Types of scholarships in Italy for international students

Italy is one of the top destinations for students seeking a high-quality education at an affordable cost. In this article we will explore the different scholarship options available for international students who want to study in Italy.

Which are the scholarships for international students in Italy?

Before diving into the different types of scholarships in Italy, it is important to understand the structure of the Italian higher education system.

University degrees in Italy are divided into three main levels:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea Triennale), 3 years
• Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale), 2 years
• PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca), usually 3 years

You can apply for scholarships at each of these levels.

Scholarships in Italy generally fall into two main categories:

• Need-based scholarships, awarded based on family income
• Merit-based scholarships, awarded based on academic performance

Italian Government Scholarships: MAECI

This is a merit-based scholarship available both for international students and Italian citizens living abroad. It is funded by the Italian government, in particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

This scholarship is aimed at advanced-level studies in Italy, like postgraduate degrees (masters) or PhDs.

Its duration ranges from 3 to 9 months. The financial support includes:

• 9.000 euros for 9-month programs (paid in three instalments)
• 3.000 euros for 3-month programs
• Health and medical insurance coverage during the study period

To obtain this scholarship, students must meet these requirements:

• Must hold the appropriate academic degree (bachelor’s degree for a postgraduate course, or to be enrolled in a PhD program)
• Must be under 28 years old for a postgraduate program
• Must be under 30 for a PhD program
• B2 level of Italian for Italian-taught courses
• B2 level of English for English-taught courses
• Proven excellent academic record.

The application has to be submitted through the official “Study in Italy” portal.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Programs

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is a fully funded scholarship offered by the European Union. It promotes academic cooperation between European universities and institutions worldwide. Many Italian universities participate in these joint Master's programs. This is a merit-based scholarship, and only top-ranked applicants are selected. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, insurance and provides a monthly stipend.

Invest your talent in Italy scholarship

The “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship is only available for 18 selected countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. It supports students enrolled in postgraduate courses in the following fields: Engineering/Advanced Technologies, Architecture/Design, and Economics and Management.

The eligibility criteria are:

• Must be born on or after 1/1/1999
• Must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Must possess a B2 English proficiency certificate

Selected students receive a 9-month scholarship, along with internship opportunities at leading Italian companies.

Regional Scholarships in Italy

The regional scholarship in Italy is a need-based scholarship offered by local governments in Italy. It is given to both local and international students and it can be fully funded for students whose family income is below a certain amount.

It includes:

• Full or partial tuition fee waivers
• Free accommodation and meals
• Monthly financial contributions

To apply, visit the official website of the region where your university is located and check the respective “Ente per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario” for application details and deadlines.

How to apply for a scholarship in Italy

The process of applying for scholarships in Italy as an international student varies according to the type of scholarship you are aiming to get and what university you’re applying to.

Generally, you can follow these steps:

• Choose a university and program
• Check the eligibility requirements
• Prepare the necessary documents
• Submit the application before the deadlines (which typically fall between March and May for most scholarships)

If you’re looking for more specific information, you can check out W.A.I.’s complete guide to study in Italy or get our support throughout the entire journey.