Scholarships in Italy

Q: Q. Does Italy give scholarships for Indian students?

Ans. Yes, there are multiple Italy scholarship for Indian students, including government-funded, university, and private scholarships. Popular options include MAECI, scholarships for Indian students in Italy, and DSU grants. These scholarships for Indian students to study in Italy cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.

Q: Q. How can I get a full scholarship in Italy?

Ans. To secure a full scholarship in Italy for Indian students, you must meet academic and financial criteria. The Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship and scholarship to study in Italy for Indian students provide full tuition waivers and stipends. Strong academic records and IELTS scores improve your chances.

Q: Q. Can I study in Italy for free?

Ans. Studying in Italy is affordable, and with the right scholarship for Indian students in Italy, you can study with minimal costs. Government grants like DSU and MAECI cover tuition, while university scholarships for Indian students in Italy help with expenses. Some universities also have fee waivers.

Q: Q. Is Italy a good option for Indian students?

Ans. Yes, Italy is a great destination due to its world-class universities, affordable tuition, and multiple scholarships for Indian students to study in Italy. With low living costs and post-study work opportunities, it is an attractive option for those seeking quality education at a lower expense.

Q: Q. Which university in Italy is the cheapest?

Ans. Public universities like Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Bologna offer the lowest tuition fees, ranging from €900 to €4,000. Applying for a scholarship to study in Italy for Indian students can further reduce expenses, making education in Italy highly affordable.

Q: Q. Is it easy to get scholarships in Italy for international students?

Ans. While competitive, securing an Indian student's scholarship for Italy is possible with good academic performance and timely applications. The MAECI Scholarship and regional DSU grants are awarded to thousands of students annually. Meeting eligibility criteria improves success rates.

Q: Q. How can I get a scholarship in Italy?

Ans. To get a scholarship for Indian students in Italy, research available options, meet the eligibility criteria, and apply before the deadlines. Many Italy scholarship for indian students require a strong academic record, IELTS/TOEFL scores, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP).

Q: Q. Is studying in Italy cheap?

Ans. Yes, compared to other European countries, studying in Italy is cost-effective. Public universities charge €900–€4,000 per year, and various scholarships for Indian students to study in Italy help cover additional expenses. Regional DSU grants also assist students with accommodation and meals.

Q: Q. Is there no tuition fee in Italian universities?

Ans. While most public universities charge low tuition fees, several Italian scholarships for indian students cover full tuition. MAECI Scholarships and regional grants waive fees entirely, making studying in Italy almost free for eligible students.

Q: Q. How can I apply for scholarships to study in Italy?

Ans. To apply for a scholarship to study in Italy for Indian students, secure admission to an Italian university first. Then, apply for an Italy scholarship for Indian students via government portals, university websites, or private funding bodies before the deadlines.

Find Your Preferred University

Introduction

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 2023 alone, more than 6,100 Indian students enrolled in Italian universities, and by 2025, this number is expected to rise by 22.2%.

With affordable tuition fees, globally ranked universities, and a variety of scholarships, studying in Italy has never been more accessible. Whether you're applying for a government-funded scholarship, a university grant, or regional financial aid, you have multiple opportunities to reduce your costs.

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.

Key Highlights

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

Aspect	Details
Total Scholarships Available Annually	Over 1,200 government scholarships
Top Italy Scholarship for Indian Students	Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) ScholarshipUniversity of Padova International Excellence GrantBocconi Graduate Merit Awards
Private Scholarships Funding	Up to EUR 38.5K (INR 36L) for top programs
Tuition Fees at Public Universities	EUR 900 to EUR 4K (INR 84K to INR 3.7L) per year
Monthly Stipend for MAECI & IYT Scholarships	EUR 900 (INR 84K) paid in installments
Italy Scholarship for Indian Students Average Reward Amount	EUR 900 to EUR 20K (INR 84K to 18.6L) total amount

How Scholarships Can Help Reduce Costs?

Studying in Italy is already more affordable than in many other countries, but an Italian scholarship for indian students can further reduce tuition fees, accommodation costs, and living expenses. With over 1,200 government scholarships awarded annually and more than 500 regional scholarships, there are plenty of funding options available.

Types of Scholarships Italy Scholarship for Indian Students

If you're planning to study in Italy, you’ll find multiple Italian scholarships for indian students to help reduce your education costs. These scholarships come from government programs, universities, and regional authorities, offering financial aid for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

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.

Italy Scholarship for Indian Students	Reward Amount	Funded By
Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)	EUR 900 (INR 84K ) per month stipend	Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MAECI)
Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship	EUR 9K (INR 8.3L) total EUR1K (INR 93K) per month till 9 months	Italian Government (IYT Program)
Regional Scholarships (DSU Grants)	Free/subsidised accommodation, meal plans, and tuition fee assistance	Regional Governments (Tuscany, Lazio, Lombardy)

2. Private & External Scholarships

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

Italy Scholarship for Indian Students	Reward Amount	Funded By
Edison Scholarship	USD 12.5K (INR 11.6) per year	Edison Global Energy Advisory
Enel Scholarship	Varies (Merit-Based)	Enel (Italian Multinational)
Intesa Sanpaolo Scholarship for Law	EUR 38.5K (INR 36L) for 1 year	Intesa Sanpaolo Banking Group

3. University Scholarships

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.

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

University	Italy Scholarship for Indian Students	Reward Amount
University of Turin	UniTo for Students at Risk Scholarships	EUR 9.6K (INR 9L) two-year scholarships
University of Bologna	Unibo Action 1 & 2 Scholarships	Up to EUR 11K (INR 10.2) annually for tuition & living costs
Bocconi University	Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards	Up to EUR 14K (INR 13L) per year

Top 10 Italy Scholarship for Indian Students

Italy offers various scholarships covering tuition fees and living costs. Over 7.44% of Italy's 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 scholarships for Indian students.

1. Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)

The Italian Government Scholarships provide tuition exemptions and a monthly stipend to international students, including Indian applicants. Grants are awarded for 6 to 9 months and help cover living expenses and health insurance.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MAECI)
Number of Scholarships Available	300 annually
Application Deadline	June (tentative)
Duration	6 to 9 months
Age Limit	Maximum 28 years by the deadline of the call
Language Proficiency	B2 in Italian (for Italian-taught courses) B2 in English (for English-taught courses)
Other Requirements	Must be from an eligible foreign countryHold a recognised academic qualification

2. Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship

The Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship supports talented international students like you pursuing Master’s degrees in fields like engineering, advanced technologies, management, and economics.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	Italian Government (IYT Program)
Number of Scholarships Available	Around 200 annually
Application Deadline	February 24, 2025
Duration	9 months
Age Limit	Be born on or after January 1st, 1999
Language Proficiency	At least a B2 level English language certificate
Other Requirements	Must hold a Bachelor’s degree Should be applying for a Master’s program in an eligible field

3. Regional Scholarships (DSU Grants)

The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) Grants are funded by regional governments in Italy, such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Lombardy. These scholarships provide financial aid for tuition fees, accommodation, meal plans, and living expenses.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	Regional Governments (Tuscany, Lazio, Lombardy, etc.)
Number of Scholarships Available	Around 500 annually
Application Deadline	Varies by region (typically August-September)
Duration	One academic year
Age Limit	No specific age limit
Language Proficiency	Varies by university (depends on the course language requirements)
Other Requirements	Must demonstrate financial need Full-time student enrolled in a recognised Italian university A satisfactory academic record

4. Unibo Action 1 & 2 Scholarships

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.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	University of Bologna
Number of Scholarships Available	varies annually
Application Deadline	May 30, 2025
Duration	One academic year (renewable for the second year in Master’s programs)
Age Limit	Maximum 30 years
Language Proficiency	B2 in English or Italian
Other Requirements	A valid qualification for your degree program from an institution outside of ItalyMeet the admission requirements for your chosen degree program

5. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

The Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships are awarded to students enrolling in Master’s programs at the university. These scholarships cover full or partial tuition fees.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	Politecnico di Milano
Number of Scholarships Available	75 per year
Application Deadline	March 4, 2025
Duration	2 years
Age Limit	No specific age limit
Language Proficiency	B2 in English or Italian (depending on the course language)
Other Requirements	Must have an outstanding academic record Applying for a Master’s degree at Politecnico di Milano

6. University of Padova International Excellence Grant

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

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	University of Padova
Number of Scholarships Available	60 to 62
Application Deadline	March 31, 2025
Duration	Bachelor’s: 3 yearsMaster’s: 2 years
Age Limit	28 to 30 years
Language Proficiency	B2 in English
Other Requirements	Must have an excellent academic record Apply to a degree program taught in English Applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the University of Padova

7. Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards

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.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	Bocconi University
Number of Scholarships Available	Limited (varies annually)
Application Deadline	May 2025
Duration	Full degree duration
Age Limit	No specific age limit
Language Proficiency	English proficiency at a B2 level
Other Requirements	Must have an outstanding academic record Must be first-year graduate applicants for the academic year 2025- 2026

8. UniTo for Students at Risk

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.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	University of Turin
Number of Scholarships Available	varies annually
Application Deadline	September (tentative)
Duration	A full academic year
Age Limit	No specific age limit
Language Proficiency	At least level B1 (BEC Vantage, FCE and C, IELTS)
Other Requirements	Must be from a crisis-affected region Hold a residence permit for international protection (asylum/refugee status or subsidiary protection) Applying for a Master’s program at the University of Turin

9. Politecnico di Torino Scholarships

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

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	Politecnico di Torino
Number of Scholarships Available	varies by program and year
Application Deadline	July (tentative)
Duration	1 to 2 year
Age Limit	30 years
Language Proficiency	IELTS: 5.5+
Other Requirements	Be an international student (non-EU) who needs a study visa Pass the Politecnico admission test with a score of at least 70 Have a high school diploma from outside Italy

10. UniTrento Scholarships

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.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Funded By	University of Trento
Number of Scholarships Available	Varies
Application Deadline	March 6, 2025
Duration	Full degree duration UG: 3 years PG: 2 years
Age Limit	35 years
Language Proficiency	CEFR: B2
Other Requirements	Must have a strong academic record Female students in STEM fields are encouraged to apply

How to Apply for an Italy Scholarship for Indian Students?

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.

Step 1: Research Scholarships

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

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

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

Academic transcripts
IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT scores
Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
Letter of motivation
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Passport (valid for at least six months)
Some scholarships may also require:
Portfolio (for creative courses like art or design)
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Italian language proficiency test (if studying in Italian)

Step 3: Apply to Italian Universities

Choose a recognised university offering your desired course. Secure an admission letter, as most scholarships require proof of enrollment before applying.

Step 4: Submit the Scholarship 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.

Step 5: Apply for Additional Scholarships

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying

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

1. Missing Deadlines

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.

2. Ignoring Eligibility Criteria

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.

3. Submitting Poorly Written Documents

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.

4. Not Preparing for Language Requirements

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

5. Applying Without University Admission

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

6. Using Generic Applications

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.

Securing an Italy scholarship for indian students can significantly reduce your study costs and open doors to top universities. By following the right application process and avoiding common mistakes, you can improve your chances of receiving financial support.

FAQs

Q. Does Italy give scholarships for Indian students?

Ans. Yes, there are multiple Italy scholarship for Indian students, including government-funded, university, and private scholarships. Popular options include MAECI, scholarships for Indian students in Italy, and DSU grants. These scholarships for Indian students to study in Italy cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.

Q. How can I get a full scholarship in Italy?

Ans. To secure a full scholarship in Italy for Indian students, you must meet academic and financial criteria. The Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship and scholarship to study in Italy for Indian students provide full tuition waivers and stipends. Strong academic records and IELTS scores improve your chances.

Q. Can I study in Italy for free?

Ans. Studying in Italy is affordable, and with the right scholarship for Indian students in Italy, you can study with minimal costs. Government grants like DSU and MAECI cover tuition, while university scholarships for Indian students in Italy help with expenses. Some universities also have fee waivers.

Q. Is Italy a good option for Indian students?

Ans. Yes, Italy is a great destination due to its world-class universities, affordable tuition, and multiple scholarships for Indian students to study in Italy. With low living costs and post-study work opportunities, it is an attractive option for those seeking quality education at a lower expense.

Q. Which university in Italy is the cheapest?

Ans. Public universities like Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Bologna offer the lowest tuition fees, ranging from €900 to €4,000. Applying for a scholarship to study in Italy for Indian students can further reduce expenses, making education in Italy highly affordable.

Q. Is it easy to get scholarships in Italy for international students?

Ans. While competitive, securing an Indian student's scholarship for Italy is possible with good academic performance and timely applications. The MAECI Scholarship and regional DSU grants are awarded to thousands of students annually. Meeting eligibility criteria improves success rates.

Q. How can I get a scholarship in Italy?

Ans. To get a scholarship for Indian students in Italy, research available options, meet the eligibility criteria, and apply before the deadlines. Many Italy scholarship for indian students require a strong academic record, IELTS/TOEFL scores, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP).

Q. Is studying in Italy cheap?

Ans. Yes, compared to other European countries, studying in Italy is cost-effective. Public universities charge €900–€4,000 per year, and various scholarships for Indian students to study in Italy help cover additional expenses. Regional DSU grants also assist students with accommodation and meals.

Q. Is there no tuition fee in Italian universities?

Ans. While most public universities charge low tuition fees, several Italian scholarships for indian students cover full tuition. MAECI Scholarships and regional grants waive fees entirely, making studying in Italy almost free for eligible students.

Q. How can I apply for scholarships to study in Italy?

Ans. To apply for a scholarship to study in Italy for Indian students, secure admission to an Italian university first. Then, apply for an Italy scholarship for Indian students via government portals, university websites, or private funding bodies before the deadlines.

Q. When is the best time to apply for scholarships in Italy?

Ans. Most scholarships for Indian students in Italy have deadlines between February and September. Government and regional scholarships to study in Italy for Indian students often open applications in early spring, so early research and preparation are essential.