Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS are becoming very popular among international students who want affordable European education without taking an English language test. Many Italian universities and government programs do not strictly require IELTS. Instead, they accept other proofs like a Medium of Instruction letter, previous English-taught degree, Duolingo, or internal university assessment.

Italy is one of the best study destinations in Europe because tuition fees are low, living costs are reasonable, and many scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends. Every year thousands of students receive funding without IELTS by using alternative English proofs.

In this guide, you will learn exactly how Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS work, what “without IELTS” really means, and how to apply step-by-step. You will also find more than 20 Italian scholarships that you can target in 2026.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means

IELTS is not mandatory

Most Italian universities do not say “IELTS only.” They simply ask for proof of English proficiency.

Accepted alternatives

You can usually submit:

• MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter
• English-taught degree certificate
• Duolingo
• TOEFL
• University interview
• Internal language test

Why Study in Italy?

• Affordable education
• Public universities in Italy have very low tuition compared to other European countries.
• Scholarships for everyone
• Italy offers government, regional, and university funding.
• English-taught programs
• Hundreds of Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are fully taught in English.
• Cultural and career benefits
• Italy has world-class universities, history, and strong job opportunities across Europe.

List of Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS

Below are the best Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS that international students commonly apply for.

1. Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships

Level

Master’s, PhD, Research, Language courses

Funding

Stipend + tuition support + insurance

Without IELTS angle

Accepts other English proofs or university requirements

2. DSU Regional Scholarships (Fully Funded)

Level

Bachelor’s and Master’s

Funding

Tuition waiver + accommodation + meals + stipend

Without IELTS angle

Based mainly on income and merit, not IELTS

Best for

Students with low family income

3. University of Bologna Scholarships (Unibo Action 1 & 2)

Funding

Tuition waiver or €11,000 grant

Without IELTS angle

MOI or alternatives often accepted

4. Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships

Funding

Gold/Silver/Bronze awards

Without IELTS angle

Many English programs accept MOI

5. Sapienza University of Rome International Scholarship

Funding

Tuition reduction + grants

Without IELTS angle

Program-based English proof

6. University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship

Funding

Full tuition + €8,000 stipend

Without IELTS angle

Accepts alternatives or interviews

7. Politecnico di Torino TOPoliTO Scholarship

Funding

Full or partial fee waiver

Without IELTS angle

MOI accepted for many programs

8. University of Pisa DSU + Merit Grants

Funding

Living allowance + fee waiver

Without IELTS angle

University rules apply

9. University of Florence Regional Scholarships

Funding

Accommodation + stipend

Without IELTS angle

Income-based support

10. University of Milan Excellence Scholarships

Funding

€6,000–€8,000 grants

Without IELTS angle

MOI or other English proof

11. University of Trento International Grants

Funding

Tuition support + living benefits

Without IELTS angle

Alternative English proof allowed

12. University of Siena DSU Toscana Scholarship

Funding

Free meals + housing + stipend

Without IELTS angle

Focus on need and enrollment

13. University of Turin EDISU Scholarships

Funding

Full living cost support

Without IELTS angle

Depends on course

14. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice Fee Waivers

Funding

Tuition discounts

Without IELTS angle

MOI accepted in many cases

15. University of Parma International Scholarships

Funding

Partial fee waiver

16. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Scholarships

Funding

Tuition reduction

17. University of Calabria Fully Funded Grants

Funding

Tuition + housing + meals + stipend

Very popular for international students

18. University of Pavia CICOPS Scholarships

Level

Research/short programs

Funding

Travel + accommodation

19. Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa PhD Scholarships

Funding

Fully funded + stipend

20. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna PhD Scholarships

Funding

Full tuition + monthly salary

21. Departmental and Faculty Scholarships

Many Italian departments provide:

• Teaching assistantships
• Research grants
• Fee reductions

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose your field and level

Decide Bachelor, Master, or PhD and your subject.

Step 2: Shortlist universities

Select 5–7 universities with English-taught programs.

Step 3: Check language alternatives

Confirm MOI or Duolingo is accepted.

Step 4: Prepare documents

• Transcripts
• Passport
• CV
• SOP
• Recommendation letters
• MOI letter

Step 5: Apply for admission first

Scholarships usually require admission.

Step 6: Apply for scholarships separately

Some scholarships have separate portals.

Step 7: Submit early

Deadlines are strict in Italy.

How to Get a Strong MOI Letter

• Your letter must include
• Official letterhead
• Degree name
• Duration
• Statement: “Medium of Instruction was English”
• Signature + stamp

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS

• Do not assume “no IELTS means no proof”
• Always provide English evidence.
• Do not copy-paste SOP
• Personalize each application.
• Do not miss DSU income documents
• Financial papers are very important.
• Do not apply late
• Italian deadlines close quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)