Italy is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. These scholarships cover various fields of study and provide an opportunity to study in one of Europe’s most culturally rich and academically renowned countries. Below are some of the top scholarships available in Italy for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
Overview: The Italian Government offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue their higher education in Italy. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs at Italian universities.
Eligibility:
- Must be a non-Italian citizen.
- Must meet the specific entry requirements of the university or program they are applying to.
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (Italian or English, depending on the program).
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- A monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
- Travel expenses may also be covered.
How to Apply:
- Students can apply through the official Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or through the specific Italian embassies in their home country. Each embassy has a deadline and process that applicants must follow.
Deadlines:
- Deadlines typically vary, but scholarships are usually announced in March/April and close by June each year.
University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students
Overview: The University of Bologna offers study grants for international students who wish to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at the university. These scholarships are part of a program designed to promote the internationalization of education and attract talented students from around the world.
Eligibility:
- International students enrolling in the University of Bologna’s bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.
- Applicants must meet the academic requirements for the course.
- Proficiency in English or Italian (depending on the language of instruction).
Benefits:
- A study grant worth €11,000 per year.
- Reduced or waived tuition fees depending on the student’s financial status.
How to Apply:
- Applicants must first apply for an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Bologna.
- After applying, students can submit an application for the study grant through the university’s official portal.
Deadlines:
- Varies by program, but typically students should apply in advance before the start of each academic year (i.e., before July).
Bocconi University Scholarships
Overview: Bocconi University, one of Italy’s top private universities, offers a range of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships aim to support highly talented international students with financial needs.
Eligibility:
- International students applying to Bachelor of Science or Master of Science programs at Bocconi University.
- Demonstrated excellence in academic performance and potential.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage.
- Living stipends may also be provided for students with demonstrated financial need.
How to Apply:
- Students need to apply for admission to the relevant program first.
- The scholarship application is included in the admission process, and candidates are selected based on merit and financial need.
Deadlines:
- Applications open in February and close in May, but exact dates depend on the program.
Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
Overview: Politecnico di Milano, one of the leading technical universities in Italy, offers various scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The scholarships are aimed at supporting students who wish to study engineering, architecture, design, and other technical fields.
Eligibility:
- International students applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs.
- Excellent academic records.
- Proficiency in English (for programs taught in English).
Benefits:
- Tuition fee exemptions or reductions.
- Financial aid for living costs may also be provided.
How to Apply:
- Apply directly through the university’s admission portal.
- Scholarships are automatically awarded to qualified students based on academic merit.
Deadlines:
- The application process opens in January and may close by April or May, depending on the program.
5. University of Milan International Scholarships
Overview: The University of Milan offers scholarships for international students pursuing a master’s degree at the university. These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and excellence in higher education.
Eligibility:
- Non-Italian students applying for a master’s degree at the University of Milan.
- Applicants must meet specific academic requirements and language proficiency in English or Italian.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Financial support for living expenses.
How to Apply:
- Apply online via the University of Milan’s official website.
- Submit the scholarship application as part of the admission process.
Deadlines:
- Varies depending on the program; check the university’s official website for specific deadlines.
6.Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
Overview: Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS), one of Italy’s most prestigious research institutions, offers PhD scholarships to international students. These scholarships are for students interested in pursuing research-intensive doctoral programs in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Eligibility:
- Non-Italian students applying for a PhD at SNS.
- Strong academic and research background, with a proven record of excellence in your chosen field.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Housing assistance.
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application through the SNS portal, including academic transcripts, CV, and a research proposal.
Deadlines:
- Typically in April/May, but candidates should check the SNS website for the exact deadline.
7.Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) PhD Scholarships
Overview: The Italian Institute of Technology offers fully funded PhD scholarships for students who want to pursue research in various fields, including robotics, nanotechnology, and computer science. The scholarships are open to international students.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree or its equivalent by the start of the program.
- Strong academic and research skills in relevant fields.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Monthly stipends to cover living costs.
- Research funding for specific projects.
How to Apply:
- Applications must be submitted through the IIT’s online platform.
- Required documents typically include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a research proposal.
Deadlines:
- Deadlines vary by year and program but are typically in spring or summer.
