Italy offers international students several routes to reduce the cost of study. For the 2027 intake students can look at government awards, university merit scholarships need based aid and regional right to study support.
Not every Italy scholarship covers the full cost of living and study. Some provide only tuition exemptions. Others add a living allowance, accommodation or meals. Check the exact benefits in the official 2027 call.
At a Glance
| Scholarship | University or Body | Main Support Type |
|---|---|---|
| MAECI Italian Government Scholarship | Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Monthly allowance and benefits |
| Bocconi4Access | Bocconi University Milan | Full or partial tuition waiver |
| Padua International Excellence | University of Padua | Merit award plus tuition exemption |
| University of Bologna Scholarships | University of Bologna | Program specific funding |
| Regional Right to Study Scholarships | Italian regions | Financial aid, meals, accommodation. tuition support |
1. Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2027
The MAECI Scholarship is one of the main government options for international students and Italian citizens living abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation awards these scholarships for study, training and research at Italian public and legally recognized private institutions. Applications go through the official Study in Italy portal.
Key points
- Country: Italy
- Applicants: Eligible international students and Italian citizens living abroad
- Study levels: Vary according to the annual call
- Funding: Scholarship allowance and other benefits according to the call
- Application portal: Study in Italy
The previous 2026-27 call offered an example of €1200 per month for eligible programs. The 2027-28 call will set the exact conditions and amounts.
Apply only through the official Study in Italy portal when the new call opens.
2. Bocconi4Access to Education Scholarship
Bocconi University in Milan runs the Bocconi4Access to Education scheme for eligible students.
Support is based on merit and financial need. Full or partial tuition waivers are available. Merit based awards and other financial aid options also exist.
Key points
- University: Bocconi University
- Location: Milan
- Applicants: International and other eligible applicants
- Funding: Full or partial tuition support
- Selection: Merit and/or financial need depending on the benefit
For 2027-28 applicants interested in financial support should submit the Bocconi4Access application after completing the required enrollment procedure.
Check the official Bocconi funding page for current details.
3. Padua International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Padua offers the Padua International Excellence Scholarship for highly qualified international students.
In the previous academic year the university announced up to 69 scholarships for students admitted to international degree programs taught in English. Each award provided €8000 per year plus an exemption from university tuition fees.
Key points
- University: University of Padua
- Location: Padua
- Applicants: International students
- Programs: Selected international degree programs
- Selection: Academic merit
- Previous award: €8000 per year plus tuition fee exemption
The exact number of awards and conditions for the 2027-28 intake will appear in the new call. Check the University of Padua official scholarships page.
4. University of Bologna Scholarships for International Students
The University of Bologna publishes individual scholarship calls for different degree programs and academic years.
There is no single University of Bologna Scholarship. Each call has its own rules and amounts. One previous example for international students in a two year Mathematics Master’s program offered €5000 scholarships.
Key points
- University: University of Bologna
- Location: Bologna
- Applicants: International students depending on the call
- Study levels: Vary by scholarship
- Funding: Varies by individual scholarship
- Selection: Depends on the specific call
Search the university’s official calls and scholarships database for opportunities that match your degree.
5. Regional Scholarships in Italy
Regional right to study scholarships are available in different parts of Italy. They are not limited to one university.
These awards usually combine financial need and academic requirements. Benefits can include money, tuition reductions, meals accommodation or other student services.
Examples exist in regions such as Veneto, Lombardy, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and others. The University of Padua publishes a regional scholarship competition that international students can enter with equivalent economic documentation.
Key points
- Type: Regional right to study scholarship
- Applicants: Eligible domestic and international students
- Selection: Usually based on economic situation, academic requirements or both
- Benefits: Financial support, tuition reductions, meals, accommodation or other services depending on the region
Check the region and the specific university for the latest call and deadline.
Which Scholarship Should You Choose
The best option depends on your academic level, financial situation, nationality and chosen university.
- MAECI Scholarship: International students targeting eligible government funded programs
- Bocconi4Access: Students applying to Bocconi
- Padua International Excellence: High achieving international students seeking merit support and tuition exemption
- University of Bologna Scholarships: Students applying to specific programs with open calls
- Regional Scholarships: Students with demonstrated financial need
How to Apply for Scholarships in Italy 2027
The process differs for each scholarship. Follow these steps to stay organized.
- Choose your degree level and preferred subject.
- Find an Italian university that offers the program you want. Confirm whether it is taught in English or Italian.
- Check the scholarship separately. Admission does not always mean automatic scholarship consideration. Some awards need a separate application.
- Prepare financial documents if the scholarship is need based. International students must confirm which documents are accepted.
- Prepare academic documents. These may include transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, language certificate admission letter and any program specific materials.
- Apply before the deadline. Scholarship deadlines can differ from admission deadlines. Use the official 2027 call dates only.
Can International Students Study in Italy with a Scholarship
Yes. International students can access Italian government university and regional funding.
A scholarship in Italy does not automatically mean fully funded. Some awards cover only tuition. Others add a stipend or services such as meals and accommodation.
Always check exactly what the scholarship pays for before deciding if it meets your needs.