Types of scholarships in Italy for international students

Italy is one of the top destinations for students seeking a high-quality education at an affordable cost. In this article, we will explore the different scholarship options available for international students who want to study in Italy, including government grants, university funding opportunities, and regional financial aid programs.

The Italian university context

The Italian university landscape presents excellence in every academic field. The presence of numerous Italian universities in the QS World University Ranking 2026, one of the most important rankings in the academic world, consolidates a positive trend for Italian academia. In addition to renowned Italian universities such as the Politecnico di Milano, La Sapienza di Roma, and the Alma Mater Studiorum di Bologna, there is a large number of Italian universities climbing the global rankings.

High-quality teaching, well-trained professors, modernized facilities, and exchange opportunities with other universities are just some of the factors that justify this growth trend. Every year these centers of excellence attract thousands of students, both Italian and international.

Is Italy cheap for study?

Studying in Italy means access to excellent universities and an active social life. However, every student – Italian or international – should consider the financial side before starting.

Tuition fees at public universities are usually lower than in Anglo-Saxon countries, thanks to the ISEE system, which adjusts fees based on a family’s income. Still, there are several extra costs.

Renting accommodation is often the biggest expense, and prices vary significantly from city to city. Students also need to budget for food, transport, study materials, and utilities, which can become significant over time.

To ease these costs, the Italian university system and the State offer scholarships and financial aid, helping both Italian and foreign students manage their studies. Many Italian scholarships for international students are designed specifically to support living expenses in addition to tuition fees.

Which are the scholarships for international students in Italy?

Before diving into the different types of university scholarships in Italy, it is important to understand the structure of the Italian higher education system.

University degrees in Italy are divided into three main levels:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea Triennale), 3 years
• Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale), 2 years
• PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca), usually 3 years

You can apply for scholarships at each of these levels.

Scholarships in Italy generally fall into two main categories:

• Need-based scholarships, awarded based on family income
• Merit-based scholarships, awarded based on academic performance

The main types of Italy scholarship for international students opportunities include:

• Italian Government scholarships
• Regional scholarships
• University scholarships
• European-funded scholarships

Italian government scholarships: MAECI

This is a merit-based scholarship available both for international students and Italian citizens living abroad. It is funded by the Italian government, in particular by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

This scholarship in Italy is aimed at advanced-level studies, such as postgraduate degrees (Master’s programs), PhDs, AFAM programs, and research projects.

Its duration ranges from 3 to 9 months. The financial support includes:

• €9,000 for 9-month programs (paid in three instalments)
• €3,000 for 3-month programs
• Health and medical insurance coverage during the study period

To obtain this Italy scholarship, students must meet these requirements:

• Hold the appropriate academic degree
• Be under 28 years old for a postgraduate program
• Be under 30 for a PhD program
• Have a B2 level of Italian for Italian-taught courses
• Have a B2 level of English for English-taught courses
• Show a proven excellent academic record

The application has to be submitted through the official “Study in Italy” portal.

Erasmus Mundus scholarship programs

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is a fully funded scholarship offered by the European Union. It promotes academic cooperation between European universities and institutions worldwide.

Many Italian universities participate in these joint Master’s programs. This is a merit-based scholarship, and only top-ranked applicants are selected.

The scholarship covers:

• Tuition fees
• Travel costs
• Insurance
• Monthly stipend

Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship

The “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship is only available for selected countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

It supports students enrolled in postgraduate courses in the following fields:

• Engineering and Advanced Technologies
• Architecture and Design
• Economics and Management

The eligibility criteria are:

• Must be born on or after 1st January 2000
• Must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Must possess a B2 English proficiency certificate

Selected students receive a 9-month scholarship, along with internship opportunities at leading Italian companies.

Regional scholarships

The regional scholarship in Italy is a need-based scholarship offered by local governments in Italy. It is available for both local and international students, and it can be fully funded for students whose family income is below a certain threshold.

For many students, the regional scholarship in Italy represents the most accessible form of financial aid for international students in Italy.

It may include:

• Full or partial tuition fee waivers
• Free accommodation and meals
• Monthly financial contributions
• Support for transport or study materials

To apply, visit the official website of the region where your university is located and check the respective “Ente per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario” for application details and deadlines.

How to get a scholarship in Italy

The process of applying for scholarships in Italy as an international student varies according to the type of scholarship you are aiming to get and the university you’re applying to.

Generally, you can follow these steps:

• Choose a university and program
• Check the eligibility requirements
• Prepare the necessary documents
• Submit the application before the deadlines (which typically fall between March and May for most scholarships)

If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship in Italy, the most important advice is to start preparing early and carefully check the official requirements of each program.

If you’re looking for more detailed information, you can explore W.A.I.’s complete guide to studying in Italy or rely on our support throughout the entire process.

WAI supports international students in Italy

W.A.I. helps international students who want to start their university journey in Italy. For example, we offer the Welcome extra EU Combo, a service designed for non-EU students applying for a residence permit to stay in Italy for more than 90 days for study purposes.

The Welcome Combo includes the health coverage required by Italian authorities for the residence permit. By choosing this service, non-EU students are fully covered from a healthcare perspective and can focus on enjoying their study experience in Italy.