Italy is one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe, offering internationally recognized degrees, historic universities, and affordable education compared to many other European countries. For international students planning to study abroad in 2026, fully funded scholarships in Italy provide an excellent opportunity to pursue higher education without financial burden. These scholarships are offered by the Italian government, regional authorities, and leading public universities, and they cover essential expenses such as tuition fees, monthly living allowances, accommodation support, and health insurance. With a wide range of programs available in English across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels, Italy continues to attract students from all over the world.
In 2026, international students can apply for several fully funded scholarships in Italy, making it possible to study at top institutions such as the University of Bologna, University of Padua, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both, depending on the program. This guide provides a complete and updated list of the most reliable scholarships in Italy for international students, along with eligibility criteria, benefits, and application guidance to help you successfully plan your studies in Italy.
1. Italian Government MAECI Scholarship
The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships for international students wishing to study in Italy. It is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Eligibility
- Open to non-Italian international students
- Available for Master’s, PhD, and research programs
- Applicants must meet age and academic requirements
- Admission to an Italian university is required
What It Covers
- Full tuition fee exemption
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Funding for the academic duration
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
2. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
Scuola Normale Superiore offers fully funded PhD scholarships to outstanding Italian and international students. The scholarships are awarded for a duration of four years and support advanced research across multiple disciplines.
Eligibility
- Open to Italian and international students
- Must apply for a PhD program at Scuola Normale Superiore
- Strong academic and research background required
- Admission to the PhD program is mandatory
What It Covers
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Grant for accommodation and meals
- Additional funding for research activities, including abroad
- Funding for the full PhD duration
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
3. Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships provide full financial support to early-career researchers conducting postdoctoral research. The fellowship is highly competitive and focuses on scientific excellence.
Eligibility
- Open to international researchers
- Must hold a PhD degree
- Strong research background required
- Commitment to full-time research
What It Covers
- Competitive monthly stipend
- Health insurance coverage
- Additional research benefits
- Fellowship duration of two years with possible extension
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
4. NATO Defense College Fellowships
The NATO Defense College Fellowship is a fully funded research opportunity for international scholars conducting policy and security-related research in Rome.
Eligibility
- Open to international researchers
- Must have a research background in security or related fields
- Academic or professional experience required
- Research proposal required
What It Covers
- Monthly stipend to cover living costs
- Travel expenses to and from Rome
- Research-related support
- Funding for the fellowship duration
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
5. Gran Sasso Science Institute PhD Program
The Gran Sasso Science Institute offers fully funded PhD fellowships to international students in science, mathematics, computer science, and social sciences.
Eligibility
- Open to international students
- Must apply for a PhD program at GSSI
- Strong academic background required
- English proficiency required
What It Covers
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation and meal vouchers
- Funding for the full PhD duration
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
6. IIE-SRF Fellowship
The IIE-SRF Fellowship supports international scholars facing threats or restrictions in their home countries by offering fully funded doctoral research opportunities.
Eligibility
- Open to international PhD scholars
- Must be conducting doctoral research
- Visiting academic appointment required
- Academic risk or displacement considered
What It Covers
- Grant of up to USD 25,000
- Individual health insurance
- Support for up to one year
- Research and academic placement assistance
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
7. Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships
HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships support innovative and interdisciplinary life science research conducted by international researchers.
Eligibility
- Open to international postdoctoral researchers
- PhD degree required
- Research in life sciences required
- Interdisciplinary research preferred
What It Covers
- Living allowance
- Research and travel allowance
- Family and relocation support in selected cases
- Fellowship for up to three years
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
8. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program supports PhD candidates from developing countries conducting research related to development.
Eligibility
- Open to international PhD students
- Must be enrolled in a doctoral program
- Research must align with development themes
- Strong academic background required
What It Covers
- Fellowship funding up to USD 42,750
- Support for an eight-month research period
- Living and research expenses covered
- Professional development support
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
9.IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program supports talented mathematics students pursuing PhD studies.
Eligibility
- Open to international PhD students in mathematics
- Must be admitted to a recognized institution
- Strong academic performance required
- Preference for students from developing countries
What It Covers
- Funding up to USD 10,000 per year
- Tuition fee support
- Living and accommodation expenses
- Travel support
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
10. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
This fellowship supports women from developing countries pursuing PhD or postdoctoral studies in science and technology.
Eligibility
- Open to international female students
- Available for PhD and postdoctoral studies
- Must be enrolled at a recognized university
- Strong academic and leadership potential required
What It Covers
- Funding up to USD 50,000 per year for PhD
- Funding up to USD 40,000 per year for postdoctoral studies
- Tuition and living expenses covered
- Renewable until completion of studies
- Click here for deadlines and step by step application process
11. DSU Regional Scholarships (Italy)
DSU Scholarships are funded by Italian regional authorities and are among the most reliable funding options for international students in public universities.
Eligibility
- Open to EU and non-EU students
- Must be enrolled in a public Italian university
- Based on financial need and academic status
- Valid for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
What It Covers
- Full or partial tuition fee waiver
- Annual living allowance
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Meal and student service support
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
12. University of Bologna International Talents Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the University of Bologna to attract high-achieving international students.
Eligibility
- Open to non-EU international students
- Must apply for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs
- Strong academic performance required
- Admission to the University of Bologna is mandatory
What It Covers
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual financial grant
- Support for academic expenses
- Renewable under conditions
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
13. University of Padua Scholarships for International Students
The University of Padua offers merit-based scholarships to talented international students across various disciplines.
Eligibility
- Open to international students worldwide
- Available for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
- High academic achievement required
- Admission offer required
What It Covers
- Tuition fee exemption
- Annual stipend for living costs
- Accommodation support in selected cases
- Renewable based on performance
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
14. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships support international students pursuing engineering, architecture, and design programs.
Eligibility
- Open to international Master’s students
- Strong academic background required
- Admission to Politecnico di Milano is mandatory
- Selection based on academic merit
What It Covers
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual living allowance
- Academic support services
- Renewable under conditions
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
15. Bocconi University Merit and Need-Based Scholarships
Bocconi University offers competitive scholarships for international students in economics, business, and management programs.
Eligibility
- Open to international Bachelor’s and Master’s students
- Academic excellence required
- Admission to Bocconi University required
- Need-based options available
What It Covers
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Financial aid support
- Merit and need-based awards
- Renewable based on criteria
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
16. University of Milan Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students enrolling in Master’s programs.
Eligibility
- Open to international Master’s students
- High academic merit required
- Admission to the University of Milan required
- Competitive selection process
What It Covers
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual stipend for living expenses
- Academic merit recognition
- Limited number of awards
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
17. Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships
Sapienza University offers scholarships to international students enrolled in degree programs.
Eligibility
- Open to EU and non-EU students
- Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Academic performance considered
- Enrollment in Sapienza required
What It Covers
- Tuition fee reductions or waivers
- Monthly living allowance in selected cases
- Student service benefits
- Renewable annually
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
18. University of Turin Scholarships
The University of Turin offers scholarships to support international students across disciplines.
Eligibility
- Open to international degree-seeking students
- Available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Merit-based selection
- Admission offer required
What It Covers
- Tuition fee support
- Monthly or annual stipend
- Accommodation assistance
- Academic performance monitoring
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
19. University of Florence Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to support international students enrolling in public degree programs.
Eligibility
- Open to international students
- Available for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
- Strong academic record required
- Enrollment at the University of Florence required
What It Covers
- Tuition fee exemption
- Financial support for living costs
- Access to student housing services
- Renewable based on results
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there fully funded scholarships in Italy for international students in 2026?
Yes, Italy offers fully funded scholarships through government programs, regional authorities, and public universities.
Can international students study in Italy without IELTS?
Many universities accept alternative English proficiency proof or previous education in English.
Is Italy affordable for international students?
Italy is one of the most affordable Western European countries, especially with scholarships and regional support.
Can international students work while studying in Italy?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies.
Do Italian scholarships cover living expenses?
Most government and regional scholarships include monthly living allowances and accommodation support.
