Fully funded scholarships in Italy provide international students with complete financial support for their higher education. These programs eliminate the burden of tuition fees, accommodation costs, and daily living expenses. Italy offers these opportunities to attract global talent and diversify its academic environment.
The Italian government and public universities manage three main types of funding: merit-based grants, need-based subsidies, and international talent programs. Each scholarship category serves a specific purpose, such as rewarding high GPA scores or supporting students from low-income backgrounds. You can pursue degrees in English or Italian across various fields like engineering, arts, and medicine.
Applying for these awards requires careful preparation of academic records, financial statements, and language proficiency scores. Successful applicants receive monthly stipends ranging from €500 to €1,000 to cover their stay. You should start your application process at least six months before the semester begins to ensure you meet all deadlines.
Types of Scholarships in Italy
Italy provides three primary funding paths for international students: government scholarships, regional grants, and university-specific awards.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) grants fund Master’s and PhD programs for foreign citizens. These awards provide a monthly allowance, health insurance, and tuition waivers. The Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) program combines academic study with mandatory internships at Italian companies.
Regional agencies (DSU) offer need-based scholarships to students with limited financial resources. These agencies provide free canteen meals, university housing, and a yearly cash grant. Universities also offer merit-based scholarships, such as the Unibo Action 1 & 2 at the University of Bologna, which rewards high SAT or GRE scores.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
- Location: Major Italian cities including Rome, Milan, and Bologna.
- Institution(s): Public and private Italian universities, such as Politecnico di Milano and University of Padua.
- Program Period: 2 to 5 years, depending on the degree type.
- Course offered: Engineering, Architecture, Economics, and Humanities.
- Deadline: Applications typically close between May and September annually.
Scholarship Coverage
Fully funded scholarships in Italy cover four essential costs for students. First, the programs provide a full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the course. Second, students receive a yearly stipend, often paid in two installments, to manage personal expenses.
Third, the scholarship includes free or subsidized accommodation in student dormitories. Fourth, recipients get access to free university restaurant services and mandatory health insurance coverage. These benefits ensure that students focus entirely on their academic performance without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet three specific eligibility requirements to secure funding in Italy. You must hold a valid high school diploma or a Bachelor’s degree, if you are applying for a postgraduate program. You must demonstrate language proficiency through standardized tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or the PLIDA exam for Italian-taught courses.
Financial eligibility depends on your family’s economic status, which you must prove using the ISEE-U document. This document calculates your income and assets to determine your need for support. You must also maintain a minimum number of academic credits each year to renew your scholarship.
Application Process
To apply for an Italian scholarship, you must first complete the pre-enrollment process on the Universitaly portal. This step is mandatory for all non-EU students who require a study visa. You must upload your academic transcripts, valid passport, and language certificates to the portal.
After receiving an admission letter, you must apply for the specific scholarship through the regional agency or university website. You must submit legalized financial documents, such as income tax returns, bank statements, and property ownership records. You must translate these documents into Italian and get them verified by the Italian Embassy in your home country. Submit your scholarship application before the regional deadline, even if you are still waiting for your final visa approval.
Deadline
The application deadlines for Italian scholarships fall between May and September each year. MAECI government scholarships usually close in mid-June. Regional DSU applications typically open in July and close in late August or early September.
Apply Now
Visit the official websites to start your application:
