Italy isn’t just a great place to visit because of its beautiful cities and rich history. It’s also a great place to get a world-class education at a low cost. For Indian students, scholarships make it possible to study in Italy and change their lives. There are many ways to get money from the Italian government, universities, and private groups to pay for school, living expenses, and even travel.
This guide lists the best scholarships, who can apply, how to apply, and some insider tips to help you get money for your dream degree in Italy.
Why Pick Italy for College
Education that is both cheap and good
Italy has some of the oldest and most respected universities in Europe, such as the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, and Sapienza University of Rome. The cost of living is manageable with the right planning, and tuition is much lower than in the US or UK.
A Variety of English-Taught Programs
There are a lot of master’s and bachelor’s programs that are taught only in English, especially in fields like engineering, design, architecture, and management.
A lot of culture and student life
Studying here means seeing a lively mix of culture, history, and the world, from Renaissance art to real Italian food.
The Best Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students
1. Scholarships from the Italian government
- Provider: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
- Coverage: Tuition, health insurance, and a monthly allowance
- Eligibility: International students pursuing master’s or PhD at an Italian public university
- Tip for applying: Make sure your motivation statement and academic excellence are clear. Fluency in English or Italian is required.
2. Invest Your Talent in Italy Grant
- Focus: Indian students pursuing a master’s in engineering, ICT, management, or architecture
- Coverage: Tuition, some living expenses, and a chance to intern at an Italian company
- Why It’s Great: Combines classroom learning with real-world experience, perfect for students aiming to work in Italy or Europe
3. EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
- Region: Piedmont (Universities like the University of Turin and Politecnico di Torino)
- Coverage: Tuition, housing, and meal plans based on income and merit
- Eligibility: Students from EU and non-EU countries enrolled full-time in eligible universities
4. Grants for study at the University of Bologna
- Amount: Up to €11,000 for deserving international students
- Programs Covered: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Selection Criteria: Grades, SAT/GRE scores, and financial need
- Tip: Apply early, these grants are highly competitive
5. Merit-Based Scholarships at Politecnico di Milano
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition waiver plus living allowance up to €10,000/year
- Requirements: Excellent academic record, strong portfolio (for design/architecture)
- Why Apply: Politecnico di Milano is a top engineering and design school in Europe, making this scholarship highly valuable
6. PhD Scholarships at Scuola Normale Superiore
- Coverage: Tuition, housing, and research costs
- Programs: Science, humanities, and social sciences
- Best for: Students focused on research with strong academic records
How to Get Scholarships in Italy
Step 1: Make a list of universities and programs
Find colleges that match your academic goals. Most scholarships are available only at certain universities or programs.
Step 2: Get your application papers ready
- Transcripts from school
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- CV or resume
Step 3: Apply before the due date
Most Italian scholarships open January–April for September intake. Check official websites and embassy announcements regularly.
Step 4: Prepare for interviews
Some merit-based scholarships require an in-person or online interview. Be ready to discuss your goals and contributions.
Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
Focus on merit and clarity
Be explicit about your goals and how your education will make an impact.
Apply for multiple scholarships
Don’t rely on one. Combine regional and university-level scholarships for better coverage.
Be ready with proof of income
Some scholarships are income-based. Keep certificates or bank statements ready.
Keep things organized
Maintain a spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, and submission statuses.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Submit incomplete documents
- Miss deadlines due to time zone confusion
- Ignore GPA or age limits
- Submit generic SOPs that don’t align with the university’s values
Example of a Realistic Budget (After Scholarship)
| Cost | Amount (€ per month) |
|---|---|
| Lodging | 300–500 |
| Food | 150–250 |
| Transportation | 30–50 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 |
| Total | 600–900 |
Partial scholarships or living allowances can reduce costs by 40–60%.
What Scholarships in Italy Will Look Like in 2025
Different kinds of scholarships
- Italian government (MAECI): Invest Your Talent in Italy for master’s students in engineering, management, and IT; covers tuition, allowance, and internships
- University scholarships: Merit-based tuition waivers and stipends at Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, University of Milan
- Erasmus+ and EU grants: For master’s and exchange students
- Private/industry sponsorships: Specific fields like design, fashion, STEM
Why Italy is becoming more open to scholarships
Universities are adding English-taught programs targeting international students, increasing scholarship accessibility for non-EU students.
Six Common Reasons Scholarship Applications Fail
1. Profile mismatch
Generic applications make panels doubt commitment.
2. Poorly written motivation letter
Vague goals and unclear projects reduce credibility.
3. Weak supporting evidence
Missing transcripts, drops in grades, or poor references are red flags.
4. Late or incomplete applications
Scholarships are competitive; incomplete submissions fail.
5. Language and presentation issues
Sloppy English or badly formatted PDFs look unprofessional.
6. Ignoring targeted opportunities
One-size-fits-all applications fail for different selection criteria.
Thirteen Useful Tips for Running Your Scholarship Campaign
Plan
- Create a calendar with MAECI and university calls
- Choose three focus programs: safe, likely, and aspirational
- Align your profile with scholarship values
Polish
- Tailor motivation letters to each program
- Provide referees with a one-page summary
- Translate and certify documents early
- Ensure clear and professional formatting
Present
- Prepare a 60-second pitch
- Showcase real results like internships and portfolios
- Demonstrate financial planning for partial scholarships
Network and Check-In
- Contact program coordinators early
- Leverage alumni and representatives from India
- Prepare Plan B funding (smaller grants, part-time jobs)
Looking for Experts, Influencers, and Points of View
Where to Find
- Official MAECI and university scholarship pages
- University international office officers
- Indian alumni forums and LinkedIn groups
- Verified education counselors
Influencers
Follow international offices and academics on LinkedIn/Twitter. Keep an eye on Indian education websites but verify official sources.
Case Study—An Example of a Short, Realistic Path
Priya, 24, BTech in CS, 76%, 2 internships, GRE-qualified
Goal: Master’s in Data Science, English-taught, technical university in Italy.
Steps Taken:
- Mapped MAECI and university deadlines; wrote custom SOPs
- Collected referees, translated documents, certified transcripts
- Prepared two SOP versions: research fit and employability
- Practiced mock interviews with alumni
- Received partial tuition waiver + Invest Your Talent award
Result: Targeted applications, early paperwork, and proof of skills increased acceptance chances.
A Quick List You Can Use Right Now
- Calendar with MAECI + five universities
- Custom SOPs per call
- Two referees ready
- Transcripts translated/apostilled
- Portfolio/GitHub link in CV
- Emergency fund/Plan B
Three Expert Articles About Scholarships for Indian Students in Italy
- Scholarships for Italy: A Guide for Indian Students in 2025 – The upGrad Abroad Team
- The Ultimate Guide to Government of Italy Scholarships for Indian Students 2025–2026 – Leap Scholar
- Indian students can study in Italy with a scholarship in 2025 – Careers360
Two Important Expert Quotes
“Italy is proud to welcome more and more Indian students, who add a lot of talent and diversity to our schools.” – HE Antonio Bartoli, Italy’s Ambassador to India
“Scholarships in Italy are worth looking into because they lower the cost of living and tuition, which lets students focus on their studies.” – YES Italy Guide
LetzStudy: Indian Students’ Success Stories with Italian Scholarships
1. Aishwarya Rao – Padua
Studied art history. LetzStudy helped with school selection and scholarship essays. Received a full scholarship to the University of Padua.
“LetzStudy made the impossible seem possible. Their advice gave me confidence and clarity at every step.”
2. Karthik Hegde – Milan
Master’s in Engineering. Guided through scholarship selection, application review, and interview tips. Won merit-based scholarship at Politecnico di Milano.
“I would have missed the chance without LetzStudy. Their advice and in-person help were invaluable.”
3. Sneha Kumar – Turin
Studied International Business. Assistance with deadlines and scholarship essays. Received a partial scholarship to the University of Turin.
“LetzStudy believed in me and helped me make my scholarship dream come true.”
Are you ready to make your dream of getting a scholarship in Italy come true? Call LetzStudy today to set up your personalized consultation and begin your journey.
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