Italy is not only a hub of art, fashion, and culture—it’s also one of Europe’s most affordable and scholarship-friendly destinations for higher education. In 2025, several top Italian universities are offering fully funded scholarships to attract talented international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, and even travel expenses.
This article explores the Top 10 universities in Italy that provide full scholarships to international students in 2025, along with eligibility details, coverage, and application deadlines.
Why Study in Italy?
- Affordable education: Compared to other Western countries, Italy offers top-quality education at a lower cost.
- World-class universities: Many Italian institutions rank among the top 200 globally.
- English-taught programs: A wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs are taught in English.
- Rich lifestyle: Students enjoy Europe’s cultural, artistic, and culinary heritage while studying.
Top 10 Italian Universities Offering Full Scholarships (2025)
| University | Scholarship Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bologna | Unibo Action 1 & 2 Scholarship | Full tuition + €11,000/year |
| University of Padova | Excellence Scholarship | Tuition + €8,000/year |
| Politecnico di Milano | Merit-Based Scholarships | Tuition + €10,000 + housing |
| University of Turin | EDISU Piemonte Scholarship | Tuition + housing + meals |
| University of Pisa | DSU Tuscany Regional Scholarship | Tuition + accommodation + stipend |
| University of Milan | Excellence Scholarship | Full tuition + €6,000/year |
| Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa | PhD Scholarship | Tuition + accommodation + €1,500/month |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Merit Scholarships | Tuition + €8,000/year |
| University of Siena | DSU Regional Scholarship | Tuition + free meals + stipend |
| Politecnico di Torino | TOPoliTO Scholarships | Tuition + €8,000/year |
1. University of Bologna
Scholarship: Unibo Action 1 & 2 Scholarships
Overview: As Europe’s oldest university, Bologna offers full scholarships to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Coverage: Full tuition + €11,000 grant.
Eligibility:
- Open to all international students.
- Must have SAT (for Bachelor’s) or GRE (for Master’s).
Deadline: March 2025.
2. University of Padova
Scholarship: Excellence Scholarship
Overview: Offers 50 fully funded scholarships for high-achieving students pursuing English-taught programs.
Coverage: Full tuition + €8,000 yearly stipend.
Eligibility:
- Non-Italian citizens with excellent academic records.
- Must apply to an English-taught degree program.
Deadline: February 2025.
3. Politecnico di Milano
Scholarship: Platinum, Gold, and Silver Merit Scholarships
Overview: One of Europe’s leading technical universities, Politecnico di Milano supports international master’s students with full scholarships.
Coverage: Full tuition + up to €10,000 per year + housing.
Eligibility:
- Strong academic background.
- Admission into an eligible Master’s program.
Deadline: February 2025.
4. University of Turin
Scholarship: EDISU Piemonte Scholarship
Overview: The EDISU scholarship supports students based on merit and financial need.
Coverage: Tuition fee exemption, accommodation, free meals, and a stipend.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in University of Turin programs.
- Demonstrate financial need.
Deadline: September 2025.
5. University of Pisa
Scholarship: DSU Tuscany Regional Scholarship
Overview: A government-funded program offering full financial aid to local and international students.
Coverage: Full tuition + accommodation + meals + annual stipend.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD applicants.
- Based on financial need and academic merit.
Deadline: August 2025.
6. University of Milan
Scholarship: Excellence Scholarship
Overview: The University of Milan offers full-tuition scholarships to outstanding international students.
Coverage: Full tuition + €6,000 annual stipend.
Eligibility:
- Admission to undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
- Merit-based selection.
Deadline: April 2025.
7. Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa
Scholarship: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
Overview: Italy’s elite institution for research and higher studies offers fully funded PhD scholarships to talented students.
Coverage: Full tuition, free accommodation, and monthly stipend of €1,500.
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree holders applying for PhD programs.
- Academic and research excellence.
Deadline: April 2025.
8. Sapienza University of Rome
Scholarship: Sapienza Merit Scholarships
Overview: One of Europe’s largest universities offers merit-based scholarships to foreign students.
Coverage: Full tuition + €8,000 annual award.
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate or master’s international students.
- Based on academic performance.
Deadline: May 2025.
9. University of Siena
Scholarship: DSU Regional Scholarships
Overview: Funded by the Tuscany regional government, this scholarship supports students in need of financial aid.
Coverage: Tuition waiver + free meals + annual allowance.
Eligibility:
- EU and non-EU students.
- Based on merit and income.
Deadline: August 2025.
10. Politecnico di Torino
Scholarship: TOPoliTO Scholarships
Overview: Awarded to international students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s programs in engineering and architecture.
Coverage: Full tuition + €8,000 annual grant.
Eligibility:
- Non-EU students with strong academic records.
Deadline: February 2025.
Overview Table
| University | Scholarship Name | Coverage | Deadline (Approx.) | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bologna | Unibo Action 1 & 2 | Tuition + €11,000 | Mar 2025 | UG, PG |
| University of Padova | Excellence Scholarship | Tuition + €8,000 | Feb 2025 | UG, PG |
| Politecnico di Milano | Merit Scholarships | Tuition + €10,000 | Feb 2025 | Master’s |
| University of Turin | EDISU Piemonte | Tuition + housing | Sep 2025 | UG, PG |
| University of Pisa | DSU Tuscany | Tuition + meals + stipend | Aug 2025 | UG, PG |
| University of Milan | Excellence Award | Tuition + €6,000 | Apr 2025 | UG, PG |
| Scuola Normale Superiore | PhD Fellowship | Tuition + €1,500/month | Apr 2025 | PhD |
| Sapienza University | Merit Scholarship | Tuition + €8,000 | May 2025 | UG, PG |
| University of Siena | DSU Scholarship | Tuition + stipend | Aug 2025 | UG, PG |
| Politecnico di Torino | TOPoliTO | Tuition + €8,000 | Feb 2025 | UG, PG |
How to Apply for Italian University Scholarships
- Select Your Program: Choose a degree offered in English or Italian.
- Check Eligibility: Review GPA, language, and admission criteria.
- Apply for Admission: Submit your university application online.
- Prepare Documents: Include transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.
- Apply for Scholarships: Complete the scholarship form on the university or regional portal.
- Submit Before Deadline: Italian scholarships are competitive—apply early!
Benefits of Studying in Italy with a Full Scholarship
- Study at world-class universities with no financial burden.
- Enjoy free or discounted housing and meals.
- Explore Europe with a student visa valid across the EU.
- Gain exposure to multicultural academic environments.
Conclusion
In 2025, Italy remains one of the most scholarship-rich study destinations for international students. Whether you aim for engineering at Politecnico di Milano, arts at University of Bologna, or research at Scuola Normale Superiore, these institutions offer a chance to pursue world-class education completely free of cost. Start preparing your documents and apply early to secure your seat at a top Italian university with full funding.
FAQs
Q1: Can international students get full scholarships in Italy?
A1: Yes, many Italian universities offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and living expenses.
Q2: Are there English-taught programs in Italy?
A2: Yes, hundreds of programs are taught entirely in English, especially at the master’s level.
Q3: When should I apply for 2025 Italian scholarships?
A3: Most applications open between January and April 2025, depending on the university.