Italy remains a top destination for international students seeking a world-class education with minimal financial burden. The Italian higher education system offers a diverse range of programs taught in English, allowing students to skip the IELTS requirement through alternative proficiency proofs. For the 2026-27 academic session, multiple funding bodies provide comprehensive financial support to cover every aspect of a student’s journey.
Securing a fully funded scholarship in Italy requires early preparation and a clear understanding of the different available grants. These awards generally fall into three categories: government-managed merit scholarships, regional need-based aid, and university-specific excellence awards. Each type offers a unique set of benefits, ensuring that both high-achieving students and those with financial constraints can access quality degrees.
International students can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at prestigious public universities across the country. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for navigating the application process and securing full funding for the 2026-27 intake.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Location: Italy (Cities including Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Pisa)
- Institution(s): All Italian Public Universities and Higher Education in Arts (AFAM)
- Program Period: 6 to 9 months for government grants (renewable) or full degree duration for regional grants
- Course offered: Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, Economics, Humanities, and Data Science
- Deadline: May 2026 (MAECI) | September 2026 (Regional/DSU)
Scholarship Coverage
Fully funded scholarships in Italy provide four primary financial pillars: 100% tuition fee waivers, monthly or annual cash stipends ranging from €7,000 to €11,000, free or subsidized accommodation, and free meals at university canteens. These benefits allow students to focus entirely on their academic performance without worrying about living costs.
Main Scholarship Names & Details
1. Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarship
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) manages this prestigious merit-based award. It targets students from specific partner countries who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD research.
- Benefits: Full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of €900.
- Type: Government-funded Merit Award.
Read Complete Guide: Italian Government Scholarship 2026 (Application Process).
2. DSU Regional Scholarships (Tuscany, Piedmont, Lombardy)
DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) is a need-based grant offered by regional authorities. It does not depend on your grades but on your family’s financial situation.
- Benefits: Free on-campus housing, one or two free meals daily, and a cash stipend of up to €8,000 per year.
- Type: Regional Need-Based Aid.
Read Complete Guide: Italy DSU Scholarship 2026 | Eligibility & Benefits.
3. University-Specific Excellence Awards
Many institutions, such as the University of Padua and Politecnico di Milano, offer their own funding.
- Padua International Excellence: Offers €8,000 per year plus a full tuition waiver.
- Unibo Action 1 & 2: Provides grants of €11,000 to top international applicants.
Complete Guide: 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a 2026 scholarship, you must meet three core criteria:
- Academic Credentials: You must have a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applications or a High School diploma for Bachelor’s programs.
- Language Proficiency: You can use a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate if your previous education was in English.
- Age Limits: Applicants must be 28 or younger for Master’s programs and 30 or younger for PhDs.
Application Requirements
Applicants must gather several legal and academic documents for a successful file:
- Identity Documents: A valid passport and personal identification.
- Academic Records: Transcripts of records, degree certificates, and a detailed CV.
- Language Proof: An MOI letter or alternative certificates (like the Duolingo English Test).
- Financial Documents (for DSU): Income certificates, property ownership records, and family status documents translated into Italian.
Application Process
The application journey for 2026 follows four precise steps:
Step 1: Pre-Admission
Apply to your desired program at an Italian university between January and April 2026. You will receive a Pre-Admission Letter if you meet the academic entry requirements.
Step 2: Universitaly Portal
Create a profile on the Universitaly portal to start your official pre-enrolment. This step is mandatory for all non-EU students to obtain the Summary of Application required for a visa.
Step 3: Scholarship Submission
Submit separate applications for the MAECI and DSU grants. Use the Study in Italy portal for government grants and the specific Regional Agency website (e.g., DSU Toscana) for need-based grants.
Step 4: Visa and CIMEA
Apply for a Type D Study Visa at the Italian Embassy. Simultaneously, request a CIMEA Statement of Comparability to verify that your home degree is recognized in the Italian system.
Available Universities (IELTS Not Mandatory)
There are over 30 top-ranked universities where you can apply using an MOI certificate:
- University of Bologna
- University of Milan (Statale)
- University of Padua
- University of Genoa
- University of Pisa
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Polytechnic University of Milan
- University of Turin
- University of Messina
- University of Florence
Apply Now
- Government Portal: Official Study in Italy Website
- Admission Portal: Universitaly Platform
Would you like me to create a custom list of Master’s programs in a specific field, such as Engineering or Business, for these universities?
Study in Italy without IELTS 2026 This link explains the step-by-step procedure for applying to scholarships in Italy, which provide full funding without requiring an IELTS score.
