Are you looking to start your academic journey in Italy? Great news! Italy is home to several prestigious scholarships for international students, offering incredible opportunities to study in world-renowned universities. Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, Master’s, or undergraduate degree, scholarships in Italy can help you cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various scholarships available in Italy, their benefits, and the step-by-step application processes.
Scholarships in Italy for International Students: 2025-2026
Many top universities in Italy are offering both fully funded and partially funded scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. These scholarships are designed to support international students by providing financial assistance that includes monthly stipends, tuition fee coverage, accommodation, health insurance, and travel allowances. If you’ve dreamed of studying at prestigious institutions like Scuola Normale Superiore, Bocconi University, or the University of Bologna, these scholarships can help make that dream a reality.
Here is a detailed look at some of the top scholarships available in Italy for international students:
1. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
Scuola Normale Superiore offers 75 PhD scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a grant for board and accommodation. Additionally, students will receive funding for research activities, including those abroad.
- Institution: Scuola Normale Superiore
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Tuition fees, accommodation, research funding
- Application Process and Deadlines
2. Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
This fellowship is a fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral research. It offers competitive stipends, health insurance, and additional benefits. The fellowship lasts two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
- Institution: ARES
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Benefits: Stipend, health insurance, extension possibility
- Application Process and Deadlines
3. Bocconi University Scholarships
Bocconi University provides fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, worth approximately €12,000 per year for undergraduate programs and €13,000 per year for graduate programs, along with accommodation.
- Institution: Bocconi University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate/Masters
- Benefits: Tuition waiver, accommodation
- Application Process and Deadlines
4. University of Bologna Scholarship
The University of Bologna offers scholarships for undergraduate and master’s students. The scholarship includes study grants of up to €11,000 and tuition fee waivers.
- Institution: University of Bologna
- Level of Study: Undergraduate/Masters
- Benefits: Study grants, tuition fee waiver
- Application Process and Deadlines
5. Italian Government Scholarship
This fully funded scholarship supports international students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs at top Italian universities. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €900, tuition fee coverage, and medical insurance.
- Institution: Italian Higher Education Institutes
- Level of Study: PhD/Masters
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, tuition fee, medical insurance
- Application Process and Deadlines
6. NATO Defense College Fellowships
NATO offers fully funded fellowships for international students conducting research. The fellowship provides a stipend to cover living expenses and travel costs while in Rome.
- Institution: NATO Defense College (NDC)
- Level of Study: Research
- Benefits: Stipend, travel expenses
- Application Process and Deadlines
7. Gran Sasso Science Institute PhD Program
The Gran Sasso Science Institute offers 31 PhD fellowships in fields like Astroparticle Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more. The scholarship includes tuition fee waivers, accommodation, and meal vouchers.
- Institution: Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI)
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Tuition waiver, accommodation, free meals
- Application Process and Deadlines
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree FIPDes
This joint Master’s program in Food Innovation and Product Design is offered by universities in Italy, France, Ireland, and Sweden. Students will receive a world-class education and professional experience across four different EU countries.
- Institution: Partner Universities (Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden)
- Level of Study: Masters
- Benefits: International exposure, competitive learning environments
- Application Process and Deadlines
9. Facebook PhD Fellowship
The Facebook PhD Fellowship is available for doctoral students in computer science and related fields. The scholarship provides funding for two years of study, covering tuition fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel expenses.
- Institution: Any accredited university
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Tuition fees, annual stipend, conference travel
- Application Process and Deadlines
10. IIE-SRF Fellowship
The IIE-SRF Fellowship supports international PhD students conducting research abroad. It offers up to $25,000, along with health insurance and the opportunity for an academic appointment.
- Institution: IIE-SRF
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Grant, health insurance, academic appointment
- Application Process and Deadlines
11. Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships
These fully funded fellowships provide living allowances, research funds, and travel allowances. Additional support for family allowances, parental leave, and relocation may also be available.
- Institution: Human Frontier Science Program
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Benefits: Living allowance, research funding, travel expenses
- Application Process and Deadlines
12. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship is for international students pursuing a Master’s degree in subjects related to development. It covers full tuition, accommodation, travel, and provides a monthly stipend.
- Institution: Partner Universities
- Level of Study: Masters
- Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, living stipend
- Application Process and Deadlines
13. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
This fellowship program is available to international students pursuing doctoral research. It provides up to $42,750 for an eight-month fellowship, covering living and research expenses.
- Institution: World Bank
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Fellowship funding
- Application Process and Deadlines
14. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
The International Mathematical Union offers PhD scholarships to international students. The scholarship covers up to $10,000 per year for tuition, living, travel, and accommodation expenses.
- Institution: International Mathematical Union
- Level of Study: PhD
- Benefits: Tuition, living, and travel expenses
- Application Process and Deadlines
15. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
The Schlumberger Foundation offers fellowships for female international students pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral research. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 per year for PhD students and $40,000 per year for postdocs.
- Institution: Leading Universities Worldwide
- Level of Study: PhD/Postdoctoral
- Benefits: Tuition, research funding
- Application Process and Deadlines
How to Apply for Scholarships in Italy
The application process for scholarships in Italy can vary depending on the program and university. However, most scholarship applications follow a general process:
- Choose Your Program: Research available scholarships and choose the program that best fits your academic goals.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, research proposals, and other necessary documents.
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the official university website or scholarship portal.
- Wait for Results: After submitting your application, wait for the scholarship committee to review and announce the results.
Conclusion
Studying in Italy offers more than just academic growth; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in rich culture, history, and innovation. With these scholarships, you can make your dream of studying in Italy a reality. Stay updated on deadlines and application processes to ensure you don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities.
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