Italy Scholarship for Indian Students – How to Study for Free in 2025

Did you know that over 12,000 Indian students are currently studying in Italy? Just a decade ago, this number was only 250, showing how Italy has become a top destination for Indian students. In 2024 alone, approximately 6,017 Indian students were admitted to Italian universities, and by 2026, a sharp rise in these numbers is speculated as Italy and India strengthen their bilateral education agreements.

With affordable tuition fees, globally ranked universities, and a variety of scholarships, studying in Italy has never been more accessible. The Italian “Diritto allo Studio” (Right to Study) ensures that financial status does not prevent qualified students from accessing world-class education.

This guide will walk you through the best Italy scholarship for indian students, their eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step application process to help you secure funding for your education.

Here’s a quick overview of everything you will learn in this blog about Italy scholarship for indian students.

Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, such as the University of Bologna, founded in 1088, offering high-quality education at relatively lower costs compared to other European countries. 

If you’re considering studying abroad, Italy provides some key benefits, such as the following.

1. Globally Ranked Universities: Italy has 81 public and private universities, including some of the oldest institutions in the world.
2. Diverse Study Fields: In 2023/2024, over 270,000 students enrolled in medicine and healthcare, while 265,000 pursued economics.
3. Affordable Education: Tuition fees at public universities range from €900 to €4,000 (₹95,148 to ₹422,880) per year.
4. Post-Graduation Opportunities: Italy offers post-study work permits, allowing you to stay and work for up to 12 months (Master’s) or 24 months (PhD) after graduation.

Read More: Top Public Universities in Italy

Financial aid in Italy is a tripartite system consisting of national grants, regional welfare subsidies, and institutional merit awards.

The Italian government offers several scholarships to support international students, including those from India. Approximately 15,000 candidates apply for Italian Government Scholarships, but only 1,200 scholarships are awarded each year, giving a selection rate of just 8%.

Here are some of the top Italy scholarships for indian students.

Many private organisations, NGOs, and regional governments also offer scholarships for Indian students. Here are some top private Italy scholarship for indian students.

Edison Scholarship: $12,500 (₹1,321,500 approx.) per year for energy studies.

Intesa Sanpaolo Scholarship: €38,500 (₹4,070,220) for 1 year in Law.

Erasmus Mundus (EMJMD): Prestigious full scholarships providing up to €1,200 (₹126,864) monthly stipends.

Italy has 81 public and private universities, many of which offer scholarships specifically for international students. These university-funded scholarships can help cover tuition fees and additional costs, making it easier for you to study in Italy for Indian students.

Here are some of the top universities that provide Italy scholarship for indian students.

Also Read: Study in Italy for Indian Students

Italy offers various scholarships covering tuition fees and living costs. Over 7.44% of Italy government spending was allocated to education, highlighting its commitment to students. These scholarships can help Indian students reduce financial burdens while studying in Italy.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 Italy scholarship for Indian students.   

The Italian Government Scholarships, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), support international students enrolling in eligible Master’s, PhD, AFAM, and research programs. Grants are awarded for 6 to 9 months and help cover living expenses and health insurance.

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The Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship targets high-potential international students pursuing Master’s degrees in priority fields such as engineering, advanced technologies, management, and economics. The program combines academic study with a mandatory internship component.

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The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) grants are offered by regional authorities such as Tuscany, Lazio, Lombardy, and Piedmont. These scholarships are primarily need-based and assessed using verified financial documentation rather than academic merit alone.

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The University of Bologna offers the Unibo Action 1 & 2 Scholarships to attract talented international students like you. These scholarships help cover tuition fees and living expenses, making it easier for you to pursue studies at one of Italy’s top universities.

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Politecnico di Milano awards merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students enrolling in Master’s programs in engineering, architecture, and design. These scholarships usually cover full or partial tuition fees.

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The University of Padova International Excellence Grant is designed for high-achieving international students like you pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. 

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The Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards are offered to outstanding international students like you enrolling in Master’s programs at Bocconi University. These scholarships cover full or partial tuition fees, with some offering additional financial aid for living expenses.

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The UniTo for Students at Risk scholarship is designed to support international students facing difficult socio-political situations in their home countries. It provides tuition waivers and financial grants to help students pursue their studies at the University of Turin.

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The Politecnico di Torino Scholarships are awarded to exceptional international students enrolling in engineering, architecture, and technology programs in Italy’s top technical universities.

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The UniTrento Scholarships are awarded to international students, with a special focus on female students in STEM fields. These scholarships provide financial assistance to support tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the University of Trento.

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Read More: Cost of Studying in Italy

Apart from national, regional, and major public university scholarships, several Italian institutions offer institution-specific merit and need-based scholarships. These awards are generally more limited in number and are best suited for students with strong academic profiles or specific program eligibility.

The University of Milan awards excellence scholarships to high-performing international students admitted to Master’s programs. Selection is usually based on academic merit during the admissions evaluation process.

Key Details

• Coverage: Full tuition fee exemption
  
• Living grant: Up to €8,000 (₹845,760) per year for selected students
  
• Selection method: Candidates are typically selected from the admissions pool
  
• Timeline: Beneficiaries are usually announced by late May or early June
  

Note: The number of awards and grant amounts may vary each academic year.

The University of Pavia offers scholarships for international students through a mix of merit-based and need-based schemes. These awards often complement DSU or regional funding rather than fully replacing it.

Key Details

• Coverage: Partial or full tuition fee waiver
  
• Living support: €7,000–€8,000 (₹740,040–₹845,760) per year
  
• Eligibility: Admission to a degree program; academic merit and financial background are considered
  

Scuola Normale Superiore provides fully funded PhD scholarships to international students, including Indian applicants, in humanities, sciences, and social sciences. These are among the most competitive doctoral programs in Italy.

Key Details

• Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver and accommodation
  
• Monthly stipend: €1,400 (₹148,008)
  
• Duration: Full PhD duration
  
• Application period: Typically February to April

(Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

UCSC offers international scholarships that reduce tuition fees for students enrolling in economics, management, humanities, and social sciences programs. These scholarships are tuition-reduction awards, not fixed final-fee guarantees.

Key Details

• Coverage: Partial tuition fee reduction (usually 30–40%)
  
• Value of reduction: Approximately €3,000–€5,000 (₹317,160–₹528,600), depending on program and fee structure
  
• Eligibility: Merit-based; admission to a UCSC degree program required

Applying for Italy scholarship for indian students requires careful planning, as deadlines and requirements vary across different programs. Follow these steps to increase your chances of securing funding.

Look for government, university, and private scholarships. Check the eligibility criteria, including academic scores, language proficiency, and financial requirements.

Gather essential documents before applying for Italy scholarship for indian students. These usually include the following.

• Academic transcripts and certificates
  
• IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores (if required)
  
• Statement of motivation
  
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  
• Valid passport
  

• Portfolio for design or architecture courses
  
• Research proposal for PhD applicants
  
• Italian language certification for Italian-taught programs.

Secure admission or submit applications to recognised Italian universities offering your chosen course. Most scholarships for Indian students in Italy require proof of admission or an active application.

Register on the official scholarship portal and create an account. Fill out the online application form carefully and upload all required documents before the deadline.

Many regions offer DSU grants and other local scholarships. If eligible, apply for extra financial aid alongside your primary scholarship.

To qualify for need-based scholarships in Italy for Indian students, such as DSU regional grants, applicants must assess their family’s financial position using the ISEE Parificato. This is the official economic index used by Italian authorities to determine eligibility and award levels.

ISEE = (ISR + (0.20 × ISP)) ÷ VSE

Where:

• ISR (Indicatore della Situazione Reddituale): Total annual family income
  
• ISP (Indicatore della Situazione Patrimoniale): 20% of total family assets, including property and bank balances
  
• VSE (Valore della Scala di Equivalenza): Household size coefficient (adjusts for number of family members)
  

A lower ISEE Parificato value generally improves eligibility for higher DSU benefits.

Mistakes in your scholarship application can lead to rejections or delays. Avoid these common errors to improve your chances of securing funding.

Many scholarships have strict application deadlines. Submitting late or at the last minute may result in rejection. Keep track of important dates and apply well in advance.

Applying for Italy scholarship for indian students without meeting the requirements is a waste of time. Carefully read the academic, financial, and language criteria before applying.

Weak letters of motivation or badly structured CVs can hurt your application. Keep your writing clear, concise, and relevant to your academic and career goals.

Italy scholarship for indian students requires English or Italian proficiency. Ensure you have the required IELTS, TOEFL, or Italian language certification before applying.

Some scholarships require proof of enrolment at an Italian university. Secure an admission letter before starting your scholarship application.

A one-size-fits-all application can weaken your chances. Customise each application to match the specific scholarship criteria and focus on what makes you a strong candidate.

Read Next: Italy Student Visa

Securing an Italy scholarship for Indian students can significantly reduce tuition fees and living expenses, making top Italian universities more accessible. By understanding eligibility rules, preparing documents early, and avoiding common mistakes, you can improve your chances of receiving meaningful financial support.

If you need personalised guidance on choosing the right scholarship for Indian students in Italy, understanding DSU and ISEE Parificato requirements, or planning applications for the 2025–26 intake, LeapScholar can help you navigate the process with clarity, accuracy, and realistic expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)