We have compiled a list of scholarships available for international students pursuing a Master’s degree in Italy.
Top 7 Italy scholarships for international students 2025-2026
“Are you dreaming of studying in Italy but have a limited budget? These 7 Italian scholarships can reduce your expenses or even enable you to study for free!”
Italy is an exciting destination for studying abroad. The country is home to over 100 universities, some of which are among the best in the world for fashion and architecture. Additionally, Italy offers scholarships for international students, making studying there quite affordable. In fact, you might even have the opportunity to study for free! If you’re interested in learning more…let’s Go in!
Want to know more? Let’s go!
Who is eligible to study in Italy with scholarships?
Pretty much anyone can apply for a scholarship in Italy, but most scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and/or financial need. Therefore, individuals with excellent grades from their previous education have a better chance of receiving a fully-funded scholarship.
Remember this: “Some universities offer scholarships that you can apply for after studying there for a year.”
What types of Italian scholarships are available for international students?”
In Italy, there are two main types of financial aid for foreign students: government scholarships and university-sponsored scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amount they offer and accommodation coverage.
What are the best scholarships for international students in Italy?
- Invest your Talent in Italy
- EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
- Bologna University Study Grants
- Bocconi Merit and International Awards
- Politecnico de Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
- Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
- Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
1. Italian government scholarships for international students
For who?
International students can apply for a Master’s or postgraduate program in Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics, or Management at a top Italian university.
You can find the complete list of eligible programs here.
How much?
The Italian government scholarship for international students provides €8,100 (€900 monthly allowance) and exempts recipients from paying tuition and enrolment fees.
Requirements
To apply, you must have:
- Nationalities: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, China, Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, and Vietnam. Bachelor’s degree, B2 English proficiency, and Italian health insurance required.
- Completed your Bachelor’s degree
- English proficiency of at least B2 level
- An Italian health insurance
How to apply?
Once you’ve submitted your pre-application to one of the universities included in the program, you can start your online application for the grant.
Heads up, you’ll be requested to record a 1-minute application video about yourself
2. EDISU Piemonte scholarships
If you plan to study at EDISU Piemonte, explore their available scholarships!
For who?
International students enrolled full-time in Bachelor’s, Master’s, single-cycle master’s, or PhD programs at the Universities of Piedmont, including Politecnico of Torino and University of Torino.
How to apply?
3. Bologna University study grants for international students
If you are enrolled at Bologna University, you might qualify for an international student grant.
For who?
International students interested in enrolling for Bachelors, Masters, or single cycle degree programs at the University of Bologna.
How much?
Each study grant is awarded for one academic year and totals €11,000, including full tuition fee waivers.
Requirements
To qualify for this Italian scholarship for international students, you need to:
- Take the SAT or TOLC test if applying for first or single cycle degree programs, or take the GRE test if registering for a second cycle degree program, and be younger than 30 years.
- GRE test if registering in a second cycle degree programme, and
- Be younger that 30 years.
How to apply?
To apply for the study grant for international students at Bologna University, you must register on the Studenti Online portal and submit the required documents.
4. Bocconi Merit and International Awards
If you plan to study at Bocconi, make sure to explore their Merit and International Awards!
For who?
International students enrolling in the Bocconi University Bachelor’s or Master of Science or Law programs for the academic year 2023-2024.
International students can enroll in the Bocconi University Bachelor’s or Master of Science or Law programs for the academic year 2023-2024. Master’s students of science can apply for the Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards and the Bocconi International Awards Graduate..
Master’s students of science can apply for the Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards and the Bocconi International Awards Graduate.
How much?
The International scholarships offer 50% reduction of the tuition fee.
The Merit scholarships offer tuition fee waivers approximately between €13,000 (for Bachelor’s) and €12,000 (Master’s).
Requirements
The scholarships are awarded based on your academic excellence.
How to apply?
To be considered for a scholarship, simply apply to an undergraduate or graduate program at Bocconi University!
5. Politecnico de Milano merit-based scholarships for international students
If you plan to study at Politecnico di Milano, make sure to explore their merit-based scholarships for international students.
For who?
The most talented international candidates are accepted into the Master of Science program at Politecnico di Milano.
How much?
This Italian scholarship for international students is divided into three levels:
- PLATINUM scholarships: €10,000 gross per year
- GOLD scholarships: €5,000 per year
- SILVER scholarships: the total amount of fees for the academic year (students pay only administrative fees)
Requirements
The requirements for the scholarships are:
- GPA (grade point average),
- Academic achievements,
- Your portfolio (if requested),
- A motivation letter.
How to apply?
To apply for the merit-based scholarships for international students, you must complete an online application through the PoliMi portal.
7. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD scholarships
If you plan to enroll at Scuola Normale Superiore, be sure to explore their Ph.D. scholarships.
For who?
Italian citizens and international students who wish to pursue their doctoral research at Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa.
How much?
Scuola Normale Superiore PhD scholarships provide full financial support, including tuition and enrolment fees, as well as covering the costs of boarding and accommodation.
Requirements
Your eligibility will be assessed based on your academic performance and interviews.
How to apply?
To apply for the PhD scholarship in Italy, please complete the online application form on the official portal. If you have any questions, refer to this page.
Here’s a list of scholarships for international students pursuing a Master’s degree in Italy:
Here’s a list of scholarships you can apply for if you’d like to get a Master’s in Italy as an international student:
Privately funded scholarships
Study a Master’s in Europe Scholarship
- Duration: This scholarship is a one-time award that covers one year of studies.
- Scholarship Award: €5,000
- Scholarship Requirements:
- To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a Master’s program in Europe as an international student.
- The degree program must be completed in Europe or online through a European institute.
- Please complete the application forms and submit an essay on the assigned topic.
Go Global MBA Scholarship
- One-off scholarship covering one year of studies
- Scholarship Award: €7,000
- Scholarship Requirements:
- Enrollment in an MBA program is limited to international students.
- “You should have no more than 5 years of relevant work experience.”
- Please complete the application forms and submit an essay on the given topic.
- Please review the additional requirements and eligibility criteria.
Scholarships in Italy for International Students 2025
Thinking about studying in Italy? Great news! In this article, we’ll cover the scholarships offered by top Italian universities, their benefits, and the application process.
Many scholarships are available at top Italian universities for international students for the academic year 2025-2026. These scholarships include fully and partially funded programs and provide a monthly stipend along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and a travel allowance.
“Check out fully funded scholarships for international students at top universities in Italy like Scuola Normale Superiore, Bocconi University, University of Bologna, Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), and more.”
1: Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
The Scuola Normale Superiore offers 75 PhD scholarships for both international and Italian students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and providing additional funding for research activities, even abroad.
- Institution: Scuola Normale Superiore
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and a step-by-step Application process.
2. Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
If you’re interested in pursuing postdoctoral research, there’s a fantastic opportunity available for you. The applications for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships are currently open. In this article, we will provide detailed information about the scholarship program, its benefits, and a step-by-step application process.
The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2025-2026 academic year are fully funded scholarships available to international students. The fellowship period is for 2 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension. These fellowships offer a highly competitive package, including a stipend, health insurance, and additional benefits.
The most successful individuals will be eligible, upon completion, to apply for ICGEB Early Career Research Grants to support their own research programs as young PIs upon returning to an ICGEB Member State.
The ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Fellowship Programmes, named in memory of Prof. Arturo Falaschi, has five types of long and short-term PhD and Postdoctoral awards available to scientists who are nationals of ICGEB Member States. These awards allow scientists to conduct research in Trieste, New Delhi, or Cape Town.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): ICGEB
- Study in: Trieste, Italy / New Delhi, India / Cape Town, South Africa
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Life Sciences
- Program Period: 2 years with the possibility of a 1-year extension
- Deadline: March 31, 2025, Starting from October 01
Scholarship Coverage
Certainly! Here’s the revised text:
- Monthly stipend in different cities: Trieste, Italy: €2,000, New Delhi, India: $1,590, Cape Town, South Africa: ZAR 23,000.
- The fellowship includes provision for travel expenses from the participant’s home country to the ICGEB lab at the beginning of the fellowship, as well as a return travel provision upon completion of the fellowship.
- Medical health insurance coverage is available throughout the fellowship.
- All Research costs will be supported by the research group’s budget.
- The costs for visa/permit of stay application and renewal will be reimbursed.
- Support for attendance at Meetings and Courses is typically provided by the Group Leader / PI.
- ICGEB does not make financial provision or provide administrative support for family members of programme participants.
Accommodation:
- ICGEB Trieste: ICGEB Trieste does not offer housing services but will provide a list of potential contacts for housing options in Trieste.
- ICGEB New Delhi: A Guest House is run on campus, on a twin-share basis, for a nominal rate.
- ICGEB Trieste: ICGEB Trieste does not offer housing services but will provide a list of potential contacts for housing options in Trieste.
3. Bocconi University Scholarships
“Bocconi University Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities for international students pursuing undergraduate and master’s studies, providing a full tuition waiver of approximately €12,000 per year for undergraduates and €13,000 per year for graduate students, as well as accommodation.”
- Institution: Bocconi University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.
4. University of Bologna Scholarship
The University of Bologna Scholarship is fully funded for international undergraduate and master’s students, providing study grants of €11,000 gross for Unibo Action 2 and tuition fee waivers for Unibo Action 1.
- Institution: University of Bologna
- Level of Study: Undergraduate/Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and a step-by-step Application process.
5. Italian Government Scholarship
The Italian Government Scholarship is a fully-funded opportunity for international students to pursue a master’s or PhD at top Italian universities, covering monthly payments of 900 euros, as well as tuition fees and medical insurance.
- Institution: Italian Higher Education Institutes
- Level of Study: PhD/Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.
6. NATO Defense College Fellowships
The NATO Defense College Fellowship is a fully funded research scholarship for international students, covering the costs of staying in Rome and travel expenses.
- Institution: NATO Defense College (NDC)
- Level of Study: Research
- Click here for Deadlines and a step-by-step Application process.
7. Gran Sasso Science Institute PhD Program
The Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI) PhD Program offers 31 fellowships to international students in various fields. The scholarship includes tuition fee waiver, accommodation, and free meal vouchers.
- Institution: Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI)
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree FIPDes – Food Innovation and Product Design
The program is a joint master offered by four prestigious European universities. Students study and gain professional experience in four different EU countries. The program offers a holistic and cross-disciplinary approach, focusing on participative learning, teamwork, R&D projects, and hands-on training in collaboration with pioneering research, culinary & industrial laboratories.
- Institution: Universities in France, Ireland, Sweden and Italy
- Level of Study: Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and a step-by-step Application process.
10. IIE-SRF Fellowship
IIE-SRF Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship for international students, offering up to US$25,000 grant and health insurance for doctoral research studies and visiting academic appointments of up to one year.
- Institution: IIE-SRF
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process.
11. Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships offer fully funded scholarships for international students, including living, research, and travel allowances. Depending on their situation, fellows may also qualify for additional allowances such as child, parental leave, and relocation allowances.
- Institution: Human Frontier Science Program
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Click here for Deadlines and step-by-step Application process.
12: Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a fully funded master’s scholarship for international students. It covers tuition, accommodation, air travel, and a monthly stipend.
- Institution: Newcastle University
- Level of Study: Masters
- Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.
13. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program provides fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing PhD studies, offering up to $42,750 for an 8-month fellowship.
- Institution: World Bank
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.
14. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program offers fully funded PhD scholarships for international students, with a maximum value of USD 10,000 per year.
- Institution: International Mathematical Union
- Level of Study: PhD
- Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.
15. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship provides funding for international students pursuing a PhD or Post-doc, with a maximum value of $50,000 per year for PhD and $40,000 per year for Post-doc, renewable until completion of studies.
- Institution: Leading universities worldwide
- Level of Study: PhD (Doctoral) / Postdoctoral
- Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.
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