Top Scholarships in Italy for International Students (2025 Guide)

Italy is not only known for its rich culture, art, and history—it’s also becoming a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable price. With many universities offering programs in English and generous scholarship opportunities, studying in Italy is more accessible than ever. If you’re planning to study in Italy in 2025, here are the top scholarships you should know about.

1. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

Offered by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
Level: Master’s, PhD, and AFAM (Arts, Music, and Dance) programs
Eligibility: International students from eligible countries
Benefits:

Monthly allowance of €900
Tuition fee exemption
Health and medical insurance

Deadline: Typically in June each year
Website: Study in Italy – MAECI Scholarships

2. Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship

Offered by: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Level: Master’s programs in Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics
Eligibility: Students from selected countries including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Colombia, Vietnam, etc.
Benefits:

Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend of €900
Internship opportunities at leading Italian companies

Deadline: Usually in February
Website: Invest Your Talent in Italy

3. University of Bologna – Unibo Action Scholarships

Offered by: University of Bologna
Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Eligibility: International students meeting academic merit and income requirements
Benefits:

Tuition fee waivers
Grants up to €11,000

Deadline: Varies by program (typically March–April)
Website: University of Bologna Scholarships

4. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

Offered by: Politecnico di Milano
Level: Master’s degrees in Science and Engineering
Eligibility: Non-EU and EU students with high academic performance
Benefits:

Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Living cost support (€5,000 – €10,000 annually)

Deadline: Based on application rounds (typically January and March)
Website: Polimi Scholarships

5. University of Padua International Scholarships

Offered by: University of Padua
Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s taught in English
Eligibility: Highly talented international students
Benefits:

Full tuition waiver
€8,000 annual living allowance

Deadline: Usually in February or March
Website: University of Padua Scholarships

6. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships

Offered by: Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa
Level: PhD programs in humanities, sciences, and political science
Eligibility: Top-performing students worldwide
Benefits:

Full tuition coverage
Accommodation
Monthly stipend

Deadline: Typically in August
Website: SNS Scholarships

7. EDISU Piemonte Scholarships

Offered by: Regional Authority for the Right to Education – Piedmont
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Eligibility: Students enrolled at universities in Piedmont (e.g., University of Turin, Politecnico di Torino)
Benefits:

Accommodation or housing contribution
Living allowance
Meal vouchers

Deadline: Around September each year
Website: EDISU Piemonte

8. Università di Pavia – CICOPS Scholarships

Offered by: University of Pavia + Committee for International Cooperation and Development
Level: Research and teaching visits (especially for developing countries)
Eligibility: Researchers from developing countries
Benefits:

Travel expenses
Living support
Insurance

Deadline: Around January
Website: CICOPS Scholarships

Conclusion: Top Scholarships in Italy 2025

Italy offers a wide range of scholarships tailored to support international students financially while opening doors to world-class education. Whether you aim to study engineering in Milan, arts in Florence, or political science in Rome, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your path.

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