Latest update: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) has opened applications for the 2025–2026 academic year scholarships for foreign students including Indian nationals. These grants cover bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, research projects, and language courses at public Italian institutions.
Indian students can get a high-quality education in Italy without a heavy financial burden, thanks to various scholarships for italy. These include the Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI), Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Scholarship, and regional scholarships like DSU Grants. Italy has respected universities like the University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome, which offer generous funding through government, regional, and university scholarships.
In 2025, more than 5,000 Indian students enrolled in Italian institutions, many with the help of fully or partially funded scholarships. These scholarships usually cover tuition fees, which range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year (or INR 95,000 to 3,80,000), along with monthly allowances and sometimes accommodation or insurance.
Whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, there is a scholarship that can help you meet your academic and financial needs.
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 Scholarships for Italy for Indian Students
Looking to study in Italy? Indian students can apply for a wide range of scholarships for Italy that support undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. These scholarships come from government bodies, universities, and private foundations, with some offering full coverage (tuition + living costs) and others providing partial support.
Types of Scholarships for Italy:
Scholarship Type
Description
Government Scholarships
Funded by the Italian Ministry or regional authorities; often include tuition and stipends.
University Scholarships
Provided by individual universities, usually merit-based and linked to admission.
Merit-Based Awards
Granted based on academic scores, entrance exams, or past performance.
PhD & Research Fellowships
Full funding for doctoral or post-master’s research, often including a monthly grant.
Planning for a master’s degree?Masters in Italy breaks down top universities and what to expect.
Government-Funded Italy Scholarships for Indian Students
Looking for scholarships for Italy with maximum benefits? Italy offers a variety of government-funded options that are open to Indian and other international students. These scholarships are either provided by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) or regional authorities, and they typically cover tuition fees, accommodation support, and monthly living expenses.
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
Want to figure out if you can actually afford life there? This Cost of Living in Italy post gives you the real numbers.
Scholarships for italy 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.
Many scholarships go to students at public colleges. Read about how Public Universities in Italy work and why they matter.
Looking at medical programs? MBBS in Italy explains everything from entrance exams to scholarship chances.
Scholarships for Italy 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.
Scholarships for Italy 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.
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 for 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.
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.
How to get a scholarship in Italy for Indian students?
Indian students can apply for scholarships in Italy through government schemes like the Italian Government Scholarships or university-specific grants such as DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario). You’ll need to submit academic transcripts, proof of income, and sometimes language proficiency scores. Applications typically open between March and July each year.
Is education in Italy free for Indian students?
Education in Italy isn’t entirely free, but public universities offer very low tuition fees. Indian students can reduce costs significantly through scholarships like DSU or university waivers. With the right financial documents, some students pay as little as €0–€200 per year.
What is 5200 euro scholarship in Italy?
The €5,200 scholarship refers to the DSU regional scholarship offered by various Italian universities. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and gives a stipend. The exact amount can vary by region, but this scholarship is highly beneficial for low-income international students, including Indians.
Is IELTS required for Italy?
IELTS is not always mandatory for studying in Italy. Many public universities accept medium of instruction certificates or offer English-taught programs without IELTS. However, submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores can strengthen your application, especially for scholarships.
Can I get a full scholarship in Italy?
Yes, Indian students can get full scholarships in Italy through the DSU scholarship or Italian Government scholarships. These often cover tuition, living expenses, and accommodation. Eligibility is based on family income, academic performance, and other criteria like program selection.
Who is eligible for Italy scholarship for Indian students?
Indian students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees in Italy are eligible. Key criteria include low family income, valid academic documents, and sometimes language proficiency. Specific eligibility may differ by scholarship type and university.
How to apply for 100% scholarship to study abroad?
To apply for a fully funded scholarship abroad, shortlist countries with government or university scholarships (like Italy’s DSU). Prepare academic transcripts, financial documents, SOPs, and recommendation letters. Apply directly on the university or scholarship portals within the deadline.
Can I study for free in Italy?
Yes, with scholarships like DSU and tuition waivers offered by Italian universities, you can study in Italy for almost free. These scholarships often cover full tuition and even living expenses, making it an excellent choice for Indian students with limited budgets.
How much bank balance is required for an Italy student visa?
For an Italy student visa, you typically need to show proof of sufficient funds—around €6,200–€7,000 (approx. ₹5.5–6.5 lakhs) per year—to cover living expenses. This amount should be in your bank account or your sponsor’s, and the funds must be available for at least the duration of your course.
What are the documents required for an Italy student visa?
Key documents include an acceptance letter from an Italian university, a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, travel insurance, and a visa application form. You may also need academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, and a cover letter. Always check the latest requirements on the Italian embassy website.
What are the top universities in Italy for Indian students?
Top universities in Italy for Indian students include the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano, and University of Padua. These institutions offer English-taught programs, affordable tuition, and are known for strong research and international student support, making them ideal for higher education in Italy.
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