Financial Aid for International Students in Italy

Haiqa Mushtaq -


Studying in Italy, a country known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and unparalleled culinary experiences, is a dream for many international students. Beyond its cultural attraction, Italy offers a strong and healthy education system with a wide array of academic disciplines. For those concerned about the financial aspects of studying abroad, Italy provides various scholarships that help make this dream a reality. This blog post will explore some of the scholarships available for international students wishing to pursue their studies in Italy, highlighting eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.

Government Scholarships at a Glance

The Italian government offers several scholarships under its “Invest Your Talent in Italy” program. These scholarships are available to international students from a select list of countries who wish to pursue higher education in Italy in the fields of Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics, and Management at leading Italian universities. The scholarship includes tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and health insurance. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate proficiency in English.

University Scholarships: Tailored Opportunities

Many Italian universities also offer their scholarships or participate in national scholarship programs, providing financial aid to international students based on merit or need. For example:

  • University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students: The University of Bologna offers study grants to international students who wish to register for First, Single, and Second Cycle Degree Programs at the University of Bologna. Awards are based on SAT and GRE tests scores, as well as academic merits.
  • Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships: This technical university offers merit-based scholarships to international students enrolled in Master of Science programs. The scholarships can cover full tuition fees and provide an additional stipend for living expenses.
  • Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships: Sapienza offers a range of scholarships to international students, including fee waivers and grants based on various criteria, such as academic merit and financial need.

Specialized Scholarships: For Unique Talents and Needs

There are also scholarships targeted at specific groups or fields of study, such as:

  • EDISU Piemonte Scholarships: These are intended for students, including internationals, who are enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s, master’s, single-cycle master’s, or PhD degree program at universities in Piedmont. The scholarship includes a part dedicated to tuition fees and a part covering living expenses.
  • Invest Your Talent in Italy: Apart from the government's program, many private foundations, Italian companies, and international organizations offer scholarships for international students in Italy. These scholarships often target specific fields of study and come with internships or job placements upon graduation.

Applying for Scholarships: Steps to Success

The application process for scholarships in Italy varies depending on the scholarship program. However, some common steps include:

  1. Research and Select Scholarships: Start by identifying the scholarships for which you are eligible and that best match your academic and career goals.
  2. Prepare Your Documents: Most scholarships will require your academic transcripts, a motivation letter, recommendation letters, a CV, and proof of language proficiency (often English or Italian). For some, you might also need to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT, GRE, or GMAT.
  3. Meet the Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines vary, but they typically fall several months before the academic year starts. Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar and prepare your application well in advance.
  4. Apply: Submit your application according to the specific requirements of each scholarship. Some applications are online, while others may require you to send documents by post.

Maximizing Your Chances

To increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship, pay close attention to the application instructions and tailor your application to highlight how you meet the scholarship criteria. Be sure to proofread your application materials and consider having them reviewed by an advisor or mentor.

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad in Italy, making it more accessible and affordable. By taking the time to research and apply for scholarships, international students can take advantage of these opportunities to pursue their academic and career aspirations in one of the world’s most culturally rich countries. Remember, the key to securing a scholarship lies in thorough research, a strong application, and attention to detail.

Buona fortuna!