Italy, known for its rich history, art, culture, and cuisine, is also becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education. Home to some of the oldest universities in the world, such as the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano, Italy offers internationally recognized degrees and outstanding research opportunities. While tuition fees in Italy are already lower than in many other European countries, fully funded scholarships make studying there even more accessible.
In 2025, the Italian Government, universities, and various organizations are offering scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, research grants, health insurance, and even travel costs. These opportunities enable students from around the world to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs without financial stress.
Why Study in Italy?
- Home to some of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
- Affordable living compared to other European countries.
- Scholarships that cover all major expenses.
- World-class programs in arts, humanities, engineering, and sciences.
- Multicultural student environment with global exposure.
- Opportunities to explore Italy’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Eligibility Criteria
While eligibility varies across programs, the general requirements include:
- Strong academic record in previous studies.
- Proof of English or Italian language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or Italian tests).
- Motivation letter or research proposal (for postgraduate and PhD).
- International student status.
- Involvement in academic or extracurricular activities (preferred by some scholarships).
Overview Table
Here’s a quick summary of the top scholarships available in Italy:
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligible Levels | Fields of Study | Deadline 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Government Scholarships | Tuition + Living stipend + Health insurance | Master’s & PhD | All fields | June 2025 |
| University of Bologna Scholarships | Tuition waiver + Allowance | UG & PG | All disciplines | April 2025 |
| Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships | Full tuition + Living grant | Master’s & PhD | Engineering, Design, Science | May 2025 |
| EDISU Piemonte Scholarships | Tuition + Accommodation + Living allowance | UG & PG | All subjects | September 2025 |
| Bocconi University Scholarships | Tuition + Accommodation + Monthly stipend | UG & PG | Business, Economics, Law | May 2025 |
| Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships | Tuition + Stipend + Research allowance | PhD | Humanities & Sciences | October 2025 |
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy
1. Italian Government Scholarships
These scholarships are funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
- Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend of €900, and health insurance.
- Levels: Master’s and PhD programs.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with excellent academic records.
- Deadline: June 2025.
2. University of Bologna Scholarships
The University of Bologna, the world’s oldest university, offers scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Coverage: Full tuition waiver and annual allowance.
- Eligibility: International students pursuing any field.
- Deadline: April 2025.
3. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
One of the top engineering and design universities in Europe, Politecnico di Milano offers fully funded scholarships for high-achieving students.
- Coverage: Full tuition waiver, accommodation, and monthly living grant.
- Levels: Master’s and PhD.
- Deadline: May 2025.
4. EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
This scholarship is provided to students studying in Piedmont region universities such as Turin and Pavia.
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, meals, and living expenses.
- Levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate.
- Deadline: September 2025.
5. Bocconi University Scholarships
Bocconi is one of Europe’s leading universities in business and economics. It offers a range of fully funded scholarships for outstanding students.
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend.
- Levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate.
- Deadline: May 2025.
6. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
This prestigious institution offers highly competitive PhD scholarships in humanities and sciences.
- Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, and research funding.
- Level: PhD only.
- Deadline: October 2025.
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy
- Full tuition fee coverage at leading Italian universities.
- Monthly stipend for accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
- Health insurance and research grants.
- Free or discounted access to cultural and academic resources.
- Chance to study in a diverse, historically rich country.
Application Process
- Choose a Program & University – Research your desired field of study and institution.
- Check Scholarships Available – Visit official university and government portals.
- Prepare Required Documents – Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, language test scores, and passport.
- Apply Online – Submit applications through official portals before deadlines.
- Attend Interviews (if applicable) – Some scholarships may require interviews or online assessments.
- Await Results – Notifications are sent by email or published on university websites.
Conclusion
Italy’s blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and affordable education makes it a top destination for international students. With fully funded scholarships in 2025, students can pursue higher education without worrying about financial burdens. Programs offered by the Italian Government, University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi, and others provide excellent opportunities to study in one of Europe’s most dynamic educational environments. By preparing your applications carefully and meeting all requirements, you can secure a place in these prestigious programs and shape your future in Italy.
FAQs
Q1: Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Italy?
Yes, many Italian universities and the government provide fully funded scholarships for international students.
Q2: Do scholarships in Italy cover living expenses?
Yes, most scholarships include tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, and health insurance.
Q3: What is the most prestigious scholarship in Italy?
The Italian Government Scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious awards for international students.