Last Updated on January 9, 2023
Are you searching for scholarships to study abroad in Italy? To help you in your search, we have compiled a list of free scholarships in Italy for international students.
Free Scholarships in Italy are offered by the Italian government and many higher institutions alongside grants, awards, and bursaries to international students in a bid to help them to finance their education.
There are application processes individual applicants must follow in order to forestall their scholarships. It is also necessary to note the deadlines and apply before the closure so as not to be rejected. Also, there are limited Italian scholarships.
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Why Study in Italy?
Some of the first universities in Europe were founded in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is recognized as the oldest university to still operate. Today, Italy is the home of many prestigious institutions of higher education. Many of Italy’s institutions perform well in the QS World University Rankings, appearing in the top 200 each year.
Italy has played an important role in the recent reform of higher education. This reform is known as the “Bologna Process”. The country is one of the four countries that created the European Area of Higher Education. This was formed by signing the Sorbonne Declaration in 1998, which was to be the first step in higher education reform. Today the Bologna Process is now being implemented throughout Europe.
If you wish to study in Italy but are confused about your decision, then don’t be. Take a look at the following excellent reasons that will make you want to go to Italy just today:
1. Perfect Place For History Lovers
Italy has provided almost never-ending offerings for history lovers as well as students. Visit the world’s oldest bank in Siena, Greek amphitheaters in Sicily, and a lot more of such wonderful monuments of the ancient Roman Empire.
Italy’s impressive history will never go out of your mind and you will most likely carry it with you everywhere. You might as well be able to get in for a digging project if you take up an anthropology class.
2. Unmatched Educational Opportunities
Most of the time, students who plan to study abroad forget that it is not just about visiting a new destination but they actually have to study there too. As far as Italy is concerned, it has some of oldest universities in the world and its high-quality education has really helped it gain its real sense of pride.
Be it physics, chemistry, history, or accounting dissertation help, you would get it all here. You can be sure of the quality of education that you would be acquiring in Italy.
3. Delicious Food At Affordable Rates
Italy has some of the amazing food throughout the country at extremely pocket-friendly prices. If you are planning to study in Italy, then keep in mind that you will always be welcomed with fresh food that would never leave you unsatisfied.
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The scrumptious food will literally make you cry with joy. Simply imagine having freshly made pasta, its mouth-watering tomato sauce with fresh basil, and the world-famous cheese pizza; life could not get any better than this!
4. Welcoming Weather
Italy has the best weather that is suitable for everyone who is visiting from around the world. You will always experience beautiful blue skies along with a warmer climate as compared to its Northern neighbor.
If you are bored with studying in one room, then simply take a walk and enjoy the wonderful sunshine, which will refresh you all over again and will even make your mood lighter.
5. Enjoy Learning A New Language
Research suggests that learning a new, beautiful language does not only improve your analytical skills but also prevents you from Alzheimer’s in the future. Who would have thought that learning a new language could benefit you that much?
So, without wasting more time, start learning Italian when in Italy so that you can enjoy listening to Pavarotti and even understand the words! Hence, this is one of the reasons why you should study in Italy.
6. A Lovable Country With Welcoming People
Not being welcomed by the locals can really make you feel all alone that can shatter your confidence level but it is certainly not the case with Italians. Italy welcomes students that come to study with open arms.
Getting accepted and treated in a friendly way abroad is one of the greatest blessings anyone could ask for, along with giving you a perfect study experience abroad.
Getting a chance to study in Italy should always be considered no less than a blessing. Italians have a wonderful, friendly nature that will always make you extremely comfortable and never alone while being away from your home.
Study in Italy and experience your life like never before. Not only the nature of the facilities provided are important but you also need a pleasant and great atmosphere and climate to study in; all the more reasons to study in Italy.
Cost of Studying & Living in Italy
Tuition fees at Italian institutions vary, but they are generally lower than in other parts of Europe or North America. This makes Italian universities an enticing proposition for foreign students. International students in Italy have a chance to receive a quality higher education at an affordable cost.
The cost of tuition will vary at each institution. However, you should expect to pay more if you choose to attend a private university. A bachelor’s course will, on average, cost €900 to €4,000 per year at a public institution. Fees at a private institution usually cost, on average, €6,000 to €20,000 per year. If you are from the EU or EEA, you probably won’t pay more than Italian citizens. Other international students should expect higher course costs.
There are options to help you fund your studies. All students (Italian and International) can apply for financial help. The funding will be distributed according to your financial situation and academic merit. If you receive support, this can help with tuition fees, accommodation fees and other living costs. Contact your chosen institution for information about what financial support they can offer to you.
In Italy institutions do not normally have halls of residence. They do however offer services to help you find a place to live. This can include university owned housing, or helping you find suitable private housing. Private renting in Italy is the more expensive option, so make sure you budget for this!
Getting a part-time job is a great way to help fund your studies in Italy. As an EU student, you are able to work without additional permission. As a non-EU student, your visa will dictate if you are permitted to have paid employment whilst you study. If you are allowed to work, it will probably only be up to 20 hours a week. This means that you should not rely on this to fund your studies. If you do wish to get a job, it may be helpful if you have some Italian language skills.
Eligibility for Italian Universities
You will need to provide transcripts from previous education, prove your financial capabilities and medical coverage. You will also need to prove your major when applying for most Italian universities.
Higher education in Italy is not that much different from what you’ll find in the EU Bologna system. It is also organized on 3 levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.
If you intend to do a Bachelor’s degree in Italy, you will need to have graduated from high school or be about to graduate.
If you want to pursue a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. programme in Italy, you will also have to check specific requirements on each programme website.
Free Scholarships in Italy for International Students
The following are some of the free scholarships available in Italy and the required information necessary for their application.
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
The Italian Government awards scholarships for studying in Italy both to foreign citizens and Italian citizens resident abroad (IRE). The scholarships are offered for the following type of courses: Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo), Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD program, Research under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela), and Italian Language and Culture Courses. The scholarship includes tuition fees, health insurance and a monthly allowance. It is only possible to apply for three, six, or nine month scholarships.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
Students including non-EU international students enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Single Cycle Master’s degree, or PhD Degree courses at one of the Universities of Piedmont (i.e. The Politecnico of Torino, the University of Torino, the University of Eastern Piedmont) can apply for EDISU scholarships if they meet the merit and economic requirements of the competition. Part-time students can apply if enrolled in a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship amount varies depending on many conditions. Accommodation service can also be granted to non-resident students.
Bologna University Study Grants for International Students
The University of Bologna offers study grants to deserving international students who wish to register for First Cycle (Bachelors), Second Cycle (Masters) or Single Cycle Degree Programmes at the University of Bologna. Each study grant is awarded for one academic year and amounts to a total of €11,059 and full tuition fee waivers.
University of Pavia International Scholarships for Developing Country Students
The University of Pavia (UNIPV), in order to promote international cooperation with the Developing Countries, offers scholarships to outstanding students from developing countries to study a Master’s Degree Programme taught in English at the University. Each scholarship is worth about €8,000.
Bocconi Merit and International Awards
Bocconi University offers merit-based scholarships to international students enrolling in any eligible Bachelor’s Program or Master of Science Program at Bocconi. The scholarship includes half to full tuition waiver worth up to €12,000 per year for Bachelor’s Program and up to €13,000 per year for Master’s of Science Program.
Politecnico de Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students
Every year, Politecnico di Milano offers a number of merit based scholarships to the most talented international candidates admitted to a Master of Science programme. Students obtaining a scholarship will have to pay only an administrative fee of about €200. Scholarships of €5.000 to €10.000 per year may also be awarded plus the tuition fee waiver.
Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
The Politecnico di Torino offers scholarships to international students to attend academic programs in certain fields such as Engineering and Architecture.
Università Cattolica International Scholarships
The UCSC International Scholarship is an annual tuition fee reduction promoted by Università Cattolica in order to foster the access of international student to the degree programs. The discount covers about 30% of the total cost.
University of Padova Scholarships for All Degree Courses
The University of Padova can handle regional funds to finance low-income students, both Italian and foreign, who have a good academic record and pursuing a degree at the University. The scholarship consists partly of money and partly of services, such as accommodation or meals at the University canteens.
Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
Scuola Normale Superiore is offering 78 fully funded PhD scholarships to both Italian citizens and students from outside Italy. All students admitted to the PhD program receive full financial support including tuition, fees, and a cost-of-living scholarship.