Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy

International students can find several fully funded scholarships in Italy that can help cover the cost of tuition, a monthly living allowance, and housing. The advantages depend on the scholarship provider, the university attended, and the level of education, as well as the scholarship terms and conditions.

Students can learn about government scholarships, University scholarships, schemes available in their region, and research scholarships for bachelor's, master's, and PhD courses. Some awards are based on academic performance and family income, 

In this article, you will explore the best fully funded scholarships in Italy, their eligibility criteria and benefits, application deadlines, documents required, and application steps. It also outlines reasons for rejection and offers practical insights to make Indian applications stronger and find funding sources. 

Types of Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students 

Merit-based scholarships are available to students from overseas who meet the academic criteria. An academic record must be presented to students for whom a full tuition fee can be waived or financial aid given. 

Here are the types of fully funded scholarships you can explore: 

Government Scholarships 

Italian government offers scholarships to international students who have the required qualifications. These can include a monthly allowance, health insurance, and tuition fees, depending on the rules of the scholarship. 

Examples: 

• Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 
• Invest Your Talent in Italy Program 

University Scholarships 

University scholarships are offered by universities in Italy to international students who fulfil admission and scholarship criteria. They may cover the tuition fees or part of the costs; in certain situations, they may also provide monetary support for living costs. 

Examples: 

• University of Bologna International Scholarships and Study Grants 
• University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship 

Regional Scholarships 

Regional scholarships are offered by regional authorities to eligible international students studying at participating universities in Italy. They may provide financial assistance, meals, accommodation, and tuition fee support, depending on family income and the scheme's rules. 

Examples: 

• EDISU Piemonte Scholarship 
• DSU Toscana Scholarship 

Merit-Based Scholarships 

International students who meet academic requirements can receive merit-based scholarships. Students with an academic record can be awarded financial aid or a full tuition fee waiver. 

Examples: 

• Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Master's Students 
• University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship 

Research Scholarships 

Research scholarships support international students who want to pursue PhD studies or research at Italian universities. They may provide a stipend and other research-related benefits for the approved period. 

Examples: 

• Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships 
• University of Milan Funded PhD Positions 

Need-Based Scholarships 

Students are awarded scholarships based on family income and financial status. They can pay tuition and receive assistance with room and board and other costs. 

International students might have to present income and asset details of their families from their respective countries with suitable translation and/or legalisation, if required. 

Examples: 

• ER.GO Regional Scholarships 
• EDISU Piemonte Need-Based Scholarships 

A fully funded scholarship in Italy for undergraduate studies can be useful for students who have completed Class 12 and want to start a bachelor's degree. But not all scholarships can be applied for by undergraduates. The application procedure is subject to rules that need to be checked. 

Students may find fully funded scholarship in Italy for masters, to pursue a masters course. The awards can come from universities, government institutions, and/or local institutions. 

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 

Government, university, and regional funding options are available to Indian students to study in Italy. Some may cover only tuition fees; others cover living expenses. 

These scholarships and funding programs should be checked out. These are subject to change every year:

Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Coverage Offered
Italian Government MAECI Scholarship	Applicants from eligible countries, including India, applying for eligible master's, PhD, or research programs and meeting the call's age, academic, and language requirements.	EUR 10,800 (approximately INR 11.55L) for nine months, plus health insurance. Tuition exemption depends on the university.
Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)	Eligible Indian citizens residing in India with a bachelor's degree and B2-level English, applying to participating master's programs.	EUR 10,800 (approximately INR 11.55L) for nine months, plus tuition fee exemption and a compulsory internship.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's	Applicants with a bachelor's degree applying to an eligible joint master's program involving an Italian university.	Up to EUR 1,400 (approximately INR 1.50L) per month for up to 24 months, with participation costs, travel and living support covered under the scholarship rules.
University of Bologna Program-Specific Scholarships	International applicants who meet the admission and selection requirements of a specific degree program and scholarship call.	Varies by program. For example, the 2026-27 Mathematics master's call offered two scholarships of EUR 5,000 (approximately INR 5.35L) each.
Regional DSU Scholarships	Students enrolled in eligible Italian institutions who meet regional household-income, asset and academic-progress requirements.	May include a cash grant, meals, accommodation support and tuition-related benefits, depending on the region and student circumstances.
University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship	High-achieving international applicants to eligible English-taught bachelor's and master's programs at the University of Padua.	EUR 8,000 (approximately INR 8.56L) per year plus a tuition fee waiver, subject to award conditions.
Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships	International applicants to eligible English-taught master's programs, selected based on academic merit and application quality.	Full tuition fee waiver; selected awards may include a gross allowance of up to EUR 10,000 (approximately INR 10.70L) per year.
Bocconi Graduate Merit Award	Outstanding first-year applicants to eligible Bocconi master's programs, selected based on academic merit and their admission application.	Up to 100% waiver of tuition and academic fees. Living expenses are not automatically covered.

Which Scholarship Should You Choose? 

Scholarships are awarded according to the level of studies, academic achievement, and financial needs. Look at these options to identify funding available that is suitable to your educational plan in Italy. 

The table below lists scholarship options based on your study goals:

Study Goal	Scholarships to Explore
Bachelor's degree after Class 12	University of Padua scholarships, University of Bologna funding, regional DSU scholarships and eligible Scuola Normale Superiore programs
Master's degree	MAECI Scholarship, Invest Your Talent in Italy, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's, University of Padua, Politecnico di Milano and regional DSU scholarships
PhD or research	Eligible for MAECI research grants and funded PhD positions at Italian universities and research institutions
Financial support based on family income	Regional DSU scholarships, including EDISU Piemonte and DSU Toscana, subject to income and academic requirements
Joint master's degree across countries	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programs that include an Italian university and offer scholarships

If you are interested in applying for a fully funded scholarship in Italy, select your degree level and university. Now factor in the scholarship value and expected tuition payments, cost of living, meals, transportation, and the rest. 

Application Deadlines for Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 

The application period for scholarships in Italy varies by university and scholarship programs. Some universities have already announced dates for the 2027-28 school year, while some scholarship providers are yet to announce their new calls. 

Scholarship	Application Deadline
Politecnico di Milano merit-based scholarships	1 December 2026 for eligible early applicants; English proficiency certificate deadline: 4 March 2027
Italian Government MAECI Scholarship	Tentative: March 2027, based on the previous year's deadline of 26 March 2026
Invest Your Talent in Italy	Tentative: May 2027, based on the previous year's deadline of 11 May 2026
University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship	Tentative: February-March 2027, subject to the 2027-28 admission call
University of Bologna international scholarships	Tentative: February-May 2027, depending on the scholarship and admission round
EDISU Piemonte regional scholarship	Tentative: July-September 2027, subject to the regional call
DSU Toscana regional scholarship	Tentative: July-September 2027, subject to the regional call
Bocconi University merit-based awards	Tentative: January-April 2027, depending on the program and admission round
Funded PhD positions at Italian universities	Varies by university and doctoral program; check individual calls throughout 2027

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarship in Italy? 

A few scholarships may require you to accept the university's admission, and after you successfully receive it, you will be considered for the scholarship itself. Following each step in the application process makes it easier. Some scholarships may have a different process, however. 

Follow the given steps to apply for a fully funded scholarship in Italy:

• Step 1: Pick a Course and University

Select a bachelor's, master's, or PhD program and list the Italian universities where you would like to pursue your studies based on your previous experiences and objectives.

• Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Ensure Indian students are eligible to apply and test their academic, financial, language, and study-level eligibility.

• Step 3: Get your Documents Ready

Gather all academic & travel documents (CV, relevant documents, etc.) and financial documents where necessary. Arrange for translations/legalisation as required.

• Step 4: Application for Admission

Fill out the application form, submit documents on the university website, and keep track of the university's admission deadline.

• Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application

Remember to complete all sections of the scholarship portal set up for the scholarships carefully before submitting the scholarship application.

• Step 6: Track your Application Status 

Check your email and application portal for updates, information, and requests for additional documentation routinely, and reply promptly.

• Step 7: Complete Enrolment and Visa Procedures 

Accept offers, complete your student enrolment, arrange your visa, and plan your travel, housing, and budget for an unexpected budget. 

Also Read: Study Visa for Italy

Documents Required for Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 

Certain documents need to be submitted before the application. Each course, scholarship, and university will have specific requirements. 

Prepare the following where applicable:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Valid passport
• Updated CV or resume
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter (check the correct SOP Format)
• Letters of recommendation, if required (check the correct LOR Format)
• English or Italian language test scores, if required
• University admission letter or proof of application, if required
• Family income, asset and household documents for need-based scholarships
• Research proposal, portfolio or writing sample, where relevant
• Certified translations, legalisation or other document authentication, if requested

Common Reasons for Rejection of Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 

Scholarships are competitive, and you may not win even if you're a decent student; an application can be rejected for missing information or not meeting the rules. 

Here are a few reasons why this happens: 

• Failure to score well in the academic field: Your previous results and/or academic abilities may not match the scholarship conditions. 
• Course application: The applicant might apply for the wrong course or level of study. 
• Incomplete applications: If a certificate or form is not included with the application, it will be rejected. 
• Late submission: No more submissions will be accepted after the closing date. 
• Not achieving the required language scores: This may be because your language score was inadequate or you failed to submit the required language documentation. 
• Motivation letter: A weak motivation letter would be one in which the writer is not sure that the reader is fully convinced of their motivation to attend this course. 
• Failure to adhere to application directions: Sent applications may be in an incorrect format, and not all required steps were followed. 
• High competition: There is a high number of applicants with better academic performance or who are more aligned with the selection criteria of the scholarship. 

Read the instructions for the fully funded scholarship in Italy carefully, starting from the bottom to the top. This can assist you in making sure that you are not rejected due to having made mistakes. 

If you’re searching for courses in Italy, then read:

• MBBS in Italy for Indian Students
• Masters in Italy

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Fully Funded Scholarship in Italy 

The ideal application requires proper time and attention to detail. Hurry to apply. Begin early and seek scholarships that correspond to your education and needs. 

Check your water heaters and repair their components. To help you with that, here are some simple tips: 

• Make a Plan: Research universities and scholarships months in advance of the application time. 
• Check Scholarship Requirements: They can be based on grades, family income, research, or a specific course. 
• Prepare your Documents: Collect your certificates, passport, and language school results. 
• Make Sure to Complete Financial Paperwork Accurately: If applicable, refer to the income requirements and ISEE Parificato requirements for the region where the scholarship is being offered. 
• Official Websites: Take information from the university or scholarship provider.
• Budget for additional costs: Be sure to save for additional expenses that may not be covered by the scholarship.

If you are looking for a fully funded scholarship in Italy for undergraduate study, start by checking scholarships that accept bachelor's applicants. If you have completed your bachelor's degree, explore fully funded scholarships in Italy for masters study, including university awards, government funding, and regional scholarships. 

Conclusion 

A fully funded scholarship in Italy for Indian students will help to make studying abroad more affordable. Options include the MAECI Scholarship, Invest Your Talent in Italy, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's, and regional DSU Scholarship. Scholarships can help students cover tuition fees, whether fully or partly. A scholarship may also provide assistance with a student's living expenses. 

For example, the MAECI Scholarship is offered for 9 months, EUR 10,800 (approximately INR 1.15L), and health insurance. Check what the scholarship offers for your undergraduate, master's degree, or PhD. Prepare documents and finances beforehand, follow the procedure when applying, and pay attention to the information on websites.

If you need help comparing costs, finding suitable funding, or planning your study abroad journey, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's study abroad experts today!