Top 9 Scholarships in Italy for International Students in 2025

Mariam MayowaSeptember 6, 2024

0 42 9 minutes read

Do you want to study in Italy for free in 2025? Check out these top 9 scholarships in Italy for international students, offering full and partial funding to cover tuition and living costs. Discover how you can make your Italian education dreams come true with these prestigious opportunities.

Italy is a dream destination for many international students, offering a rich cultural experience and world-class education. For 2025, numerous scholarships are available to help cover the costs of studying in Italy. These scholarships are designed to support students at various academic levels, providing financial assistance that can make studying in Italy more accessible.

9 Scholarships in Italy for International Students

1. Italian Government Scholarships

The Italian Government Scholarship 2025-2026 offers international students a fully funded opportunity to pursue master’s or PhD studies at top Italian universities. This prestigious scholarship program, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), aims to promote scientific and technological cooperation, international cultural exchange, and the spread of Italian language and culture.

Key Details:

2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Scholarship Value: €15,000

Eligibility: International students

Description: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are prestigious awards that cover a significant portion of the costs for international students. These scholarships are part of a European Union initiative to enhance academic mobility and support students pursuing higher education in multiple countries.

3. Bocconi University Scholarships

Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees. These prestigious awards aim to make high-quality education accessible to talented and deserving students from around the world.

Key Details:

Scholarship Types: Bocconi International Award and Merit Award
Study Levels: Undergraduate and Master’s programs
Location: Milan, Italy
Application Deadlines:
- Undergraduate: April 14, 2025
- Masters: April 21, 2025 / May 27, 2024 (two rounds)

Scholarship Benefits:

Bocconi International Award: 50% tuition reduction for both undergraduate and graduate levels
Merit Award:
- Full tuition waiver (up to €12,000/year for undergraduate, €13,000/year for graduate)
- Possibility of free accommodation in Bocconi Residences for select recipients
Automatic renewal for up to 2 years (undergraduate) or second year (graduate), subject to meeting academic requirements

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to all nationalities
Applicants must be admitted to the first year of a Bachelor’s or Master of Science program at Bocconi
Selection based on outstanding academic profile among top applicants

Application Process:

Apply for admission to a Bocconi undergraduate or graduate program
No separate scholarship application required
Evaluation based primarily on academic achievement
Full application dossier submitted to Admissions office will be considered

Bocconi University, founded on principles of social and economic progress, offers a comprehensive educational experience. Beyond academics, the university provides various extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and cultural initiatives, to develop well-rounded individuals.

The scholarship program reflects Bocconi’s commitment to fostering a diverse, international student body and making superior education available to exceptional students regardless of their financial circumstances. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit strong academic profiles and comprehensive application materials to be considered for these competitive scholarships.

4. University of Padova Scholarships

The esteemed University of Padova, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, invites international students to apply for its 2024 scholarship programs. With a rich history dating back to 1222, Padova offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation across 50 English-taught degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Key Scholarship Information:

Host Institution: University of Padova, Italy
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s and Master’s

Scholarship Opportunities:

Padua International Excellence Scholarship:

59 scholarships available
Benefits: Full tuition fee waiver + €8,000 gross annual stipend
Duration: 2 years (Master’s) or 3 years (Bachelor’s)

Fee Waivers:

100 full tuition fee waivers for one academic year

Additional options: Merit scholarships and government scholarships

English-Taught Programs (Deadline: March 7, 2024):

Bachelor’s Degrees:

Animal Care
Biology of Human and Environmental Health
Information Engineering
Psychological Science
Techniques and Methods in Psychological Science

Master’s Degrees:

Clinical, Social, and Intercultural Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Mathematical Engineering (Financial Engineering track)
Medical Biotechnologies
Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies

Language Requirements:

IELTS/TOEFL may be waived for:
Graduates from English-medium institutions
Native English speakers from select countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia)

Application Process:

Review the official call for applications
Prepare required documents:

Valid passport/ID
Academic transcripts
School certificates
CV
Motivation letter
Language proficiency proof (if applicable)
Program-specific requirements

Apply online through the university’s portal

You may apply for up to 3 degree programs

Submit all documents in PDF format

The University of Padova offers a world-class education in the heart of Italy, combining academic excellence with rich cultural experiences. Don’t miss this chance to join one of Europe’s most distinguished institutions and launch your international career.

For detailed information on document requirements and the application process, visit the official University of Padova website. Be sure to carefully review the “Call for Admissions for academic year 2024/25” to ensure you meet all criteria and deadlines.

5. University of Bologna Scholarships

The University of Bologna, one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions, is offering an exciting opportunity for international students to pursue their academic dreams. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the University of Bologna Scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year, detailing its benefits and application process.

The University of Bologna Scholarship is a fully funded program open to international students for both undergraduate and master’s level studies. The scholarship offers two main benefits:

Unibo Action 1: Full tuition fee waiver
Unibo Action 2: Study grant of €11,000 gross

About the University of Bologna

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is renowned for its rich history and academic excellence. Key highlights include:
Italy’s most popular university, with over 87,000 students (as of 2019/2020)
Campuses in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini
232 degree programs, including 84 international options (68 taught in English)
48 Ph.D. programs, 53 specialization schools, and 86 professional master’s programs

Scholarship Details

Study Levels: Undergraduate and Master’s
Host Institution: University of Bologna, Italy
Available Programs: First, Single, and Second Cycle Degree Programs

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must:

Be proficient in English
Come from any country outside Italy
Hold (or be about to obtain) a valid qualification for their chosen degree program from a non-Italian institution
Be under 30 years old at the application deadline
For undergraduate applicants: Submit SAT and/or TOLC test scores
For graduate applicants: Submit GRE test scores

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the University of Bologna Scholarships:

Review the 2024/2025 submission terms and visit the official website for online application access.
Select a program from the available options, noting specific admission requirements and deadlines.
Create an account on the student portal to submit your scholarship application before the deadline.

The University of Bologna Scholarship presents an unparalleled opportunity to experience world-class education in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries. By offering both financial support and academic excellence, this program aims to nurture the next generation of global leaders and innovators. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative journey – start your application today!

6. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships

The prestigious Politecnico di Milano, one of Italy’s leading technical universities, is now accepting applications for its Merit-Based Scholarship program for the February 2025 intake. This exceptional opportunity is available to international students seeking to pursue Master of Science in Engineering programs across the university’s seven campuses in Milan.

Key Scholarship Details:

Host Institution: Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Number of Scholarships: 65
Degree Level: Master of Science in Engineering
Application Deadline: July 15, 2024

Scholarship Benefits:

Full tuition fee waiver
Annual gross allowance of €10,000
Scholars only pay a minimal administrative fee of approximately €170

Eligible Programs:

The scholarship covers a wide range of engineering disciplines, including but not limited to:

Aeronautical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Environmental and Land Planning Engineering
Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology
Space Engineering

For a complete list of the 28 eligible programs, please refer to the official university catalogue.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must hold or be in the process of completing a Bachelor’s degree
Graduation must be completed before enrollment
The undergraduate program should be closely related to the chosen MSc program
Meet GPA requirements (specific to some countries)
English language proficiency (IELTS exemption possible for graduates from English-medium institutions)

Application Process:

Review the detailed program requirements and country-specific criteria on the university website
Prepare necessary documents, including:

Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of ongoing studies
Academic transcripts
English language proficiency proof (if required)
Any additional program-specific documents

Submit your application through the university’s online portal before the July 15, 2024 deadline

The Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarship offers a unique chance to study at one of Europe’s top engineering schools while receiving substantial financial support. This program not only covers your tuition but also provides a generous living allowance, making it an ideal opportunity for ambitious international students looking to advance their engineering careers in a world-class academic environment.

Don’t miss this chance to join a community of innovative thinkers and future leaders in engineering. Start your application today and take the first step towards an exciting future at Politecnico di Milano!

7. University of Milan Scholarships

The University of Milan, one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious institutions, is now accepting applications for its Excellence Scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. This program offers 155 scholarships for international students pursuing master’s degrees, providing an exceptional opportunity to study at a top-ranked Italian university.

Key Scholarship Details:

Host Institution: University of Milan, Italy
Number of Scholarships: 155
Degree Level: Master’s
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024

Scholarship Benefits:

55 scholarships of €8,000 each, including full tuition fee exemption
100 full tuition fee exemptions

Eligibility and Application Process:

Open to all international students admitted to a master’s program by May 31, 2024
No separate scholarship application required
Automatic consideration upon admission to a master’s program
Scholarship recipients will be notified by email in July

Required Documents:

Bachelor’s degree transcript
Bachelor’s degree certificate (or proof of expected graduation)
Europass CV (recommended format)
Motivation letter
Passport copy
English language proficiency proof (IELTS not mandatory)

Application Steps:

Review admission requirements for your chosen master’s program
Register on the University of Milan portal
Complete the online application, uploading all required documents
Submit your application before the May 31, 2024 deadline

The University of Milan, founded in 1924, is renowned for its academic excellence and research contributions. This scholarship program offers a unique chance to join a diverse and dynamic academic community in one of Italy’s most vibrant cities.

Key Advantages:

Study at a top-ranked Italian university
No separate scholarship application needed
IELTS not required; alternative English proficiency proof accepted
Opportunity to experience Milan’s rich culture and history

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your academic journey at the University of Milan. With automatic consideration for the Excellence Scholarship upon admission, you’re one step closer to achieving your educational goals in a world-class institution. Start your application today and pave the way for an enriching international study experience in the heart of Italy!

8. Civica Scuola di Musica Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Varies

Eligibility: International students

Description: Civica Scuola di Musica offers scholarships to talented international music students. The value of the scholarships varies and is based on the student’s merit and needs, providing an opportunity for advanced music education in Italy.

9. Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Varies

Eligibility: International students

Description: Sapienza University of Rome offers scholarships that include grants and tuition waivers. As one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, Sapienza provides exceptional support for international students.

Conclusion on Scholarships in Italy for International Students

Studying in Italy offers an unparalleled educational experience, and these scholarships can help make that dream a reality. With a variety of options available, talented international students have the chance to pursue their academic goals while enjoying the rich culture and history of Italy. Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities for 2025!