Italy is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students, thanks to its rich culture, historic universities, and affordable tuition fees compared to other European countries. Plus, many Italian universities and government bodies offer scholarships for international students to make studying there even more accessible.
If you’re planning to study in Italy in 2025, here’s a handy guide to the best scholarships you can apply for.
Why Study in Italy?
- World-famous universities such as University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano
- Wide range of courses in arts, engineering, humanities, and sciences
- Affordable cost of living and tuition fees
- Beautiful cities, amazing food, and rich history
Top Scholarships for International Students in Italy (2025)
1. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
- Fully or partially funded scholarships offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, and sometimes accommodation
- Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and research programs
- Application usually opens in the spring for the next academic year
2. University of Bologna Study Grants
- Partial tuition waivers or full scholarships for international undergraduates and postgraduates
- Awarded based on academic merit and financial need
3. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
- Various scholarships for international students, including merit-based and need-based grants
- Coverage can include tuition fees and sometimes living expenses
4. University of Padua International Scholarships
- Scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s international students
- Merit-based scholarships covering tuition fee waivers and monthly allowances
5. Scuola Normale Superiore Scholarships
- Fully funded scholarships for outstanding students in arts, sciences, and humanities
- Includes tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend
Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Level | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Government Scholarship | Tuition, stipend, accommodation | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Usually March – April |
| University of Bologna Study Grants | Partial/full tuition waiver | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Varies by program |
| Politecnico di Milano Scholarships | Tuition, partial living expenses | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Varies |
| University of Padua International | Tuition waiver, monthly allowance | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Usually June – July |
| Scuola Normale Superiore Scholarships | Full tuition, accommodation, stipend | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Usually March |
Tips to Apply Successfully
- Start early — gather all documents before the deadlines
- Maintain a strong academic record and highlight achievements
- Prepare a clear and honest motivation letter explaining why you want to study in Italy and how you plan to use your degree
- Some scholarships require language proficiency tests (Italian or English), so plan accordingly
- Keep track of application dates — Italian universities are strict about deadlines
Final Thoughts
Italy offers fantastic scholarship opportunities for international students, making it a wonderful choice for your studies abroad. Whether you want to study engineering at Politecnico di Milano or arts at the University of Bologna, scholarships can ease the financial burden significantly.
If you want, I can help you draft your motivation letter or provide a checklist for your application documents. Just let me know!
