Italy is an appealing destination for students who want a recognised European qualification without carrying the entire financial burden alone. Its universities offer opportunities across engineering, medicine, business, economics, architecture, computer science, social sciences and research. For the 2027 academic intake, international applicants can explore government grants, regional scholarships, university merit awards and funded doctoral positions. The overall cost of studying abroad can become expensive when tuition, accommodation and daily living expenses are added together, but the right funding package can reduce a major part of that pressure. The key is to understand which scholarships genuinely cover living expenses and which provide tuition relief only.
Can International Students Get Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy?
Yes. International students can find scholarships in Italy that cover tuition fees and, in selected cases, provide money for accommodation, meals, insurance or everyday living. However, the phrase “fully funded” does not describe every Italian scholarship. Some awards cover only university fees, while others combine several financial benefits.
Funding also depends on the level of study. Bachelor’s students often rely on regional right-to-study support and selected university awards. Master’s applicants can explore merit-based scholarships, government grants and regional assistance. PhD candidates may find funded research positions that include an annual stipend and exemption from tuition fees.
Applicants should read the official award conditions carefully. A scholarship advertised as fully funded may still leave certain expenses, such as travel, visa formalities or initial accommodation, to the student.
1. Italian Government MAECI Scholarship
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to eligible foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad. The programme supports international academic and cultural cooperation and is one of the best-known government funding routes for studying in Italy.
The 2026/2027 call included funding for selected master’s degrees, PhD programmes, higher education courses in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM), supervised research projects and Italian language and culture courses. The regular academic scholarships were generally awarded for nine months, while intensive language courses had a shorter funding period.
Students planning for 2027/2028 should watch for the next official announcement. As of October 2026, the published government information available for this programme relates to the 2026/2027 academic year. Applicants should not assume that the next call will have identical eligibility rules, funding amounts or deadlines.
One important detail is that the standard MAECI scholarship is not a general funding route for every new bachelor’s applicant. The 2026/2027 call restricted bachelor’s or single-cycle master’s applications to a specific category of students who had previously benefited from the Costruiamo il futuro scholarship. Always check the next call before planning an undergraduate application.
2. Regional DSU Scholarships in Italy
Regional DSU scholarships are among the most important opportunities for students who need financial assistance. They are provided through regional right-to-study authorities, rather than one central national scholarship office.
Depending on the region and the student’s position in the ranking, a package may include:
- Full or partial university tuition exemption.
- Accommodation in a student residence or a housing contribution.
- Subsidised or free meals at university dining facilities.
- A financial allowance for eligible living expenses.
- Additional support under the region’s published regulations.
DSU assistance can be relevant to bachelor’s, master’s and certain other eligible university programmes. International applicants are generally assessed using household financial information from their home country, alongside the academic requirements established by the relevant authority.
Students may need to submit family composition records, income certificates, property information and evidence of financial assets. These documents often require translation and legalisation. Some authorities use an ISEE Parificato or an equivalent assessment for international households.
Remember that DSU is not automatically awarded with university admission. Students must submit a separate application within the regional deadline and satisfy the published financial and merit conditions.
3. University of Padua Scholarships
The University of Padua is a useful institution to investigate for international students interested in bachelor’s and master’s programmes. It has offered the Padua International Excellence Scholarship for highly talented students enrolling in selected English-taught degree courses.
The 2026/2027 scheme included an annual gross scholarship of €8,000 together with a tuition-fee exemption for selected recipients. The exact number of awards, eligible programmes and renewal requirements depend on the university’s annual announcement.
This type of award can make a substantial difference to a student’s budget, but applicants should not assume that every personal expense is covered. Accommodation, meals, travel and other living expenses may require separate funding. Students should also examine the renewal conditions, because continued support may depend on satisfactory academic progress.
4. Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships
Students interested in engineering, architecture, design and technology can explore scholarship opportunities at Politecnico di Milano. The university offers merit-based funding for selected international candidates admitted to eligible Master of Science programmes.
Its published 2027/2028 information includes full tuition-fee waivers, with some scholarships providing an additional gross allowance of up to €10,000 per year. Selection considers previous academic performance, the suitability of the applicant’s education, submitted documents and other programme requirements.
For the published early-bird route, applicants were required to submit their admission application and pay the application fee between October 1 and December 1, 2026. A valid English-language certificate was also required by March 4, 2027 for scholarship consideration. Students should consult the university’s current call for the exact procedure and dates.
This is a strong example of why early preparation matters. A student who waits until the final admission round may miss a scholarship opportunity even if their academic record is competitive.
5. Bocconi University Financial Aid
Bocconi University in Milan is recognised for its programmes in economics, management, finance, business and related disciplines. Its Bocconi4Access to Education initiative provides financial support to eligible students through full or partial tuition waivers.
The university publishes separate procedures for different degree levels and applicant categories. Financial circumstances, academic suitability and the conditions of the relevant call can affect the outcome. Because private university tuition can be significant, applicants should calculate what remains payable if they receive a partial rather than full waiver.
Students interested in this option should review the 2027/2028 financial aid information and make sure they apply under the correct programme category.
6. Invest Your Talent in Italy
Invest Your Talent in Italy is an international programme promoted by MAECI in cooperation with organisations including the Italian Trade Agency and Uni-Italia. It connects postgraduate education with professional exposure in selected Italian companies.
Past editions have offered a financial contribution, tuition-related benefits, Italian language training and a mandatory internship. The 2026/2027 edition, for example, offered a contribution of €10,800 alongside specified tuition exemptions and an internship component.
This programme is not open to every nationality or every academic subject. Participating countries, eligible master’s courses and application conditions are defined in the annual call. Applicants should check whether their country and intended field are included before preparing an application.
7. Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Italy
Doctoral study can be one of the strongest routes for international applicants seeking substantial financial support. Italian universities and research institutions regularly publish PhD calls in areas such as artificial intelligence, engineering, biotechnology, physics, medicine, economics, environmental science and social research.
Many funded doctoral positions include a monthly or annual stipend, tuition-fee exemption and access to research facilities. Some projects also provide additional support for research visits, conference participation or laboratory work, depending on the funding agreement.
Unlike a general undergraduate scholarship, a PhD position is usually linked to a specific research project or doctoral programme. Candidates may need a relevant master’s degree, a research proposal, academic references and an interview. Certain departments also require a written examination or an assessment of previous research experience.
Students should compare the gross stipend, deductions, duration, research obligations and renewal conditions before accepting an offer. A funded PhD is a competitive academic position, not simply a general student grant.
Italian Universities Worth Exploring
The following institutions provide useful starting points for scholarship research. Their funding opportunities differ by department, degree level and academic year.
- University of Bologna: Offers regional and university-based funding opportunities for eligible students across several disciplines.
- University of Padua: Known for international degree programmes and merit-based scholarships.
- Politecnico di Milano: A strong option for selected engineering, design and architecture master’s applicants.
- University of Milan: Provides access to regional right-to-study support and other university funding routes.
- University of Bergamo: Has published international grants for selected English-taught master’s programmes.
- Bocconi University: Offers financial aid and tuition-waiver opportunities for eligible students.
- University of Pisa: Students can investigate DSU Toscana benefits and other institutional opportunities.
Do not apply simply because a university appears on a scholarship list. First confirm that the selected degree is open to international applicants and that the funding scheme covers your intended level of study.
Estimated Tuition Fees and Living Expenses
Italy’s education expenses vary according to the institution, programme and city. Public universities can have more accessible tuition arrangements, while private institutions may charge considerably higher fees. The following figures are illustrative annual or monthly planning estimates in US dollars, not official quotations.
| Expense Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Public university tuition per year | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Private university tuition per year | $6,000–$18,000 |
| Shared accommodation per month | $300–$650 |
| Food and groceries per month | $180–$300 |
| Local transportation per month | $25–$60 |
| Books and study materials per year | $150–$400 |
| Initial travel and settlement allowance | $500–$1,200 |
Living expenses in Milan, Rome and other major cities can be higher than in smaller university towns. Students should compare accommodation options, transport arrangements and the distance between their residence and campus before deciding where to study.
What Can a Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
A scholarship package can combine several benefits, but not every award includes all of them. The table below shows illustrative funding values for planning purposes. These figures are not guaranteed scholarship amounts and should not be added together as though they form one official award.
| Funding Benefit | Illustrative Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Full tuition-fee exemption | Up to the eligible tuition amount |
| Annual living allowance | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Accommodation support | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Meal assistance | $500–$1,200 |
| Research or academic allowance | $500–$2,000 |
| Merit-based university grant | $1,000–$8,000 |
| Travel contribution | Varies by award |
| Health or insurance support | According to programme rules |
Some awards pay a stipend directly to the student, while others provide services such as meals or accommodation. A tuition waiver does not necessarily mean that the student receives cash for rent and food. Read the award letter and payment schedule before making financial commitments.
Eligibility Requirements for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Students
Each scholarship has its own selection criteria, but applicants should prepare for the following general requirements:
- Bachelor’s applicants: A completed secondary-school qualification that meets the Italian university’s admission requirements.
- Master’s applicants: A recognised bachelor’s degree in an appropriate academic field.
- PhD applicants: A relevant master’s qualification and the academic background required by the doctoral programme.
- Academic record: Transcripts, grades and relevant achievements may be assessed.
- Language proficiency: Proof of Italian or English proficiency where required by the selected course.
- Financial eligibility: Household income and asset documents for need-based regional awards.
- Nationality conditions: Some scholarships are open internationally, while others have a restricted country list.
Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
Preparing paperwork early can make the application process much easier. The exact checklist depends on the university and funding body, but international students may need:
- Valid passport.
- Previous academic certificates and transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Research proposal for relevant PhD applications.
- Recommendation letters, if requested.
- English or Italian language certificate, where required.
- Portfolio or entrance examination results for selected programmes.
- Family income and asset documents for need-based scholarships.
- Certified translations and legalisation where required.
Applicants from outside the European Union should pay particular attention to financial documentation. Regional authorities may request records about family members, earnings, property and financial assets in the home country. Requirements can be strict, so follow the official checklist instead of relying on informal advice.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy 2027
A successful application starts with choosing a suitable degree and identifying the funding routes that match your circumstances. Use the following process to keep your applications organised.
- Choose your study level: Decide whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programme.
- Find suitable universities: Compare departments, academic subjects, language of instruction and admission requirements.
- Check scholarship eligibility: Read the official funding call and confirm that your nationality and degree level qualify.
- Prepare academic documents: Arrange certificates, transcripts, CV and any required research proposal.
- Complete the university application: Apply through the institution’s official admission platform.
- Submit scholarship forms separately: Apply through the relevant government, university or regional portal.
- Follow the selection process: Monitor your account and respond to requests for further information.
- Complete enrolment and visa formalities: Follow the official instructions after receiving the required admission and funding documents.
Important 2027 Application Dates
There is no single deadline for all Italian scholarships. University admission rounds, regional DSU applications, government grants and doctoral calls operate on different schedules.
As of October 2026, the next MAECI 2027/2028 call and its final conditions should be checked when officially published. Some universities, however, have already released information for the coming academic year. Politecnico di Milano has published an early application route for selected 2027/2028 master’s merit scholarships, while other universities have their own admission and financial aid calendars.
Regional DSU calls are commonly published closer to the summer period, but students must wait for the relevant authority’s official announcement. PhD vacancies can appear at different points throughout the year, so research applicants should monitor individual university doctoral pages regularly.
Student Enquiry Form
Students interested in Italian university admission and scholarship opportunities can submit their basic contact information through this enquiry form.
Fully Funded Italy Scholarships 2027 – Student Registration
Important: This is a basic student enquiry form, not an official Italian university or scholarship application. The website owner must connect it to a working WordPress form-processing service before it can receive submissions.
How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Strong applications are built around a clear academic direction. Instead of sending the same documents to every institution, explain why a particular course matches your previous education and future plans.
Keep your CV organised and highlight relevant projects, research experience, professional training and academic achievements. A motivation letter should explain your reasons for choosing Italy and the contribution you hope to make after completing the programme. For doctoral applications, a focused research proposal can be particularly important.
Need-based applicants should prepare accurate financial records and make sure that every document follows the authority’s translation and legalisation requirements. Merit-based applicants should give special attention to grades, portfolios and any additional examination required by the university.
Student Visa and Financial Preparation
Receiving a scholarship does not remove the need to complete the Italian student visa procedure. Non-EU applicants who require a visa generally need to follow the applicable pre-enrolment and documentation process through Universitaly and the relevant Italian diplomatic authority.
For the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 academic years, the Italian Foreign Ministry’s published guidance states a minimum financial-resource requirement of €10,179.85 per year for university study visa applications. Applicants should verify the latest applicable rules and ask whether their confirmed scholarship documentation can be considered as part of their financial evidence. A pending DSU application or an unconfirmed scholarship should not be treated as guaranteed visa funding.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships in Italy for 2027 can provide valuable opportunities at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels, but the available funding is not identical across all programmes. Regional DSU assistance, government grants, university merit awards and funded doctoral positions each follow separate rules. Students who check eligibility early, prepare accurate documents and compare the actual benefits of each award will be better placed to make a sound decision. A realistic budget, careful planning and a verified scholarship offer can prevent an expensive disappointment and keep the overall cost of international education under control.