Italy provides a wide range of scholarships for international students through government schemes (MAECI), universities such as Bologna, Padua, Bocconi, and Politecnico di Milano, and regional authorities (DSU). These scholarships support Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
Benefits may include full or partial tuition waivers, monthly living allowances, and accommodation support. Most awards are based on academic merit or financial need, with applications submitted via the Study in Italy portal or individual university websites, usually before May or June deadlines.
Indian students planning to study in Italy in 2026 have access to a wide range of scholarships that make education more affordable and accessible. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living stipends, and sometimes even accommodation, ensuring that talented students can pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Top 15 Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students 2026:
The MAECI Scholarship, offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students, including Indian applicants. It supports Master’s, PhD, and research programs by covering tuition fees, health insurance, and providing a monthly stipend.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Tuition fees waived at public or recognized Italian universities
Stipend
€900 per month (₹95,860 INR) for living expenses
Health Insurance
Full medical coverage included
Eligibility
Open to foreign citizens and Italian citizens abroad; Master’s, PhD, AFAM, research
Duration
6–9 months, renewable for multiyear courses
Application Portal
Official Study in Italy website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically midMay each year
2. University of Bologna Merit Scholarships
The University of Bologna Merit Scholarships are among the most popular options for Indian and other international students. They are designed to attract high-achieving students to one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities. These scholarships primarily support Master’s and Bachelor’s programs, offering tuition waivers and financial aid.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Stipend
Up to €11,000 annually (₹11,72,000 INR) depending on merit and program
Eligibility
Open to international students with strong academic records; specific GPA and test scores required
Programs
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees across multiple disciplines
Application Portal
University of Bologna official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically March–April each year
3. Politecnico di Milano Excellence Scholarships
The Politecnico di Milano Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive awards aimed at attracting outstanding international students, including those from India. Known for its strong programs in engineering, architecture, and design, Politecnico di Milano offers generous financial support to top applicants.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Stipend
€5,000–€10,000 annually (₹5,32,000 – ₹10,64,000 INR) depending on merit
Eligibility
Open to international students with excellent academic records; strong GPA and portfolio required
Programs
Master’s degrees in engineering, architecture, and design
Application Portal
Politecnico di Milano official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, February–March each year
4. Bocconi University Financial Aid Programs
The Bocconi University Financial Aid Programs are tailored for international students, including Indian applicants, who wish to pursue economics, finance, law, and management degrees. Bocconi is one of Italy’s top private universities, and its scholarships combine merit-based and need-based support.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Stipend
€8,000–€12,000 annually (₹8,52,000 – ₹12,78,000 INR) depending on merit and financial need
Eligibility
Open to international students with strong academic records; financial background considered
Programs
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs in economics, finance, law, and management
Application Portal
Bocconi University official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, January–March each year
5. Regional Scholarships in Italy (EDISU Piemonte & Lazio Aid)
Regional scholarships are an important option for international students, especially Indian applicants, who want to study in Italy with financial support. These scholarships are funded by local governments and are primarily need-based, offering aid for tuition, accommodation, and meals.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Tuition fee waivers, accommodation, and meal support
Stipend
€3,000–€5,000 annually (₹3,19,000 – ₹5,32,000 INR) depending on financial need
Eligibility
Open to international students with limited financial resources; merit is also considered
Programs
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at universities in regions like Piedmont and Lazio
Beyond national and regional scholarships, Indian and other international students can benefit from EU-funded and globally recognized programs. The Erasmus+ program is one of the largest EU initiatives supporting student exchange and mobility. It allows Indian students to study in Italy for a semester or a full academic year while receiving financial support.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Tuition fee waivers at host universities
Stipend
€850–€1,200 per month (₹90,600 – ₹1,27,920 INR) depending on destination and duration
Eligibility
Open to students enrolled in partner universities; selection based on merit and program agreements
Programs
Short-term exchange, Master’s, and joint degree programs
Application Portal
Erasmus+ official portal via the home university
Deadline (2026 intake)
Varies by institution; typically January–March
7. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
The Scuola Normale Superiore offers fully funded PhD scholarships to international students, including Indians, across the humanities and sciences.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full tuition fee waiver
Stipend
€1,400 per month (₹1,49,720 INR) plus accommodation support
Eligibility
Open to international PhD applicants with strong academic and research backgrounds
Programs
Doctoral studies in humanities, sciences, and social sciences
Application Portal
Scuola Normale Superiore official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, February–April
8. Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
The University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme is one of Italy’s most prestigious awards for international students, including Indian applicants. It is designed to attract highly talented students to one of Europe’s oldest universities, offering full financial support for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full tuition fee waiver
Stipend
€8,000 per year (₹8,52,000 INR) for living expenses
Eligibility
Open to international students with excellent academic records; a strong GPA and motivation letter are required
Programs
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees across science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences
Application Portal
University of Padua official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, February–March each year
9. DSU Scholarship (Tuscan Region)
The DSU Scholarship is a regional aid program offered in Tuscany, covering universities such as the University of Florence, Pisa, and Siena. It is one of the most accessible scholarships for Indian students, as it is primarily need-based and supports those from lower-income backgrounds.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Tuition fee waiver, free accommodation, and meal vouchers
Stipend
€3,600–€5,200 annually (₹3,83,000 – ₹5,53,000 INR) depending on financial need
Eligibility
Open to international students with limited financial resources; merit is also considered
Programs
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at Tuscan universities
Application Portal
DSU Toscana official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, July–September each year
10. Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship
The Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship is a unique program supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), Italian universities, and corporate partners. It is designed to attract talented international students, including Indian applicants, to pursue postgraduate studies in fields aligned with Italy’s economic and industrial strengths.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waiver
Stipend
€8,100 annually (₹8,62,000 INR) plus internship opportunities
Eligibility
Open to international students applying for Master’s degrees in engineering, ICT, economics, and management
Programs
Postgraduate courses with mandatory internship at Italian companies
Application Portal
Official Invest Your Talent in Italy website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, February each year
11. University of Pavia Scholarships
The University of Pavia Scholarships are offered to international students, including Indian applicants, through several programs such as tuition fee waivers, merit awards, and need-based support. Pavia is known for its strong academic tradition and international collaborations, making these scholarships highly attractive.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waivers; accommodation support in some cases
Stipend
€7,000–€8,000 annually (₹7,42,000 – ₹8,48,000 INR) depending on program and merit
Eligibility
Open to international students with strong academic records; merit and financial need considered
Programs
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across sciences, engineering, humanities, and medicine
Application Portal
University of Pavia official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, March–April each year
12. Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
The Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships are designed to attract talented international students, including those from India, to one of Italy’s leading technical universities. These scholarships focus on engineering, architecture, and technology programs, offering both merit-based and need-based support.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Stipend
€4,000–€8,000 annually (≈ ₹4,25,000 – ₹8,51,000 INR) depending on merit and program
Eligibility
Open to international students with strong academic records; merit and financial need considered
Programs
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, architecture, and technology
Application Portal
Politecnico di Torino official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically February–April each year
13. UCSC International Scholarship (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)
The UCSC International Scholarship is offered by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, one of Italy’s largest private universities. It is designed to support international students, including Indian applicants, by reducing tuition costs and making programs in economics, management, humanities, and social sciences more accessible.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Partial tuition fee waiver (up to 30–40% reduction)
Stipend
€3,000–€5,000 annually (₹3,19,000 – ₹5,32,000 INR) depending on merit and program
Eligibility
Open to international students applying for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs; merit and financial need considered
Programs
Economics, management, humanities, social sciences, and related fields
Application Portal
Università Cattolica official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, January–March each year
14. University of Milan Excellence Scholarships
The University of Milan Excellence Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students, including Indian applicants, who wish to pursue advanced studies in one of Italy’s most respected public universities. These scholarships emphasize merit and academic achievement, offering strong financial support.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Stipend
€6,000 annually (≈ ₹6,38,000 INR) for living expenses
Eligibility
Open to international students with excellent academic records; GPA and motivation letter required
Programs
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across sciences, humanities, medicine, and law
Application Portal
University of Milan official website
Deadline (2026 intake)
Typically, March–April each year
15. University of Trento Scholarships
The University of Trento Scholarships are offered to international students, including Indian applicants, to encourage academic excellence and global participation. Trento is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and social sciences, and its scholarships combine merit-based and need-based support.
Feature
Details
Coverage
Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Stipend
€6,000–€7,200 annually (₹6,38,000 – ₹7,65,000 INR) depending on merit and program
Eligibility
Open to international students with strong academic records; merit and financial need considered
Programs
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences
Studying in Italy can be a life-changing opportunity for Indian students, and scholarships play a crucial role in making that dream affordable and accessible. With options ranging from government-funded programs like MAECI to prestigious university awards at Bologna, Milan, Padua, and Trento, and regional support schemes such as DSU and EDISU, there is a scholarship for nearly every academic profile and financial need.
By applying strategically to these Top 15 scholarships, Indian students can secure full tuition waivers, generous stipends (up to ₹12+ lakhs annually), and even internships with Italian companies. This not only reduces the financial burden but also enhances career prospects through international exposure.
Start your research now and take the first step toward an education in Italy. Book a free counseling sessionwith upGrad experts to explore your options!
FAQs
Can I get a full scholarship in Italy?
Yes, several Italian universities and government programs offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes housing. These are highly competitive, but Indian students with strong academic records and motivation letters have a good chance. Applying early and meeting all requirements increases your chances.
What is the Italy scholarship 2026?
The Italy scholarship 2026 refers to the upcoming intake of government and university scholarships available for international students. Each year, deadlines and benefits are updated, so students should check official portals for the latest details. It’s essentially the new cycle of opportunities for studying in Italy.
Does Italy give scholarships for Indian students?
Yes, Italy actively provides scholarships for Indian students through government, regional, and university programs. These scholarships aim to attract global talent and make education more affordable. Many Indian students already benefit from them in fields like engineering, management, and humanities.
Does Italy accept students without IELTS?
Some Italian universities do not require IELTS if you can prove English proficiency through previous education or alternative tests. Others may ask for TOEFL, Cambridge, or internal language assessments. Always check the specific university’s admission requirements before applying.
How much stipend do scholarships in Italy provide?
Stipends vary widely depending on the scholarship, ranging from €3,000 to €12,000 annually. For Indian students, this translates to roughly ₹3–12 lakhs per year. Some scholarships also include free housing or meal vouchers, reducing living expenses further.
Are scholarships in Italy only for postgraduate students?
No, scholarships in Italy are available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. While postgraduate scholarships are more common, many universities also offer merit-based awards for undergraduate students. It’s worth exploring options at both levels.
How competitive are scholarships in Italy?
Scholarships in Italy are competitive, especially the fully funded ones. Applicants are judged on academic excellence, motivation letters, and sometimes interviews. However, regional scholarships and partial tuition waivers are more accessible for a wider range of students.
Do Italian scholarships cover living expenses?
Yes, many scholarships include living stipends or provide free accommodation and meals. Government and regional scholarships often combine tuition waivers with monthly allowances. This makes studying in Italy more affordable for international students.
Can Indian students apply for multiple scholarships in Italy?
Absolutely, students can apply to more than one scholarship program at the same time. However, most scholarships cannot be combined, so you’ll need to choose one if awarded multiple. Applying widely increases your chances of securing funding.
What documents are needed for Italy scholarship applications?
Typically, you’ll need academic transcripts, a valid passport, proof of English or Italian proficiency, a motivation letter, and recommendation letters. Some scholarships may also ask for financial documents or research proposals. Always check the official requirements carefully.
When should Indian students start applying for Italy scholarships?
It’s best to start preparing at least 6–8 months before the intake. Most deadlines fall between January and April for autumn admissions. Early preparation ensures you have time to gather documents, meet language requirements, and submit strong applications.
Can international students work while studying in Italy?
Yes, scholarship recipients can work part-time, usually up to 20 hours per week during the academic session. This allows students to supplement living expenses, gain experience, and integrate into Italian society without violating scholarship terms.
Are scholarships available for arts and design programs in Italy?
Yes, several government, university, and private scholarships support students pursuing arts, music, architecture, or design programs. These scholarships may include tuition waivers, stipends, accommodation, and mentorship opportunities in Italy’s creative education sector.
Is prior research experience required for PhD scholarships in Italy?
Yes, most PhD and research-based scholarships expect candidates to demonstrate strong academic or research backgrounds. A detailed proposal, previous publications, or relevant project experience can improve eligibility for fully funded programs.
Are there scholarships for studying Italian language and culture?
Yes, certain scholarships promote Italian language, literature, and cultural studies. They cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and sometimes travel allowances, providing international students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Italy’s culture and academic environment.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4245 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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