Studying abroad is a very satisfying adventure for almost every student. Italy ranks among the best destinations in that regard because of the high-quality education offered in the country. Another thing that makes Italy a students’ favorite is its tourist attractions. The country is best known for its historical monuments and many breathtaking sceneries. Therefore, Italian universities might be your best bet if you’re looking to mix your education with some exploration.

As an international student, the living expenses that you’ll incur will highly depend on your city of residence. Of course, those regions with high tourist traffic will cost a little more than the rest of the cities. As you’d expect, private universities are going to charge a lot more than their public counterparts. However, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for you because there are several scholarship programs aimed at helping those who can’t afford to finance their education. Here we will list five of the best scholarships in Italy that every international student studying in Italy should consider.

Can International Students Get a Full Scholarship in Italy?

The answer is yes. International students can absolutely get a full-ride scholarship in Italy by applying for scholarships offered by the Italian government. Since the funding of the Italian Government Scholarship is backed by the country of Italy, the scholarship award is really similar to full-ride scholarships offered by institutions in the United States. The scholarship award covers all of your tuition fees, and it also covers a majority of your living expenses as well.

Check Also: Available Programs in Europe for International Students

How Can International Students Study for Free in Italy?

We all know that not all international students will receive a full-ride scholarship when trying to study in Italy. If you fall into the majority group where you didn’t receive a full-ride scholarship, there are additional things that you can do to cover the major expenses of studying abroad. First, try to get at least a partial scholarship, and then, get a work-study job at your institution to supplement your income.

If that is not enough, try to also work during vacation periods so that you can accumulate enough money to meet the financial cost of your next academic semester. In addition to the partial scholarship offered at your institution, try to also apply to external scholarships since even those small amounts of money will go a long way since these types of methods will prevent you from going into debt.

Best Scholarships in Italy for International Students

1. The Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition Fee and Monthly Stipend of $1000
  • Eligible Degrees: AFAM, Master’s, PhD

The Italian government is always looking to make its education system affordable for international students. The Italian Government Scholarships for foreign students, one of the best Italian scholarships for international students, are some of the programs introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to support students from other parts of the world, especially those that are struggling financially. This scholarship in Italy is also designed to boost international cooperation in various fields, including technological, cultural, and scientific.

The scholarships are offered to eligible international students studying in one of the Italian universities. The beneficiaries receive partial or full tuition fees depending on the number of qualified students and their educational merit. On top of this, one will also receive monthly allowances amounting to about $1000 and be paid on a quarterly basis. You can confirm on the scholarship page whether your country is eligible before moving forward with the application process.

2. University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: $13,000 Grants and Tuition Fee Waivers
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Various universities in Italy also offer institution-based financial aid to some of their students. The University of Bologna, for instance, awards study grants to those students who meet the qualification criterion. Some students may also receive full tuition waivers for all the academic years of their current programs. The offer is only available at the University of Bologna for anyone studying First, Single, or Second Cycle Degree Programmes.

You must possess academic qualification documents that meet the requirements of your selected course to get this scholarship in Italy. If you don’t have some of the documents ready, make sure they’re available by the time of registration. Also, remember that only those who have not benefited from this grant before are eligible. Do you want to learn more? Visit the official scholarship website for a detailed guide on the application process.

3. Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition Fee Waiver and $9,000 Annual Stipend
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Being one of the top universities in Italy, the University of Padua has placed an emphasis on the growth of its international body, and due to its high emphasis, this institution has established this scholarship scheme to award 50 scholarships to highly prospective students who are wishing to pursue a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. The courses are completely held in English, which means that many eligible international students are going to apply for this scholarship award.

Due to the high number of students applying for this award, the competition for this scholarship is quite fierce. Due to its high selectivity, students with the highest achievements and outstanding academic records will be chosen for this award. For Bachelor’s degrees, the maximum duration of this scholarship is approximately three years while the maximum duration of Master’s degree candidates is around two years.

4. Regione Veneto Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition Fee Waivers, Yearly Discounts, Academic Discounts
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Single-Cycle, Master’s, Ph.D.

Also offered by the University of Padua, Regione Veneto Scholarships was established for students who came from low-income families. In order to be considered for this scholarship, eligible applicants must be first be admitted into one of the programs offered by the University of Padua, and they also must be eligible to obtain an Italian visa, which is an ideal requirement for an international applicant.

To accommodate as many students as they can, the scholarship award mainly depends on your family income, which means that a low family income means high financial aid. Even though the duration of this scholarship is only one year, scholarship recipients renew their scholarship duration by meeting the renewal requirements.

5. Merit and Bocconi International Awards

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: 50% or Full Tuition Fee Waiver
  • Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Another university with a program(s) geared towards improving the welfare of international students is the University of Bocconi. It has two popular programs for international students. Merit Awards, for one, cover full tuition fee costs for those who meet the requirements. Undergraduate students who are beneficiaries of these awards receive up to $14,500, while graduates can receive up to $15,700.

It’s worth noting, though, that the acceptance rate of those who apply for this scholarship is very low. This can be attributed to the huge amount of funds awarded to each beneficiary. Nevertheless, you always have a chance of being considered provided you meet the minimum requirements set by the university.

6. Politecnico International Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition Waiver
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Are you a student in the fields of Engineering and Architecture? The Politecnico di Torino might just be your ideal destination. The institution offers Italian scholarships to international students who are interested in the available programs. There are five different scholarship projects which you can apply for at the institution.

Alta Scuola Politecnica, for instance, targets talented international students who are interested in the school’s Master of Science programs. COLFUTURO scholarships, on the other hand, are designed for Colombian students enrolled in Engineering and Architecture programs at the Master of Science and Ph.D. level. Other scholarships include Eni Project (Petroleum Engineering), TOPoliTo, and Invest Your Talent in Italy. Visit the official scholarship page for more information on each of these programs.

7. Scuola Normale Superiore Ph.D. Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition Fee Waiver and Research Stipend
  • Eligible Degree: Ph.D. programs

Scuola Normale Superiore is one of the most prestigious institutions in Italy. This state-supported university offers various financial aids to international students looking to further their studies in the country. Perhaps the most popular scholarship program at the institution is the fully-funded Ph.D. courses. The beneficiaries of this Italy scholarship will have their tuition fee covered as well as room & board (total attendance cost).

It’s worth noting that all students admitted at Scuola Normale Superiore will receive a scholarship that will finance all their doctoral studies. In addition to the tuition fees, you’re also entitled to a stipend to enhance your research activities. The students may also get free accommodation and meals at the institution’s facilities.

8. University Of Calabria Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition and a monthly stipend
  • Eligible Degree: Masters

The University Of Calabria is a public university located in Italy. It was founded in 1998 and is one of the leading universities in Europe. It offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue their Master’s Degree at the university. In addition, it provides several award programs for various academic disciplines such as science, engineering, arts, humanities, law, and economics.

The scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial status. The university has an excellent campus with modern facilities for academics as well as sports facilities for recreation purposes. Furthermore, the tuition fees are nominal compared to other colleges in Europe, making it an excellent choice for international students who wish to study abroad without breaking their bank balance!

To apply for the scholarship, you must complete an application form online and submit it with your transcript and verification of residence. You will also need to provide proof of English language proficiency.

9. University of Milan Scholarship

The University of Milan is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It was founded in 1924 by a group of intellectuals to promote excellence in research and education.

The University of Milan Scholarship for international students is an opportunity for non-EU citizens interested in studying at the college. It is designed to help students who have been accepted into the Master’s program. It offers a competitive monthly stipend that can be used toward food, housing, transportation, and whatever’s needed to get through your studies.

Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA on a 4-point scale and demonstrate financial need. To apply for this Italy scholarship, you’ll need to create an account on the university’s website and submit an application along with your transcript and statement of purpose before the deadline.

10. University of Torino Scholarship

The University of Torino Scholarship program is open to international students who are currently enrolled in a master’s course. You must demonstrate financial need, which the college will determine based on your application and official documents.

The scholarship is only available for students who have never been enrolled at the University of Torino. It cannot be combined with another award or grant that assists with living expenses. All applicants must provide proof of registration at the university along with their completed online application form.

To apply for this scholarship, you must first create an account on the website. Once you have registered as an applicant, you can start filling out your application form. It may take up to two weeks from submitting your application until receiving confirmation from the university about whether or not you have been approved for this award program.

11. University of Pisa Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: €8,000 for undergraduates and €6,000 for Masters
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Masters

The University of Pisa, founded in the 12th century, is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It has been a leading center for academic excellence, research, and innovation for over 800 years. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and Master’s programs. The university consists of 9 schools with over 80 departments offering courses in humanities, science, engineering, and medicine. Courses are taught in English and Italian by highly qualified staff from all over the world.

The university offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue their studies at this prestigious institution. To apply for this Italy scholarship, you must complete an online application form which requires you to upload your university transcript, personal statement, proof of financial need, copy of your passport, two recommendation letters, and official proof of admission. You must also include an essay on why you wish to study at the University of Pisa.

12. EUI Leadership Program

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: a monthly stipend
  • Eligible Degree: Postgraduate

The EUI Leadership Program is a unique opportunity for international students to develop their leadership skills and be part of a global network of like-minded young leaders. It is an intensive training program that will give you the tools to become a better leader, and it’s designed to help you develop your own leadership style. The program is open to students from all over the world.

The application process is competitive. You will need to submit an online application. If selected for the program, you’ll get a scholarship covering accommodation and transportation costs during your stay in Italy. You’ll also have access to exclusive events and networking opportunities with international leaders.

13. Unisalento 4 Talents Scholarship

Unisalento 4 Talents Scholarship is an award program that offers financial support to international students who want to study in Italy. This award is open to students who are enrolled in Master’s degree programs at the University of Salento. The college aims to make Salento a place where people come from all over the world to learn about each other’s cultures and languages.

You are encouraged to apply for this Italy scholarship if you have a strong academic record and a passion for learning about other cultures. You should also be able to demonstrate how your personal qualities can contribute to the community and help them build a stronger sense of internationalism among its members.

To apply for this program, you must meet all of the requirements. In addition, you must be a citizen of an eligible country, your GPA must be 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, you must have been accepted into a suitable degree program at Unisalento, and you must be able to demonstrate financial need.

14. Sapienza University Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: €1,000/year
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Masters

The Sapienza University of Rome is one of the most prestigious universities in Italy. It is known for its research in science, medicine, and engineering. It also has a strong focus on arts, humanities, and social sciences.

The university offers several scholarships for international students who wish to study at their institution. These awards are typically available to students from developing countries or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who need financial assistance to help fund their studies at Sapienza University.

Applicants must also have excellent English skills. They should have an overall GPA of at least 3.4/4 for undergraduate studies and 3/4 for graduate studies.

15. Lazio Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition and a monthly stipend
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD

Lazio Scholarship for International Students is an award program for students who want to study in Lazio, Italy. The Lazio Region provides it and aims to promote educational exchange between Lazio and other countries. In this way, the Lazio Region hopes to create opportunities for young people from different nations to improve their Italian language and culture skills.

This scholarship in Italy is available to students who are enrolled in a degree program at an approved university in Lazio. It will cover tuition fees, health insurance, accommodation costs, and an allowance for travel expenses.

To apply, you’ll need to fill out a form online, which will include questions about why you want to study abroad, your educational background, and how much money you need for school fees. You’ll also need to write an essay about why studying in Italy would be a good fit for you and why it aligns with your career goals.

16. University of Naples Federico II Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: €5,529
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD

The University of Naples Federico II is a public university located in Naples, Italy, and was founded in 1224. It is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university enrolls approximately 48,000 students and has about 8,000 full-time faculty members.

The University of Naples Federico II offers undergraduate engineering, architecture, mathematics, and natural sciences undergraduate programs. It also offers postgraduate courses leading to research degrees in various fields, including medicine, law, political science, and economics.

The University of Naples Federico II Scholarship is available to international students who wish to study in Italy. It offers funds for up to three years and is open to students worldwide.

The application process is rigorous, but the rewards are worth it. You will get a top-notch education at one of the oldest universities in Europe and an opportunity to experience an incredible culture.

17. Politecnico Milano Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition and a monthly stipend
  • Eligible Degree: Masters

Politecnico Milano is a public university in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1863 and is one of the most renowned universities in Europe. Politecnico offers programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. The university has four campuses: two in Milan and two others in Varese and Busto Arsizio.

The Politecnico di Milano Scholarships are offered to international students who wish to pursue higher education at Politecnico di Milano. These scholarships are awarded on merit and cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, and a monthly stipend.

The application process for this scholarship starts in January and ends in March every year. Students must fill out an online application form before submitting it to Politecnico Milano on March 31st each year. It’s important to note that you cannot apply for this scholarship if you have already studied at Politecnico Milano for two consecutive academic years.

18. University of Bari Aldo Moro Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD

The University of Bari Aldo Moro is a public, state-funded university located in Bari, Italy. The university offers courses in humanities, law, medicine, and engineering. It was founded in 1970 and is named after the Italian politician Aldo Moro, born in Bari.

The university offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue their studies at their institution. These awards aim to support students with exceptional academic performance and financial difficulties. They are awarded based on merit and need.

You must note that these Italy scholarships are available only to applicants who meet all the requirements established by each scholarship program. Other requirements include fluency in English and knowledge of Italian culture or history.

19. University of Catania Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: €1,500
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Masters

The University of Catania is a public university located in Catania, Italy. It was founded in 1434 and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The courses offered at this university are taught in Italian and English and are recognized by the Italian government. This university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs for students who want to study abroad in Italy.

The University of Catania offers scholarships for international students who wish to study at their institution. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need. Students who have been awarded this scholarship will receive €1,500.

The university is well known for its student life. It organizes many events throughout the year, including concerts with famous artists and bands, theatre performances, art exhibitions, sporting events like soccer matches, comedy shows, and film festivals.

20. University of Udine Ph.D Scholarship

Udine University is one of Italy’s oldest and largest universities, founded in 1404. It offers a wide range of degree programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a particular focus on education, law, economics, and business studies.

The University of Udine Ph.D Scholarship is available for international students pursuing their doctoral studies at the college. To apply for the scholarship in Italy, applicants must have good academic records and a strong interest in the field in which they are applying. They must also have completed at least one year of Master’s Degree from any recognized university or institution with good grades.

 

We hope that this article on Italy scholarships for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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6 Comments

  1. Nighat Noureen - Reply

    I want to study master’s in nursing in Italy. I have GPA 2.8. My age is 42, but my bachelor is in 2023, so I have no study gap.

    • Hyun Lee - Reply

      Hello, first of all, your age shouldn’t matter for almost all scholarships in Italy. A potential problematic aspect is your GPA because it is on the lower side. It is definitely possible to study nursing in Italy if you are not looking for any scholarships, but for scholarships, it might be a bit difficult unless you have some other outstanding component in you application. I think that our articles on study nursing in Italy and best nursing schools in Italy will help you, so please feel free to take a look.

  2. TIBEBU AMARE - Reply

    If you have please, I have a great interest to study MSC in Forestry and Environment, or related subjects.

    • Hyun Lee - Reply

      Hello, most of these scholarships in Italy don’t have subject restrictions, so students studying forestry or environment are also eligible.

  3. Anonymous - Reply

    I completed my 4-year LL.B.(Hons.) in 2022. Now I wanna go to Italy for my LL.M. Degree. I have a 3.39 CGPA. Can I get scholarship.

    • Hyun Lee - Reply

      I’m not sure which Italian scholarships is available for law degree, but you should try and search these scholarships out. I think 3.39 CGPA is enough especially with a good standardized test scores.

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