Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 2026

Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy are available for international students through government programs such as MAECI and initiatives such as Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT), as well as university-specific awards from institutions such as Bocconi University, the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano and Torino, and Scuola Normale Superiore. These scholarships usually cover tuition fees, provide monthly living stipends of around €900(INR 95,860), and in some cases include internship opportunities. They are mainly offered for master’s, PhD, and research programs and focus on academic merit and specific fields of study. Most major scholarship deadlines fall in the spring season. 

Types of Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy:  

Category	Description	Examples
Government Scholarships	Funded by the Italian government or the EU, covering tuition, living, and health insurance.	Italian Government (MAECI), Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, DSU Regional Scholarships
University Scholarships	Offered directly by Italian universities to attract international students.	University of Bologna, University of Padua, Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza
Foundation & Regional Scholarships	Provided by regional authorities or private foundations, often including housing and stipends.	EDISU Piemonte, Invest Your Talent in Italy, private foundations
Specialized Scholarships	Targeted programs for specific fields or levels of study.	PhD, MBA, Medical, STEM scholarships

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 2026 

Italy offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for international students in 2026, covering tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes travel costs. These programs are provided by the Italian government, leading universities, and regional foundations, making it possible to study in Italy for free at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.  

Below are the best fully funded Scholarships in Italy, each with unique benefits and eligibility criteria. 

1. Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarship 

The Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for international students. It covers tuition fees, health insurance, and provides a monthly stipend of €900 (₹95,800). The program is mainly offered for Master’s, PhD, and research students, focusing on academic merit and international cooperation. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
Coverage	Tuition fees, health insurance, €900 monthly stipend (₹95,800), partial travel support
Eligible Levels	Master’s, PhD, Research programs
Eligibility Criteria	Strong academic record, admission to an Italian university, language proficiency (English or Italian), age limit (usually under 28–30 years for Master’s)
Application Period	Typically opens in spring (April–May) for the following academic year
Application Process	Online application via the MAECI portal, submission of transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of admission
Duration	6–9 months (renewable depending on program)

2. Erasmus+ Programme 

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, funded by the European Commission, allow international students to pursue studies in Italy fully funded. It covers tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and insurance. This program is available for undergraduate exchanges, joint master’s degrees, and postgraduate mobility opportunities. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	European Commission (Erasmus+ Programme)
Coverage	Tuition fees, living allowance €850 (₹90,400) per month, travel costs, and insurance
Eligible Levels	Undergraduate exchange, Joint Master’s, Postgraduate programs
Eligibility Criteria	Enrolled in a partner university, strong academic record, language proficiency (English or Italian), and acceptance into the Erasmus+ mobility program
Application Period	Varies by university; typically opens in late winter/early spring
Application Process	Apply through your home university’s Erasmus+ office; nomination required; submit transcripts, learning agreement, and proof of language proficiency
Duration	3–12 months depending on program

3. University of Bologna (Unibo Action 1 & 2) Scholarship 

The University of Bologna offers one of the most recognized fully funded scholarships in Italy for international students. Known as Unibo Action 1 & 2, these awards provide full tuition waivers and annual grants of about €11,000 (₹11.7 lakh). They are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, making Bologna a top choice for students seeking free study in Italy. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	University of Bologna
Coverage	Full tuition waiver + €11,000 annual grant (₹11.7 lakh)
Eligible Levels	Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Eligibility Criteria	International students with strong academic records, proof of admission, and language proficiency (English or Italian)
Application Period	Usually opens in February–March for fall intake
Application Process	Online application via the University of Bologna portal; requires transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of admission
Duration	1 academic year (renewable based on performance)

4. University of Padua Excellence Scholarship 

The University of Padua Excellence Scholarship is one of the most competitive fully funded scholarships in Italy. It offers a complete tuition fee waiver and an annual stipend of €8,000 (₹8.5 lakh). This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	University of Padua
Coverage	Full tuition waiver + €8,000 annual stipend (₹8.5 lakh)
Eligible Levels	Undergraduate, Master’s
Eligibility Criteria	International students with excellent academic records, proof of admission, and language proficiency (English or Italian)
Application Period	Typically opens in January–February for fall intake
Application Process	Online application via the University of Padua portal; requires transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of admission
Duration	Full program duration (renewable annually based on performance)

5. Bocconi Merit Awards 

The Bocconi Merit Awards are prestigious scholarships offered by Bocconi University in Milan. They provide full tuition waivers and partial housing support to outstanding international students. These awards are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, focusing on academic excellence and leadership potential. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	Bocconi University, Milan
Coverage	Full tuition waiver + partial housing support (value varies by program)
Eligible Levels	Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Eligibility Criteria	Exceptional academic performance, admission to Bocconi University, strong extracurricular or leadership profile
Application Period	Typically opens in January–February for fall intake
Application Process	Apply through the Bocconi University portal; requires transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of admission
Duration	Full program duration (renewable annually based on performance)
Approximate Value	Tuition waiver worth up to €14,000–€16,000 per year (₹15–17 lakh INR)

6. Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships 

The Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students applying for master’s programs in engineering, architecture, and design. These scholarships include a full tuition waiver and annual stipends ranging from €5,000–€10,000 (₹5.3–₹10.6 lakh), making them one of the most attractive options for highly talented students. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	Politecnico di Milano
Coverage	Full tuition waiver + €5,000–€10,000 stipend (≈ ₹5.3–₹10.6 lakh INR)
Eligible Levels	Master’s programs (Engineering, Architecture, Design)
Eligibility Criteria	International students with excellent academic records, admission to Politecnico di Milano, strong portfolio (for design/architecture)
Application Period	Typically opens in December–January for fall intake
Application Process	Online application via Politecnico di Milano portal; requires transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of admission
Duration	Full program duration (renewable annually based on performance)

 7. Sapienza University Scholarships 

The Sapienza University of Rome offers fully funded scholarships to international students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships cover tuition fees and provide living support, making Sapienza one of the most attractive destinations for research and advanced studies in Italy. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	Sapienza University of Rome
Coverage	Full tuition waiver + living allowance (varies by program, approx. €7,000–€8,000 per year (₹7.4–₹8.5 lakh)
Eligible Levels	Master’s, PhD
Eligibility Criteria	International students with strong academic records, proof of admission, and language proficiency (English or Italian)
Application Period	Typically opens in spring (March–April) for the following academic year
Application Process	Online application via the Sapienza University portal; requires transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of admission
Duration	Full program duration (renewable annually based on performance)

8. EDISU Piemonte Scholarships 

The EDISU Piemonte Scholarships are regional awards offered to international students studying at universities in the Piedmont region, such as the University of Turin and Politecnico di Torino. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and living allowances, making them one of the most comprehensive regional support programs in Italy. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	Regional Authority for the Right to Education (EDISU Piemonte)
Coverage	Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, living allowance (~€5,000–€7,000 per year ≈ ₹5.3–₹7.4 lakh INR)
Eligible Levels	Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Eligibility Criteria	Enrollment in a Piedmont university, financial need, academic merit, and proof of admission
Application Period	Typically opens in July–August for the following academic year
Application Process	Online application via EDISU Piemonte portal; requires transcripts, proof of income, and admission letter
Duration	Full program duration (renewable annually based on performance and financial need)

9. Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship 

The Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) program is a government-backed initiative designed to attract talented international students in fields such as engineering, ICT, economics, and management. It provides full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of €900 (₹95,800), and internship opportunities with leading Italian companies, making it one of the most career-oriented scholarships in Italy. 

Aspect	Details
Provider	Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) & Italian Trade Agency (ITA)
Coverage	Tuition fees, €900 monthly stipend (≈ ₹95,800 INR), internship opportunities
Eligible Levels	Master’s programs (Engineering, ICT, Economics, Management)
Eligibility Criteria	International students with strong academic records, proof of admission, and interest in industry-linked programs
Application Period	Typically opens in January–February for the following academic year
Application Process	Online application via the IYT portal requires transcripts, CV, motivation letter, proof of admission, and sometimes recommendation letters
Duration	Full program duration (renewable annually based on performance)

How to Apply for Scholarships in Italy 2026 

Applying for scholarships in Italy requires careful preparation and attention to detail. While each scholarship has its own rules, most follow a similar process. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown: 

Step 1: Research and Select the Right Scholarship 

• Explore government, university, and regional scholarships (e.g., MAECI, Erasmus+, Unibo, Padua). 

• Match scholarships with your academic level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) and field of study. 

• Compare benefits (tuition, stipend, housing) and deadlines. 

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria 

• Age limits (e.g., MAECI often requires applicants under 28–30 years for Master’s). 

• Academic performance (minimum GPA or merit requirements). 

• Language proficiency (English or Italian certificates like IELTS, TOEFL, or CILS). 

• Admission to an Italian university program. 

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents 

Most scholarships ask for: 

• Academic transcripts and certificates. 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV). 

• Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose. 

• Proof of admission/acceptance letter from an Italian university. 

• Language proficiency certificate. 

• Letter of recommendation (for competitive programs like Bocconi or IYT). 

Step 4: Submit Online Application 

• Apply via the official portal of the scholarship provider (e.g., MAECI, Erasmus+, university websites). 

• Upload all documents in PDF format. 

• Double-check for errors before submission. 

Step 5: Track Deadlines 

• Government scholarships (MAECI, IYT): usually open January–April 2026. 

• University scholarships (Bologna, Padua, Bocconi, Politecnico): typically, open December–March 2026. 

• Regional scholarships (EDISU Piemonte): usually open July–August 2026. 

Step 6: Await Results & Interviews 

• Shortlisted candidates may be asked for online interviews. 

• Some programs (like IYT) require additional steps, such as internship placement confirmation. 

• Final results are usually announced 2–3 months after the deadline. 

Also Read: Accommodation in Italy: Renting Costs, Best Cities, and Tips 

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarships in Italy 2026 

Securing a fully funded scholarship in Italy is highly competitive. Here are proven strategies to maximize your chances: 

1. Strengthen Your Academic Profile 

• Maintain a strong GPA and highlight academic achievements. 

• Participate in research projects, internships, or relevant extracurricular activities. 

2. Write a Powerful Motivation Letter 

• Clearly explain why you chose Italy and the specific program. 

• Show how the scholarship aligns with your career goals. 

• Be authentic; avoid generic statements. 

3. Demonstrate Language Proficiency 

• Provide certificates like IELTS, TOEFL (English), or CILS/CELI (Italian). 

• Even if the program is in English, basic Italian skills add value. 

4. Apply Early and Track Deadlines 

• Many scholarships close between January–April 2026. 

• Submitting early shows seriousness and avoids last-minute errors. 

5. Get Strong Recommendation Letters 

• Ask professors or employers who know your strengths well. 

• Ensure letters highlight leadership, teamwork, and academic excellence. 

6. Highlight Career Potential 

• Scholarships like Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) value employability. 

• Showcase internships, projects, or entrepreneurial initiatives. 

7. Organize Documents Professionally 

• Keep transcripts, CV, certificates, and letters ready in PDF format. 

• Double-check formatting and spelling before submission. 

Conclusion 

Italy has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students in 2026, offering a wide range of Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy through government programs, universities, and regional authorities. From the prestigious Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarship and Erasmus+ Programme to university-specific awards at Bologna, Padua, Bocconi, and Politecnico di Milano, students can pursue world-class education without financial burden. By researching eligibility, preparing documents carefully, and applying on time, students can unlock life-changing opportunities to study in Italy while experiencing its rich culture, history, and innovation. 

If you are still unsure about your options, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.