Scholarships in Italy for International Students: A Practical Guide

Italy’s scholarship landscape is diverse and structured across national, regional, and university levels. For international students, this means multiple entry points to support—from tuition waivers to living allowances and research funding. Understanding eligibility criteria, timelines, and documentation standards is essential, as requirements vary across institutions and regions. Most opportunities open several months before the academic year, and competition is strongest for programs taught in English, so early planning is beneficial.

Types of scholarships available in Italy

Scholarships in Italy typically fall into five categories. Government scholarships are awarded through national ministries and agencies, usually targeting degree-seeking students with academic merit and, in some cases, financial need. Regional grants (often managed by regional student support bodies) combine need-based criteria with academic progress requirements and may include benefits such as canteen access or housing. University scholarships range from fee waivers to merit awards that reduce or fully cover tuition. Departmental or faculty awards may support specific fields, and external or international schemes (such as mobility or exchange programs) can fund short stays or joint degrees. Each type has distinct rules, so always confirm eligibility by program and nationality.

Exploring fully funded scholarships in Italy

“Fully funded” often refers to packages that combine tuition coverage with a monthly allowance and, occasionally, housing or meal support. In practice, coverage levels differ across calls, degree levels, and regions. Fully funded awards are comparatively limited and usually prioritize strong academic profiles, research proposals, or strategic disciplines. At master’s and doctoral levels, some programs integrate funding through research assistantships or project-based grants. Because terminology varies, read each call’s benefits and exclusions carefully—some awards are tuition-only, while others add partial living support, and a few combine multiple benefits into one package that resembles full funding.

How to apply for study grants in Italy

Start by shortlisting your target programs and checking the scholarship pages for each institution and region. Application routes differ: some grants require a separate application; others consider all admitted students automatically. Pay attention to citizenship or residency requirements, degree level, language criteria (Italian or English), and whether financial need is assessed. Common documents include academic transcripts, a valid passport, language certificates, a motivation letter, and references. Need-based grants typically request income and family-size documentation; documents may need notarization, translation, or an apostille. Timelines often run 6–10 months before the start date; mark both admission and scholarship deadlines. Submission is usually online via university portals, regional agencies, or official government platforms.

Earn while you learn in Italy

Many international students combine scholarships with part-time work or internships integrated into their study plan. Italian regulations generally allow students to work part time during the academic year within hourly limits; always verify the current rules connected to your residence permit. Practical steps can include obtaining a codice fiscale (tax code), opening a bank account, and checking your university’s career services for campus roles or curricular placements. Italian language skills broaden options, but international offices often highlight opportunities suited to English-taught programs. Balance is crucial: plan work schedules around exam sessions, and prioritize academic progress to maintain scholarship eligibility.

To help you navigate real, verifiable sources of funding and support, here are examples of organizations commonly associated with scholarships and student services in Italy.

---

Provider Name	Services Offered	Key Features/Benefits
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI)	Government scholarships for international students	Typically for degree programs; combines merit and eligibility criteria; annual calls
Regional Student Support Bodies (e.g., DSU/EDISU)	Need-based regional grants	May include tuition relief, housing or meal support; academic progress requirements
University of Bologna	University-level scholarships and fee waivers	Merit-based selection; degree-specific calls and deadlines
Politecnico di Milano	Merit scholarships and tuition waivers	Focus on engineering, architecture, and design; program-based criteria
Sapienza University of Rome	University scholarships and awards	Mix of merit and need considerations; multiple faculties and degree tracks

---

Conclusion: Seize your opportunity to study in Italy

Success with scholarships in Italy rests on matching your profile to the right funding tier: national awards with broad reach, regional grants tied to need and progress, and university schemes aligned to merit and field of study. Clarify what “fully funded” means for each call, verify eligibility by citizenship and program, and prepare notarized translations early. Consider how part-time work, internships, and campus services can complement a realistic budget over the academic year. With a structured plan, accurate documents, and close attention to timelines, international students can assemble a sustainable path to an Italian degree.