Italian Scholarships International Students 2025-26 | Study Free in Italy

Italy continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking world-class education paired with rich cultural heritage and vibrant student life. For the academic year 2025-26, a wide array of Italian scholarships for international students are available, providing financial support that can significantly ease the cost of studying abroad. These scholarships range from full tuition waivers to monthly stipends, and are offered by Italian government bodies, universities, and private foundations.

Why Study in Italy?

Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, such as University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano. With numerous programs taught in English and internationally recognized degrees, Italy offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. In addition, its affordable living costs and scholarship opportunities make it an ideal destination for students from developing and developed countries alike.

Top Government-Funded Scholarships for 2025-26

1. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships for international students wishing to pursue:

• Master’s Degrees

• PhD Programs

• Research Projects under academic supervision

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly allowance of €900

• Health and medical insurance

Eligibility:

• Must not exceed 28 years for Master’s and 30 years for PhDs

• Proficiency in English or Italian, depending on the program

• Enrollment in an Italian institution

Deadline: Usually opens in April and closes in June each year.

University-Specific Scholarships in Italy

2. University of Bologna – Study Grants for International Students

One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Bologna offers “Unibo Action 1 & 2” grants for international students applying for First, Second, and Single Cycle Degree Programs.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee waivers

• Study grants worth €11,000 gross annually

Eligibility:

• Applicants must take the SAT, GRE, or TOLC test

• Must not be older than 30 years

• Excellent academic background

3. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

Known for its engineering and architecture programs, Politecnico di Milano provides highly competitive scholarships for non-EU international students.

Types of Scholarships:

• Platinum Scholarships: €10,000 per year + tuition waiver

• Gold Scholarships: €5,000 per year + tuition waiver

• Silver Scholarships: Full tuition waiver

Eligibility:

• High GPA and strong portfolio (for design/architecture)

• English language proficiency

4. University of Padua Scholarships

The University of Padua offers a number of fully funded scholarships for highly talented prospective students from all over the world.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee exemption

• €8,000 yearly living allowance

Eligibility:

• International students applying to English-taught degree programs

• Academic excellence and motivation

5. Bocconi University Scholarships

As one of Italy’s premier business schools, Bocconi University supports international students through merit-based and need-based scholarships.

Scholarship Options:

• Bocconi Merit Awards

• Bocconi International Awards

• Need-Based Scholarships

Benefits:

• Full or partial tuition waiver

• Up to €12,000 per year

Criteria:

• Academic merit

• Financial need (for need-based aid)

Regional and Foundation-Based Scholarships

6. EDISU Piemonte Scholarships

EDISU offers scholarships for students enrolled in Piedmont region universities, such as the University of Turin and Politecnico di Torino.

Eligibility:

• Low-income international students

• Enrolled in full-time courses

Benefits:

• Financial support based on economic need and academic performance

• Free accommodation or accommodation allowance

7. LazioDisco Scholarships

International students studying in Lazio, including universities like Sapienza University of Rome, may apply for scholarships provided by LazioDisco.

Offers:

• Fee waivers

• Meals and accommodation support

• Grants for educational materials

Popular Programs for Scholarship Applicants

• Engineering and Architecture – High demand and funding availability at Politecnico di Milano and Torino

• Business and Economics – Prestigious scholarships at Bocconi and LUISS

• Life Sciences and Medicine – Scholarships available at Sapienza and Humanitas University

• Humanities and Arts – University of Bologna and University of Florence provide numerous opportunities

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

• Start Early: Many scholarships close several months before the academic year begins.

• Prepare Standardized Tests: SAT, GRE, GMAT, and language proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL are often required.

• Compile a Strong Portfolio: For art, architecture, and design programs, a professional and creative portfolio is crucial.

• Maintain High Academic Records: Most scholarships are highly competitive and require top grades.

• Follow Application Guidelines Precisely: Pay close attention to eligibility, deadlines, and required documents.

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Even with scholarships, it’s vital to budget for monthly expenses. Average living costs in Italy for students are:

• Accommodation: €300–€700/month

• Food: €150–€250/month

• Transportation: €25–€45/month

• Miscellaneous: €100–€150/month

Scholarship allowances generally cover a significant part of these expenses, especially in cities outside Milan and Rome where the cost of living is lower.

Application Timeline for 2025-26 Academic Year

Conclusion

Pursuing higher education in Italy is more accessible than ever for international students through a wide variety of scholarship opportunities. From government grants to university-specific merit awards, Italy remains a top destination for affordable, high-quality education in Europe. By preparing ahead and choosing the right program, students can turn their dream of studying in Italy into reality.

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