Italy is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, offering world-class education, rich cultural experiences, and scholarship opportunities for international students. With its top-ranked universities, diverse academic programs, and generous scholarships, Italy attracts thousands of students each year.
For students who dream of studying in Italy but worry about costs, this guide explores fully funded and merit-based scholarships, eligibility criteria, application processes, and expert tips to secure funding.
Why Apply for Scholarships to Study in Italy?
✔ Reduce Tuition & Living Costs: Many scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
✔ Globally Recognized Degrees: Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
✔ Government & University-Based Scholarships: Italy offers numerous funding options to international students.
✔ Affordable Education & Low Living Costs: Compared to other European countries, Italy provides quality education at lower costs.
✔ Post-Study Work Opportunities: Italy’s Stay Back Visa allows international students to work and apply for permanent residency.
💡 Pro Tip: Italy is known for its arts, fashion, business, architecture, and engineering programs, making it a top destination for international students.
Types of Scholarships in Italy for International Students
Scholarships in Italy are categorized into three main types:
Italian Government-Funded Scholarships
✔ These scholarships are funded by the Italian government to attract talented international students.
📌 Top Government Scholarships in Italy
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Italy Government Scholarships for International Students | Master’s, PhD | Full tuition, living stipend |
| Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships (MAECI) | Master’s, PhD | Partial to full tuition, monthly stipend |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Tuition fee waiver, travel grants |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarships | Master’s | Tuition, internship opportunities |
| Regional Scholarships (DSU Scholarships) | UG, PG | Living expenses, housing, meals |
💡 Pro Tip: The Italy Government Scholarships and MAECI scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition and living costs.
University-Specific Scholarships in Italy
✔ Many Italian universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students.
📌 Best University-Based Scholarships in Italy
| University | Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bologna | Bologna University Study Grants | UG, PG | €11,000 grant |
| Politecnico di Milano | Merit-Based Scholarships | Master’s | Full/partial tuition waiver |
| University of Padova | Padova International Excellence Scholarships | UG, PG | Full tuition + €8,000 stipend |
| University of Milan | Excellence Scholarships | UG, PG | €6,000 per year |
| University of Turin | University of Turin International Scholarships | Master’s | Partial tuition waiver |
| Luiss University | Luiss Merit Scholarships | Master’s | Tuition fee waiver |
💡 Why It Matters? University-based scholarships cover a significant portion of tuition costs, making higher education in Italy more affordable.
Private & External Organization Scholarships
✔ Many organizations offer scholarships for international students in Italy based on merit, research potential, and financial need.
📌 Top External Scholarships for Studying in Italy
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Degree Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship | European Union | Master’s | Full tuition, travel, stipend |
| Uni-Italia Scholarship | Uni-Italia Organization | UG, PG | Partial tuition, accommodation support |
| Bocconi Merit and International Awards | Bocconi University | UG, PG | Full/partial tuition coverage |
| EDISU Piemonte Scholarships | Regional Authority | UG, PG | Living expenses, housing |
💡 Pro Tip: Scholarships like Erasmus+ and EDISU provide both financial aid and additional travel grants for students.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Italy
📌 General Requirements for Most Scholarships in Italy:
✔ Academic Excellence: A strong GPA (minimum 3.0 or 70%) improves chances.
✔ English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS (6.0-7.0), TOEFL (80+), or PTE (50+)
✔ Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written essay explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
✔ Letters of Recommendation (LORs): From professors, employers, or academic mentors.
✔ Work Experience (For Some Scholarships): Some scholarships require 2+ years of experience (mainly for MBA and business programs).
💡 Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, so check before applying.
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Italy?
✔ Step 1: Research and shortlist scholarships that match your profile.
✔ Step 2: Check eligibility criteria and prepare required documents.
✔ Step 3: Submit applications online via the official scholarship portals.
✔ Step 4: Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your goals, achievements, and need for financial support.
✔ Step 5: Submit all necessary documents before the deadline.
✔ Step 6: If shortlisted, attend an interview (for selected scholarships like MAECI & IYT).
💡 Pro Tip: Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of securing funding.
Cost of Studying in Italy Without a Scholarship
📌 Average Tuition Fees for International Students in Italy
| Degree Level | Annual Tuition Fees (EUR) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | €900 - €4,000 | ₹80,000 - ₹3.5 Lakhs |
| Master’s Degree (PG) | €1,500 - €5,000 | ₹1.2 - ₹4 Lakhs |
| MBA (Top Business Schools) | €15,000 - €35,000 | ₹12 - ₹30 Lakhs |
📌 Living Expenses in Italy for Students
| Expense | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Annual Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €300 - €800 | €3,600 - €9,600 |
| Food & Groceries | €200 - €400 | €2,400 - €4,800 |
| Transport | €50 - €150 | €600 - €1,800 |
💡 Total Cost (Including Tuition & Living): ₹6-15 Lakhs per year.
Conclusion
Studying in Italy with a scholarship makes education affordable and accessible. By applying for the right scholarships, students can reduce tuition costs and secure financial aid.
