merit-Based Scholarships:
Some Italian universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students with excellent academic achievements. For instance, Politecnico di Milano offers scholarships ranging from €5,000 to €10,000 per year, in addition to tuition fee waivers. Università Cattolica International Scholarships provide a 25% discount on the total cost of the degree programme.
Partial Scholarships:
Even if you only receive a partial scholarship, there are other ways to cover your expenses. Many universities in Italy offer financial aid programmes, such as DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario), which provides financial assistance based on a student's income bracket and geographic origin. Additionally, international students can work part-time jobs or paid internships to supplement their scholarships.
Additional Benefits:
Some scholarships in Italy also provide additional benefits such as travel allowances, research allowances, relocation allowances, and health insurance. Certain scholarships are specifically designed for students from particular countries or regions, such as the "Invest Your Talent in Italy" programme, which targets students from specific countries in fields like engineering, advanced technologies, and architecture.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of financial aid in Italy: government scholarships for foreign students and scholarships sponsored by a specific university. Government scholarships are offered at the national and regional level.
The Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) are offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The scholarships provide a total financial grant of €9,000 for nine months, potential tuition fee waivers, and health and medical insurance coverage for the entire stay. The Italian Government Scholarship 2025-2026 is another example of a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing a master's or PhD at top Italian universities.
The University of Padua offers 62 fully funded scholarships to international students with excellent academic records for bachelor's and master's degree programs taught in English. Bocconi University also offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and master's studies.
You can usually apply for scholarships at the same time as applying to an Italian university. The application process often does not require a separate application. Be sure to check the official website of the scholarship provider for specific application instructions and requirements.
The requirements for scholarships in Italy vary but are typically based on academic achievements and/or financial means. Some scholarships may also have age requirements, with different maximum age limits for bachelor's, master's, PhD, and research programs. International students may also need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in Italian or English, depending on the chosen program.
