Studying in Italy can become more affordable through scholarships, tuition reductions and other student-support programs. For Indian students planning higher education in Italy, scholarship opportunities can include Italian Government scholarships, regional scholarships, university-specific awards, merit-based scholarships and need-based financial support.
However, scholarship eligibility is not automatic. Each scholarship has its own requirements, application procedure, deadline and selection criteria.
This guide explains the major Italy scholarships for Indian students, eligibility requirements, benefits, documents and application process for 2026.
Why Consider Scholarships to Study in Italy?
Italy offers several forms of financial support for students. The official Universitaly portal explains that scholarships and benefits can be available through regional student-welfare organizations and individual higher-education institutions. Support can be based on financial need, academic merit or other eligibility criteria.
Scholarships can potentially help students with:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Other study-related costs
The exact benefit depends on the scholarship.
Students should therefore distinguish between a scholarship, a tuition waiver, a fee reduction and a living allowance. They are not necessarily the same thing.
Types of Italy Scholarships for Indian Students
1. Italian Government Scholarships – MAECI
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships for eligible foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad.
The 2026/27 MAECI call covered selected study, training and research programs at public or legally recognized private Italian institutions. The official call states that scholarships are awarded for eligible programs conducted in Italy.
Eligible study categories in the 2026/27 call included:
- Master’s degree programs
- Higher education in Fine Arts, Music and Dance
- PhD programs
- Research projects
- Intensive Italian language and culture courses
- Certain Bachelor’s/single-cycle Master’s cases for students meeting the specific previous-scholarship conditions
Important 2026/27 update
The application deadline for the 2026/27 MAECI call was March 26, 2026. Therefore, students reading this article in September 2026 should not assume that a new MAECI application can still be submitted for that academic year. The next call should be checked on the official Study in Italy portal when published.
2. Regional Scholarships in Italy
Regional scholarships are another important option for international students.
Italy has regional organizations responsible for student welfare and financial support. Universitaly provides information about these regional bodies by region.
Depending on the region and specific scholarship, benefits can include:
- Financial assistance
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Tuition-related benefits
- Other student services
Eligibility can depend on factors such as:
- Family economic circumstances
- Academic progress
- Enrollment status
- Course
- Residence or student status
- Required documentation
The application deadline is different for each region.
Therefore, students should check the scholarship authority connected with their university.
3. University Scholarships
Italian universities can also offer their own scholarships and financial benefits.
Universitaly provides a dedicated section where students can explore scholarships and benefits promoted by higher-education institutions.
University scholarships may be based on:
- Academic merit
- Entrance performance
- Family income
- Course
- International student status
- Specific university criteria
The value and application process vary from one university to another.
4. Merit-Based Scholarships
Some universities provide scholarships to students with strong academic records.
Selection may consider:
- Previous academic marks
- GPA
- Entrance examination results
- Academic achievements
- Course-specific criteria
The flyer mentions a 60% academic benchmark or university-specific requirement, but this should not be treated as a universal Italian scholarship rule. Scholarship and admission requirements vary by institution and award.
Students should always check the official scholarship announcement.
5. Need-Based Financial Support
Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for certain regional or university benefits.
Economic circumstances can be assessed using the documentation required under the applicable Italian system.
For international students, universities or regional bodies may require specific documentation concerning family income and assets.
In some circumstances, an ISEE-equivalent assessment may be relevant to determine eligibility for financial benefits.
The exact documentation required depends on the region and institution.
6. Research and PhD Scholarships
Students planning doctoral studies can explore research-related funding opportunities.
Possible funding sources include:
- University PhD scholarships
- Research grants
- Government scholarships
- University research projects
- Regional support
PhD funding requirements are normally more specialized than Bachelor’s or Master’s scholarship requirements.
Students should review the specific doctoral call issued by the university.
Popular Courses for Scholarship Applicants
Scholarships may be available across many academic fields.
Engineering
Possible areas include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics
- Industrial Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Architecture & Design
Students can explore:
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Product Design
- Fashion Design
- Industrial Design
Some programs may have additional entrance requirements.
Business & Management
Popular areas include:
- Business Administration
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Students interested in technology can explore:
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Analytics
- Business Analytics
- Computer Science
Medicine & Health Sciences
Programs may include:
- Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Other healthcare-related disciplines
Some programs are regulated or have competitive admission processes.
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Students can also explore:
- Economics
- International Relations
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Arts
Fashion, Food & Hospitality
Italy can also be relevant for students interested in:
- Fashion
- Luxury Management
- Hospitality
- Hotel Management
- Tourism
- Food-related programs
- Culinary and hospitality management
Italy Scholarship Eligibility
There is no single eligibility rule for all Italy scholarships.
Each scholarship has its own criteria.
Common factors may include:
Academic Performance
Some awards consider:
- Previous grades
- GPA
- Academic achievements
- Entrance examination performance
Admission Status
Some scholarships require students to have:
- An admission offer
- Enrollment
- Pre-enrollment
- A specific university application
However, the exact requirement depends on the scholarship.
Language Proficiency
Depending on the course, students may need evidence of:
- English proficiency
- Italian proficiency
- Another required language
The language requirement can be course-specific.
Financial Circumstances
Need-based scholarships may require documentation about:
- Family income
- Family members
- Assets
- Financial circumstances
Nationality
Some scholarships are restricted to particular countries or categories of applicants.
Students should verify whether Indian nationals are eligible under the specific scholarship call.
How to Apply for Italy Scholarships
The application process depends on the scholarship.
A general process can look like this:
Step 1: Choose Your Course
Start by identifying a suitable Italian university and program.
The official Universitaly portal provides information about Italian degree programs, tuition fees, scholarships and other study-related requirements.
Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility
Read the official scholarship call carefully.
Check:
- Nationality requirements
- Academic requirements
- Age requirements where applicable
- Course requirements
- Language requirements
- Financial criteria
- Application deadline
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Common documents may include:
- Passport
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- Language certificate
- Income documents where required
- Admission letter where required
Step 4: Apply Through the Correct Portal
Different scholarships use different application systems.
For MAECI scholarships, applications are submitted through the Study in Italy website. The official FAQ states that MAECI applications are free and must be submitted through the Study in Italy portal.
Regional and university scholarships can have separate application portals.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Do not wait until the final day.
Scholarship deadlines can be earlier than university or visa deadlines.
Step 6: Wait for the Result
Selection procedures vary.
Applicants may be selected based on:
- Merit
- Financial need
- Academic profile
- Scholarship-specific criteria
- Available funding
Documents Required for Italy Scholarships
The exact document list depends on the scholarship.
Students may need:
Academic Documents
- Class 10 certificate
- Class 12 certificate
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree where applicable
- Academic transcripts
- Course completion documents
Personal Documents
- Passport
- Passport photographs
- CV
- Personal information
Application Documents
- Statement of purpose
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Admission letter where required
Financial Documents
For need-based scholarships, students may need:
- Family income documents
- Asset information
- Family composition documents
- Other financial evidence
International students should prepare documents according to the scholarship authority’s specified format.
MAECI Scholarship: Motivation Letter
A strong motivation letter can be important when a scholarship application requires one.
The official MAECI FAQ states that applicants can describe their personal story, educational background, academic interests, reasons for choosing Italy and the purpose and goals of their study project. For the 2026/27 call, the motivation letter was limited to 500 words.
A good motivation letter can explain:
- Your academic background
- Why you selected the course
- Why you want to study in Italy
- Your academic interests
- Your career objectives
- How the program fits your long-term plans
Avoid copying generic statements.
Scholarship Benefits
Scholarship benefits vary significantly.
Depending on the award, students may receive:
Tuition Support
Some scholarships or fee benefits can reduce or waive tuition fees.
Living Support
Certain scholarships provide financial assistance toward living costs.
Accommodation
Some regional student-support systems can provide access to student accommodation.
Meals
Some regional schemes include subsidized or supported meals.
Other Benefits
Additional benefits can depend on the region, university or scholarship.
Students should read the official award conditions before assuming that a scholarship covers all expenses.
Does an Italy Scholarship Mean Free Education?
Not necessarily.
A scholarship can have different forms:
- Full tuition waiver
- Partial tuition reduction
- Living allowance
- Accommodation support
- Meal support
- Combination of benefits
The official Study in Italy information notes that Italian university tuition varies according to factors including institution type, family income and degree course, and some universities can provide exemptions under applicable rules.
Therefore, students should calculate the remaining tuition and living costs after considering any scholarship.
Can Indian Students Get Scholarships in Italy?
Indian students can explore scholarships offered by Italian universities, regional student-welfare organizations and government programs where the relevant eligibility rules permit.
For MAECI, eligibility is determined by the official annual call and its list of eligible countries. Students should check the current call rather than assuming eligibility based solely on nationality.
For regional and university scholarships, eligibility can differ considerably.
Italy Scholarships and University Admission Are Separate
This is an important point.
For MAECI scholarships, the official FAQ explicitly states that applying for a scholarship and enrolling at a university are two separate procedures.
Therefore, students should not assume:
Scholarship application = university admission
Instead, carefully follow both processes where applicable.
Study in Italy Scholarship Application Timeline
A student’s timeline may look like:
1. Research Courses
Identify universities and programs.
2. Check Admission Requirements
Confirm academic and language eligibility.
3. Prepare Documents
Collect academic, financial and personal documents.
4. Apply to the University
Follow the university’s application procedure.
5. Research Scholarships
Check university, regional and government opportunities.
6. Submit Scholarship Applications
Apply before the applicable deadline.
7. Complete Pre-Enrolment
Follow the applicable Universitaly process.
8. Apply for Student Visa
Submit the visa application with the required documentation.
For 2026/27, Universitaly’s current international-student procedures state that visa applications for ordinary degree courses must be submitted by 30 November 2026, although universities can set earlier deadlines.
Italy Student Visa and Scholarships
Receiving a scholarship does not by itself guarantee a student visa.
The current Universitaly procedures for 2026/27 and 2027/28 state that the final decision on a study visa belongs exclusively to the competent diplomatic-consular authority. University validation or pre-enrolment does not guarantee visa issuance.
Students should therefore prepare the required visa documentation carefully, including evidence relevant to their financial circumstances and scholarship status where applicable.
Italy Scholarships for Master’s Students
Master’s students can explore several scholarship categories.
These can include:
- MAECI scholarships
- Regional scholarships
- University merit scholarships
- Tuition reductions
- Need-based support
- Research-related funding
The MAECI 2026/27 call included eligible Master’s degree programs among its scholarship categories.
Students should check whether their chosen Master’s program is included in the relevant scholarship call.
Italy Scholarships for Bachelor’s Students
Bachelor’s scholarship options can be different from Master’s opportunities.
Regional and university financial support can be relevant, but the eligibility criteria vary.
The MAECI 2026/27 call had a specific restriction for Bachelor’s/single-cycle Master’s scholarships: the relevant category was limited to students who had already benefited from the specified “Costruiamo il futuro” scholarship under the conditions of that call.
Therefore, students should not advertise MAECI as a general Bachelor’s scholarship available to every new applicant.
Italy Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Assuming Every Scholarship Covers 100% of Costs
Scholarship benefits vary.
❌ Applying Without Checking Eligibility
Always read the official call.
❌ Missing the Deadline
Scholarship deadlines can be different from university deadlines.
❌ Using Incorrect Financial Documents
Need-based applications can require specific documentation.
❌ Ignoring Course Requirements
Being eligible for a scholarship does not necessarily mean you meet the university’s academic requirements.
❌ Assuming Admission Guarantees a Scholarship
Scholarship selection is a separate process for many awards.
❌ Assuming a Scholarship Guarantees a Visa
Visa decisions remain with the relevant consular authority.
Why Choose Italy for Higher Education?
Italy offers international students access to:
- Public universities
- Private universities
- English-taught programs
- European qualifications
- Scholarship opportunities
- Regional student support
- Research opportunities
- Diverse academic disciplines
- Cultural and international exposure
The official Study in Italy and Universitaly platforms provide information about courses, tuition, scholarships and entry requirements.
Study in Italy with GlobalScholar
Finding the right scholarship requires more than simply searching for a funding opportunity.
Students need to match:
Academic profile + Course + University + Scholarship + Financial documentation + Deadlines
GlobalScholar Study Abroad can assist students with:
✅ Course selection
✅ University selection
✅ Eligibility assessment
✅ Scholarship research guidance
✅ Document preparation
✅ University application support
✅ Scholarship application guidance
✅ Universitaly guidance
✅ Student visa guidance
✅ Pre-departure support
Students from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh and across India can contact GlobalScholar to explore suitable Italy study options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scholarships are available in Italy for Indian students?
Possible options include MAECI government scholarships, regional scholarships, university-specific scholarships, merit-based awards and need-based financial support. Eligibility varies by scholarship.
Is the Italy government scholarship available for Indian students?
MAECI eligibility depends on the countries included in the annual call. Students should check the official Study in Italy call for the relevant academic year.
Can I get a full scholarship to study in Italy?
Some scholarships can provide substantial financial support, but benefits vary. A student should check whether the award covers tuition, accommodation, meals, living expenses or only part of these costs.
Can I get a scholarship based on family income?
Some regional and university benefits use financial circumstances as part of their eligibility criteria. The required documentation varies.
Do I need an admission letter before applying for a scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some require admission or enrollment, while others have separate application procedures.
Is MAECI scholarship application free?
Yes. The official Study in Italy FAQ states that submitting a MAECI application does not involve an application fee.
Can I apply for both a university scholarship and a regional scholarship?
Potentially, but the rules depend on the specific scholarships and institution. Students should check the conditions of each award.
Are scholarships available for Master’s programs in Italy?
Yes. Master’s programs are included among the study categories covered by the MAECI 2026/27 call, and universities and regional bodies can also provide other forms of support.
Are scholarships available for Bachelor’s programs?
Some regional and university scholarships can be available. MAECI’s 2026/27 Bachelor’s category had specific eligibility restrictions, so it should not be treated as a general scholarship for all new Bachelor’s applicants.
Does getting a scholarship guarantee an Italy student visa?
No. Scholarship funding and visa issuance are separate matters. The final decision on a study visa belongs to the competent Italian diplomatic-consular authority.
Start Your Italy Scholarship Journey
Italy scholarships for Indian students can help eligible students reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, but every scholarship has its own rules.
Start by choosing your course and university, then check the relevant government, regional and university scholarship opportunities. Always verify the latest scholarship call, deadline and eligibility requirements before applying.
🇮🇹 Study in Italy 2026
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