Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students

Indian students are becoming more pragmatic. Their priorities for higher education are shifting to destinations that offer a quality education and stability. This changing landscape of global education has made Italy an increasingly popular choice. 

Italy hosts over 109,000 international students and stands out for its affordable tuition, with numerous fully funded scholarship opportunities. Still, many Indian applicants feel anxious about tuition, rent, and everyday bills abroad when starting their studies.

The good news is that Italy’s public universities charge comparatively low fees. Many scholarships even wipe those fees out completely. Such fully funded scholarships can also cover living costs and leave you with only minimal personal expenses.

But before getting into fully funded scholarships in Italy, let’s understand the reasons for the country’s growing popularity as a strong academic destination.

Note: It’s true—Italy offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in Europe. But finding them isn’t always easy. University websites can be confusing, deadlines vary, and many Indian students miss out simply because they don’t know where to look or how early to apply.

That’s where GradRight’s university search platform makes a real difference.

It doesn’t just help you shortlist top public universities in Italy—it also helps you discover which programs come with university-specific scholarships, tuition waivers, or merit-based funding. You’ll get a personalized match based on your profile, goals, and budget—plus insights into what kind of financial aid each school typically offers.

This way, you don’t waste time applying to programs that are out of budget—or miss the ones that are affordable with the right scholarship.

So if you’re serious about keeping costs low while studying abroad, GradRight helps you plan with clarity right from the start.

Why study in Italy?

Over 12,000 Indian students were enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Italy in 2024, an increase of 4,700% in just a decade. The number is also expected to grow by 541% by 2030. This would mean Indian student numbers could exceed 25,000 by the end of this decade. So, why is Italy gaining so much popularity?

Here are some reasons Indians and other international students are choosing Italy for higher education.

Affordable Education

Italy is one of the most affordable study destinations. The tuition fees and living costs are significantly lower than in countries like the US, UK, or Australia. Average fees in Italy’s public universities hover between €850 to €1,000 per year, while the monthly living expenses usually fall between €700 and €1,200. Cities such as Turin, Bologna, and Naples trend toward the lower end of that range.

Prestigious Universities

Some of the world’s oldest and most respected institutions are located in Italy. The University of Bologna, which ranked 146th in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025, has provided quality education for over nine centuries. Moreover, 50-plus Italian universities are featured in major international rankings.

Quality of Life and Culture

Unlike more industrialized or high-cost destinations, Italy offers excellent healthcare and a relatively low crime rate. It is also popular for its rich cultural heritage, with world-renowned art and architecture. The country’s diverse cities, such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence, offer international students access to historical sites and cuisine.

Diverse English-Taught Programs

Italian institutions also feature various programs across multiple fields. These include business, management, engineering, design, fashion, arts, humanities, language studies, tourism, and hospitality. There are over 600 English-taught programs in the country, which remove the language hurdle for many Indian students. 

Scholarships and Financial Support

Italy offers world-class education at tuition rates far lower than most Western countries. The cost of living is similarly manageable, but scholarships can further enable eligible international students to study with zero tuition fees. The country provides generous zero-tuition plus stipend scholarships, offered by the government and universities.

Italy also has agreements with several countries to promote educational exchanges. These bilateral agreements include provisions for scholarships and financial aid for students from partner countries, including India.

Types of fully funded scholarships in Italy

There are a variety of fully funded scholarships for international students who are looking to enroll in higher education in Italy. These Italian scholarships are provided by the Italian government, universities, and other organizations. Here are the main types:

Government Scholarships

Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. The ministry’s main MAECI Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious fully funded scholarship for master’s and PhD international students. It covers:

• tuition and enrollment fees, 
• living costs with €900 per month, 
• and full medical insurance. 

However, these are highly competitive, with a selection rate of just about 8%.

University Scholarships

Several universities in Italy also offer specific merit- or need-based scholarships for international and domestic students. These may cover:

• tuition, 
• accommodation, 
• and sometimes include monthly stipends. 

For instance, the University of Bologna provides scholarships worth €6,500 along with tuition fee exemptions for second-cycle degree programs. Similarly, the University of Milan offers “Excellence Scholarships” valued at €8,000 for students with outstanding academic records.  

Regional Scholarships

Different regions in Italy also offer financial aid for students at public universities. These are based on:

• merit,
• family’s financial status, 
• and regular attendance requirements for both domestic and foreign students. 

They typically cover tuition, housing, and meals. Regional bodies like ESU Padova and DSU Toscana in Veneto and Tuscany, respectively, administer funds for students in partner universities. These scholarships are more accessible and can be renewed based on performance.

Other Scholarships

There are other types of scholarships, which are offered by the EU or private foundations. Research projects at public research organizations under the supervision of Italian universities may include full funding or stipends for PhD candidates. The EU’s Erasmus Mundus scholarship also allows students to study in Italy with full financial support, covering travel and living expenses.

Top fully funded scholarship programs in Italy

Below are some of the best scholarship programs in Italy that fully fund your studies abroad. 

University of Milan Excellence Scholarships

The University of Milan offers 60 fully funded scholarships with full tuition exemption and €8,000 each for international students. This popular master’s scholarship in Italy also offers an additional 100 full tuition exemptions.

Selection: Merit-based, no IELTS required
Deadline: 31st May, 2025

University of Trento Scholarships

The university in Trento offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. It includes tuition fees, accommodation, food allowance, and sometimes additional living expenses.

Undergraduate and master’s non-EU students get €7,200 per year. Moreover, female students in STEM fields receive upto €8,500 per year.

Deadline: Varies by program

Padua International Excellence Scholarship

The University of Padua offers 62 fully funded scholarships based on merit. These scholarships are available for both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs taught in English and cover tuition, accommodation, and meals. It provides a full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the program, plus €8,000 per year for living expenses.
It also offers need-based options that are available for students who meet specific financial criteria.

Deadline: Varies by program

International Talents Scholarship at University of Bologna

The University of Bologna’s 30 fully funded master’s study scholarships in Italy are worth €6,500 gross for two academic years. It also covers the tuition fees for international students with excellent academic records. 

Selection: GRE test scores and financial status

Deadline: 30th May, 2025

DSU scholarship

The Tuscany district offers tuition waivers for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students with free meals. This need-based scholarship is accessible to many Indian students based on family income (below USD 13,560-25,990 annually). The benefits also include free dormitory beds, which are helpful in high-rent cities like Milan.
Application window: Call opens in July 2025

Scholarships based on study levels

Scholarships for international students in Italy are offered at all levels of study. The table below lists additional undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD fully funded scholarships in Italy.

Several universities also waive fees for summer school and short-credit courses through DSU or Erasmus+ funds.  

Scholarship in Italy for Indian students

Indian students are eligible for most major government funding for international students in Italy. Scholarships for Indian students in Italy include:

Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)

MAECI invites eligible international students for Master’s, PhD and AFAM programs at public or legally recognized Italian universities. It offers a full tuition fee waiver with a monthly stipend of €900. The award lasts 6–9 months and is renewable. 

Fields: All disciplines offered by recognized universities

Selection: Academic merit, financial need, and potential contribution to home country

Deadline: 16 May 2025

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)

The IYT fully funded program is supported by the Italian government and the Italian Trade Agency. It is designed to attract talented students from select countries-including India-to pursue English-taught Master’s degrees in Italy, especially in fields aligned with Italian industry needs. 

The scholarship covers 24 top Italian universities, including:

• University of Padua
• University of Milan
• Politecnico di Torino
• University of Bologna
• University of Pisa 
• University of Florence

It also requires a compulsory 3-month internship at an Italian company.

Fields: Engineering & High Technologies, Economics & Management, Architecture & Design

Deadline: 24 February 2025

University Merit Schemes

University-specific scholarships, such as those previously mentioned by Polimi, Padua and Bologna, operate purely on merit. These schemes are strictly based on GRE/GPA and not nationality; Polimi, for example, sets minimum CGPA thresholds. Indian students with strong academics, often placed in the top bands, can win stipends between €6,500 and €10,000.

How to apply for study scholarships in Italy

Many university scholarships do not require a separate application. After you are confident in your chosen course and university, you can check scholarship eligibility for each program (academic merit, financial need, nationality, language proficiency) and apply. You will be considered for the scholarship once you submit your application form.

Usually, you will have to submit documents, such as

• Passport (valid ≥ 18 months)
• Bachelor’s/12th-standard transcripts
• C.V. + motivation letter (or 60-sec video for IYT)
• English test: IELTS ≥ 6 or TOEFL ≥ 80 (B2) or Italian B2 certificate
• CIMEA “Statement of Comparability”

For regional scholarships, you may also need to submit the income certificate.

However, some scholarships, such as those offered separately by the government require acceptance to an Italian university. 

The MAECI Scholarship applications have to be submitted through the Study-in-Italy (SiI) portal. Similarly, Invest Your Talent (IYT) uses its own online form. You can log in to the IYT portal and choose your degree program to upload the required documents. 

Deadlines and timeline for scholarship applications

The exact dates for application deadlines change each year. However, in general, government-funded scholarships, including MAECI and Invest Your Talent, usually close by early March or May. Regional grants, such as DSU, open after the national calls close around mid-July.

You can wait for the ranking lists as they appear 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Accept immediately so the university can issue your official “scholarship certificate” for the visa.

Following acceptance, you can apply for the D-type study visa at VFS Italy in India, with the scholarship certificate and University pre-enrolment receipt.

Tips for winning a fully funded scholarship in Italy

• Make a list of all the scholarships you are eligible for and want to apply to.
• Keep scanned mark-sheets, passport, IELTS/TOEFL or Duolingo English Test, and a concise 60-second motivation video ready before the portals open.
• Translate early, as embassy-approved translators in India can take 3–4 weeks in peak season.
• Keep PDFs under 1 MB to suit the Italian upload limit—scan in grayscale at 150 dpi.
• Budget for the first month. Even with a fully funded award, stipends will usually arrive after enrollment. It is best to carry at least €1,000 in forex or a prepaid card.

Overall, Italy offers a wealth of fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students at all study levels. The country’s mix of world-class degrees and funding can wipe out most of your study costs. With timely preparation, your Italian scholarship can cover tuition, living costs, and even internships. This will let you focus fully on learning and the life-changing experience of studying abroad.

FAQs

1. How can I get a fully funded scholarship in Italy?

Apply through the Study in Italy portal for scholarships like MAECI, DSU, or university-specific programs. Ensure you meet eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications and language proficiency.

2. What are the top universities in Italy offering scholarships for international students?

Leading universities such as the University of Bologna, University of Padua, and Politecnico di Milano offer scholarships to international students. These fully funded programs cover tuition and living expenses.

3. Are there fully funded scholarships in Italy for Indian students?

Indian students can apply for multiple fully funded scholarships like MAECI and DSU, which cover tuition fees and provide stipends for living expenses.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for Italian government scholarships?

MAECI’s eligibility includes certain home countries, academic qualifications, age limits (typically under 28 for Master’s) and language proficiency in English or Italian. Some regional scholarships such as DSU, on the other hand, are offered on financial status. 

5. Which are the best PhD scholarships available in Italy for international students?

Top PhD scholarships include those offered by Scuola Normale Superiore and the University of Bologna, providing full tuition waivers and monthly stipends.