Top Italy Scholarship for Indian Students in 2025

Pursuing higher education abroad can be expensive, but scholarships for Italy make it easier for international students to access world-class education at reduced costs. Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, offering a rich academic environment combined with cultural immersion. To support global talent, numerous scholarships available for studying in Italy are funded by the Italian government, universities, and external organizations.

According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 5,000 international students receive scholarships each year. Popular options include the “Invest Your Talent in Italy” and “MAECI” grants, which cover tuition fees, living costs, and sometimes even travel. Most scholarships are merit-based or need-based and are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In this blog, explore the top scholarships, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and tips to maximize your chances of studying in Italy affordably.

Curious about how studying in Italy actually works—courses, lifestyle, everything? Have a look at this detailed guide on Study in Italy.

 

Not sure if Italy should be on your list? This blog on Reasons to Study in Italy covers all the right points.

Overview of Italy Scholarship for Indian Students

You’ll find different types based on who offers them and what they support:

Type of Scholarship	What It Means
Government Scholarships	Funded by the Italian Ministry or regional authorities. Usually cover tuition and offer a stipend.
University-Specific Scholarships	Offered directly by universities. Often based on merit and linked to your admission application.
Merit-Based Awards	Based on academic excellence, entrance test scores, or outstanding past performance.
PhD and Research Fellowships	Designed for students applying to doctoral or post-master’s programs. Typically include full funding and research support.

Some are automatic. Others need a separate application with documents and deadlines.

Planning for a master’s degree? Masters in Italy breaks down top universities and what to expect.

Italy Scholarship for Indian Students: Eligibility Criteria

You can apply if you:

• Hold Indian citizenship
• Are applying to a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program in Italy
• Meet the academic or financial eligibility criteria mentioned in the scholarship details
• Apply to public or private universities that participate in the scholarship program

What Do Italy Scholarship for Indian Students Cover?

Covered Item	Included?
Tuition fees	Common in most scholarships
Monthly living allowance	Often included (varies by city)
Accommodation help	Available in select cases
Insurance	Sometimes covered
Visa or travel expenses	Usually not included

Full scholarships handle tuition + living. Partial ones may only waive tuition or offer a basic stipend.

Choosing where to apply? This list of Best Universities in Italy will help you compare the top options.

How and Where to Apply for Italy Scholarship for Indian Students?

• University websites – Visit the admissions or scholarships section
• Study in Italy portal – For government or ministry-level scholarships
• Regional bodies – Like EDISU (Piedmont) or Regione Veneto
• PhD/research program portals – For project-based fellowships

You’ll need documents like transcripts, passport, SOP, financial proof, and sometimes a language certificate. Each scholarship lists its own process and documents.

Are Italy Scholarship for Indian Students Easy to Get?

No. But they’re not out of reach either. The top ones are highly competitive, especially those with full funding. Scholarships by regional governments or individual departments may have fewer applicants and better odds.

Apply early. Most deadlines close between February and April. Keep your academic records ready and follow each application step closely.

After getting the scholarship, your next step is the visa. Here’s what you need to know about the  Student Visa for Italy.

Government-Funded Italy Scholarships for Indian Students

Italy offers several scholarships funded by the national or regional governments. These are open to international students, including Indian applicants, and help cover tuition, housing, and living expenses. Here's a quick overview of the top government-funded options:

Scholarship Name	What It Covers	Who Can Apply & How
Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)	- Tuition fee exemption - €900/month living stipend	For Master’s, PhD, and select short-term programs. Indian students with strong academics. Apply via the Study in Italy portal (March–April). Admission offer preferred.
Regione Veneto Scholarships	- Tuition waiver - Partial/full coverage of living costs - Based on family income and merit	Students admitted to universities in the Veneto region (e.g. University of Padua). Apply through the university after admission.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships	- Tuition waiver - Free or subsidized accommodation - Monthly living grant	Students at universities in Piedmont (e.g. Politecnico di Torino). Apply post-admission via the EDISU portal (July–Sept).

Scholarship Deadlines at a Glance

Scholarship	Application Window
MAECI (Italian Govt.)	March – April
Regione Veneto	June – August
EDISU Piemonte	July – September

Most regional and need-based scholarships ask for ISEE (Equivalent Indicator of Economic Situation). For Indian applicants, this typically includes:

• CA-certified income certificate
• Bank statements (last 6–12 months)
• Affidavit of income from a notary
• PAN card and IT returns of parents (optional but helpful)

Check if your university offers ISEE conversion support or has an in-house international student office to help with translations.

Want to figure out if you can actually afford life there? This Cost of Living in Italy post gives you the real numbers.

Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: University-Specific

Many Italian universities offer their own scholarships to attract top international talent. These scholarships are usually based on academic merit and are linked to the admission process. Here's a look at some top options for Indian students:

University Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarship Name	What It Covers	Who Can Apply & How
Bologna University Scholarships	- Tuition fee waivers - Annual grants up to €11,000	Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants. Apply through the university’s international student portal.
Padua International Excellence Scholarships	- Full tuition waiver - €8,000/year living allowance	High-achieving non-EU students. Automatically considered after applying to eligible English-taught programs.
Politecnico di Milano Scholarships	- Merit-based scholarships - Partial to full tuition waivers - Some include extra grant for living costs	Master’s students in engineering, architecture, and design. Apply during university admission.
Politecnico di Torino Scholarships	- Tuition waivers - Accommodation and limited financial support	Mainly for Master’s programs. Based on merit and project availability. Apply through the admission portal.
Bocconi Merit and International Awards	- Full tuition waiver - Merit award may include a €12,000+ grant	Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Scholarships are considered with admission application. Competitive process.
Università Cattolica International Scholarships	- Tuition discount (25–50%) - No separate stipend or living support	Offered to international Master’s applicants. Apply via the international admissions page.
University of Pavia Scholarships	- Tuition support - Limited grants for living expenses	Available for selected Master’s programs. Apply after receiving admission confirmation.

Most university-specific scholarships are linked to your academic records and statement of purpose. No need to apply separately in many cases—just submit a strong application.

Many scholarships go to students at public colleges. Read about how Public Universities in Italy work and why they matter.

Match the Scholarship to the University’s Strengths

• Padua: Strong in science and research fields
• PoliMi: Best for architecture, design, and tech
• Bocconi: Top choice for finance, economics, and business
• Cattolica: Good for humanities and communications

Can You Renew the Scholarship?

Many of these are renewable every year. To keep them:

• Maintain minimum required CGPA (varies by university, usually around 25–30 ECTS with 24+ GPA)
• Finish coursework on time
• Re-apply or confirm renewal through your student portal

“My SOP made a huge difference. I connected my past internship with the curriculum and showed clear goals. That helped me get the full waiver at Cattolica.” — Aarav, MA Media Studies

Looking at medical programs? MBBS in Italy explains everything from entrance exams to scholarship chances.

Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: Region-Based

Some Italian regions offer their own scholarship schemes to support international students living and studying in specific areas. These often overlap with government initiatives but are managed locally.

Region-Based Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarship Name	What It Covers	Who Can Apply & How
Regione Veneto Scholarships	- Tuition waiver - Full/partial coverage of living expenses - Based on merit and family income	Students admitted to universities in the Veneto region (e.g. University of Padua, Ca’ Foscari). Apply through the university after admission.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships	- Tuition exemption - Free or subsidized accommodation - Monthly living grant	For students enrolled in Piedmont universities (e.g. Politecnico di Torino, University of Turin). Apply via EDISU portal after securing admission.

These scholarships consider financial background and academic performance. Keep income documents ready and apply soon after your admission is confirmed.

Why Indian Students Shouldn’t Miss These

• You don’t need to be a resident of Italy
• Once admitted to a university in the region, you qualify
• Many regional authorities set aside seats for international students

Regional Website Language Tips

Many portals like EDISU are in Italian. Use Google Chrome’s auto-translate function, or check if your university provides a guide or step-by-step help during orientation.

Can You Combine Regional and University Scholarships?

Yes, in some cases. Example:

• Tuition waiver from Politecnico di Torino
• Housing + monthly stipend from EDISU Piemonte

Check with your university’s financial aid office about stacking rules.

Your SOP can really impact your application. This guide on SOP for Italy shows how to write one that stands out.

Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: Research and PhD-Based

If you’re planning to pursue a PhD or research-focused program in Italy, these scholarships are designed to support advanced academic work. They usually offer full funding and are competitive.

Research and PhD-Based Scholarships

Scholarship Name	What It Covers	Who Can Apply & How
Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships	- Full tuition coverage - Monthly stipend - Accommodation and meals	Open to top international PhD applicants. Highly competitive. Apply through the university's official portal. Programs typically begin in fall.
The Leakey Foundation Scholarships	- Research grants for fieldwork - Travel and accommodation expenses (varies)	For students focused on anthropology or human evolution. Requires a detailed research proposal. Deadlines are usually twice a year.

These scholarships expect strong academic backgrounds, research clarity, and a defined study proposal. Start early, especially if your project involves fieldwork or international collaboration.

Preparing a Strong Research Proposal

Start at least 6–8 months in advance. Include:

• A defined research problem
• Methodology and scope
• Citations (show that you’ve read existing work)
• Possible contribution or outcome
• Mention how the university aligns with your topic

Language and Communication

Most PhD programs are in English. Still, learn basic Italian if your research involves local data, archives, or fieldwork.

Applying to a B-school? MBA in Italy covers the top programs and what kind of scholarships you can expect.

How to Apply for Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: Step-by-Step

Scholarships in Italy follow a clear structure. Whether you're applying for a government, university, or regional grant, the process starts with your course admission. Indian students should stay prepared with the right documents and timeline.

Step-by-Step Process

Step	Details
Finalize your course and college	Shortlist programs and check if they offer scholarships for international students.
Understand the type of scholarship	Some awards are automatic (merit-based), others need a separate application.
Prepare documents early	Most scholarships ask for transcripts, SOP, LORs, and income details (if need-based).
Apply for admission	Most scholarships require you to hold a valid offer before you're considered.
Submit the scholarship form	Use university portals or regional sites like EDISU or Study in Italy, based on the scholarship type.
Track updates and results	Watch emails for shortlists, document requests, or further steps.

Documents You’ll Commonly Need

• Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, bachelor’s if applying for master’s)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) tailored to your program
• Letters of Recommendation (usually 1–2)
• Valid passport
• Proof of income (for need-based scholarships)
• Language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or exemption letter if medium of instruction was English)

Italian regions often ask for ISEE-equivalent documents for income verification. Check if your university assists with this.

Prepare PDFs of all documents before the application cycle begins. Keep a digital folder ready to save time.

Sorting out your stay is just as important. This post on Accommodation in Italy gives smart tips to help plan your housing.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Italy Scholarships for Indian Students

Italian scholarships are selective. If you're applying from India, a sharp application and smart timing matter more than luck. Here's how to give yourself an edge.

Smart Tips That Work

Tip	Why It Helps
Apply early	Scholarship slots fill fast. Late submissions often don’t get reviewed.
Tailor your SOP	Generic statements get ignored. Talk about the course, university, and career goals.
Keep your grades strong	Most merit-based awards look at CGPA. Aim for 7.5/10 or higher.
Have IELTS or MOI ready	Some accept Medium of Instruction, but IELTS opens more doors.
Use regional options	EDISU and Veneto awards offer tuition + living help. Many Indian students skip them.
Follow the university website	Many scholarships are listed only on official portals—not on general platforms.

A clear SOP and a complete early application often beat a high score submitted late. Plan early, submit well.

Explore Scholarship and Budgeting Tools on upGrad Abroad

When you're planning to study in Italy, two questions come up fast: How much will it cost? and What financial help is available? upGrad Abroad gives you simple tools to answer both—without the guesswork.

Tools You Can Use:

• Latest scholarship lists sorted by course, university, and intake
• Filters to find Italy-specific and region-based funding options
• Alerts for upcoming deadlines so you don’t miss out
• An Expense Calculator that estimates tuition, housing, visa, and daily expenses
• Comparison tools to weigh your options across countries and universities

The Expense Calculator helps you check real-world costs based on your study location and lifestyle preferences.

Book a free 1:1 session with an upGrad Abroad expert.