taly has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, thanks to its world-renowned universities, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of fully funded scholarships in Italy. Whether you are looking to pursue an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program, numerous scholarship opportunities can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. Universities like the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano, along with government and private organizations, offer generous funding to attract talented students worldwide. This blog explores the top scholarships in Italy for 2025, ensuring you find the best options to support your education.
Studying in Italy is a dream for many students, but financial concerns can often be a barrier. Fortunately, various scholarships in Italy provide financial support to international students, making higher education more accessible. These scholarships are designed to encourage academic excellence and cultural exchange, allowing students to experience Italy’s exceptional education system without financial stress. From Italian Government Scholarships to merit-based grants offered by leading universities, this guide will help you navigate the best opportunities available in 2025, along with eligibility criteria, benefits, and application tips.
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1. Italian Government Scholarships for International Students
The Italian Government offers scholarships to foreign students and Italian citizens residing abroad through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). These scholarships are available for master’s and PhD programs in various disciplines. It is a prestigious opportunity for students looking to study in Italy without financial constraints, as it covers tuition, living costs, and health insurance.
Eligibility:
- Open to international students from eligible countries
- Must apply for a master’s or PhD program at an Italian university
- Proof of English or Italian language proficiency
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend of €900
- Health insurance
2. University of Bologna Scholarships
The University of Bologna, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities, provides generous scholarships for international students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. These scholarships are designed to attract outstanding students from around the world, enabling them to study at a top-ranked institution without financial worries. The program recognizes academic excellence and financial need, ensuring that talented students have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals in a vibrant and culturally rich learning environment.
Eligibility:
- Open to non-EU international students
- Must be applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program
- SAT, GRE, or TOLC test scores may be required
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual grant of €11,000
3. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
Politecnico di Milano, one of Italy’s leading technical universities, offers prestigious scholarships to international students pursuing master’s programs in engineering, architecture, and design. These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit, aiming to attract top-tier talent from around the world. The scholarship program helps students ease their financial burden while benefiting from world-class education and career opportunities in Italy.
Eligibility:
- Open to international students applying for a master’s degree
- Strong academic background
- No separate application is required; candidates are automatically considered
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend of €5,000 – €10,000 per year
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4. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
Scuola Normale Superiore offers prestigious fully funded scholarships for PhD students across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The program provides comprehensive financial support, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Scholars benefit from access to world-class research facilities, expert faculty, and an intellectually stimulating environment that fosters academic excellence. This opportunity allows students to focus entirely on their research without financial stress, making it one of the most sought-after PhD scholarships in Italy.
Eligibility:
- Open to international PhD applicants
- Must have a strong academic record and research proposal
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation and research funding
5. EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
EDISU Piemonte provides scholarships to students enrolled in universities in the Piedmont region, including the University of Turin and Politecnico di Torino. These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic excellence and financial need, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can access higher education. The program supports students with tuition waivers, living stipends, and accommodation assistance, making it an excellent option for international students seeking quality education in Northern Italy without financial constraints.
Eligibility:
- Open to international students studying in the Piedmont region
- Must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or master’s program
- Based on financial need and academic merit
What it covers:
- Tuition fee waiver
- Living expenses and accommodation grants
6. Bocconi University Scholarships for International Students
The University of Bologna, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities, provides generous scholarships for international students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. These scholarships are designed to attract outstanding students from around the world, enabling them to study at a top-ranked institution without financial worries. The program recognizes academic excellence and financial need, ensuring that talented students have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals in a vibrant and culturally rich learning environment.
Eligibility:
- Open to non-Italian students applying for a degree at Bocconi University
- Strong academic performance
- Financial need may be considered
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver (€12,000 – €14,000 per year)
- Living expenses grant
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7. University of Padua Scholarships
The University of Padua provides fully funded scholarships for international students applying for undergraduate and master’s programs. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and groundbreaking research, the university offers a diverse range of English-taught programs across multiple disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract outstanding students from around the world, fostering a global learning environment and enabling scholars to pursue high-quality education without financial concerns.
Eligibility:
- Open to non-EU international students
- Must apply for an English-taught program at the University of Padua
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual stipend of €8,000
- Regional scholarship benefits
Studying in Italy is a dream for many international students, and the availability of fully funded scholarships in Italy for 2025 makes it a more accessible option. Whether you apply for the Italian Government Scholarships, University of Bologna Scholarships, or Politecnico di Milano Scholarships, you have excellent opportunities to study in world-renowned institutions without financial burdens. To increase your chances of securing a scholarship, make sure to research the eligibility criteria, prepare strong application materials, and apply before the deadlines.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the top fully funded scholarships in Italy for international students?
The Italian Government Scholarships, University of Bologna Scholarships, and Politecnico di Milano Scholarships are among the top fully funded options.
Can international students apply for scholarships in Italy?
Yes, Italy offers a wide range of scholarships for international students from different countries.
Do scholarships in Italy cover tuition and living expenses?
Many fully funded scholarships in Italy cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs.
Are there fully funded PhD scholarships in Italy?
Yes, Scuola Normale Superiore and other universities offer fully funded PhD scholarships.
When should I apply for scholarships in Italy?
Scholarship deadlines vary, so check the official websites for specific dates and apply early.
