Scholarships in Italy: How to Get Yours

Italy is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, not only for its rich history and culture but also for its high-quality education system. Moreover, the country offers various scholarship opportunities (borsa di studio), each with specific criteria and deadlines. Among the available options, government-funded scholarships offered by Italian regions, scholarships provided by universities themselves, and those funded by the European Union stand out. And one of them could be yours! Find out also how to apply for your student visa in Italy.

In this article, we will explore the different scholarship opportunities in Italy, highlighting a specific program currently open for Brazilian students: the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) program. Check out the details and how to apply!

Discover 10 reasons to live in Italy!

Types of Scholarships in Italy

Scholarships can be based on academic merit, financial need (family income), or even on specific programs designed for international students. Below, we detail some of the main opportunities available.

Scholarships in Italy Granted by the Italian Government

The Italian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), offers scholarships for foreign citizens and Italian nationals residing abroad. These scholarships cover a wide range of programs, from master’s and doctoral degrees to Italian language and culture courses, as well as advanced professional training in fields such as Dance, Arts, and Music (AFAM). Scholarships are granted for different periods, depending on the type of program.

It is essential to stay informed about the official calls for applications, which are typically published annually around mid-May on the MAECI or MIUR websites.

MAECI Scholarships

Selected candidates receive:

• Tuition fee exemption (except for Italian language and culture courses);
• Health insurance during the scholarship period;
• A monthly allowance of €900 to cover expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.

Scholarship Types and Duration

• Italian Language and Culture Courses: 3 months
• Research Projects: 6 or 9 months
• Professional Training in Arts, Music, and Dance: 6 or 9 months
• Master’s and PhD Programs: 6 or 9 months, with the possibility of renewal

How to Apply?

To apply for a MAECI scholarship, candidates must:

• Choose the desired program and check the specific requirements;
• Prepare the necessary documents, which may include:
  • Degree certificate and academic transcripts
  • Language certificates (B2 level in Italian or English)
  • Research project (if applicable)
  • Proof of income (if economic criteria apply)

⚠️ Invest Your Talent in Italy Program: Applications Open

Among the government-sponsored programs, Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) offers international students the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees in fields such as Engineering/Advanced Technologies, Architecture/Design, Economics, and Management, while also gaining hands-on experience through internships in Italian companies.

A key advantage: participating universities offer programs entirely in English, making them more accessible to international students.

This year, the 2025 application cycle holds a special significance, as it is dedicated to the memory of Giulia Cecchettin, a young student whose life was tragically cut short, yet whose legacy continues to inspire profound societal change.

Benefits:

Selected students receive a nine-month scholarship, covering part of their expenses while studying in Italy.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Born on or after January 1, 1999
• B2-level English certificate
• Must be a citizen, currently residing in one of the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Tunisia, Türkiye, and Vietnam
• Must complete a pre-application on the university website for the desired Master’s program (Laurea Magistrale or Master) before applying for IYT. Each university has its own admission procedures, which must be followed beforehand.

How to Apply:

Applications for the 2025 cycle of Invest Your Talent in Italy are open until February 24, 2025. However, new opportunities are made available every year.

📌 Read also: Tax benefits for new residents in Italy.

Scholarships Offered by Italian Universities

Several universities in Italy regularly offer scholarships for international students. Some of the institutions that frequently provide funding opportunities include:

Scholarships at the University of Milan

The University of Milan offers fully funded scholarships for international students across various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These scholarships include free accommodation and, in some cases, financial assistance for housing expenses.

• Excellence Scholarships: The university provides 155 excellence scholarships for international students admitted to master’s programs for the 2024/2025 academic year. These scholarships include a €8,000 grant and full tuition fee exemption.
• UNICORE 6.0: Scholarships designed for refugees from countries such as Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Mozambique. These scholarships provide €6,000, free accommodation, and a canteen card.
• Regional Scholarships: Funded by the Lombardy government, the Ministry of University and Research, and the European Union – Next Generation EU, these scholarships include full tuition fee exemption and one free meal per day from Monday to Saturday.

For more details and to apply, visit the official website of the University of Milan.

University of Padua: International Excellence Scholarships

The University of Padua, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy, offers the Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program. This program is designed for outstanding international students and provides:

• Full exemption from university tuition fees
• A financial grant of €8,000 per year to cover living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation

Eligibility Requirements:

• Proven academic excellence
• English language proficiency certificate (minimum level B2)
• High school diploma (for undergraduate applicants) or Bachelor’s degree (for master’s applicants)
• Motivation letter explaining the applicant’s interest in studying at the University of Padua

This scholarship is available only for English-taught programs, making it easier for international students to adapt to the academic environment.

University of Molise: Scholarships for Latin American Students

Located in southern Italy, the Università degli Studi del Molise offers the Bando Immatricolazione Studenti Latino Americani program, which benefits Latin American students with Italian ancestry.

Benefits:

• Full exemption from university tuition fees for undergraduate and master’s programs
• 20 scholarships available annually

Eligibility Requirements:

• Proof of Italian ancestry
• Academic and personal documentation required by the university

Other Universities Offering Scholarships

If you’re looking for a scholarship to study in Italy, it’s essential to stay updated with calls for applications published on university websites and regional entities, such as the Ente Regionale Per Il Diritto Allo Studio Universitario del Piemonte (EDISO Piemonte). Other institutions that frequently offer scholarships include:

• University of Bologna (undergraduate and master’s programs)
• Luigi Bocconi University (undergraduate and master’s programs)
• University of Pavia (merit-based master’s scholarships up to €8,000)
• Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa – SNS (PhD programs with salary and financial assistance)
• Politecnico di Milano (science master’s scholarships up to €10,000)
• Università Cattolica

European Union Scholarships

Another great opportunity is the European Union scholarships, particularly the Erasmus+ program, which provides financial support for non-European students to pursue master’s degrees in various countries, including Italy. This two-year master’s program allows students to study for two to four semesters in Italy. The Erasmus+ program is highly valued in the job market, and the monthly stipend helps cover basic living expenses.

Erasmus+ Program Benefits:

• Monthly stipend: Around €1,400 per month to cover housing, food, and transportation
• Tuition fee exemption: Selected students do not need to pay university fees at the European institution they enroll in

How to Apply?

• Visit the official Erasmus+ website and check available calls for applications
• Choose the master’s program and Italian university you are interested in
• Prepare the required documents and submit your application before the deadline

Want to Study for Free in Italy?

Studying in Italy with a scholarship is an amazing opportunity to earn an international degree without covering all academic costs. Beyond the financial benefits, living in Italy as a student allows you to accumulate residency time, which may later count towards Italian citizenship through residency.

If you’re planning this journey, Atlantic Bridge can assist you throughout the process—from choosing the right university to obtaining a student visa for Italy and even your permanent move.

To learn more about how to live in Italy, click here and get in touch with us!