Top higher educational institutions in Italy have made the country an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education. With a broad range of academic programs offered in English and Italian, Italy attracts students from around the world who are eager to pursue innovation.
However, studying abroad can be financially challenging, and securing funding is often a critical step for many prospective international students. To help alleviate the financial burden, numerous scholarships are available specifically for international students.
Students from European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries enjoy the convenience of entering Italy with a valid passport or EU ID card. They can stay in Italy for their entire study period without needing a visa. However, if their study program exceeds three months, EU students must register at the local police station upon arrival to obtain a residence permit.
For non-EU students, including those from African nations, acquiring a student visa before entering Italy is mandatory. African students aspiring to study in Italy can get their student visas issued by the Italian Embassies or Consulate-General offices located in their home country.
Italian Government Scholarship 2024-2025
The Italian Government offers scholarships to foreign citizens and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE), supporting a wide range of academic pursuits. These include Master’s Degree programs (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo), Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance, PhD programs, research under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela), and courses in Italian Language and Culture.
These scholarships are comprehensive, covering tuition fees, health insurance, and providing a monthly stipend. They are available for varying durations of three, six, or nine months, depending on the specific program and academic needs of the recipients.
Invest Your Talent in Italy
Supported by the Italian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economic Development, this program targets students from countries including Azerbaijan, Colombia, Egypt, and others. It offers scholarships for Masters and postgraduate degrees in fields such as Engineering, Architecture, Design, Economics, and Management. Exceptional students may receive scholarships sponsored by corporate partners.
University of Milan Excellence Scholarships
For the 2024/2025 academic year, the University of Milan offers 155 scholarships to outstanding international Masters students. This includes:
- 55 scholarships worth €8,000 each, plus full tuition fee waivers
- 100 full tuition fee waivers
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
Available to non-EU international students enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, Single Cycle Master’s, or PhD programs at universities in Piedmont (e.g., Politecnico of Torino, University of Torino). Part-time Bachelor’s students may also apply. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and economic need, and accommodation services may be provided.
Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
The University of Padua offers full scholarships for first-cycle or second-cycle degrees taught in English. Each scholarship includes an €8,000 subsistence allowance and a tuition fee waiver.
University of Pavia Tuition Fee Waivers
To enhance its global community, the University of Pavia awards 120 tuition fee waivers for international students enrolling in selected programs for the 2024/2025 academic year. The waivers cover the first year’s tuition fees and are not renewable. Additionally, the CICOPS Scholarships support researchers from developing countries collaborating with University of Pavia professors.
Bocconi Merit and International Awards
Bocconi University offers merit-based scholarships for international students enrolling in Bachelor’s or Master of Science programs. Scholarships include tuition waivers ranging from half to full coverage, up to €13,000 per year for Bachelor’s programs and €14,000 per year for Master’s programs.
Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
Politecnico di Milano provides merit-based scholarships for international Master of Science candidates. These scholarships cover tuition fees for the academic year and may include additional financial support ranging from €5,000 to €10,000 annually.
Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
Politecnico di Torino offers scholarships to international students pursuing academic programs in fields such as Engineering and Architecture, aimed at attracting top global talent.
Università Cattolica International Scholarships
Università Cattolica offers the UCSC International Scholarship, providing a 25% reduction in tuition fees to encourage international student enrollment across its degree programs.