The Italian government has created a number of financial assistance programs tailored towards inbound foreign students. The rising number of such programs is intended to increase educational opportunities while also facilitating national cross-cultural exchange. With multiple scholarships in Italy for international students, the country clearly shows its dedication and commitment to fostering global relations.
According to official statistics, tuition fees at public universities range from USD 3,000 to 4,000 per year. In contrast to this, the fees at private institutions can go as high as USD 20,000 annually. Being a popular study-abroad medical destination, the cost of studying Medicine or Dentistry in Italy can pinch the pocket if no financial assistance is available.
In this blog, we will help you navigate the various financial aid options available to you with a detailed analysis of their eligibility criteria, benefits offered, and compensation provided.
It is important to note that scholarships in Italy for international students are provided through several avenues, including the likes of government institutions, universities, and other external agencies.
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Types of Scholarships in Italy for International Students
In Italy, the various kinds of scholarships available can be categorized under 3 broad headings. These comprise
- Government-funded scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
- Scholarships offered by external agencies or third-party sources
The scholarships are designed to enable students to pursue their studies in the field of their choice, regardless of their financial situation. However, due to their limited number, applications tend to be highly competitive and candidates are expected to possess a strong academic record as well as to demonstrate excellent research skills in their chosen field.
In addition to offering financial support, Italy’s scholarship programs provide a range of other benefits to international students. These can include
- exemptions from tuition fees
- assistance with accommodation
- health insurance coverage, or
- language courses to help students adapt to their new academic and social environment.
All of these elements combine to ensure that foreign candidates have all the support they require to fully immerse themselves in their studies and in Italian culture.
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Government Scholarships in Italy for International Students
Invest Your Talent in Italy
This is a scholarship program available for postgraduate candidates who enroll in full-time degree programs or one-year master’s courses in Italy. Students require a bachelor’s degree from a foreign university to apply and are deemed ineligible if they are already enrolled in an Italian institution at the undergraduate level.
Applications from selected nations are processed. These countries include the likes of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, and Vietnam. With a complete exemption from tuition fees, it is one of the few fully-funded scholarships available.
| Name of the Scholarship | Invest Your Talent in Italy |
| Course Details | Master’s degree Program (Laurea Magistrale or
Master Universitario) taught In English |
| Application Deadline | March 3rd |
| Benefits Offered | The IYT scholarships are worth € 8,100 (€ 900 per 9 months) and include an exemption from tuition fees.
Fully-funded scholarship in Italy for international students |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) Scholarships
Through this initiative, MAECI wishes to foster international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological fields, promote the Italian language and culture, and support the Italian economy in the global market.
For the MAECI scholarship, only foreign students not residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) can apply. Moreover, the scholarship grants are only provided for a period of study of 6 to 9 months.
Applications should be made on the Study in Italy portal.
| Name of the Scholarship | MAECI scholarship |
| Course Details | Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo)
Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) Ph.D. programs Research projects under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela) Italian language and culture courses |
| Application Deadline | 9th June |
| Benefits Offered | € 900 monthly allowance, paid on a quarterly basis to the Italian bank account of the recipients.
Exemption from university tuition fees (except for the regional tax of 140 euros and a duty stamp of 16 euros). Fully-funded scholarship in Italy for international students |
University-Specific Scholarships in Italy for International Students
University of Bologna
Unibo Action 1&2 scholarship programs have ended this year. The Unibo Action 2 scholarships that have already been assigned can only be renewed for the 2023-24 session.
Study grants to deserving international students are provided via Collegio Superiore: admission to the University of Bologna’s School of Excellence. The selection is based entirely on merit and to establish eligibility, students will need to clear an admission test conducted by the university. This consists of
- a preselection with TOLC-I and/or TOLC-SU
- a written test
- an oral interview for selected candidates
| Name of the Scholarship | Collegio Superiore Grant |
| Course Details | For those students who enroll for the very first time in a three-year, master’s, or single-cycle degree course |
| Application Deadline | May, which might sometimes be extended till July |
| Benefits Offered |
|
Bocconi University
Bocconi University, located in Milan, Italy, is a renowned institution of higher education that offers a wide range of funding opportunities for foreign applicants. With its excellent reputation and high international standing in business, finance, economics, data science, political science, cyber risk, and law, Bocconi is the perfect choice for international candidates. They have a variety of scholarships available, ranging from need-based support to merit-based awards.
It is important to note that separate applications for scholarships are not required at Bocconi University. In addition to academic achievement, the complete dossier provided to the Admissions office is evaluated for all students.
| Name of the Scholarship | Bocconi Merit Awards |
| Course Details | For students enrolled in BSc programs in Science and Law
For students enrolled in MSc programs in Science |
| Application Deadline | No separate application deadline |
| Benefits Offered | Full tuition and fees waiver, worth up to approximately € 13,000 per year at the undergraduate level.
Full tuition and fees waiver, worth approximately €14,000 per year at the graduate level. Fully-funded scholarship in Italy for international students |
| Name of the Scholarship | Bocconi International Award |
| Course Details | For students enrolled in BSc programs in Science and Law
For students enrolled in MSc programs in Science |
| Application Deadline | No separate application deadline |
| Benefits Offered | 50% tuition reduction at the undergraduate level
50% tuition waiver, worth approximately € 8,000 per year at the graduate level. |
| Name of the Scholarship | Excellence Awards |
| Course Details | For students enrolled in BSc programs in Science and Law
They must be in the second or third year of their program and be among the top 15 applicants with the highest GPA and a minimum of 49 credits. |
| Application Deadline | No separate application deadline |
| Benefits Offered | Full tuition waiver for the academic year of the assignment of the scholarship.
Fully-funded scholarship in Italy for international students |
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
The UCSC International Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students to reduce the cost of their tuition fees. It is available to all non-EU students who are enrolled at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and can cover up to 37% of the total tuition cost. This scholarship is awarded annually and is valid until the completion of the course. To ensure that the scholarship applies for the duration of the course, it is important that students maintain full-time enrollment status.
| Name of the Scholarship | UCSC International Scholarship |
| Course Details | For all undergraduate courses offered by the university |
| Application Deadline | Students need to register during the admissions process starting on April 3 |
| Benefits Offered | Partial fee waiver of 37%.
For the academic year of 2023-24, the tuition fee applicable to students who receive the UCSC International Scholarship is € 5,300. |
Politecnico di Milano
Established in 1863, this institution holds the distinction of being the oldest university in Italy. With a strong foundation, the Polytechnic University of Milan is committed to nurturing strong and diverse student talent from all backgrounds. As such, it offers a variety of merit-based awards for graduate students, in addition to the DSU scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
| Name of the Scholarship | Merit-Based Scholarships (PLATINUM, GOLD, and SILVER scholarships) |
| Course Details | For international candidates admitted to a Master of Science program who are in their 1st or 2nd semester. |
| Application Deadline | September for the first semester
February for the second semester |
| Benefits Offered | €10,000 compensation in addition to a tuition fees waiver- PLATINUM scholarship
€5,000 compensation in addition to a tuition fees waiver- GOLD scholarship Tuition fee waiver for the academic year- SILVER scholarship Fully-funded scholarship in Italy for international students |
University of Padua
Under the university’s funding scheme, 53 scholarships are awarded in total to students enrolled in any English-taught programs at the University of Padua. The scholarship can be availed for a maximum period of 3 continuous years for bachelor’s, single-cycle, and master’s degree candidates.
There is no separate application process provided interested candidates meet the following eligibility criteria
- Do not possess Italian citizenship (Italian dual citizenship is permissible)
- Hold a non-Italian foreign secondary school diploma that is recognized by the university
- Do not reside in Italy
| Name of the Scholarship | Padua International Excellence Scholarship |
| Course Details | International students applying to the university’s English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs |
| Application Deadline | No separate application date |
| Benefits Offered | Consist of a fee waiver alongside €8,000 as the scholarship amount per each academic year. |
University of Milan
The University of Milan is dedicated to supporting international students who have achieved outstanding academic success and are determined to pursue their educational journey in Italy. The university offers competitive scholarships to recognize the hard work and dedication of international students.
To be eligible for the scholarship, interested foreign applicants should be enrolled in a postgraduate program by 31st May.
| Name of the Scholarship | Excellence Scholarships |
| Course Details | For all students enrolled in the first year of a Master’s degree program |
| Application Deadline | No separate application date |
| Benefits Offered | 55 scholarships worth € 6,000 each, with an exemption from the all-inclusive tuition fee
Fully-funded scholarship in Italy for international students 100 total exemptions from the all-inclusive tuition fee |
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Scholarships Offered By External Agencies in Italy for International Students
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are integrated study programs that offer students a unique opportunity to study in multiple countries and develop a truly international outlook. These programs are designed and delivered by an international partnership of higher education institutions (HEI).
The EU’s initiative to offer jointly recognized Master’s degrees is a forward-thinking approach that seeks to encourage excellence among participating institutions. In addition, students have the opportunity to receive scholarships to take part in these highly esteemed programs.
| Name of the Scholarship | Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships |
| Course Details | For all students enrolled in joint master’s degree programs offered by 2 or more institutions |
| Application Deadline | Varies according to the university of choice |
| Benefits Offered | Scholarships cover the cost of a student’s participation in the program, travel, and a living allowance. |
Fulbright Awards
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a prestigious program created to foster meaningful connections between citizens of the United States and other countries around the world. It provides a unique opportunity for graduate students and young professionals from all backgrounds to take part in a variety of academic pursuits, such as graduate study, research, and teaching English abroad.
The program offers a specialized award for U.S. citizens or nationals with an academic degree in Architecture or Design in Italy.
| Name of the Scholarship | Fulbright Award |
| Course Details | Laurea Magistrale in Architecture or Design at Politecnico di Milano |
| Application Deadline | October |
| Benefits Offered | The award provides a maintenance allowance of € 12,700 for 9 months as well as an international travel allowance of Euro € 1,100 to cover the costs of a round-trip ticket. |
Bachelors vs Masters Scholarships in Italy
Government-funded grants are usually given to students based on their academic prowess, financial need, and other criteria set by the government. University-specific scholarships are typically offered to students who are enrolled in a specific institution. These scholarships may be based on a variety of criteria, such as academic excellence, financial need, or other special qualifications. Lastly, third-party awards are funded by external organizations or private entities.
Let us categorize these by degree for our ease of convenience.
| Scholarships Offered During Bachelor’s | Scholarships Offered During Master’s |
| College Superiore Grants by the University of Bologna | Invest Your Talent in Italy |
| Bocconi Merit and International Awards by the University of Bocconi | MAECI Scholarships |
| Excellence Awards by the University of Bocconi | College Superiore Grants by the University of Bologna |
| UCSC International Scholarship | Bocconi Merit and International Awards by the University of Bocconi |
| Padua International Excellence Scholarship | Merit-Based Scholarships by the Polytechnic University of Milan |
| – | Padua International Excellence Scholarship |
| – | Excellence Scholarships by the University of Milan |
Tips to Apply for Scholarships in Italy
For help regarding scholarships in Italy for international students, interested candidates can avail of Gyanberry’s services. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you apply.
- Verify the Eligibility Criteria: It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship program and make sure that you fulfill all the set criteria, such as meeting the academic requirements, language proficiency standards, and any other specific criteria set by the scholarship provider.
Since Italy is a top destination for medical aspirants, you can check the Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Italy.
- Keep All Important Documents Handy: It is essential to gather and prepare all the necessary documents well in advance. These documents may include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, language proficiency certificates (such as IELTS or TOEFL), and a copy of your passport.
- Start Early: Scholarships in Italy often have specific application periods, so it is best to start working on your applications early.
- Polish Your Language Skills: In order to be eligible for scholarships in Italy, it is important to have a good grasp of the language of the program. If the program is conducted in Italian, it is essential to take the time to hone your Italian language skills. If the scholarship program is taught in English, you should work to refine your English-speaking skills.
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Crafting a strong personal statement or motivation letter is an important part of the scholarship application process. This statement should be tailored to showcase your alignment with the scholarship’s objectives, while also highlighting your academic achievements and career goals. It should include information that demonstrates why you are a suitable candidate to receive the scholarship.
Conclusion
These scholarships in Italy for international students are a great incentive for those looking to study abroad. Not only do they help to reduce the cost of tuition and other associated fees, but they also provide the opportunity to access the best universities in the country. For example, the University of Milan offers the Excellence Scholarship, which provides an additional financial aid package to high-achieving students. The University of Bologna also offers the Collegio Superiore Grant, which is aimed at providing financial assistance to students.
For more information, kindly book a video appointment with our experts at Gyanberry.
