Top 10 Scholarships in Italy for International Students (2025–26)

Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the financial costs often hold them back. If you’ve ever imagined studying in Europe, Italy is probably on your list. And why not? Italy is one of the top five study abroad destinations in Europe, welcoming over 100,000 international students every year.

Italy offers world-class universities, affordable tuition, and rich cultural experiences. Best of all, many scholarships make it possible for students worldwide, including those from India, to study there.

Whether you’re planning for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, or PhD, you’ll find a scholarship that suits your academic profile, financial needs, and career goals.

In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Scholarships in Italy, the application process, eligibility criteria, common mistakes to avoid, and scholarship opportunities at every degree level.

Top 10 Scholarships in Italy for International Students (2025–26)

The top scholarships in Italy for international students in 2025–26 include programs like Invest Your Talent in Italy. You will find various scholarship opportunities to study in Italy:

• MAECI Scholarships
• Regional Scholarships
• Erasmus+
• Bocconi Merit Awards
• Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
• University of Bologna Scholarships
• Universitaly Scholarships
• INPS Scholarships
• Field-specific Scholarships

These opportunities cover major expenses such as tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, and living costs that making it easier for Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and PhD students to study in Italy without financial stress.

Quick Highlights

Why choose to study in Italy?

Here’s why international students choose Italy as their study destination:

• World-ranked universities like the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, and Sapienza University make Italy a top study destination.
• Many programs are taught in English, especially at the Master’s and MBA levels.
• A wide range of scholarships is available from the government, universities, and regional authorities.
• Tuition fees are affordable compared to many other European countries.
• Students can enjoy Italy’s rich cultural heritage, with art, history, food, and architecture all around.
• Students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and apply for a post-study work permit after graduation.
• Italy also serves as a gateway to Europe, offering easy travel and job opportunities across the Schengen zone.

Also Read: Medical Scholarships for International Students in UK 2025

Top 10 Scholarships in Italy

1. Invest Your Talent in Italy Program
   • Coverage: Full tuition waiver + €900 monthly stipend
   • Offered By: Italian Government
   • Best For: Master’s programs in Engineering, ICT, and Design
   • Duration: 1 to 2 years
2. MAECI Scholarship (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
   • Eligibility:
     • Master’s applicants must be under 28 years old
     • PhD applicants must be under 30 years old
     • Research students must be under 40 years old
     • Language requirement: B2 in English or Italian
   • Coverage: Tuition waiver + €900 monthly stipend + health insurance
   • Deadline: June every year
   • Duration: 6 to 9 months (renewable yearly)
3. Regional Scholarships in Italy
   • Coverage: Tuition, living costs, accommodation, and meals (~€5,200 per year)
   • Examples: Calabria Region Scholarship, Campania Scholarship, EDISU Piemonte
   • Eligibility: It will be based on family income and academic performance
   • Duration: 1 academic year (renewable yearly)
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarships
   • Coverage: Travel + monthly living allowance
   • Offered By: European Commission
   • Best For: Exchange programs, joint Master’s, and PhD programs

University-Specific Scholarships

1. Bocconi Merit Awards
   • Offered By: Bocconi University, Milan
   • The University of Bologna offers scholarships to attract talented international students for undergraduate and master’s programs.
     • Grant Amount: €11,000 per year for tuition and living costs
     • Fee Waiver: Full tuition waiver for eligible students
     • Eligibility: Under 30 years old, strong academics, valid TOEFL/IELTS (or equivalent), completed secondary education (UG) or bachelor’s degree (Master’s)
     • Application Process: Online via the University of Bologna website
     • Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, language test scores, statement of purpose
     • Deadline: April 30, 2026
2. Politecnico di Torino Scholarships:
   • Politecnico di Torino offers scholarships to attract talented international students, especially in STEM fields such as engineering, architecture, and design, for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
   • Grant Amount: €8,000 per year for living expenses
   • Tuition Fee Waiver: Full or partial tuition reduction
   • Eligibility: High school diploma (UG) or bachelor’s degree (PG), enrollment in engineering, architecture, or design programs, typically under 30 years old
   • Application Process: Apply online via the Politecnico di Torino official website
   • Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, motivation letter, proof of language proficiency
   • Deadline: April 15, 2026
3. Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program
   • The University of Padua offers this scholarship to outstanding international students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees, aiming to support academic excellence and global collaboration.
   • Grant Amount: €8,000 per year for tuition and living costs
   • Fee Waiver: Full tuition waiver for selected students
   • Eligibility: Excellent academic record, enrollment in English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
   • Application Process: Apply online via the University of Padua portal
   • Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, motivation letter, proof of language proficiency
   • Deadline: March 2, 2026
4. Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) PhD Scholarships
   • SNS offers competitive PhD scholarships for international students in humanities, sciences, and social sciences, providing an excellent research and academic environment.
   • Grant Amount: €15,000 per year for living expenses and academic activities
   • Tuition Fee Waiver: Full exemption from tuition fees
   • Eligibility: Master’s degree in a relevant field, under 35 years old, strong academic and research record
   • Application Process: Apply online via the SNS application portal
   • Documents Needed: Research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, and two recommendation letters
   • Deadline: February 15, 2026
5. Università Cattolica International Scholarships
   • Università Cattolica offers scholarships to make education more affordable for international students enrolling in undergraduate or master’s programs.
   • Grant Amount: €3,500 per year toward tuition
   • Tuition Fee Waiver: Partial tuition reduction for eligible students
   • Eligibility: High school diploma or bachelor’s degree with good academic standing; proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English-taught programs
   • Application Process: Apply online via the Università Cattolica portal
   • Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, language test scores, personal statement
   • Deadline: May 31, 2026
6.  Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships:
   • Politecnico di Milano offers merit-based scholarships to attract outstanding international students for undergraduate and master’s programs, especially in engineering, architecture, and design.
   • Grant Amount: Up to €10,000 per year, depending on merit
   • Tuition Fee Waiver: Full or partial tuition reduction for top students
   • Eligibility: High academic achievement; enrollment in relevant programs; usually under 30 years old
   • Application Process: Apply online through the Politecnico di Milano official portal
   • Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, motivation letter, proof of language proficiency
   • Deadline: Check the university website for current deadlines

Scholarships by Degree Level

Scholarships for Bachelors in Italy

• Coverage: Tuition waivers, regional aid, and up to 50% fee reduction with SAT/ACT scores
• Best Providers: University of Bologna, Sapienza, EDISU Piemonte

Scholarships for Master’s in Italy

• Coverage: Tuition + €900 monthly stipend + insurance
• Eligibility: Applicant age must be below 28 years, strong academic record
• Top Providers: MAECI, Invest Your Talent in Italy, Erasmus+

Scholarships for an MBA in Italy

• Coverage: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver + living support
• Criteria: Leadership potential, academic excellence, professional background
• Top Providers: Bocconi University, Politecnico di Milano

Scholarships for a PhD in Italy

• Coverage: Tuition, research funding, monthly stipend, health insurance
• Eligibility: Below 30 years for PhD, below 40 for research programs
• Top Providers: MAECI, Erasmus Mundus, University-specific PhD scholarships

Documents Required

• Passport copy & ID proof
• Completed scholarship application form
• Academic transcripts
• Language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or Italian proficiency)
• Letter(s) of recommendation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing deadlines can cost you the opportunity, so it’s important to apply at least 6–8 months in advance.
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents may lead to immediate rejection of your application.
• Ignoring university-specific scholarships means you might miss out on extra funding opportunities.
• Overlooking language requirements can make you ineligible, even if you meet all other criteria.
• Providing incorrectly translated or notarized income proofs can create problems and delay your application process.

Tips

• Apply to multiple scholarships (government, regional, university).
• Check eligibility rules carefully (merit, income, field).
• Prepare documents: passport, transcripts, income proof, language scores, and recommendations.
• Meet language requirements (usually B2 in English/Italian).
• Write a strong motivation letter with achievements and goals.
• Track deadlines to avoid missing opportunities.
• Use official portals like Study in Italy or university websites.
• Seek guidance from consultants or advisors if needed.
• Prepare for interviews and clearly explain goals and career plans.

FAQs