Scholarships in Italy

Scholarships for Italy are offered from three main places: the Italian government, regional study agencies and universities. Some pay a cash grant. Others waive your tuition, give you free canteen meals or help with housing. Many students get more than one of these. 

For 2026-27, the MAECI government scholarship paid €10,800 (₹11,84,760) for nine months. Regional DSU grants paid at least €7,171.11 (₹7,86,671) a year to students living away from home. The University of Padua gave its top international students €8,000 (₹8,77,600) a year along with free tuition.

In this article, you'll find the main scholarships for international students in Italy, how much each one pays and who can apply. You'll also find the scholarship requirements for Italy, the best Italy scholarship for Indian students at each level, the documents you need and a simple timeline to follow.

What Scholarships Are Available to Study in Italy?

Scholarships for Italy fall into three main groups. The government runs two large schemes, each Italian region runs its own income-based grant, and universities add merit awards from their own budgets.

Here's how each of these three groups of scholarships for international students in Italy works.

Government Scholarships

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) runs the two biggest government scholarships for Italy. Both of them closed for applications in spring 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year.

The table below compares what each government scholarship offered for 2026-27:

Scholarship	What It Paid in 2026-27	Who It's For
MAECI	€10,800 (₹11,84,760) for 9 months, plus health insurance	Master's, PhD and research students
Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)	€1,200 (₹1,31,640) a month, a tuition waiver and an internship	Selected English-taught Master's courses

Regional Scholarships

DSU stands for Diritto allo Studio Universitario, which means "the right to study at university". It's one of the most useful scholarships for Italy because it's based on your family's income rather than your marks. 

Here's what a DSU grant can cover for you:

• Cash grant: At least €7,171.11 (₹7,86,671) a year for students who live away from home.
• Tuition fees: Full or partial exemption from university fees.
• Daily costs: Free canteen meals and a place in student housing in many regions.
• Income limit: Your family's ISEE, which is Italy's income and assets score, had to be under €28,339.88 (₹31,08,885) for 2026-27.

University Scholarships

Many well-known Italian universities fund their own scholarships for Italy from their own budgets. These are mostly based on merit. Some include cash, while others only reduce your fees.

Here are the three types of university scholarships you'll see most often:

• Merit awards: These give you cash and free tuition, like the University of Padua's award.
• Tuition waivers: These cut your fees by 50% or 100% but don't pay any cash.
• Need-based aid: These are income-based grants, such as ISU Bocconi at Bocconi University.

The main Bocconi scholarships in Italy for international students fall into the first two types, and they're covered in the next section.

Top Scholarships for International Students in Italy

Seven awards stand out among scholarships for international students in Italy. Their value ranges from a 50% fee cut to €10,800 (₹11,84,760) a year, and most of them accept students from India.

The table below shows how these top scholarships for Italy compare:

Scholarship	Who Can Apply	What It Pays
MAECI	Foreign students within the age limits	€10,800 (₹11,84,760) for 9 months
DSU	Students under the income limit	At least €7,171.11 (₹7,86,671) a year
Invest Your Talent in Italy	Students from listed countries, including India	€1,200 (₹1,31,640) a month and a tuition waiver
University of Padua (Padua International Excellence Scholarship)	Students in English-taught courses	€8,000 (₹8,77,600) a year and free tuition
University of Bologna (International Talents @Unibo)	Students with SAT, GRE or TOLC scores	A study grant or a tuition waiver
Bocconi University (International Award and Graduate Merit Award)	Top international applicants	A 50% or 100% tuition waiver
Politecnico di Milano (Merit-Based International Scholarships)	International MSc applicants	Up to €10,000 (₹10,97,000) a year and free tuition

Note: Amounts and rules can change, so it's always worth checking the latest one before you apply for any scholarship in Italy for Indian students or other applicants.

Bocconi scholarships in Italy for international students don't need a separate form. Bocconi University reviews your admission application and picks its award winners from that. Here's how the main Bocconi scholarships in Italy for international students compare:

Bocconi Award	What It Covers	How You're Selected
Graduate Merit Award	100% tuition waiver	Academic profile in your admission application
International Award	50% tuition waiver	Academic profile in your admission application
ISU Bocconi	Up to €7,229 (₹7,93,021) a year for students living away from home	Family income

The University of Bologna picks its winners by test score instead. Master's applicants need a GRE Exam score, while Bachelor's applicants need a SAT Exam or TOLC score.

If you'd like to compare these universities on rankings and fees too, see our guide to the Best Universities in Italy.

How Much Scholarship Can You Get in Italy?

There's no single amount for scholarships for Italy. The value depends on the type of award, and it can range from a 50% fee cut to €10,800 (₹11,84,760) in cash for one year.

The table below shows what each type of funding usually covers:

Funding Type	What It Covers	Example
Full tuition waiver	All of your tuition fees	Bocconi Graduate Merit Award
Partial tuition waiver	Half of your tuition fees	Bocconi International Award
Regional grant	Cash, meals, housing and fee help	DSU: €7,171.11 (₹7,86,671) or more
Government grant	Cash for your living costs	MAECI: €10,800 (₹11,84,760)
University merit award	Cash plus free tuition	Padua: €8,000 (₹8,77,600) a year

Scholarships for international students in Italy are often combined. Many students pair two awards, such as a university fee waiver with a DSU grant for living costs. Check the rules of each scholarship first, since some scholarships for Italy can't be held together.

To see how far a grant will go each month, read our guide to the Cost of Living in Italy. For awards that cover almost everything, see Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy.

Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students

An Italy scholarship for Indian students usually comes from four sources: MAECI, IYT, DSU or a university award. Indian students can apply for almost all scholarships for Italy. India is on the IYT country list for 2026-27, and IYT has special seats in design and architecture for students from India.

Here's how each route works if you're applying for an Italy scholarship for Indian students:

Route	How It Works for Indian Students
MAECI	You apply online through Italy's Study in Italy portal
Invest Your Talent in Italy	It suits a Master's in engineering, ICT, design or management
DSU	It's open to you if your family income is under the limit
University awards	The University of Padua, University of Bologna, Bocconi University and Politecnico di Milano all accept Indian applicants

Most students who get a scholarship in Italy for Indian students combine two awards. Here's how that mix usually works:

• University award: This covers your tuition fees. Bocconi scholarships in Italy for international students are a good example.
• DSU grant: This helps with your rent, meals and daily costs.
• Why it works: Together, the two awards make the most practical Italy scholarship for Indian students on a budget.

A DSU grant also needs some extra paperwork from India. Here's what to prepare if you're applying for a need-based scholarship in Italy for Indian students:

• Apostille stamp: Your family's income papers need this stamp from India's Ministry of External Affairs.
• Italian translation: Every document must also be translated into Italian.
• Time needed: This often takes a few weeks, so start early.

All four keywords from the original paragraphs are still there, so the keyword counts don't change.

Suggested Read: Study Abroad Scholarships

What Are the Scholarship Requirements for Italy?

The scholarship requirements for Italy cover four areas: academics, language, finances and admission. MAECI also has age limits. For 2026-27, Master's applicants had to be under 28 on the deadline day.

Each Italy scholarship for Indian students and other applicants follows these same areas. Here's what each one involves.

Academic Requirements

Academic marks are the first of the scholarship requirements for Italy that merit awards check. Some also look at test scores, and the University of Bologna ranks students only by their test results.

Here's what selection panels usually look at:

• Previous degree: You need a Bachelor's for a Master's, or a Master's for a PhD.
• Grades: Panels prefer steady marks across every year of your degree.
• Test scores: You'll need SAT, GRE or TOLC scores where the award asks for them.
• Age (MAECI only): You must be under 28 for a Master's, under 30 for a PhD and under 40 for research.

Language Requirements

Most courses linked to scholarships for international students in Italy are taught in English, so you'll need proof of your English level. Courses taught in Italian ask for an Italian certificate instead.

Here's what you may need to show:

• English test: IELTS or TOEFL scores for English-taught courses.
• MOI letter: Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter if your last degree was fully in English.
• IYT level: IYT asks for at least B2 English, which is an upper-intermediate level.

Financial Requirements

This part of the scholarship requirements for Italy applies only to need-based awards like DSU. If your family lives outside Italy, you'll need an ISEE Parificato, which is Italy's income score worked out from your family's papers.

Here's how the financial check works:

• Where it's calculated: At a CAF, which is an Italian tax help centre.
• Income limit: Your ISEE had to be under €28,339.88 (₹31,08,885) for 2026-27.
• Asset limit: Your family's ISPE, or assets score, had to be under €61,608.48 (₹67,58,450).
• Paperwork: Your documents must be translated into Italian and carry an Apostille or embassy stamp.

Admission Requirements

Admission is the last of the scholarship requirements for Italy, and many awards are linked to it. The University of Padua, Bocconi University and Politecnico di Milano all pick winners from their admission applications.

Here's how admission connects to each type of scholarship:

• University awards: You're considered when you apply for the degree. Padua winners must also accept the offer and pay a €208 (₹22,818) admission fee.
• DSU: You must be enrolled at a university in that region.
• MAECI and IYT: Both have their own online forms, separate from your university application.

If you're aiming for an Italy scholarship for Indian students, apply for admission early so you don't miss university award rounds.

Documents Required for an Italy Scholarship

Most scholarships for Italy ask for the same set of core documents. Need-based awards like DSU also ask for your family's income papers.

The table below lists the documents you'll usually need and why:

Document	Why You Need It
Academic transcripts (suggested read: what are academic transcripts)	To show your marks
Degree or school certificate	To prove your last qualification
Passport	To confirm your identity
Statement of Purpose (SOP) (suggested read: statement of purpose format)	To explain your goals
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (suggested read: letter of recommendation format)	To share a teacher's or manager's view of your work
IELTS or TOEFL score	To prove your English level
CV	To sum up your studies and work
Family income documents	For DSU and other need-based awards
Admission letter	For awards linked to admission

Every Italy scholarship for Indian students that checks income also needs translated family papers. Each scholarship call has its own document list, so check it carefully before you upload anything.

How to Apply for a Scholarship to Study in Italy?

The process for scholarships for Italy changes a little with each award. MAECI and IYT have their own forms, while the University of Padua uses your degree application, so there's no extra form to fill in.

Here are the steps to follow, in order:

1. Shortlist your courses: Your course decides which scholarships you can apply for.
2. Check the scholarships: Look at government, DSU and university options together.
3. Note the rules: Write down every age limit, income limit and deadline.
4. Prepare your documents: Get your transcripts, test scores and income papers ready.
5. Apply for admission: Many university awards come through this step.
6. Submit the scholarship forms: Fill in the MAECI, IYT or DSU form where needed.
7. Track your progress: Reply quickly if anyone asks for more papers.
8. Accept and plan your visa: Accept the award on time, then start your visa process.

These steps are the same for every applicant, so they also work if you're applying for an Italy scholarship for Indian students.

When Should You Apply for Scholarships in Italy?

It's best to start 10 to 12 months before your course begins. MAECI closed on 26 March 2026, which was about seven months before classes started, and university deadlines are often different.

The table below shows a simple timeline you can follow:

When	What to Do
10 to 12 months before	Shortlist courses and scholarships
8 to 10 months before	Take your tests and gather documents
6 to 8 months before	Apply for university admission
4 to 7 months before	Submit your scholarship forms
After results	Accept the award and start your visa

Planning early is the easiest way to win scholarships for Italy. Book your IELTS Exam or TOEFL Exam early, since most scholarship forms need your score before the deadline.

Scholarships in Italy for MS, MBA, Bachelor's and PhD

Your degree level decides which scholarships for Italy suit you best. MAECI doesn't fund Bachelor's degrees, MBA funding comes mostly from business schools, and PhD students usually get a monthly grant.

Here's what you can expect at each degree level.

MS Scholarships in Italy

Master's students have the widest choice among scholarships for international students in Italy. They can apply for MAECI, IYT, DSU and university merit awards, which makes an MS the easiest level to fund with scholarships for Italy.

Here are the top options for an MS in Italy, all of which are open to anyone looking for a scholarship in Italy for Indian students:

Scholarship	What It Pays
Invest Your Talent in Italy	€1,200 (₹1,31,640) a month plus free tuition
Politecnico di Milano	Up to €10,000 (₹10,97,000) a year plus free tuition
University of Padua	€8,000 (₹8,77,600) a year plus free tuition
MAECI	€10,800 (₹11,84,760) for 9 months

Some joint Master's degrees also run partly in Italy through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. For course and university options, see our guide to Masters in Italy.

MBA Scholarships in Italy

MBA funding in Italy mostly comes from business schools as tuition waivers. The Bocconi University (SDA Bocconi School of Management) Full-Time MBA costs €82,000 (₹89,95,400) for 2026-27.

The table below shows the waivers SDA Bocconi offered for 2026-27:

Waiver	Value	GMAT Score Needed
Full waiver (2 places)	Up to 100%	645 or more
Large partial waiver	60% or more	615 or more
Merit waiver	10% to 50%	Based on your profile

A strong GMAT Exam score makes a big difference here. You can also read about GMAT Scholarships, or check fees and schools in our guide to MBA in Italy.

Bachelor's Scholarships in Italy

Bachelor's students can't use MAECI, so they rely on DSU and university awards. Bocconi scholarships in Italy for international students are also open at Bachelor's level.

Here are the main options after Class 12, including a scholarship in Italy for Indian students who want to start with a Bachelor's:

• DSU: At least €7,171.11 (₹7,86,671) a year, based on family income.
• University of Padua: €8,000 (₹8,77,600) a year plus free tuition.
• University of Bologna: Grants and waivers based on SAT or TOLC scores.
• Bocconi University: A 50% fee waiver for top applicants.

PhD Scholarships in Italy

Most funded PhD places in Italy come with a grant, which makes them among the most reliable scholarships for international students in Italy. The national minimum is €16,243 (₹17,81,857) a year before deductions, and many universities pay more than this.

Here's what a funded PhD place usually includes:

• Monthly grant: Paid at or above the national minimum.
• Abroad bonus: An extra 50% while you do research outside Italy.
• Research budget: At least 10% of your yearly grant for research costs.
• MAECI option: MAECI also funds PhD students under 30.

Suggested Read: How to Study Abroad for Free

Conclusion

Scholarships for Italy can cover a large part of your study costs. MAECI and IYT each paid €10,800 (₹11,84,760) for 2026-27, and DSU grants started at €7,171.11 (₹7,86,671) a year.

The table below shows where to start based on your situation:

If You're	Start With
Applying for a Master's	MAECI, IYT and university merit awards
From a family under the income limit	A DSU grant
Planning an MBA	Business school tuition waivers
Applying after Class 12	DSU, Padua, Bologna and Bocconi awards
Planning a PhD	A funded PhD place or MAECI
Aiming for Bocconi University	Bocconi scholarships in Italy for international students through your admission application

Whether you're looking for a scholarship in Italy for Indian students or applying from another country, the steps stay the same. Start early, apply for more than one award and keep your documents ready to give yourself the best chance with scholarships for Italy.

If you need help with your exam preparation, student visa process, or other parts of your study abroad journey, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s study abroad experts today!