You want a world-class degree, life-changing culture, and a smart budget. Italy delivers all three. The 2026/2027 cycle is your moment to grab Fully Funded scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, and more so you can focus on your studies, not your bills.
This guide shows you exactly where to find the best scholarships in Italy, what they cover, who can apply, and how to submit a winning application on time. No fluff. Just the proven routes international students use to study in Italy for free or close to it. Apply now while the new intake windows are opening.
Why Italy and why these scholarships
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Italy is a powerhouse in art, design, engineering, business, social sciences, and life sciences. Public universities keep tuition low, cities are student-friendly, and scholarships are plentiful if you know where to look. Fully Funded options often combine tuition waivers with housing, meals, and monthly stipends. Many awards are open to non-EU applicants, and several do not require you to speak Italian if your program is in English.
For 2026/2027, you can stack opportunities: a university merit award plus a regional DSU grant can take you all the way to Fully Funded. If you target the right programs and submit early, your odds rise fast.
Types of Fully Funded scholarships in Italy (2026/2027)
1) Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation funds scholarships for international students at Italian universities and conservatories. These typically cover tuition waivers, health insurance, and a monthly stipend for selected programs at the Master’s and PhD levels.
Best for: High-achieving non-Italian students applying for graduate study
Coverage: Tuition waivers, medical insurance, and monthly allowance
Each region funds student support through DSU (Right to University Study). These grants can be exceptionally generous: fee waivers, accommodation in student halls or housing allowance, meal vouchers, and a cash stipend. Many international students combine DSU with university merit aid to reach Fully Funded level.
Best for: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students with financial need
Coverage: Fee waiver, housing or housing allowance, meals, stipend
Top public universities award competitive merit scholarships that often waive full tuition and may add a stipend. Pairing one of these with a DSU grant can fully fund your degree.
University of Bologna: international study grants and tuition waivers
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These elite, multi-country Master’s programs often include Italian partner universities. Scholarships are Fully Funded for selected students, typically covering participation costs, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance.
Best for: Master’s applicants seeking a joint degree across Europe
Public universities in Italy almost always fund PhD positions. Packages commonly include full fee waivers and a monthly stipend. Top schools run highly competitive calls.
Best for: Research-focused applicants with strong academic records
Coverage: Full fee waiver and monthly stipend
Example: Scuola Normale Superiore PhD calls — sns.it
What “Fully Funded” usually covers
Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Accommodation in dormitory or housing allowance
Meal vouchers or cafeteria discounts
Health insurance
Travel support for some programs (notably Erasmus Mundus)
Exact benefits vary by scholarship and region. Always verify details in the official call.
Who can apply: eligibility at a glance
Criteria
Typical Requirement
Notes
Nationality
Open to international applicants
Some awards target non-EU; others open to all
Academic level
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Program-specific; PhD requires research proposal or publications
Merit
Strong grades and relevant background
University excellence awards are merit-driven
Financial need
Required for DSU/EDISU
Income and asset documentation from your home country is needed
Language
English or Italian proficiency
IELTS/TOEFL or Italian language certificate depending on program
Age limits
May apply for certain government awards
Check each call, as limits vary by degree level
Admission
Offer or conditional offer often required
Apply to the degree and the scholarship separately when needed
How to apply for 2026/2027 intake
Choose your degree and university
Use national portals and university pages to shortlist programs taught in English or Italian:
University scholarships: check the scholarships page of your chosen university
Map your funding
Target one merit scholarship + one regional DSU grant. Add Erasmus Mundus if your program qualifies. This combo often results in Fully Funded coverage.
Prepare documents early
Standard pack includes passport, transcripts, degree certificates, GPA scale, language test, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, portfolio or research proposal if required. For DSU, add official family income and asset statements authenticated and translated as requested.
Apply for admission
Most universities open applications in 2026 for 2026/2027. Some merit awards require you to apply early to the degree program to be considered.
Submit scholarship applications
Complete separate applications for MAECI, DSU/EDISU, and university excellence awards. Watch each portal for the new call.
Track results and accept offers
Monitor your email and student portal. Accept or rank offers promptly. Some DSU awards pay in installments after enrollment and merit confirmation.
Apply for the Italian study visa
Once admitted, request a D-type study visa at the Italian consulate. Prepare proof of funding, accommodation, and acceptance letter.
Enroll and register for housing
Arrive in Italy, finalize enrollment, request your residence permit, and complete DSU onboarding for accommodation and payments.
Deadlines for 2026/2027
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: typically Jan to Mar 2026 for scholarships. Visit the official catalogue for the current deadline.
Italian Government (MAECI): calls usually open in 2026 for the 2026/2027 academic year. Visit the official website for the current deadline.
University excellence scholarships: most run between Feb and May 2026, aligned with degree applications. Check each university’s page for the exact date.
Regional DSU/EDISU: most regions open calls around Jun to Sep 2026. Check your region’s DSU website for the latest deadline.
If no specific date is published yet: Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Required documents checklist
Valid passport
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Official GPA scale or grading explanation
Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or Italian certificate), or a letter proving English-taught prior study if accepted by the university
CV or Europass CV
Motivation letter or statement of purpose
Two recommendation letters from professors or employers
Portfolio for design/architecture/arts where required
Research proposal for PhD applicants
Financial need documents for DSU/EDISU: family income and asset certificates, legalized and translated if required
Passport photo and any university-specific forms
Tips to win a Fully Funded place
Apply early. Many merit scholarships prioritize early applicants.
Tailor your motivation letter to each program. Show fit, impact, and clear goals.
Secure strong references. Brief your referees with your CV and target program details.
Max out DSU potential. Prepare income documents early and follow the region’s instructions closely.
Target the right level. If your profile is stronger for a certain track, apply where your chances are highest.
Show proof of language comfortably above the minimum if possible.
For PhD, present a focused, feasible research plan connected to faculty interests.
Keep copies of all submissions and confirmations. Respond fast to any requests from the university.
Study and work in Italy: visa, part-time, stay-back
After you receive your offer and funding, apply for the national study visa (type D) at the Italian consulate serving your residence. Bring your admission letter, funding proof, accommodation details, and insurance if needed. On arrival, request your residence permit within the required time window.
Part-time work: International students are generally allowed to work part-time during studies, typically up to 20 hours per week. Confirm limits with your local immigration office.
Post-study options: Graduates may request a residence permit to search for a job or start a business, then convert to a work permit once employed. Policies can change, so verify current rules before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Italian to get a Fully Funded scholarship?
No, many programs are taught in English and accept English proficiency tests. If your course is in Italian, you will need proof of Italian. Always check the program language.
Can I combine a university scholarship with DSU to become Fully Funded?
Yes. This is a common and effective route. A merit award can waive tuition while DSU covers housing, meals, and a stipend.
Are these scholarships open to non-EU students?
Most listed options are open to international applicants, including non-EU. Some government or regional rules differ, so read each call carefully.
What if I miss the main deadlines?
Look for late-cycle intakes, apply for admission first, and target DSU next cycle. You can also consider Erasmus Mundus programs with different timelines or start preparing for the 2027 cycle early.
Is there an application fee?
Some universities charge an application fee for admission; scholarship applications are often free. Always confirm on the official page.
The new cycle is open. Shortlist your programs, line up your DSU region, and lock in your documents. Italy has Fully Funded options waiting for you. Start today, submit early, and give yourself the best shot at a life-changing scholarship. Apply now.
