3 May 2024 Redazione WAI

Types of scholarships in Italy for international students

Indice

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.

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 2025, 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, interchanges 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?

So, 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 from city to city. Students also need budget for food, transport, and utilities, which can be significant. 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.

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

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, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). This scholarship is aimed at advanced-level studies in Italy, like postgraduate degrees (masters) or PhDs. Its duration ranges from 3 to 9 months. The financial support includes:

9.000 euros for 9-month programs (paid in three instalments)
3.000 euros for 3-month programs
Health and medical insurance coverage during the study period

To obtain this scholarship, students must meet these requirements:

Must hold the appropriate academic degree (bachelor’s degree for a postgraduate course, or to be enrolled in a PhD program)
Must be under 28 years old for a postgraduate program
Must be under 30 for a PhD program
B2 level of Italian for Italian-taught courses
B2 level of English for English-taught courses
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 and provides a monthly stipend.

Invest your talent in Italy scholarship

The “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship is only available for 18 selected countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. It supports students enrolled in postgraduate courses in the following fields: Engineering/Advanced Technologies, Architecture/Design, and Economics and Management. The eligibility criteria are:

Must be born on or after 1/1/1999
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 given to both local and international students and it can be fully funded for students whose family income is below a certain amount. It includes:

Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Free accommodation and meals
Monthly financial contributions

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 apply for 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 what 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 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. W.A.I. is an association that 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.