Study in Italy: Higher Education Scholarships for Indian Students
International students choose Italy as their favourite study destination for its rich, fulfilling and
diverse educational experience. The quality education and affordable tuition fees in Italian
universities make them attractive to students, especially those from India.
The average annual tuition fees for Italian public universities range from 900 to 4,000 EUR,
while private universities are slightly expensive and charge between 6,000 and 20,000 EUR
annually. But don't worry, as an international student, you can apply for various scholarships available in Italy. Some universities offer students up to a 100 per cent fee waiver.
This article details about diverse scholarship schemes of government and universities, a list of universities that offer scholarships and eligibility criteria to avail of those benefits.
Various Types of Scholarships in Italy
There are various kinds of scholarships available in Italy for international students. These
scholarships can reduce the financial burden, making higher education more accessible.
3 types Include:
1. Government-funded Scholarships
2. University Scholarships
3. Other Scholarships
1) Government-funded Scholarships
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) directly funds or manages government scholarships in Italy.
The government provides financial assistance to academically bright students. These
scholarships also aim to promote the country's cultural and educational sectors worldwide.
The students who receive the scholarships get an exemption for tuition or enrollment fees. With the monthly stipend, you may also get other benefits, including medical and health insurance.
Scholarships for Master's and Ph.D. degrees
Benefits:
Recipients will receive full tuition fee coverage, health insurance, and a quarterly monthly
stipend of 900 EUR (Approx. INR 80,000). The amount will be credited to your Italian account.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applications are open to international students who are not Italian residents and Italian
citizens living abroad (IRE).
• Applicants must possess the appropriate academic qualifications to enrol in any Italian
University or Institute.
Age Limits:
• For Master's courses, the applicant's age should not exceed 28 years.
• For Ph.D. courses, the age must be under 30 years.
• For Research projects under academic supervision, the age should be under 40.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Italian Language Courses: Applicants must possess a minimum B2 proficiency level in Italian,
as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
English-taught Courses: Applicants must submit an English proficiency certificate with a
minimum CEFR level of B2.
Italian Language and Culture Courses: Applicants must have a minimum A2 proficiency level
in Italian, proven by a certificate of proficiency.
ENI, an international integrated energy company along with St Antony's College, Oxford, offers scholarships for proficient international students. They provide total funding for a one-year Master's program.
2) University Scholarships
Italian universities offer various scholarships for international students, including tuition fee
waivers and other benefits. Indian students can research these scholarships by visiting the official
websites and applying for them. To make things easier, we have listed a few below:
1. Bocconi Merit and International Awards
• Undergraduate or graduate students from any part of the world can apply.
• Applicants must be admitted to the first year of a Bachelor's or Master's program at
Bocconi University.
• Scholarships are given to students with exemplary academic achievements and limited
availability.
• Selected students will get a 50% tuition fee waiver valued at €6,000 annually or a full
waiver based on academic excellence.
2. Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program
• Padua University offers scholarships for Bachelor's or Master's degrees in English.
• Students must hold a non-Italian foreign secondary school diploma (for Bachelor's or
Single-cycle degree applicants) or a non-Italian Bachelor's degree (for Master's degree
applicants).
• Students must not be an Italian citizen.
• 59 scholarships are available for highly talented prospective students.
• Highly selective scholarship based purely on academic merit
• Selected students will get a fee waiver and a €8,000 scholarship (gross amount) per
academic year.
3. University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students
• The university offers 80 scholarships for international students enrolling in first-, second-
, and single-cycle degree programs.
• Scholarships are for one academic year and are based on SAT/GRE scores and financial
status.
• Applicants must have a degree from a foreign institution or an Italian one outside the
country after attending for at least two years.
• Age must be under 30 years during the application time.
• Scholarships are worth €4,500 gross and cover the total exemption of tuition fees.
4. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
• The scholarships are for talented international students enrolled in a Master of Science
program in either the first or second semester.
• All scholarships cover total tuition fees, and Scholarship qualifications vary based on
type: platinum, gold, or silver.
• Gold scholarships include an additional annual allowance of €5,000 and Platinum
scholarships of €10,000.
• The scholarship recipients must only pay a non-refundable administrative fee of
approximately €170.
In addition to the above, Scholarship applicants must complete an additional application form. The portal requires uploading a file with answers to the motivational questions below:
• Explain what makes you an outstanding student besides your grades (max. 200 words).
• Statement on interest in chosen MSc program at Politecnico di Milano and how
scholarship helps in academic and career goals (max. 500 words).
As an initial step to kick-start your academic journey, you may secure admission to your
preferred Italian university. Then, students can find application forms for top scholarships on
university websites. Check it out and apply for it before the deadline.
If you need assistance drafting documents or completing scholarship applications, we
recommend contacting a highly experienced immigration consultant for expert guidance and
support.
Top universities that offer Scholarships in Italy
Apart from academic excellence, Italian universities offer various scholarships for international
students. Let us explore some of the top Italian universities that provide exciting scholarships:
1. University of Bologna
2. Bocconi University
3. Politecnico di Milano University
4. University of Padua
5. University of Turin
6. Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
7. Scuola Normale Superiore University
If you need any assistance selecting universities, programs, or scholarships, you may contact
ImmiEd Global. Our overseas study experts and immigration lawyers will help you smoothly transition through your academic journey.
Contact us before the deadlines end to kick-start a new chapter in your educational journey in Italy.
