Top 10 Scholarships in Italy for International Students. Studying in Italy offers a wealth of opportunities, and international students can access the same financial support as local students, based on need and academic merit. There are a variety of scholarships at both the national and regional levels, as well as programs offered by specific Italian universities. These scholarships are designed to help international students pursue their academic goals in Italy, from undergraduate degrees to advanced research programs.
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
The Italian Government provides scholarships for foreign students as well as Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) to study in Italy. These scholarships are available for a variety of academic programmes, including Master’s degrees (Laurea Magistrale), PhD programmes, Higher Education courses in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), research under academic supervision, and Italian Language and Culture courses. Scholarship benefits include coverage of tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly allowance. Students can apply for funding for three, six, or nine months, depending on their academic needs.
Invest Your Talent in Italy
The Invest Your Talent in Italy programme, sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Economic Development, provides scholarships for students from countries such as Azerbaijan, India, Egypt, Turkey, and Vietnam. It offers opportunities to pursue Master’s and postgraduate degrees in English in fields such as Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, and Economics at prestigious Italian universities. The top students receive scholarships sponsored by industry partners and corporate sponsors.
University of Milan Excellence Scholarships
For the academic year 2024/2025, the University of Milan is offering 155 scholarships to top-performing international students admitted to their Master’s programmes. This includes 55 scholarships worth €8,000 each (along with a full tuition fee exemption) and 100 full tuition fee waivers. This programme is aimed at rewarding academic excellence and helping talented students fund their studies at one of Italy’s leading institutions.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
International students, including those from non-EU countries, who are pursuing full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees at universities in Piedmont (such as the Politecnico di Torino or the University of Torino) are eligible to apply for EDISU Piemonte Scholarships. The scholarship amounts vary based on the student’s financial situation and academic performance, and accommodation may also be provided for non-resident students. Part-time students enrolled in bachelor’s programmes may also qualify.
Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
The University of Padua offers scholarships to highly talented students who wish to pursue their studies in first- or second-cycle degree programs taught in English. The Padua International Excellence Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and provides an annual stipend of €8,000 to support living expenses.
University of Pavia Tuition Fee Waivers
To promote a diverse and international academic community, the University of Pavia is offering 120 tuition fee waivers for international students enrolling in specific degree programs for the 2024/2025 academic year. These waivers provide full exemption from tuition fees for the first year of study. However, the waiver is only available for the first year and cannot be renewed.
In addition, the CICOPS Scholarships at Pavia provide opportunities for researchers from developing countries to engage in collaborative research with professors at the university.
Bocconi Merit and International Awards
Bocconi University offers merit-based scholarships to international students enrolling in bachelor’s and master’s programs. These scholarships cover partial or full tuition costs, with awards of up to €13,000 per year for bachelor’s programs and up to €14,000 per year for master’s programs. These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit.
Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
Each year, the Politecnico di Milano offers merit-based scholarships to exceptional international students admitted to Master of Science programs. These scholarships cover full tuition fees and may also provide additional stipends ranging from €5,000 to €10,000 per year. This prestigious institution is well-known for its programs in engineering, architecture, and design, and these scholarships make studying there more accessible for international students.
Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
The Politecnico di Torino offers scholarships to international students pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering and architecture. These scholarships provide financial assistance to help students cover tuition costs and living expenses, enabling them to access high-quality education in one of Italy’s top technical universities.
Università Cattolica International Scholarships
The Università Cattolica offers international scholarships that reduce tuition fees by 25% for eligible students. These scholarships are available to international students enrolling in degree programs and are designed to make education more accessible by lowering the overall cost of attending one of Italy’s leading private universities.
These top scholarships in Italy provide a wealth of opportunities for international students to pursue their academic dreams in one of the world’s most historic and culturally rich countries. With fully funded programs, tuition waivers, and financial support for living expenses, Italy remains an attractive destination for students seeking quality education and international exposure.
