Italy offers several fully funded Master of Laws (LLM) scholarships for international students. These financial awards cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, and accommodation costs. Applicants can choose from specialized legal tracks, such as International Law, Human Rights, and Global Technology Law.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) provides the largest scholarship program for international students, offering 900-euro monthly stipends and full tuition waivers. This funding supports legal education at top-ranked institutions, including the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and the European University Institute. Recipients use these funds to cover living expenses, health insurance, and academic materials during their one-year or two-year LLM programs.
International students access high-quality legal training through merit-based and need-based financial aid. Most programs require English proficiency scores, a Bachelor of Laws degree, and a strong academic record. These scholarships reduce the financial burden on students and promote global legal collaboration.
Key Scholarship Programs
Three primary programs fund LLM studies in Italy: the MAECI Scholarship, the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) program, and DSU Regional Scholarships. The MAECI Scholarship supports foreign citizens and Italian citizens living abroad for periods of 6 or 9 months. The IYT program combines academic study with a mandatory three-month internship at an Italian company. DSU Regional Scholarships provide financial aid based on family income and academic merit to students enrolled in public universities.
Top Universities & Their Offerings
Three prestigious universities offer specialized LLM programs: the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, and the University of Turin. The University of Bologna offers an LLM in Legal Studies with a focus on Global Justice and Human Rights. The University of Padua provides an LLM in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance. The University of Turin hosts an LLM in Intellectual Property in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master of Laws (LLM)
- Location: Italy (Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna)
- Institution(s): University of Bologna, University of Turin, Sapienza University of Rome
- Program Period: 12 to 24 months
- Course offered: International Law, Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law
- Deadline: Varies by program (typically between March and June)
Scholarship Coverage
There are four main financial benefits included in fully funded Italian LLM scholarships: tuition waivers, monthly allowances, health insurance, and travel grants.
- Tuition Waivers: The scholarship covers 100% of enrollment fees and academic taxes.
- Monthly Stipends: Recipients receive payments ranging from 900 to 1,000 euros to cover living costs (food, local transport, utilities).
- Health Insurance: The Italian government provides a collective insurance policy to cover medical expenses and emergencies.
- Travel Allowances: Certain awards, such as the IYT program, may include a lump sum for international flight tickets.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet three specific eligibility requirements: academic qualifications, age limits, and language proficiency.
- Academic Qualifications: You must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or an equivalent 4-year undergraduate degree.
- Age Limits: Applicants for Master’s degrees must be 28 years old or younger at the time of the deadline.
- Language Proficiency: You must provide proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 80, or a Cambridge English Certificate.
You must submit a formal “Declaration of Value” (Dichiarazione di Valore), if you obtained your previous degree outside of the European Union.
Application Process
The application process involves four distinct stages: university pre-admission, portal registration, document submission, and the final interview.
- Secure University Admission: You must first apply directly to your chosen Italian university to obtain a pre-admission letter. Most universities use their own online portals (such as Universitaly) for this initial assessment.
- Register on the Scholarship Portal: Create an account on the Study in Italy portal or the specific regional DSU website. You must use a valid email address and provide personal identification details, such as a passport number.
- Submit Required Documents: Upload digital copies of 5 essential documents: your passport, university transcripts, curriculum vitae (CV), English proficiency certificate, and a letter of motivation. Ensure all documents are in PDF format and translated into Italian or English.
- Attend the Interview: Shortlisted candidates must participate in an online interview with the scholarship committee. The committee asks questions regarding your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing Italy.
You must apply for an Italian Type D Study Visa at the nearest embassy, if you receive a scholarship award notification.
Deadline
The application deadlines occur in 2 main cycles: the MAECI deadline in mid-June and the Regional DSU deadlines between July and September. You should check the specific university website for “Call for Applications” (Bando) dates, as these change every year.
