"Italy has great universities, but is studying there affordable?" "I heard scholarships are available—how do I find the right one?"
These are common doubts students have when shortlisting study abroad options. Italy is known for its strong academic reputation, especially in fields like fashion, design, architecture, engineering, and business. Universities like Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi, and University of Bologna attract international students every year—including many from India.
But even with affordable tuition compared to other Western countries, the overall cost of studying in Italy—living expenses, visa, housing—can still be a concern. It’s always better t check if you are eligible for scholarships.
In this blog, you’ll find the top Italy scholarship for Indian students in 2025—covering government support, university-based aid, and regional grants.
How and Where to Apply for Italy Scholarship for Indian Students?
University websites – Visit the admissions or scholarships section
Study in Italy portal – For government or ministry-level scholarships
Regional bodies – Like EDISU (Piedmont) or Regione Veneto
PhD/research program portals – For project-based fellowships
You’ll need documents like transcripts, passport, SOP, financial proof, and sometimes a language certificate. Each scholarship lists its own process and documents.
Are Italy Scholarship for Indian Students Easy to Get?
No. But they’re not out of reach either. The top ones are highly competitive, especially those with full funding. Scholarships by regional governments or individual departments may have fewer applicants and better odds.
Apply early. Most deadlines close between February and April. Keep your academic records ready and follow each application step closely.
After getting the scholarship, your next step is the visa. Here’s what you need to know about the Student Visa for Italy.
Government-Funded Italy Scholarships for Indian Students
Italy offers several scholarships funded by the national or regional governments. These are open to international students, including Indian applicants, and help cover tuition, housing, and living expenses. Here's a quick overview of the top government-funded options:
Scholarship Name
What It Covers
Who Can Apply & How
Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
- Tuition fee exemption
- €900/month living stipend
For Master’s, PhD, and select short-term programs.
Indian students with strong academics.
Apply via the Study in Italy portal (March–April).
Admission offer preferred.
Regione Veneto Scholarships
- Tuition waiver
- Partial/full coverage of living costs
- Based on family income and merit
Students admitted to universities in the Veneto region (e.g. University of Padua).
Apply through the university after admission.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
- Tuition waiver
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Monthly living grant
Students at universities in Piedmont (e.g. Politecnico di Torino).
Apply post-admission via the EDISU portal (July–Sept).
Scholarship Deadlines at a Glance
Scholarship
Application Window
MAECI (Italian Govt.)
March – April
Regione Veneto
June – August
EDISU Piemonte
July – September
Most regional and need-based scholarships ask for ISEE (Equivalent Indicator of Economic Situation). For Indian applicants, this typically includes:
CA-certified income certificate
Bank statements (last 6–12 months)
Affidavit of income from a notary
PAN card and IT returns of parents (optional but helpful)
Check if your university offers ISEE conversion support or has an in-house international student office to help with translations.
Want to figure out if you can actually afford life there? This Cost of Living in Italy post gives you the real numbers.
Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: University-Specific
Many Italian universities offer their own scholarships to attract top international talent. These scholarships are usually based on academic merit and are linked to the admission process. Here's a look at some top options for Indian students:
University Scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarship Name
What It Covers
Who Can Apply & How
Bologna University Scholarships
- Tuition fee waivers
- Annual grants up to €11,000
Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants.
Apply through the university’s international student portal.
Padua International Excellence Scholarships
- Full tuition waiver
- €8,000/year living allowance
High-achieving non-EU students.
Automatically considered after applying to eligible English-taught programs.
Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
- Partial to full tuition waivers
- Some include extra grant for living costs
Master’s students in engineering, architecture, and design.
Apply during university admission.
Politecnico di Torino Scholarships
- Tuition waivers
- Accommodation and limited financial support
Mainly for Master’s programs.
Based on merit and project availability.
Apply through the admission portal.
Bocconi Merit and International Awards
- Full tuition waiver
- Merit award may include a €12,000+ grant
Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
Scholarships are considered with admission application.
Competitive process.
Università Cattolica International Scholarships
- Tuition discount (25–50%)
- No separate stipend or living support
Offered to international Master’s applicants.
Apply via the international admissions page.
University of Pavia Scholarships
- Tuition support
- Limited grants for living expenses
Available for selected Master’s programs.
Apply after receiving admission confirmation.
Most university-specific scholarships are linked to your academic records and statement of purpose. No need to apply separately in many cases—just submit a strong application.
Many scholarships go to students at public colleges. Read about how Public Universities in Italy work and why they matter.
Match the Scholarship to the University’s Strengths
Padua: Strong in science and research fields
PoliMi: Best for architecture, design, and tech
Bocconi: Top choice for finance, economics, and business
Cattolica: Good for humanities and communications
Can You Renew the Scholarship?
Many of these are renewable every year. To keep them:
Maintain minimum required CGPA (varies by university, usually around 25–30 ECTS with 24+ GPA)
Finish coursework on time
Re-apply or confirm renewal through your student portal
“My SOP made a huge difference. I connected my past internship with the curriculum and showed clear goals. That helped me get the full waiver at Cattolica.” — Aarav, MA Media Studies
Looking at medical programs? MBBS in Italy explains everything from entrance exams to scholarship chances.
Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: Region-Based
Some Italian regions offer their own scholarship schemes to support international students living and studying in specific areas. These often overlap with government initiatives but are managed locally.
Region-Based Scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarship Name
What It Covers
Who Can Apply & How
Regione Veneto Scholarships
- Tuition waiver
- Full/partial coverage of living expenses
- Based on merit and family income
Students admitted to universities in the Veneto region (e.g. University of Padua, Ca’ Foscari).
Apply through the university after admission.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
- Tuition exemption
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Monthly living grant
For students enrolled in Piedmont universities (e.g. Politecnico di Torino, University of Turin).
Apply via EDISU portal after securing admission.
These scholarships consider financial background and academic performance. Keep income documents ready and apply soon after your admission is confirmed.
Why Indian Students Shouldn’t Miss These
You don’t need to be a resident of Italy
Once admitted to a university in the region, you qualify
Many regional authorities set aside seats for international students
Regional Website Language Tips
Many portals like EDISU are in Italian. Use Google Chrome’s auto-translate function, or check if your university provides a guide or step-by-step help during orientation.
Can You Combine Regional and University Scholarships?
Yes, in some cases. Example:
Tuition waiver from Politecnico di Torino
Housing + monthly stipend from EDISU Piemonte
Check with your university’s financial aid office about stacking rules.
Your SOP can really impact your application. This guide on SOP for Italy shows how to write one that stands out.
Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: Research and PhD-Based
If you’re planning to pursue a PhD or research-focused program in Italy, these scholarships are designed to support advanced academic work. They usually offer full funding and are competitive.
Research and PhD-Based Scholarships
Scholarship Name
What It Covers
Who Can Apply & How
Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation and meals
Open to top international PhD applicants.
Highly competitive.
Apply through the university's official portal. Programs typically begin in fall.
The Leakey Foundation Scholarships
- Research grants for fieldwork
- Travel and accommodation expenses (varies)
For students focused on anthropology or human evolution.
Requires a detailed research proposal.
Deadlines are usually twice a year.
These scholarships expect strong academic backgrounds, research clarity, and a defined study proposal. Start early, especially if your project involves fieldwork or international collaboration.
Preparing a Strong Research Proposal
Start at least 6–8 months in advance. Include:
A defined research problem
Methodology and scope
Citations (show that you’ve read existing work)
Possible contribution or outcome
Mention how the university aligns with your topic
Language and Communication
Most PhD programs are in English. Still, learn basic Italian if your research involves local data, archives, or fieldwork.
Applying to a B-school? MBA in Italy covers the top programs and what kind of scholarships you can expect.
How to Apply for Italy Scholarships for Indian Students: Step-by-Step
Scholarships in Italy follow a clear structure. Whether you're applying for a government, university, or regional grant, the process starts with your course admission. Indian students should stay prepared with the right documents and timeline.
Step-by-Step Process
Step
Details
Finalize your course and college
Shortlist programs and check if they offer scholarships for international students.
Understand the type of scholarship
Some awards are automatic (merit-based), others need a separate application.
Prepare documents early
Most scholarships ask for transcripts, SOP, LORs, and income details (if need-based).
Apply for admission
Most scholarships require you to hold a valid offer before you're considered.
Submit the scholarship form
Use university portals or regional sites like EDISU or Study in Italy, based on the scholarship type.
Track updates and results
Watch emails for shortlists, document requests, or further steps.
Documents You’ll Commonly Need
Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, bachelor’s if applying for master’s)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) tailored to your program
Letters of Recommendation (usually 1–2)
Valid passport
Proof of income (for need-based scholarships)
Language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or exemption letter if medium of instruction was English)
Italian regions often ask for ISEE-equivalent documents for income verification. Check if your university assists with this.
Prepare PDFs of all documents before the application cycle begins. Keep a digital folder ready to save time.
Sorting out your stay is just as important. This post on Accommodation in Italy gives smart tips to help plan your housing.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Italy Scholarships for Indian Students
Italian scholarships are selective. If you're applying from India, a sharp application and smart timing matter more than luck. Here's how to give yourself an edge.
Smart Tips That Work
Tip
Why It Helps
Apply early
Scholarship slots fill fast. Late submissions often don’t get reviewed.
Tailor your SOP
Generic statements get ignored. Talk about the course, university, and career goals.
Keep your grades strong
Most merit-based awards look at CGPA. Aim for 7.5/10 or higher.
Have IELTS or MOI ready
Some accept Medium of Instruction, but IELTS opens more doors.
Use regional options
EDISU and Veneto awards offer tuition + living help. Many Indian students skip them.
Follow the university website
Many scholarships are listed only on official portals—not on general platforms.
A clear SOP and a complete early application often beat a high score submitted late. Plan early, submit well.
Explore Scholarship and Budgeting Tools on upGrad Abroad
When you're planning to study in Italy, two questions come up fast: How much will it cost? and What financial help is available? upGrad Abroad gives you simple tools to answer both—without the guesswork.
Tools You Can Use:
Latest scholarship lists sorted by course, university, and intake
Filters to find Italy-specific and region-based funding options
Alerts for upcoming deadlines so you don’t miss out
An Expense Calculator that estimates tuition, housing, visa, and daily expenses
Comparison tools to weigh your options across countries and universities
The Expense Calculator helps you check real-world costs based on your study location and lifestyle preferences.
Book a free 1:1 session with an upGrad Abroad expert.
FAQs on Italy Scholarships for Indian Students
Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in Italy?
Yes, several fully funded scholarships in Italy are available for Indian students. These often cover tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
Are Italian government scholarships open to UG students?
Most government scholarships are for Master’s and PhD students. Undergraduate students have fewer options but can apply for regional grants and university-level aid.
Do I need Italian language skills to apply for scholarships?
Not always. Many scholarships are for English-taught programs, so Italian isn't mandatory—but it may help in regional or local university scholarships.
How competitive are Italy’s top scholarships?
Top scholarships like the MAECI or DSU grant are highly competitive. A strong academic profile and complete documentation improve your chances.
What are the deadlines for 2025 intakes?
Most Italy scholarships for Indian students close between March and May 2025. Each university and scholarship body has its own schedule, so check early.
Can I combine more than one scholarship?
Usually not. If you get a fully funded scholarship, you can’t accept another major one. But small merit grants or fee discounts may still be allowed.
Do scholarships cover visa or flight expenses?
Some scholarships, like government or Erasmus+ programs, may include travel costs. Most, however, do not cover visa or airfare.
Are scholarships renewable every year?
Yes, many are—but only if you meet academic progress requirements. You’ll often need to clear a set number of credits to renew funding.
Which regions in Italy offer living cost grants?
Regions like Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Piedmont offer DSU grants that support both tuition and living expenses.
How do I prove income for need-based grants?
You’ll need to submit family income proof—usually through an ISEE equivalent form. Indian students may need income affidavits or bank statements, translated and legalized.
Do private universities in Italy offer scholarships?
Yes, many private universities offer merit-based or income-based scholarships. Institutions like Bocconi and LUISS provide generous financial aid for top students.
Is it easier to get a scholarship in smaller cities or lesser-known universities?
Yes, competition is often lower in smaller cities. Universities there may also have more generous regional grants for international students.
Can Master’s students from India apply without prior EU experience?
Yes, Indian students can apply directly for Italy scholarships in 2025 without any previous education in Europe. EU experience is not required.
Are there scholarships specific to STEM or business fields?
Absolutely. Fields like Engineering, Data Science, Economics, and Business have targeted scholarships, especially at research-focused universities.
Where can I track my application status?
You can track your scholarship application on the official university or government portal. Some send email updates, so check your inbox regularly.
With over a decade of expertise in international education, Jyotsna has held impactful roles at the British Council, Unilodgers, a prominent UK university, and IDP Education, empowering countless students by not only enhancing their educational experiences but also by offering them guidance in securing essential scholarships and financial aid. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals through tailored guidance and financial support.
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