Italy offers a wide array of scholarships and financial aid options for international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. These scholarships are funded by the Italian government, universities, and various regional or private entities to promote academic excellence, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.
🎓 Types of Scholarships
| 🏷️ Scholarship Type | 🌐 Provided By | 🎯 Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Government Scholarships | Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) | Based on nationality, academic merit, program level |
| Institutional Scholarships | Public and Private Universities | Varies by institution and academic performance |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships | European Commission | Students enrolled in Erasmus exchange/joint programs |
| Regional Scholarships | Regional authorities (e.g., Lazio, Lombardy) | Based on financial need, region of study/residence |
| Private/Foundation Scholarships | Companies and nonprofit organizations | Merit-based, field-specific, or socio-economic factors |
🌟 Popular Scholarships for International Students
🇮🇹 Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
Offered by: MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
Level: Master’s, PhD, Research
Benefits: Monthly stipend (€900), tuition waiver, health insurance
Eligibility: Non-Italian students from eligible countries
Application: Apply online via Study in Italy portal
🎓 DSU Regional Scholarships (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)
Offered by: Regional Authorities (e.g., LazioDisco, ER-GO, EDISU Piemonte)
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Benefits: Tuition waiver, free meals, accommodation, financial support
Eligibility: Based on financial status and academic performance
Application: Directly through the university or regional body
🎓 Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship
Offered by: MAECI + Italian Trade Agency + Uni-Italia
Level: Master’s (in English) in selected fields: Engineering, ICT, Management
Benefits: Full tuition fee exemption + €900 monthly allowance
Eligibility: Non-Italian students from eligible countries with bachelor’s degree
Application: Online via Invest Your Talent in Italy
🌍 Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD (Exchange/Joint Programs)
Benefits: Monthly stipend + travel costs
Eligibility: Students in Erasmus-partner programs
Application: Through your home university
🏅 University-specific Scholarships
Examples:
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University of Bologna – Unibo Action 1 & 2 Grants
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Politecnico di Milano – Merit-Based Scholarships
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Bocconi University – International Awards
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University of Padua – Fully Funded Scholarships for Top Students
Eligibility & Application: Varies by institution and course; apply directly through the university’s admission portal
🔍 Additional Funding Options
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Italian Government Portal: Explore national and regional opportunities on Study in Italy.
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European Funding: Italy participates in numerous EU-funded programs promoting education and research.
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Third-Party Databases: Platforms like ScholarshipPortal and EduItalia list hundreds of Italy-specific scholarships.
📌 Tips for Scholarship Applicants
✅ Research early—many deadlines fall between December and May
✅ Highlight academic excellence, motivation, and global mindset in SOPs
✅ Check language requirements—some scholarships prefer basic Italian skills
✅ Apply to multiple opportunities and regions to improve your chances
✅ Follow up regularly with institutions or MAECI on status updates
📩 Need Assistance Applying for Scholarships?
At Impel Overseas Consultants, we help you:
🎯 Identify eligible scholarships based on your profile
📝 Draft compelling SOPs and scholarship applications
🧾 Navigate university and government application portals
📞 Get personalized support throughout the scholarship process
👉 Let us help you make education in Italy affordable and accessible!
📩 Contact us today to begin your scholarship journey in Italy! 🇮🇹🎓
