Italy is one of the most attractive European destinations for international students because students can access government scholarships, regional scholarships, university-specific awards, tuition-fee reductions and research funding.
For international students, the most important funding route is often the regional right-to-study scholarship. Italy’s official Universitaly portal confirms that every region has its own student-support organisation and that these organisations provide scholarships and other benefits based on financial need and, in some cases, merit. Apply For More Fully Funded Scholarships Here.
Below is a practical list of major scholarships to consider for the 2027 intake.
Top Scholarships in Italy
| Scholarship | Study Level | Main Benefits | Typical/Published Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Government MAECI Scholarship | Master’s, PhD, research, AFAM | Government stipend, insurance and other benefits depending on call | 2027 deadline not yet published |
| DSU Regional Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s, some PhD | Tuition support, accommodation, meals and/or cash grant | Usually summer; varies by region |
| ER.GO Scholarship – Emilia-Romagna | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Financial grant, meals, accommodation/other benefits | Usually August–September |
| EDISU Piemonte Scholarship | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Grant, meals, accommodation/other benefits | Usually August–September |
| Lazio DiSCo Scholarship | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Grant, accommodation, meals and tuition-related benefits | Usually July |
| Regione Toscana DSU Scholarship | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Grant, meals, accommodation and other services | Usually summer |
| ERDIS Marche Scholarship | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Grant, accommodation and meals | Usually summer |
| University of Bologna Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition exemption and/or financial award | Programme-specific |
| Bocconi Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition waiver and financial support | Programme-specific |
| University of Padua Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition waiver and financial support | Programme-specific |
| University of Milan Excellence Scholarships | Master’s | Tuition exemption and scholarship awards | Programme-specific |
| Politecnico di Milano Scholarships | Master’s | Tuition waiver and financial support | Programme-specific |
| Politecnico di Torino Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition support and scholarships | Programme-specific |
| University of Pavia Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition and financial support | Programme-specific |
| University of Camerino Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | University awards and regional ERDIS support | Programme-specific |
| University of Siena Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition reductions and regional funding | Programme-specific |
| University of Turin Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | University/EDISU funding | Programme-specific |
| University of Pisa Scholarships | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Regional DSU and university awards | Usu |
1. Italian Government MAECI Scholarships
The MAECI Scholarship is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to eligible foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad.
The scholarship covers selected Master’s degree programs, PhD programs, AFAM programs, research projects under co-tutorship, and advanced Italian language and culture courses.
For the 2026–2027 call, applications had to be submitted through the Study in Italy portal by 26 March.
The scholarship is an important option for students from eligible countries, but applicants must check the official list of eligible countries and the specific academic programs covered by the call.
Main Benefits
Depending on the applicable scholarship category, benefits can include:
- Monthly financial support
- Health and accident insurance
- Exemption from certain university fees in accordance with the applicable rules
- Support for study in Italy
Apply For More Fully Funded Scholarships Here.
2. Regional DSU Scholarships
The DSU or regional right-to-study scholarships are among the most important funding opportunities for international students in Italy.
Different Italian regions administer their own schemes. Examples include:
- ER.GO in Emilia-Romagna
- Lazio DiSCo in Lazio
- DSU Toscana in Tuscany
- Regional scholarship authorities in other parts of Italy
These scholarships can provide combinations of:
- Tuition-fee reductions or exemptions
- Cash grants
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Free or subsidized meals
- Other student services
Eligibility commonly depends on the student’s economic situation and academic requirements.
International students with family income and assets outside Italy normally have to provide specific financial documentation according to the regional authority’s rules.
Example: Lazio DiSCo
The academic year, Lazio DiSCo offered scholarships, accommodation, international mobility contributions, graduation awards and subsidized meals.
The first application phase closed on 22 July, followed by a second phase. Lazio DiSCo subsequently announced that the application process closed on 11 August. Students should check the regional authority every year because deadlines are normally published separately from university admission deadlines.
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3. ER.GO Scholarship – Emilia-Romagna
Students attending eligible universities in Emilia-Romagna can apply for benefits through ER.GO, the regional authority for the right to higher education.
ER.GO benefits can include:
- Scholarships
- University accommodation
- Catering services
- Other financial benefits
International students are required to provide documentation proving their family’s economic situation when income or assets are held outside Italy.
The application is separate from the university admission process, so students should check both deadlines carefully.
4. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
Politecnico di Milano provides several scholarship opportunities for international students.
For Master’s students, the university offers merit-based scholarships through cooperation with public and private partners. According to the university’s 2026–2027 information, these scholarships include a full tuition-fee waiver, and some also provide an additional allowance of up to €10,000 per year.
The university also provides access to DSU scholarships.
For the 2026–2027 merit scholarship call, eligible candidates had to have submitted their Master’s admission application during the specified early-bird period. A valid English-language certificate was also required by the scholarship deadline. Because Politecnico di Milano changes its scholarship calls every year, applicants should check the latest announcement for their intended intake.
5. Bocconi University Scholarships
Bocconi University in Milan offers several financial aid opportunities for international students.
These include:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based financial aid
- ISU Bocconi Scholarship
- Tuition-fee waivers
- Other university-specific awards
The ISU Bocconi Scholarship is connected to the Lombardy regional right-to-study system.
For 2026–2027, the ISU Bocconi Scholarship included a cash stipend, possible additional benefits, meal support and access to subsidized catering services.
For international Master’s applicants, the 2026–2027 ISU application window was 25 May to 25 June.
Bocconi also offers merit-based tuition support, and its financial aid system can include full or partial tuition waivers depending on the applicant and scholarship.
6. University of Bologna Scholarships
The University of Bologna offers a variety of scholarships and financial support opportunities for international students.
Awards can be offered at Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral levels, depending on the specific program and call.
The university also works with the regional right-to-study system in Emilia-Romagna.
Scholarships can vary significantly by degree program. For example, the university has published separate calls for international students in particular Master’s programs.
Therefore, applicants should search both:
- University of Bologna scholarship opportunities
- ER.GO regional scholarships
This can help students identify more funding options.
7. University of Padua Scholarships
The University of Padua offers several scholarship and fee-waiver opportunities for international students.
Scholarships may be linked to:
- Academic excellence
- Specific degree programs
- International student status
- Research or doctoral study
- External foundations and organizations
The university publishes individual calls with their own eligibility conditions and deadlines.
Students should therefore avoid assuming that one deadline applies to every University of Padua scholarship.
8. Invest Your Talent in Italy
Invest Your Talent in Italy is another scholarship and educational opportunity for international students.
The program is designed to attract talented international students to selected Master’s and postgraduate programs in Italy, particularly in areas connected with:
- Engineering
- Advanced technologies
- Economics and management
- Architecture and design
The program involves participating Italian universities and selected countries.
Eligibility is therefore limited by both nationality and participating programs. Applicants should check whether their country and intended degree program are included in the current call.
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Two-Column Summary Table
| Scholarship | Main Benefits / Information |
|---|---|
| Italian Government MAECI Scholarship | Government financial support for eligible Master’s, PhD, AFAM, research and language/culture programs |
| Regional DSU Scholarships | Depending on region: tuition support, cash grant, accommodation, meals and other benefits |
| Lazio DiSCo Scholarship | Scholarship, accommodation, meals and other right-to-study benefits for eligible students in Lazio |
| ER.GO Scholarship | Financial support, accommodation and catering benefits for eligible students in Emilia-Romagna |
| Politecnico di Milano Scholarships | Merit scholarships can include full tuition waiver and, for some awards, an additional allowance |
| Bocconi University Scholarships | Merit and need-based financial aid, tuition waivers and ISU regional scholarship |
| University of Bologna Scholarships | Program-specific scholarships plus access to regional ER.GO benefits |
| University of Padua Scholarships | Various merit, program-specific and international student funding opportunities |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy | Scholarship opportunities for eligible students from participating countries and selected fields |
Advantages of Studying in Italy With a Scholarship
1. Lower Education Costs
Scholarships can substantially reduce tuition and living expenses.
2. Affordable Public Universities
Italian public universities generally have lower tuition costs than many universities in other major European study destinations.
3. Financial Support for Living Expenses
Some regional scholarships can provide cash grants, accommodation and meals in addition to tuition support.
4. Wide Range of Programs
International students can find programs in engineering, computer science, business, economics, medicine, architecture, humanities, social sciences and many other fields.
5. English-Taught Programs
Many Italian universities offer Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs taught partly or entirely in English.
6. International Experience
Studying in Italy provides students with access to Europe’s academic, cultural and professional environment.
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility varies according to the scholarship, but international students may generally need:
- A valid passport
- Appropriate previous academic qualification
- Strong academic record
- Admission or application to an eligible Italian university
- Required language proficiency
- Financial documentation for need-based scholarships
- Proof of nationality
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal for some doctoral programs
- Compliance with age or program-specific requirements
For regional scholarships, financial eligibility can be particularly important.
International students whose family income and assets are outside Italy may need documents showing:
- Family composition
- Annual income
- Property ownership
- Bank or financial assets
- Other relevant economic information
These documents may need to be legalized, translated or prepared according to the authority’s instructions.
Required Documents
Students should normally prepare:
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- CV or résumé
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters, if required
- Language certificate
- University admission application or admission letter
- Research proposal for relevant programs
- Family income documents for need-based scholarships
- Property and financial documents where required
- Passport-size photograph, if requested
- Additional scholarship forms
Requirements differ considerably, so applicants should follow the exact checklist in the current scholarship call.
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Application Process
Step 1: Choose Your University and Program
Start by selecting an Italian university and degree program that matches your academic background.
Step 2: Search for Scholarships
Check the university’s official scholarship page and the relevant regional scholarship authority.
Also check the Italian Government’s Study in Italy portal for MAECI opportunities.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Read the complete scholarship call before preparing your application.
Pay attention to nationality, academic level, financial requirements, language requirements and deadline.
Step 4: Apply for University Admission
Some scholarships require an admission application before scholarship consideration.
Others may allow students to apply for the scholarship while admission is still being processed.
Step 5: Prepare Financial Documents
For DSU and other need-based scholarships, international students should begin preparing family financial documents early.
This step can take time because documents may require translation, legalization or certification.
Step 6: Submit the Scholarship Application
Complete the relevant online application before the stated deadline.
Do not assume that submitting a university admission application automatically means you have applied for every scholarship.
Step 7: Monitor the Results
Scholarship authorities publish rankings or award decisions according to their individual schedules.
Students should regularly check their application portal and email.
Important Deadline Information
There is no single deadline for scholarships in Italy.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, examples include:
- MAECI: 26 March
- Lazio DiSCo first application phase: 22 July
- Lazio DiSCo final application closure: 11 August
- Bocconi ISU for international Master’s applicants: 25 June
- Politecnico di Milano merit scholarships: deadlines depended on the admission and scholarship call
These dates demonstrate why students should check the exact scholarship rather than using a general “Italy scholarship deadline.”
For students preparing for 2027–2028, new calls should be checked when they are published because the dates can change from one academic year to another.
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Tips for Winning an Italian Scholarship
Apply Early
Some scholarships have deadlines several months before the beginning of the academic year.
Prepare Financial Documents in Advance
This is especially important for DSU and other need-based scholarships.
Apply to More Than One Opportunity
Students can explore university scholarships, regional scholarships and government scholarships rather than relying on only one funding source.
Read the Official Call
Third-party websites can contain outdated information. Always verify the latest scholarship amount, deadline and eligibility requirements with the official provider.
Check Your Country’s Eligibility
Some government and university scholarships are restricted to applicants from specific countries.
Keep Copies of All Documents
Save copies of your application, financial documents, certificates and scholarship submissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students study in Italy for free?
Yes, it is possible for eligible international students to reduce or sometimes eliminate tuition costs through scholarships and fee exemptions. However, “study for free” does not mean that every student receives a fully funded scholarship.
Regional DSU programs can provide a combination of tuition support, accommodation, meals and financial assistance depending on eligibility.
Which is the best scholarship in Italy for international students?
There is no single scholarship that is suitable for everyone. The appropriate option depends on your nationality, academic level, university, financial situation and field of study.
MAECI is a major government option, while regional DSU scholarships are important for students enrolled at eligible institutions.
Are Italy scholarships available for Pakistani students?
Some Italian scholarships are available to Pakistani students, but eligibility depends on the specific scholarship and current call. Students should check the official eligible-country list for government scholarships and the nationality requirements for university and regional awards.
Can I get a fully funded Master’s scholarship in Italy?
Yes, some opportunities can provide extensive financial support. However, the exact benefits vary.
For example, certain Politecnico di Milano merit scholarships can include a full tuition-fee waiver and an additional allowance, while regional scholarships may combine tuition support with accommodation, meals and cash benefits.
Do I need IELTS to study in Italy?
Not necessarily. Language requirements depend on the university and degree program. Some English-taught programs accept alternative proof of English proficiency, while others require a specific language certificate.
Students should check the language requirements of their chosen program.
Can I apply for DSU before admission?
The procedure depends on the region. Some regional scholarship calls allow students to apply before their university enrollment is fully completed.
For example, Lazio DiSCo’s 2026–2027 call stated that enrollment did not have to be finalized when the scholarship application was submitted, although it had to be completed within the specified subsequent deadline.
Are Italian scholarships available for Bachelor’s students?
Yes. Regional scholarships can be available to Bachelor’s students, while university-specific scholarships vary. MAECI, however, is primarily focused on Master’s, PhD, research and specified other programs rather than ordinary Bachelor’s study.
Is accommodation included in Italian scholarships?
Some scholarships provide accommodation or housing benefits, but this is not universal.
Regional scholarships such as Lazio DiSCo and ER.GO can include accommodation benefits subject to availability and eligibility.
Conclusion
Italy offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students. The major funding routes include Italian Government MAECI scholarships, regional DSU scholarships, ER.GO, Lazio DiSCo, Politecnico di Milano scholarships, Bocconi University financial aid, University of Bologna scholarships, University of Padua scholarships and Invest Your Talent in Italy.
One of the most important things to understand is that not all Italian scholarships are fully funded. Some cover tuition only, while others combine tuition exemptions with accommodation, meals and a living allowance.
Students should start preparing early, especially when financial documents from outside Italy are required. Always check the official scholarship call for the current academic year because deadlines, funding amounts, eligible countries and application procedures can change.
For the next intake, applicants should regularly monitor the official Italian Government Study in Italy portal, their chosen university’s scholarship page and the relevant regional scholarship authority.
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