Top 10 Scholarships in Italy for International Students

Like many countries abroad, Italy offers scholarships to International students who have outstanding academic records or students with financial constraints and cannot afford to pay for their studies. You can study in Italy without paying the Tuition fee with Scholarships in Italy for International Students.

Most of the Scholarships in Italy for International students are granted by Public institutions in Italy, Private/Public Organizations and the Italian Government(National and Regional level levels). Some scholarships are fully funded for International students and some are partially funded, the fully funded scholarship will cover living expenses and accommodation.

International students are offered scholarships to study at the Undergraduate, graduate and PhD levels, they can also be granted a scholarship for fellowships and to conduct research. Universities in Italy offer a wide range of courses in Sciences, Engineering, Arts, and Humanities.

Best 10 Scholarships In Italy For International Students

The scholarships in Italy for International students would be listed in this article, they are considered the best for students who want to study in Italy. Their eligibility and requirements are easy to fulfil. Although the requirements vary from institution to institution once you meet the general requirement for studying in Italy other requirements may be waived.

1. Italian Government Scholarships

The Italian government provides scholarships to international students in a bid to make education affordable, this scholarship is one of the best in Italy for international students. The majority of the programs are introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to support students that are struggling financially in another part of the world. Offering scholarship in Italy for International students aims to boost international cooperation in cultural, scientific and technological fields.

Qualified International students are offered scholarships to study at any Italian University. The beneficiaries are given partial or full tuition fees according to their qualification and educational merit.

Host Institution(s):

Public Universities in Italy.

Level/Field of Study:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, Research, Language and cultural stay.

Scholarship Duration:

Normal Program Duration: The scholarship lasts for 3, 6 or 9 months, based on the level of study depending on the level of study and University.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Fully Funded.
• Monthly stipend of 1000 euros quarterly.
• Health and Medical Insurance.

Eligibility:

• International and Italian students living abroad (IRE) and holding an appropriate academic qualification required to enrol on the Italian University.

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2. University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students

The University of Bologna provides study grants for qualified international students who wish to study Degree programs for First Cycle, Second Cycle or Single Cycle.

Host Institution(s):

University of Bologna, Italy.

About the Institution:

University of Bologna is considered as the oldest university in the Western world. The university has a total of 6 campuses: Cesena Campus, Forlì Campus, Ravenna Campus, Rimini Campus, Representación en la República Argentina, Centro de Altos Estudios de la Universidad de Bologna, Brussels, New York, Shanghai.

The university aims to improve the university’s community quality of life by promoting research activities and giving people the opportunity to learn. Each department conducts scientific research, teaching and learning. You can study in any of their departments: Computer Science and Engineering, Cultural Heritage, Economics, Education Studies, Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering

Level/Field: 

First, Single, and Second Cycle Degree Programmes are offered at the University.

Scholarship Duration:

One academic Year

Scholarship Benefits:

• Tuition Fee exemption for Unibo Action 1.
• A total of €11,000 study grants for Unibo Action 2.

Eligibility:

• International student with an educational qualification from institutions other outside Italy.
• International students who have not benefited from the study grant and waiver before.
• Must not be 30 years or older.
• Students can apply from any country.
• You can apply if you obtained a diploma from any Italian school outside Italy
• SAT, GRE, and TOLC tests are required.
• Admission requirements for the preferred degree program

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3. University of Pavia Scholarships

The University of Pavia offers 10 different scholarship programs to international students. The scholarship is either sponsored by the institution or other organizations, the university aims to provide education to international students free of charge. This scholarship also offers different jobs and traineeship opportunities. They are EDISU scholarship, Tuition waiver, Investing in your talent, financial support for mobility and part-time jobs for students.

Host Institution(s): 

University of Pavia, Italy.

About the Institution:

The University of Pavia is part of the oldest university in Europe. Their main area of academic study is Law. Unipavia is made up of 20 colleges and residences where the student can study and live. More colleges for male and female students have been built from public and private initiatives. UOP is considered #3 in Italy, and it is ranked #289 among Global Universities.

Level/Field:

Bachelors, Master’s, and PhD programs.

Scholarship Duration:

Period of Study.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Tuition waiver. The tuition fee is from 400- 4500 euros per year. The exact amount depends on the program. This will be granted after the registration is complete.
• Free accommodation.
• Job experience

Eligibility:

• Non-Italian nationality.
• You must reside outside Italy.
• Educational qualifications must be obtained outside Italy.
• Already admitted to studying any of the qualified undergraduates or graduate degrees.

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4. University of Pisa Scholarship

The University of Pisa scholarships were created to promote academic inclusiveness and to offer English-taught programs to international students. The scholarships will be granted in two instalments with five months apart in the first year. But, for the second and third years, the grant allocation requirements will be assessed at the beginning of the following academic year which will be by the end of September-October.

Host Institution(s):

University of Pisa, Italy.

About the Institution

The University of Pisa was established in the 12th century and for more than 800 years has been a leading centre for academic excellence, innovation, and research. The University has more than 80 departments and 9 schools, they offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and Master’s courses in the fields of science, humanities, medicine, and engineering. Their Courses are taught in English and Italian by highly trained and qualified staff from all over the world.

Level/Field of Study:

Master’s Degree taught in English language and Bachelor’s Degree in Management for Business and Economics.

Scholarship Duration:

• 3 years for a bachelor’s degree.
• 2 years for Master’s degree.

Scholarship Benefits:

• 6 thousand euros net will be given during the first year of your undergraduate studies and exemption from paying tuition fees. And 8,000 euros will be given during the 2nd and 3rd year if you obtain at least 36 CFU credits in your first year and 96 in your second year with an average grade of at least 25/30.
• During the second year of the master’s degree, 8,000 euros and a reduction of 50% tuition fees will be given to students that have an average of at least  25/30

Eligibility:

• International students, enrolled on any of the 14 Master’s Degree taught in the English language in the current academic year.
• And any student enrolled for the Bachelor’s Degree in Management for Business and Economics.
• Complete the online application form. You must upload your university academic transcript, proof of financial need, personal statement, two recommendation letters, copy of your passport, and official proof of admission.

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5. Invest Your Talent Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support talented young International students by offering scholarships to study any English-taught Master’s degree programs only in the fields of Management and Economics, Engineering and Information Technologies, at reputable Italian universities.

You may be awarded another scholarship if you apply to any of the following universities: Universita’ Degli Studi Di Firenze, Universita’ Degli Studi Di Brescia, UNIVERSITA’ DI PARMA, Universita’ Degli Studi Di Modena E Reggio Emilia, Universita’ Di Pisa, Universita’ Degli Studi Di Padova. The Scholarship program is supported by the Italian Government and the Italian Trade Agency.

Host Institution(s):

Top-ranked Italian Universities.

Level/Field of Study:

Postgraduate.

Scholarship Duration:

• 9 months. It can be renewed for the second and it could be renewed for the second year of the Master’s Degree, upon the achievement of at least 30 ECTS credits.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Monthly allowance of 900 euros (net).
• A short internship at any top Italian company.
• the University of Padua will award 2 additional scholarships to students selected by the Invest Your Talent Technical Committee who have chosen the University of Padua as their destination.

Eligibility:

• Complete a compulsory 3-months internship in an Italian enterprise.
• Talented students with a Bachelor’s degree.

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6. Scholarships awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation awards scholarships for studying in Italy to both International students and Italian students who are permanent residents in countries other than Italy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers grants in favour of foreign citizens and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) for the Academic Year 2024-2025 to foster international cooperation in cultural, scientific and technological fields, to promote the Italian language and culture and to support Italy’s economic system in the world (According to Law 288/55 and its subsequent changes and additions).

Host Institution(s):

University of Padua, Italy.

Level/Field of Study:

Master’s degree program(Laurea Magistrale), PhD courses and Research under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela)

Scholarship Duration:

The duration of the scholarship can vary from 6 to 9 months.

Scholarship Benefits:

The scholarships will be paid quarterly. The last instalment will be paid only upon verification of satisfactory academic progress.

• Monthly allowance of 900 euros (net)
• Health insurance.

Eligibility:

• You must not be above 28 years before the application deadline if you want to study any Master’s degree courses except if you are applying for scholarship renewals.
• Must not be above 30 years old when applying for PhD programs except if you are applying for scholarship renewals.
• Applicants for Research Projects under academic supervision must not be above 40 years old by the deadline of the application.
• You need B2 level (CEFR) for Italian-taught courses.
• English-taught courses do not require Italian-language B2 level (CEFR)

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7. University of Milan Scholarships

The University of Milan Excellence Scholarships will be awarded to the best 155 applicants among all those who have applied for admission to a master’s program before May 30, 2024. Meanwhile, several scholarships will be reserved for applicants in the Medicine and Surgery program.

The scholarship will be paid in two instalments amounting to half of the scholarship value: the first instalment will be paid once enrollment is completed. The second instalment will be paid once the recipient has earned 30% of the credits required in the first year of the degree program study plan.

Host Institution(s):

University of Milan, Italy.

About the Institution:

The University of Milan is a public teaching and research institution. It is considered a leading University in Italy and Western Europe in terms of scientific innovations. Additionally, UniMi is the only Italian public university to be a member of the LERU (League of European Research Universities).

The University of Milan has the largest number of students(over 60,000), they offer about 68 Graduate programs of which 31 are taught in English. UniMi is one of the biggest institutions in Millan, Italy. Furthermore, the University has inherited and acquired unique artistic and historical buildings.

Level/Field of Study:

Masters.

Scholarship Duration:

Complete program duration(based on your course of study)

Scholarship Benefits:

• €6000 and tuition fee exemption for 55 fully funded scholarship
• 100 partial scholarships offering full tuition fee waivers all-inclusive.

Eligibility:

• International students
• Must possess an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) outside Italy.
• International students who have applied for or will apply for a master’s degree will be automatically considered.
• Must meet the specific merit requirements in the first year based on their undergraduate academic records and the resume submitted during their admission application
• And for the second year, the merit requirements are based on their academic records.

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8. University of Calabria Scholarships

The University of Calabria scholarships in Italy offers 120 fully funded scholarships to international students who wish to study at the undergraduate or graduate(master’s or professional master’s) This scholarship would be given to students who have enrolled or are about to enrol.

Host Institution(s):

University of Calabria, Italy.

About the Institution

The University of Calabria (Italian: Università Della Calabria, UNICAL) is an Italian public university sited in Cosenza, Italy. It was founded in 1972 and currently houses over 26000 students, 700 administrative staff, and 800 academic researchers.

The University has a total of 14 departments with 80 programs of study from the following academic fields of study: economics, politics, engineering, education; social sciences, health sciences, humanities; pharmacy, and nutrition.

Level/Field of Study:

Bachelors and Masters in any of the following fields: Artificial Intelligence and Computing, Chemistry, Physics, Civil Engineering, Finance and Insurance, Environmental and territorial security engineering, Management, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.

Scholarship Duration:

A complete year of study.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Fully funded(accommodation and allowance)
• Stipend of €2,500 monthly.

Eligibility:

• All Non-European students
• To qualify for the Master’s program, all your academic qualifications must be obtained from the non-Italian university
• International students who wish to study at the undergraduate level must have obtained their high school certificate at least 12 years before application.

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9. Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program

Padua international excellence scholarship scheme is sponsored by The University of Padua, the Veneto Region and other organisations. They offer various scholarship schemes, that would be paid in two instalments, a sum of €4,000 will be paid each academic year. The student will have to pay the admission fee and you can apply to two or three-degree programs.

The only amount to be paid by beneficiary students for each year consists of an admission fee, corresponding to the regional taxably to one or more of the abovementioned degree programmes completely taught in English at the University of Padua. All degrees are offered in English.

Host Institution(s):

University of Padua, Italy.

About the Institution:

The University of Padua is a public Italian university located in the city of Padua, Veneto region, in northern Italy. It was founded in 1222. Padua is the second-oldest university in Italy and the fifth-oldest university in the world. In 2021, the university had approximately 59,000 students. It is ranked 216 in the QS Global 2021 University Rankings.

Level/Field of Study:

Bachelor’s Degree and Masters.

Scholarship Duration:

2 years for Master’s degree programs
3 years for Bachelors’s and Single-Cycle degree candidates.

Scholarship Benefits:

• The fee waiver + €8,000 scholarship per each academic year.
• The scholarship has a maximum duration of 2 continuous years for Master’s degree candidates or 3 continuous years for Bachelor’s and Single Cycle degree candidates.

Eligibility:

• Non-Italian citizens: You are eligible if you do not possess Italian citizenship (except for dual citizenship including Italian)
• You must not reside in Italy
• Must have paid the pre-enrolment fee of € 30 by the closing date for application.
• Creative and highly talented students are encouraged to apply.
• Must apply for one or more English-taught degree programmes of the University by following due procedures before the deadline.

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10. Bocconi Merit and International Awards

This Merit and International award is awarded to international students to study for free in their first year of undergraduate and graduate studies.

Host Institution(s): 

Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

About the Institution:

The Institution was founded in 1902 through the influence and contribution of a wealthy merchant known as Ferdinando Bocconi. It was named after his lost son, Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi. It was the first higher institution to offer a degree in economics.

The University offers different programs at the Bachelor’s and Masters’s levels, you can study any degree in economics, management, Law, and other disciplines. It has a school of Law and PhD, SDA Bocconi School of Management established in 1971 (monitors the post-experience management education.)

Level/Field of Study:

Bachelor Program or Master of Science Program at the University.

Scholarship Duration:

Complete course duration.

Scholarship Benefits:

• This Merit award provides a full tuition waiver of approximately €12,000 for undergraduate studies each year and a total of €14,000 for Graduate studies.
• 50% tuition reduction at Undergraduate and Graduate levels.
• Automatic renewer of the merit award for the original study duration if the requirements are met.

Eligibility:

• Applicants will be picked based on outstanding academic excellence.

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In Conclusion

Studying in Italy can be one of the best decisions you can make for yourself as an international student. Italy is one of the countries that offer quality education at the most affordable rate. Talk about less for more? Italy is the place, with as low as 4,000 euros per year you can study in Italy.

The best part is that the scholarships in Italy for International students are a great avenue to experience a change of environment and mix with the Italians, you get to learn at close to no cost, eat Italian dishes and learn the language. You will also mix with students from other parts of the world.

There are over 30,000 international students, the chances of meeting people with the same interests as you are high, and you may have an adventurous studying time. Without doubts, Italy is one of the best countries where anyone can study as an International student.