Italy’s scholarship ecosystem is less famous than Germany’s but nearly as deep. The Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) pays €10,800 over nine months plus tuition exemption and health insurance. The DSU regional scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and meal vouchers. The Invest Your Talent in Italy program offers fully funded master’s at top Italian universities. And every major Italian university runs its own scholarship programs of €5,000 to €15,000 per year.
Combined with the income-based tuition system (which already gives low-income international students €157-per-year fees at top public universities), the result is a country where many international students pay close to nothing for a high-quality European degree.
This guide is the complete 2026 funding map. By the end you will know which scholarships to apply for, in what order, and how to layer multiple programs to maximise your chance of full funding.
This is part 2 of a three-article Italy cluster. For the country overview, read Study in Italy 2026: Complete Guide. For program selection, see Top universities in Italy for international students 2026.
Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI): the anchor program
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) runs the country’s flagship scholarship for international students. It is the rough equivalent of Germany’s DAAD Study Scholarship.
What it covers
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | €900 (€10,800 over 9 months for academic programs) |
| Italian language and culture courses (3-month) | €3,600 (single instalment) |
| Tuition fees | Often exempted at the discretion of the host university |
| Health insurance | Covered by MAECI for the scholarship period |
| Travel and visa | Not covered (you arrange separately) |
The scholarship runs for 9 months for academic programs (typically October to June, matching the academic year), or 3 months for Italian language and culture courses.
Who is eligible
- International students from a published list of eligible countries (most developing countries plus several European and developed nations)
- Italian citizens permanently residing abroad (IRE) for specific countries
- Applicants pursuing one of the following:
- Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale)
- PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca)
- Specialisation School (Scuola di Specializzazione, mainly for medical specialisations)
- AFAM programs (arts, music, design)
- Italian language and culture courses (3-month track only)
The current eligible-country list includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and most of Sub-Saharan Africa, much of Latin America, several post-Soviet states, Vietnam, and selected Western European countries. The list is published with each annual call.
Eligibility requirements
- Most recent academic degree no older than the cycle requirements (typically not older than 6 years)
- Above-average academic record (the unwritten floor is roughly 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, 65% in UK/Indian system, or “above average” in your home country’s system)
- Italian B2 (CEFR) for Italian-taught programs, or English B2 (IELTS 5.5+ to 6.5+) for English-taught programs
- Some programs require subject-specific aptitude tests or admission qualifications
How to apply
The application is entirely online via the Study in Italy portal at studyinitaly.esteri.it.
- Register on the Study in Italy portal
- Complete the online application
- Upload all required documents: - Valid passport - Most recent degree certificate plus transcripts - Motivation letter - CV - Language certificates - Research proposal (for PhD applications) - Letter of acceptance from host university (if applicable)
- Submit before the deadline
2026 deadline
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the application deadline was 26 March 2026 at 14:00 CET. The 2025/2026 cycle deadline was 16 May 2025.
If you are reading this in May 2026 with the intention of starting in September 2026, the MAECI deadline has passed. Plan for the 2027/2028 cycle, with applications expected to open in February or March 2027.
Selection process
After the deadline, applications are reviewed by: 1. MAECI itself for completeness and basic eligibility 2. The Italian embassy or consulate in your home country, which often conducts an interview 3. The host university for academic suitability 4. Final selection committee at MAECI for funding decisions
Notification of award typically arrives in June or July for September start.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
MAECI does not publish official acceptance rates, but estimates suggest 10% to 20% of applicants are funded. Competitive applicants typically have: - Strong academic record (top quartile) - Clear research or career direction tied to Italy - Italian language at A2 or above (helpful even for English-taught programs) - A specific reason for the chosen Italian university
Invest Your Talent in Italy
A complementary scholarship program run jointly by MAECI, the Italian Trade Agency, and selected Italian universities. Targets master’s students from specific countries with strategic interest to Italy.
What it covers
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend (varies by partner university, typically €600 to €900)
- Italian language course before the academic year
- Curricular internship in an Italian company
Eligible countries (2026 cycle)
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam.
Partner universities and programs
The program is offered at about 17 Italian universities for around 70 specific master’s programs, mainly in: - Engineering and technology - Architecture and design - Economics and management - Sustainable agriculture and food
Partner universities include the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, Sapienza Rome, University of Padova, Sant’Anna Pisa, University of Florence, and several others.
How to apply
Applications run from December 2025 to May 2026 for the 2026/2027 cycle. Apply directly to the partner universities through their normal admission portals, indicating that you wish to be considered for the Invest Your Talent scholarship.
Why apply
Lower competition than MAECI (fewer applicants because the country list is narrower), tied to a specific career-relevant program, includes mandatory internship which builds Italian work experience and language exposure.
DSU regional scholarships
Each Italian region runs its own student aid system called DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario, “Right to University Study”). The DSU scholarship is administered by regional agencies (EDISU Piemonte, Lazio DiSCo, ER.GO Emilia-Romagna, ARDIS Veneto, etc.) and is open to both EU and non-EU students with appropriate ISEE/ISEE Parificato documentation.
What it covers
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Fully covered (waived) |
| Accommodation | Free or heavily subsidised university housing |
| Meal vouchers | Free or subsidised meals at university canteens (mensa) |
| Cash component | Annual cash grant of €1,000 to €5,000 depending on income |
The total benefit can exceed €7,000 to €10,000 per year for the lowest-income students.
Eligibility
- Family ISEE/ISEE Parificato below regional thresholds (typically €27,000 to €30,000)
- Academic merit (varies by region; usually requires above-average grades and on-track progression)
- Enrolled at a university in the relevant region
How to apply
Apply through the regional DSU agency’s portal after receiving your admission offer and before the regional deadline, typically in August or September. The application requires the ISEE Parificato document for non-EU students with foreign income.
Why apply
DSU is the most generous funding for low-income international students. If you qualify for ISEE Parificato below €27,000 and you are enrolled at an Italian public university, you should apply. The combined benefit (free tuition + free housing + free meals + cash grant) often makes Italy effectively free.
University-specific scholarships
Most Italian universities run their own scholarship programs, often with less competition than MAECI or DSU. A non-exhaustive list:
Public universities
| University | Scholarship | Amount per year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bologna | Unibo Action 1 and 2 | €11,000+ tuition waiver |
| Politecnico di Milano | International Merit Scholarships | €5,000 to €11,200 |
| Politecnico di Torino | TOPoliTO and others | €5,000 to €8,000 |
| University of Padova | Padova International Excellence Scholarships | €8,000 + tuition waiver |
| Sapienza Rome | Sapienza International Scholarships | €8,000 + tuition exemption |
| University of Pisa | Need-based and merit scholarships | €5,000 to €11,000 |
| University of Milan (UniMi) | Excellence Scholarships | €6,000 + tuition exemption |
| University of Turin | Various international tracks | €5,000 to €9,000 |
| Sant’Anna Pisa | Full PhD funding (employee contracts) | €1,300+ per month |
| Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa | Full PhD funding | €1,500+ per month |
Private universities
| University | Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bocconi | Merit Awards for International Students | €12,000 + full or partial tuition waiver |
| Bocconi | Need-based Bocconi Scholarship | Up to full tuition waiver |
| LUISS Rome | Merit and need-based | €5,000 to €15,000 + tuition waiver |
| Università Cattolica | Various awards | Up to €10,000 |
| John Cabot University | Need-based and merit | Variable, up to full tuition |
University-specific scholarships are generally automatically considered during the admission process. You apply to the program; the admissions committee considers you for any scholarships you qualify for. Some require a separate application form; check each university.
Erasmus+ and exchange programs
Italy is the world’s second-most-popular Erasmus destination after Spain. Erasmus+ programs are open to:
- EU citizens at any partner European university for an exchange semester or year in Italy
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters consortia where Italy is a partner country (see our DAAD guide for the full list of Erasmus Mundus programs and their funding levels of €1,400 per month plus tuition)
Erasmus+ exchange typically pays €350 to €600 per month plus a travel allowance, for 3 to 12 months.
For Erasmus Mundus full-degree masters in Italy, the funding is the most generous package available: €1,400 per month for 24 months plus full tuition coverage at all consortium universities.
Doctoral funding (PhD positions)
Italian PhDs are typically funded through employee contracts, not scholarships. The standard PhD position in Italy provides:
- Monthly net stipend: €1,300 to €1,400 (formal employment, not “scholarship”)
- Tuition fees: Fully covered
- Health insurance: Standard SSN coverage
- Research budget: Typically €1,500 to €3,000 per year for conferences, books, materials
- Duration: 3 years for PhD, with extensions possible
Top research institutions like Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, Sant’Anna Pisa, and IMT Lucca offer enhanced PhD packages of €1,500+ per month plus full residential accommodation.
PhD positions are advertised on each university’s website and on the central PhD database at concorsi.miur.it. The annual cycle opens in May/June for September starts; about 4,000 PhD positions across Italy are open to international applicants each year.
How to layer applications for maximum funding
The right approach is to apply to multiple scholarships in parallel. The application materials are 70-80% the same across programs.
A reasonable target portfolio:
- MAECI Italian Government Scholarship (the anchor)
- University-specific scholarship at every Italian university you apply to
- Invest Your Talent in Italy if your country is on the list
- DSU regional scholarship once you have an admission offer (apply in August/September)
- ISEE Parificato to reduce tuition (this is not a scholarship, but it cuts your effective tuition by €1,500 to €3,500 per year)
This is 4 to 5 separate applications. Done in parallel, the workload is manageable. Each one applies independently, so you can win multiple at once.
For the parallel Germany funding strategy, read DAAD Scholarship 2026 and Fully funded scholarships in Germany 2026.
Comparison: Italy vs Germany funding
| Aspect | Italy | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship government scholarship | MAECI: €900/month + tuition exemption | DAAD: €992/month + benefits |
| Tuition default | Income-based, €157 to €4,000/year | Free (except Bavaria, BW for non-EU) |
| Cost of living needed | €700 to €1,200/month | €992 to €1,400/month |
| University-specific scholarships | €5,000 to €15,000 per year | €100 to €1,000 per month |
| Application complexity | Low (Universitaly + uni admission) | Moderate (uni-assist or direct) |
| Number of English-taught programs | 1,000+ | 1,930+ |
| Best for | Tight budget, lifestyle, design/humanities | STEM, engineering, broad scholarship density |
For most low-income international students, Italy with ISEE Parificato + DSU is the cheapest fully funded route in Western Europe. Germany with DAAD + free tuition is more selective for the headline scholarship but offers a deeper funding ecosystem.
Common mistakes that block funding
- Skipping ISEE Parificato. Without it, you pay maximum tuition. Worth €1,500 to €3,500 per year. Process via a CAF tax centre; takes 4 to 8 weeks.
- Applying to MAECI without a strong motivation letter. The MAECI selection committee places heavy weight on the motivation letter. Generic letters about “wanting to study in Italy because of culture” do not pass the bar.
- Missing the MAECI deadline. The deadline is one date, no extensions. Plan 6 months ahead.
- Forgetting DSU. Most international students in Italy do not apply for DSU because they think it is “only for Italians.” Wrong. It is open to non-EU students with ISEE Parificato. Apply after admission, in August or September.
- Not applying to multiple scholarships in parallel. Treating MAECI as your only shot is the most expensive mistake.
- Weak Italian language preparation. Even English-taught programs prefer applicants with Italian A2+. Invest 2-3 months in Italian language basics; it makes you noticeably more competitive.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MAECI scholarship enough to live on in Italy?
€900 per month is enough in most Italian cities except Milan and Rome. In smaller university cities (Pisa, Padova, Bologna outskirts, Perugia, Bari, Catania), it covers full living expenses. In Milan or Rome, expect to need €100 to €300 per month from another source.
Can I apply for MAECI and DSU at the same time?
Yes, often. MAECI and DSU are not always mutually exclusive; the rules vary by region and year. Always check the specific call. Many MAECI recipients also receive DSU benefits (free meals, free university housing) without affecting the cash stipend.
Can MAECI fund a bachelor’s degree?
Generally no. MAECI typically funds master’s, PhD, specialisation, AFAM, and Italian language courses. Bachelor’s funding is mainly through DSU regional scholarships and university-specific awards.
What is ISEE Parificato and why does it matter?
ISEE Parificato is the certified Italian assessment of your family’s financial situation when income and assets are abroad. It determines your university tuition tier (€157 to €4,000+ per year) and your eligibility for DSU regional scholarships. Without it, you are charged maximum tuition. Process via a CAF tax assistance centre in Italy; takes 4 to 8 weeks; costs around €40 to €100.
Are the Italian Government Scholarship amounts ever updated?
Yes, periodically. The €900/month figure has been stable for several years. Always check the current call for the latest amount.
Do I need to be admitted to a university before applying for MAECI?
No, not strictly. You apply for MAECI separately from university admission. You indicate your preferred program(s) on the MAECI application; admission and scholarship decisions are made in parallel.
What language is the MAECI application in?
The Study in Italy portal supports English. Application documents can typically be submitted in English or Italian.
Are top private universities (Bocconi, LUISS) covered by MAECI?
Some MAECI grants can be used at private universities, but the tuition exemption rule does not always apply (private universities set their own fees and are not obliged to waive). Check the specific call. For private universities, the university’s own scholarship programs are usually the better route.
How does Erasmus Mundus differ from MAECI for studying in Italy?
Erasmus Mundus is more generous (€1,400/month, full tuition) but more selective (3% to 10% acceptance) and only available for specific multi-country master’s programs that include an Italian partner. MAECI is more flexible (any program at any Italian university) but less generous in monthly stipend.
Can I get a scholarship for medical school in Italy?
Yes. Medical Schools in Italy include some of Europe’s most respected (Bologna, Padova, Sapienza, Pavia, Vita-Salute San Raffaele). MAECI does not specifically prioritise medicine, but DSU and university-specific scholarships do. Italian-taught medicine requires Italian B2; English-taught programs (at Sapienza, Bologna, Vita-Salute San Raffaele) require IMAT entrance test.
Ready to apply?
For the country overview, read Study in Italy 2026: Complete Guide. For program selection, see Top universities in Italy for international students 2026. For comparable programs in Germany, see DAAD Scholarship 2026 and Fully funded scholarships in Germany 2026.
To check what English test score you need for Italian universities, see English test score requirements 2026.
Browse our database of scholarships in Italy and Italian universities. Once you have a target, our scholarship application support service covers motivation letter coaching, document review, and timeline planning.
The honest summary: Italy in 2026 is one of the most cost-effective European destinations for low and middle-income international students. The combination of ISEE Parificato (which cuts tuition from €4,000 to €157), DSU regional scholarships (free housing and meals), and MAECI (€10,800 cash) means a fully funded master’s degree is realistic for many applicants. Start with Universitaly pre-enrollment and work backwards from the September 2026 academic year.
Published by ScholyHub Editorial. Last reviewed for accuracy in May 2026 against the MAECI 2026/2027 call, the Study in Italy portal, and individual university scholarship pages. Stipend amounts and deadlines are 2026 figures and subject to update by Italian authorities.