How to Obtain Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for 2025-2026

Are you dreaming of studying in Italy but worried about the costs? Great news—Italy offers a range of fully funded scholarships for international students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and even monthly stipends. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs, there are plenty of opportunities to study in one of the world’s most historic and beautiful countries without financial burden.

Why Study in Italy?

Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, offering top-quality education in fields like engineering, medicine (MBBS), arts, business, and sciences. Beyond academics, Italy offers a rich cultural experience, breathtaking landscapes, and an affordable lifestyle compared to other European countries.

Types of Scholarships in Italy

Italy provides two main types of scholarships for international students:

1. Fully Funded Scholarships

• Covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, travel, and health insurance
• Offered by the Italian government, universities, and private organizations
• Available for various degree levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)

Examples:

• Italian Government Scholarships
• University of Bologna Scholarships
• Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

2. Partial Scholarships

• Covers part of the tuition fees or living costs
• Some universities offer fee reductions or discounted accommodation
• Ideal for students who can manage some expenses but need financial aid
• Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 2025-26

Here are some of the most prestigious scholarships you can apply for:

1. Italian Government Scholarships

• Open to students from all nationalities
• Covers tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly stipend
• Offered for Master’s and PhD programs
• Deadline: Varies each year

2. University of Bologna Scholarships

• For undergraduate and master’s students
• Covers full tuition fees and offers financial aid for living expenses
• Open to students worldwide

3. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

Available for master’s students in engineering, architecture, and design

Covers tuition fees and includes a €5,000 to €10,000 annual stipend

4. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships for PhD and master’s programs

Includes tuition waiver, free accommodation, and a stipend

How to Apply for Scholarships in Italy

Choose Your Program – Select a degree program and university that offers scholarships for your field.

Check Eligibility Requirements – Each scholarship has different academic and nationality criteria.

Prepare Required Documents – Most scholarships require:

• Academic transcripts
• Letter of motivation
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of English or Italian language proficiency (some universities accept IELTS waivers)

Submit Online Application – Apply through the university’s official website or scholarship portal.

Wait for the Selection Results – You will receive an acceptance letter and further instructions if selected.

Can You Study in Italy Without a Scholarship?

Yes! Italy has some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe. Some universities do not charge tuition fees, while others have affordable costs:

• Average tuition fees: €2,000 – €3,000 per year
• Top universities: €5,000 – €7,000 per year
• Accommodation: €800 – €1,400 per month (varies by city)
• Food & transport: €200 – €300 per month

Even if you don’t get a scholarship, you can apply for low-cost student housing and part-time work to cover expenses.

Top Universities in Italy for International Students

Politecnico di Milano – Best for engineering and design

Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna – Known for applied sciences

University of Bologna (UNIBO) – Oldest university in Europe

Sapienza University of Rome – One of the largest in Italy

University of Padova – Highly ranked in research and innovation

Studying in Italy is a great way to earn a world-class degree while enjoying a rich cultural experience. With numerous fully funded scholarships, international students can study for free and focus on their education without worrying about finances.

If you’re ready to take the next step, start researching universities and apply for scholarships as soon as applications open!

Would you like a list of open scholarships with direct application links? Let us know in the comments!