Scholarship in Italy: A Golden Opportunity to Study for Free in Europe
Scholarships in Italy are offered by the government, universities and some private institutions to international students. These scholarships may cover full or partial tuition and living expenses. The conditions for Italian scholarships vary and will vary depending on the type of scholarship and the level of study. Some of the main options include:
- DSU Regional Scholarships: Offered in regions like Tuscany, Lombardy, and Piedmont; cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel.
- University Scholarships: Based on merit or financial need; available at universities like Bologna, Padua, Politecnico di Milano, and Turin.
- MAECI Scholarship: Funded by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for graduate-level international students.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: Popular EU program covering living and accommodation costs for undergrad and postgrad students in Italy.
- Private Foundations: Scholarships from organizations like Fondazione Edu and Fondazione Giovanni Agnelli based on specific criteria.
Malekpour Institute, in collaboration with ApplyMIE, handles the process of obtaining Italian scholarships for applicants. The services of this institute also include preparing documents and following up on the Italian provincial fund. If you have any doubts about scholarships, studying in Italy, or immigration to Italy, you can benefit from the free consulting services of Malekpour Institute in this regard.
Requirements for Scholarship in Italy
To receive an Italian scholarship, there are requirements that vary depending on the type of scholarship (government, provincial, or university) and the level of study. In obtaining an Italian scholarship, several conditions are very important. The requirements for an Italian scholarship are defined as follows:
- For merit-based scholarships, it is necessary to have a GPA of 16 or higher.
- It is necessary to provide an English language certificate (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or Italian, depending on the language of study.
- For master’s degrees, the applicant’s age must not exceed 28 years and for doctoral degrees, the applicant must not exceed 30 years.
- For financial need-based scholarships, it is necessary to provide documents such as the pay slip of the head of the family, documents related to real estate and assets, and bank certificates.
Minimum GPA for Scholarship in Italy
In Italy, the GPA requirements for studying and receiving scholarships depend on the level of study (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate), the university, and the type of scholarship. The following table generally indicates the GPA requirements for studying in Italy:
| Program | Minimum GPA (Local Scale) | Minimum GPA (International Scale) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 12-14 | 2.5-3.0 |
| Master’s | 14-16 | 3.0-3.5 |
| PhD | 16-17 | 3.5-4.0 |
| Regional Scholarship (DSU) | No specific requirements | N/A |
| Government Scholarship | 15-16 | 3.0-3.5 |
Types of Scholarships in Italy
As mentioned above, Italian scholarships have different programs. Some of these programs are awarded to Italian students studying in Italy or abroad, and some are defined for international students, especially from developing countries.
You may also know it as Italian Third World Scholarships. Italian scholarships for third world countries also include the following. Below is a description of the most important programs:
- Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
- Italian University Scholarships
- Italian Provincial Scholarships (DSU)
You can also use scholarships to study in schools in Italy.
Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships annually to foreign students and Italians living abroad. These scholarships are usually awarded for master’s, doctoral and research degrees and include a monthly stipend, tuition fee waiver and health insurance.
The application deadline is usually announced each year in the spring (May or June). For detailed information, it is recommended to visit the official MAECI website at https://www.unipi.it/.
University Scholarships in Italy
Many Italian universities, such as the Polytechnic University of Milan, Sapienza University of Rome, Bologna, Turin, Padua and Florence, offer scholarships based on academic merit and financial status. Some of these scholarships reduce or completely eliminate tuition fees. Below, we will introduce some of these university scholarships in Italy.
- BOLOGNA University Scholarship
Students who have shown excellent performance in undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Bologna can receive this scholarship. Each grant is for one academic year and its amount, in addition to the tuition fee waiver, includes a total amount of 11,059 euros.
- PAVIA University Scholarship
In order to develop international cooperation, this university has considered scholarships for outstanding students from developing countries who intend to continue their master’s degree studies in English. Each scholarship is worth around €8,000.
- Scholarships from the Polytechnic University of Milan
The university offers a number of scholarships each year to talented international students enrolled in Master of Science programs. Tuition fees are waived and an annual stipend of €5,000 to €10,000 is paid to them.
- Scholarships from the Polytechnic University of Turin
The scholarships are available in fields such as architecture and engineering.
- Scholarships from the University of Padova
The university offers scholarships to low-income Italian and foreign students with excellent academic records at all levels. The scholarships include cash and some services such as accommodation and meals.
Italian Provincial Scholarships (DSU)
Provincial scholarships in Italy, known as DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario), are provided by local and regional governments to support low-income students. These scholarships include financial assistance for living expenses, tuition fees, accommodation, meals and other educational expenses. The features of an Italian provincial scholarship include:
- Exemption from university tuition fees (depending on the amount of provincial support)
- Annual financial assistance (between €2,000 and €6,000)
- Free accommodation in student dormitories
- Reductions in food and public transport costs
The most important provincial scholarships in Italy
- Tuscany Provincial Scholarship
This scholarship is specific to the universities of Florence, Pisa and Siena.
- ER.GO Scholarship in Emilia-Romagna
This scholarship is for the universities of Bologna, Parma, Modena and Ferrara. The ER.GO scholarship covers accommodation and living expenses.
- EDISU Scholarship in Piedmont
This scholarship is for the universities of Turin and the surrounding areas. The EDISU scholarship provides international students with a cash grant and housing services.
- LAZIODISCO Scholarship in Lazio
This scholarship includes the universities of Rome (Sapienza, Tor Vergata, Roma Terri) and offers special discounts on municipal services.
Scholarships in Italy for various levels
As one of the leading centers of higher education, Italy offers a variety of scholarships for international students at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. These scholarships give students from developing countries and other countries the opportunity to benefit from high-quality education at low cost. The following is an introduction to Italian scholarships at various levels:
Scholarships for Bachelor’s
Scholarships for bachelor’s degree in Italy for international students are often offered by the government, universities or regional organizations. Popular undergraduate scholarships include:
- DSU Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Italian regional governments and includes full tuition fees, living allowance and accommodation.
- University Scholarships
Some universities, such as the Polytechnic University of Turin and the University of Bologna, offer scholarships for international students that include a reduction or waiver of tuition fees.
Scholarships for Masters
Italy is one of the main destinations for master’s degree in Italy. Students can benefit from both public and private scholarships. Popular scholarships for postgraduate studies include:
- MAECI Scholarship (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
This scholarship includes a monthly allowance (around €900), health insurance and tuition fees. - Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship
This scholarship is for talented students and, in addition to financial support, also provides internship opportunities in Italian companies.
- University Scholarships
Universities such as Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Milan and the University of Florence offer special scholarships for postgraduate studies.
PhD Scholarships
A PhD in Italy is one of the most attractive options for research-oriented students. Universities and research centers often cover the tuition fees. Popular PhD scholarships include:
- Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
This scholarship includes a living allowance and a tuition fee waiver. - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Offered to PhD students with international research projects. - University Scholarships
Medical Scholarships in Italy
Medical scholarships in Italy are a very attractive opportunity for international students, especially due to the high quality of education, the possibility of studying in English and the relatively low tuition fees compared to other European countries. Below, a complete and concise overview of the Italian medical scholarships is provided:
1. DSU Scholarship (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)
The DSU scholarship is one of the most popular and widespread Italian government scholarships, offered by various regions (such as Tuscany, Lombardy, Lazio, etc.). This scholarship is awarded based on the financial situation of the student’s family and can include a complete waiver of university tuition fees, dormitory or housing allowance, free or discounted meals at the university campus and even an annual cash allowance between 2,000 and 6,000 euros.
To receive it, you must complete a special form and provide evidence of your family’s finances (which is equivalent to the ISEE). This scholarship is very suitable for medical students, especially since the medical course in Italy is 6 years and the costs can be heavy.
2. MAECI Scholarship (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship)
This scholarship is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) and aims to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation with other countries. International students can apply for this scholarship. MAECI is usually for master’s and doctoral degrees, but it can also be used in some universities and specific disciplines (including medicine).
This scholarship includes a monthly allowance of 900 euros, a tuition fee waiver and free health insurance. Competition for it is high and requires a strong resume, language certificate and an excellent motivation letter.
3. University-specific scholarships for medical studies
Many prestigious Italian universities that offer medical courses in English have their own specific scholarships. These scholarships may be based on academic merit (IMAT score) or financial need. For example, the University of Pavia offers scholarships for international medical students that include full or partial tuition fee waivers and a living allowance.
The University of Bologna also has a scholarship program called Unibo Action, which is awarded to outstanding students. These scholarships vary in terms of amount and conditions and usually require a separate application or request at the time of enrollment.
4. Erasmus+ Scholarships for Medical Students
The Erasmus+ program is better known as a student exchange scholarship and allows medical students to spend part of their studies (usually one or two semesters) at one of the partner universities in Europe.
The scholarship covers travel, living and accommodation expenses in the host country, which vary between 300 and 700 euros per month, depending on the destination country. Participating in this program gives students the opportunity to gain international experience, network, and improve their academic and language skills. Universities such as Sapienza in Rome, Turin, or Bologna usually have extensive cooperation in the form of Erasmus.
Documents Required for Italian Scholarships
When you intend to apply for an Italian scholarship and obtain a student visa for this country, you will need different documents at each stage of your process, which vary depending on the university and the type of scholarship applied for. The general documents required for the visa stage are as follows:
| Copy of passport, first page | Acceptance letter from the university |
| Family income certificate | Financial support letter for Italian student visa |
| Identity documents | Language certificate |
| Asset value and ISEE form | Filling out the visa form |
| Documents and transcripts from previous courses | Travel insurance |
| Documents related to the place of residence in Italy | Lease (if any) |
How to get a scholarship in Italy
Follow these steps to apply for an Italian scholarship:
-
Choose a Study Program and University
First, research the universities and programs you are interested in Italy. Universities such as Milan, Bologna, Pisa, and Rome are reputable institutions that offer scholarships for various programs. Selecting the right university and study program is the first step in obtaining a scholarship in Italy. -
Understand the Types of Scholarships and Requirements
Study the details of the various types of scholarships available in Italy, including regional scholarships, university scholarships, and government and private scholarships. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria that must be carefully reviewed. -
Check the Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
To apply for an Italian scholarship, you generally need to have a certain GPA, language proficiency (IELTS 6 or Italian B1), and financial documents. Age and identity documents are also important. These are the essential requirements for Italian scholarships. -
Register and Submit Scholarship Application
First, register for the desired academic program at the university. Then, submit your scholarship application via the university’s website or reliable platforms like Universitaly. Some regions and universities have their own application systems, so make sure to register on time. -
Follow Up and Apply for a Student Visa
After receiving an admission offer and scholarship approval, you need to proceed with applying for the Italian scholarship and complete further steps. Submit your admission and scholarship documents to the Italian embassy in your country and apply for a student visa.
By following these steps and understanding the details of Italian scholarships, you can make your path to studying for free or at a low cost in Italy easier. Additionally, the ApplyMIE Institute, in collaboration with MIE, offers specialized services for obtaining Italian scholarships for applicants.
Introducing Italian Universities for Scholarships
When you have decided to apply for an Italian scholarship and have chosen this country as your educational immigration destination, it is not without benefit to know the ranking and reputation of Italian universities worldwide.
In the table below, based on the latest rankings, we see the list of Italian universities along with their ranking and position worldwide.
| City | University Name | World Rank | Country Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padua | University of Padua | 115 | 1 |
| Bologna | University of Bologna | 122 | 2 |
| Rome | Sapienza University Rome | 125 | 3 |
| Milan | University of Milan | 156 | 4 |
| Naples | University of Naples Federico II | 185 | 5 |
| Turin | University of Turin | 209 | 6 |
| Pisa | University of Pisa | 219 | 7 |
| Florence | University of Florence | 250 | 8 |
| Trento | University of Trento | 256 | 9 |
| Milan | University of Milano-Bicocca | 273 | 10 |
What subjects are Italian provincial scholarships for?
Italian scholarships are usually offered for a wide range of subjects at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. These scholarships may be funded by the Italian government, universities, or regional and provincial organizations. Some of the subjects that are usually covered by Italian scholarships include:
| Architecture and Industrial Design | Physics and Mathematics |
| Fashion Design | Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Sciences |
| History and Philosophy | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing |
| Cultural Studies, Linguistics and Social Sciences | Business Administration (MBA) |
| Mechanical Engineering | Economics |
| Electrical Engineering | Marketing and Finance |
| Computer Engineering | Theater and Cinema |
| Civil Engineering | Music and Opera |
How much is a provincial scholarship in Italy?
The table below provides approximate information on the amount of the Italian Provincial Scholarship (DSU) in some popular provinces. These amounts include cash grants and other services such as tuition fee waivers and may vary depending on the student’s circumstances and ISEE score:
| Region | Annual Financial Aid |
|---|---|
| Lombardy (Milan) | 6,000 to 8,000 Euros |
| Tuscany (Florence) | Around 7,000 Euros |
| Lazio (Rome) | 2,000 to 5,100 Euros |
| Veneto (Venice) | 2,500 to 4,500 Euros |
| Sicily (Palermo) | Around 3,000 Euros |
| Piedmont (Turin) | 2,000 to 5,000 Euros |
Chances of receiving a provincial scholarship in Italy
Italian provincial scholarships (DSU) have high approval rates for eligible students. To improve your chances, submit accurate, official, and translated financial documents (income certificates, property deeds, household certificates) on time.
Provinces like Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna offer more funding, increasing acceptance rates. Medical students meeting all requirements often have over an 80% chance of receiving the scholarship.
When to Apply for Scholarship in Italy
To reduce study and living costs in Italy, securing an Italian Provincial Scholarship (DSU) is key. First, pass the IMAT exam (biology, chemistry, physics, math, general knowledge, reasoning) held annually between April and September.
After admission, apply for the DSU, which considers family financial status (ISEE) rather than GPA. Factors like parental loss, disability, or young siblings can improve eligibility. Required documents include admission letters and official, translated financial records. Applications usually run from late July to late September—check university websites for exact deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarship in Italy
- What is an Italian Provincial Scholarship?
The local governments of some provinces in Italy offer scholarships for students who cannot afford their studies.
- Do Italian Provincial Scholarships only cover tuition fees?
Some programs provide a stipend in addition to tuition fees.
- Are scholarships available for studying medicine in Italy?
Yes, scholarships are available for studying medicine in Italy. You must have a GPA of 16 or above and a strong CV.
- When is the application deadline for an Italian Provincial Scholarship?
The application deadline for an Italian Provincial Scholarship is usually from April to late July each year, but the exact date may vary depending on the province and university.
Conclusion:
This article outlines the conditions for obtaining an Italian scholarship, which may vary based on Italy’s internal policies. Various scholarship programs, offered by the central government, local governments, and universities, benefit outstanding students from developing countries. These scholarships cover different levels and fields of study.
However, with Italy’s high unemployment rate, mastering the Italian language is crucial for finding a good job. If you’re applying for an Italian scholarship, it’s worth exploring other countries’ scholarship conditions too. For any questions about Italian provincial scholarships, our experts are ready to assist in the comments section. Additionally, the Malekpour Institute offers free guidance through their consultants.
