Planning to study in Italy in 2026 but worried about the cost?
Good news — Italy offers a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students.
This guide explains every major scholarship type, how to apply, and what benefits you can expect. You can also visit our dedicated page for regular updates:
👉 Latest Scholarships in Italy – ScholyHub
Why Scholarships in Italy Matter
Italy already has one of the lowest tuition fee systems in Europe, especially at public universities.
Still, living in cities like Milan, Rome, or Turin can be costly — and that’s where scholarships make a difference.
Scholarships can cover:
- Tuition fees (fully or partially)
- Accommodation and meals
- Monthly stipends for living expenses
- Travel and insurance (for some programs)
Types of Scholarships in Italy
1. National Government Scholarships (MAECI)
The Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
Who can apply:
- Foreign students and Italians living abroad (IRE).
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and AFAM (Arts, Music, Dance) students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition exemption (at partner universities).
- €900 monthly allowance (approx. €9,000 per year).
- Health insurance during the study period.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be under 28 years old for Master’s programs (under 30 for PhD).
- Must have a strong academic record.
- Must meet the language requirements of their chosen program.
Deadline: Usually May each year (for 2025–26 it was May 16, 2025).
Apply via: Study in Italy (MAECI Portal)
2. Regional Scholarships (DSU / EDISU / LazioDiSCo)
Regional scholarships are among the most popular and accessible for international students.
They are offered by local regional bodies depending on the university’s location.
Example Programs
- DSU Toscana – For students in Tuscany (University of Florence, Pisa, Siena).
- EDISU Piemonte – For students in Turin and Piedmont region.
- LazioDiSCo – For universities in Rome (Sapienza, Tor Vergata, Roma Tre).
Benefits:
- Free or subsidized accommodation.
- Free meals and transport discounts.
- Annual allowance of €5,000–€7,000 depending on income and performance.
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in a public university in that region.
- Based on financial need (income threshold) and academic performance.
- Requires ISEE Parificato income certificate.
Deadline: June–August (varies by region).
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in Italy offer merit-based or excellence scholarships for international students.
4. Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)
A prestigious scholarship for students from selected countries (including Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, etc.).
Covers:
- Tuition fee exemption.
- Monthly stipend of €900.
- Internship opportunities with Italian companies.
Eligible Fields:
Engineering, ICT, Economics, Management, and Design.
Deadline: Typically March every year.
Official Website – Invest Your Talent in Italy
Required Documents for Scholarship Applications
Most scholarship applications require:
- Valid passport copy
- Admission letter (or proof of application)
- Transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (Europass format)
- Motivation letter (specific to scholarship)
- Proof of language proficiency
- Income or family financial documents (for regional scholarships)
- Any specific form required by the university or government body
Pro Tip: Always submit certified translations of your academic documents if they’re not in English or Italian.
Scholarship Application Timeline (2026 Intake)
| Period | What Happens |
|---|---|
| November 2025 – January 2026 | Early university scholarship announcements. |
| February – May 2026 | Government (MAECI) and regional scholarships open. |
| June – July 2026 | University-specific and DSU/EDISU deadlines. |
| July – August 2026 | Results announced and award letters issued. |
| August – September 2026 | Use scholarship confirmation for visa application. |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Italy
- Shortlist scholarships relevant to your program and region.
- Prepare all documents in advance (in PDF format).
- Apply online via the official university or government portal.
- Track your application status through email or university dashboard.
- Use the scholarship award letter during your student visa application.
Tips for Success
- Apply early — most scholarships close by May or June 2026.
- Tailor your motivation letter for each scholarship.
- Keep documents scanned, translated, and properly labeled.
- For need-based scholarships, prepare your income statement early.
- Apply for multiple scholarships; you can hold one major and one minor award.
Popular Scholarships for 2026 (Quick List)
- Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI)
- DSU / EDISU / LazioDiSCo Regional Grants
- Invest Your Talent in Italy
- University of Milan Excellence Scholarships
- University of Padua Scholarships
- University of Siena Excellence Scholarships
- Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships
- University of Turin “Talents 4 UniTo”
Integration with ScholyHub
You can find detailed, regularly updated calls and deadlines here:
🔗 Scholarships in Italy – ScholyHub
This article serves as your master guide, while the ScholyHub page lists active opportunities and new scholarship announcements throughout 2026.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships are your ticket to studying in Italy with minimal financial stress.
Apply early, stay consistent, and keep checking university and government portals for new updates.
The next article will cover:
➡️ Part 4: Visa, Living Costs, and Accommodation in Italy 2026
Need Professional Guidance?
Applying to 80+ Italian universities, managing multiple calls, and preparing visa documents can feel overwhelming.
Our expert team at ScholyHub Consultants provides personalized support:
- University shortlisting and application assistance
- Scholarship guidance and financial document review
- Visa file preparation and interview coaching
👉 Book a Free Consultation Here
Let our team help you secure admission to your dream university in Italy for 2026.
Wish You Best of Luck!!