Italy has become a top study destination for Indian students thanks to its world-class universities, affordable tuition fees, and generous scholarship programs. From fully funded government scholarships to university and regional grants, Italy offers multiple ways for Indian students to study without heavy financial burden.
This guide covers the best scholarships in Italy for Indian students, including eligibility, benefits, and official application links.
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Degrees from Italian institutions are globally recognized, and many programs are taught in English. Compared to other European countries, Italy offers:
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Low tuition fees at public universities
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High-quality education
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Scholarships covering tuition + living costs
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Part-time work opportunities
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Rich culture, food, and lifestyle
🎓 Top Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students
1. Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI)
The MAECI Scholarship is one of the most popular fully funded options for Indian students. It is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (€900)
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Tuition fee exemption
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Health insurance
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Available for Master’s, PhD, and research programs
Application Link:
👉 https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/
2. DSU Regional Scholarships (Need-Based)
DSU scholarships are provided by Italian regional governments such as Lombardy, Tuscany, Piedmont, and Lazio.
Benefits:
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Full or partial tuition fee waiver
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Free or subsidized accommodation
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Free meals
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Annual allowance (€2,000–€6,000)
Application Links (by region):
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Lombardy (EDISU): https://www.edisu.piemonte.it/
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Tuscany (DSU Toscana): https://www.dsu.toscana.it/
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Lazio (DiSCo): https://www.laziodisco.it/
3. Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship
This scholarship is aimed at talented international students enrolling in Master’s programs in engineering, economics, management, and technology.
Benefits:
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Tuition fee reduction
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Monthly stipend
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Internship opportunity with Italian companies
Application Link:
👉 https://investyourtalentapplication.esteri.it/
4. University of Bologna International Scholarships
One of the most prestigious universities in Europe, the University of Bologna offers merit-based scholarships to international students.
Benefits:
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Tuition fee waiver
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Annual grant up to €11,000
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Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
Application Link:
👉 https://www.unibo.it/en/study/grants-and-subsidies
5. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
Ideal for Indian students pursuing engineering, architecture, and design.
Benefits:
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Scholarships worth €5,000–€10,000
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Tuition fee waiver
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Based on academic excellence
Application Link:
👉 https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students/fees-scholarships-and-financial-aid
6. University of Padua Excellence Scholarships
One of Italy’s top research universities offering generous funding.
Benefits:
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Living allowance
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English-taught programs
Application Link:
👉 https://www.unipd.it/en/scholarships
7. Bocconi University Scholarships (Business & Economics)
Perfect for Indian students interested in business, economics, and finance.
Benefits:
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Partial to full tuition fee waiver
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Merit and need-based aid
Application Link:
👉 https://www.unibocconi.eu/wps/wcm/connect/Bocconi/SitoPubblico_EN/Navigation+Tree/Home/Admissions/Fees++Financial+Aid/
8. Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships
Sapienza offers multiple funding opportunities for international students.
Benefits:
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Tuition reductions
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Merit-based scholarships
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Doctoral and Master’s funding
Application Link:
👉 https://www.uniroma1.it/en/pagina/scholarships
9. University of Milan Excellence Scholarships
A top public university offering competitive funding.
Benefits:
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€6,000–€8,000 grants
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Tuition fee exemption
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English-taught degrees
Application Link:
👉 https://www.unimi.it/en/study/fees-and-funding
10. University of Trento Scholarships
Highly ranked for science and technology programs.
Benefits:
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Living allowance
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Accommodation support
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Tuition fee reductions
Application Link:
👉 https://international.unitn.it/incoming/scholarships
11. University of Pavia CICOPS Scholarships
Focused on research and academic exchange.
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend
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Accommodation support
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Research-based programs
Application Link:
👉 https://cicops.unipv.it/
12. EDISU Piemonte Scholarship
Popular among Indian students studying in northern Italy.
Benefits:
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Tuition waiver
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Free meals
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Accommodation support
Application Link:
👉 https://www.edisu.piemonte.it/en
Eligibility Criteria (General)
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Indian citizenship
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Admission offer from an Italian university
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Strong academic background
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Proof of financial need (for DSU scholarships)
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English or Italian language proficiency (program-specific)
Application Timeline
| Scholarship Type | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|
| Government (MAECI) | May – June |
| University Scholarships | January – April |
| DSU Regional Aid | July – September |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IELTS mandatory for Italy scholarships?
Not always. Many universities accept English-medium education certificates.
Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in Italy?
Yes. MAECI and DSU scholarships can fully cover tuition and living expenses.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Absolutely. Applying to multiple options increases your chances.
Are Italian degrees valid in India?
Yes, degrees from recognized Italian universities are globally accepted.
Final Words
Italy offers a powerful combination of affordable education and generous scholarships for Indian students. With the right preparation and timely applications, studying in Italy can be both achievable and life-changing.
Top 15 Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS | Scholarships without ILETS