Best 10 Scholarships in Italy for Foreign Students and How to Apply

Do you want to start your study adventure in Italy? Good news! A number of scholarships are available in Italy for international students. Many scholarships are available at top Italian universities for international students for the academic year.

These scholarships include both fully funded and partially funded programs and provide a monthly stipend along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance.

on this page, we will explain in detail the scholarships offered by top universities in Italy, their benefits, and the step-by-step application process.

Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfill your dream of studying at world-renowned universities like Scuola Normale Superiore, Bocconi University, University of Bologna, Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), and many more.

Best 10 Scholarships in Italy for Foreign Students and How to Apply

Following is a list of scholarships in Italy for international students:

1. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships

Scuola Normale Superiore offers 75 PhD scholarships to both international students and Italian citizens for a duration of four years.

This scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a grant for board and accommodation.

Additionally, all students are entitled to extra funding for their research activities, even abroad.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships, candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements below:

• You’ll need to be fluent in both English and Italian.
• The PhD programs welcome both Italian citizens and students from around the world.
• You’re eligible if you have a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from outside Italy, as long as it was awarded no more than five years before the application deadline.
• If you’re set to complete your master’s degree in Italy or have an equivalent qualification from a non-Italian university by October 31, 2024, you’re also welcome to apply!

2. Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships

Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships is a fully funded scholarship for international students. The fellowship period is 2 years with the possibility of a 1-year extension.

The Fellowships comprise a very competitive package including stipend, health insurance and additional benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships, candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements below:

• You must be candidate who have recently earned a PhD in Life Sciences.
• You should have at least three years of research experience under your belt.
• You must under the age of 35.

3. Bocconi University Scholarships

Bocconi University Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and masters studies.

Also, they provide full tuition waiver, worth up to approximately € 12,000 per year (for Undergraduate) and  € 13,000 per year (for Graduate) and accommodation. Bocconi University Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students.

Additionally, these scholarships provide full tuition waiver, worth up to approximately € 12,000 per year (for Undergraduate) and  € 13,000 per year (for Graduate) and accommodation.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Bocconi University Scholarships, candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements below:

• You’ll need to be proficient in English.
• If you’re an outstanding international applicant and get accepted into the first year of a Bachelor or Master of Science program at Bocconi, you could be considered for the Bocconi Merit and International Awards. This is based on the academic excellence you show in your application to Bocconi University.

4. University of Bologna Scholarship

University of Bologna Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate and masters studies.

Also, it provides the recipient with study grants of €11,000 gross for Unibo Action 2) and tuition fee waivers  for Unibo Action 1.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the University of Bologna Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• You’ll need to be proficient in English.
• This opportunity is open to applicants from all countries around the world.
• Make sure you’re under 30 years old by the time the application deadline rolls around.

5. Italian Government Scholarship

Italian Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students to pursue masters or PhD at the top Italian Universities.

This scholarship covers monthly payments of 900 euros, tuition fee and medical insurance.

Eligibility Criteria

The following is the list of eligibility criteria for Italian Government Scholarship for International Students:

• You must apply in English.
• Only students who are not currently residing in Italy can submit their applications.
• If you’re applying for a PhD program, make sure you’re under 30 years old by the deadline. The only exception is if you’re renewing your application.
• Don’t worry about proving your Italian skills if the course is entirely in English.
• For research projects under academic supervision, you should be under 40 years old by the deadline.

6. NATO Defense College Fellowships

NATO Defense College Fellowship is a fully funded research scholarship for international students. This fellowship will provide a stipend to cover the costs of his/her stay in Rome and his/her travel expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

• To qualify for the NATO Defense College Fellowships, you need to have a strong command of English. If you also know French or Italian, that’s a plus, but not a must.
• Make sure you’re comfortable using a computer, as it’s an essential part of the application process.

7. Gran Sasso Science Institute PhD Program

The Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI) PhD Program offers 31 PhD fellowships to international students in Astroparticle Physics, Mathematics in Natural, Social and Life Sciences, Computer Science, Urban Studies, and Regional Science.

This scholarship provides a tuition fee waiver, accommodation, and free meal vouchers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Gran Sasso Science Institute PhD Program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• It’s important for everyone to have a good command of English.
• Applications are open to candidates with the offered degrees. If you have any of the degrees listed below, you’re in the right place!

8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree FIPDes – Food Innovation and Product Design

This joint master’s program, offered by four prestigious universities in Europe, adopts a holistic and cross-disciplinary approach. It covers everything from initial conception through prototypes to consumption, and from raw materials to packaged goods.

FIPDes students study, live, and gain professional experience in four different EU countries.

The program offers a competitive and innovative learning environment, including participative learning, teamwork, R&D projects, and hands-on training in collaboration with pioneering research, culinary, and industrial laboratories.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Master of Food Innovation and Product Design (FIPDes) Program, candidates should meet the following criteria:

• You’ll need to be proficient in English, but don’t worry—there’s a chance to pick up some French during the course.
• You’ll need a minimum score of 575 on the traditional TOEFL test.
• If you’ve taken the internet-based TOEFL, aim for a minimum score of 90.
• A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS will be required.
• Cambridge qualifications are accepted, including the FCE (with a B2 level), CAE, or CPE.
• If English is your first language, you’ll need to provide a passport as proof.

9. Facebook PhD Fellowship

The Facebook Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing doctoral research studies.

This scholarship covers two years of study and fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel aid. It is also one of the top scholarships in Italy.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Facebook Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• You should be fluent in English.
• This opportunity is open to students from all countries around the world.
• Your research should relate to one or more of the specified research areas.
• You need to be a full-time PhD student, actively working on your research, and enrolled in an accredited university anywhere.
• Make sure you’re enrolled during the academic year(s) when the Fellowship is given.

10. IIE-SRF Fellowship

This is also one of the top scholarships in Italy. The IIE-SRF Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing doctoral research studies.

The fellowship includes a grant of up to US$25,000 and individual health insurance to support a visiting academic appointment of up to one year.

Eligibility Criteria

The following are the eligibility requirements for the IIE-SRF Fellowship:

• English is the language you need to use for this application.
• No matter where you’re from, if you’re from any country in the world, you can apply!
• If you’re a professor, senior researcher, or a public intellectual, you’re in! This applies to anyone from any academic field or discipline.