Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students 2027

Last Updated: September 17, 2026

Studying in Italy can be much more affordable than many international students expect. However, finding a scholarship is only one part of the process. You also need to understand how Italian funding works, which scholarship fits your situation, what documents you need, and which deadlines apply to you.

One common mistake is to assume that Italy has a single national “fully funded scholarship” for international students.

It does not.

Instead, funding comes through several routes. These include regional right-to-study scholarships, university merit awards, tuition exemptions, Italian government scholarships, and specialised programmes. Moreover, each route has different eligibility requirements and benefits.

That distinction matters. One scholarship may provide a cash grant and tuition exemption, while another may combine financial assistance with accommodation or meals. Similarly, admission to an Italian university does not automatically mean that you have received a scholarship.

Therefore, instead of asking only:

“Where can I find a fully funded scholarship in Italy?”

A better question is

“Which Italian scholarship fits my academic profile, financial circumstances, nationality, and study programme?”

Having gone through the Italian student system myself, I have learned that scholarship success involves much more than discovering an opportunity online. Documentation, timing, and understanding the responsible authority can be equally important.

This guide explains the main fully funded scholarships in Italy for international students, how the different funding routes work, and how you can prepare for the 2027 application cycle.

Are There Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students?

Yes. International students can access substantial financial support in Italy.

However, the expression “fully funded” does not describe one standard package.

For example, one student may receive a tuition exemption together with a financial grant. Another may receive regional support that includes accommodation, meals, and financial assistance. Meanwhile, another student may receive a government scholarship but still need to cover certain personal expenses.

For this reason, you should never evaluate an opportunity from the words “fully funded” alone.

Instead, check exactly what the scholarship covers.

The major funding routes include

regional right-to-study scholarships;
university merit scholarships;
tuition-fee exemptions;
Italian Government scholarships through MAECI;
departmental awards;
and specialised funding programmes.

The table below provides a simple comparison.

Funding Route	Main Basis	Possible Support	Best Suited To
Regional scholarships	Financial circumstances and academic requirements	Financial support, accommodation, meals, or other benefits depending on the call	Students for whom affordability is important
University merit scholarships	Academic performance	Grant, tuition waiver, or both	Strong academic applicants
MAECI scholarships	Annual government eligibility criteria	Scholarship allowance and benefits stated in the annual call	Eligible international postgraduate applicants
Tuition exemptions	University-specific criteria	Partial or complete tuition reduction	Students mainly seeking lower tuition
Departmental awards	Program-specific criteria	Varies by department	Students in selected academic fields

As a result, students should investigate more than one funding route whenever they are eligible.

1. Regional Scholarships: One of Italy’s Most Important Funding Routes

If you have researched studying in Italy, you have probably encountered the term DSU.

Unfortunately, DSU is sometimes presented online as though it were one scholarship offered nationally to every international student. In reality, the system is more decentralised.

DSU broadly refers to Diritto allo Studio Universitario, or the right to university education. However, scholarship and student-support programmes are administered through regional systems.

Italy’s official university scholarship and student-support information explains the country’s right-to-study system and provides information about the responsible regional organisations.

Consequently, students attending universities in different regions may deal with different scholarship authorities.

For example, the organisation responsible for a university in Sicily will not necessarily be the same organisation serving a university in Lazio, Piedmont, or Emilia-Romagna.

Although the underlying purpose is similar, application procedures can differ.

What Can Regional Scholarships Cover?

Depending on the region, annual call, and individual circumstances, support may include:

a financial scholarship;
student accommodation;
meals or subsidised meals;
tuition-related benefits;
mobility assistance;
and other student services.

Nevertheless, not every recipient receives an identical package.

Your financial circumstances, residence classification, academic progress, and accommodation situation can affect the benefits you receive.

Therefore, always read the current regional scholarship call rather than assuming another student’s scholarship package will also apply to you.

2. How to Find the Regional Scholarship for Your University

Finding the correct regional authority should be part of your university research.

Suppose you identify an Italian university offering a programme that interests you. After checking the academic requirements, investigate the funding system connected with that institution.

Search for the university’s regional right-to-study authority and locate its official scholarship information.

Next, review:

eligibility requirements;
financial thresholds;
academic requirements;
application deadlines;
accommodation provisions;
requirements for international students;
and rules concerning foreign household income and assets.

If the 2027/28 call has not yet been released, the previous call can still help you prepare.

However, previous calls should be used only as planning references. Once the new call appears, its requirements and deadlines become the ones that matter.

3. Can International Students Apply for Regional Scholarships?

Yes, eligible international students can access regional right-to-study programmes.

However, financial documentation can make the process more complicated for students whose families live outside Italy.

A regional authority may need evidence concerning household income, family composition, property, and other assets. Furthermore, documents issued outside Italy may require additional administrative procedures before they are accepted.

Depending on the relevant rules, international students may encounter requirements involving:

family composition;
household income;
employment or unemployment information;
property ownership or non-ownership;
financial assets;
translations;
legalisation or apostille procedures where applicable;
consular documentation;
and an ISEE Parificato or another required economic assessment.

Because requirements vary, do not rely entirely on a generic online checklist.

Instead, use the official call for your region.

4. What I Learned From the Italian Scholarship System

Going through the Italian student system has made one lesson particularly clear to me: the scholarship itself is only part of the process. Documentation can determine whether you successfully access the benefit.

International students sometimes concentrate entirely on admission. As a result, scholarship paperwork gets postponed until the deadline is approaching.

That can create problems.

For instance, some financial documents may need to come from your home country. In addition, they may require translation, certification, legalisation, or another form of verification before they can be accepted.

Therefore, my strongest advice is to start preparing early.

Keep organised copies of:

university applications;
enrolment documents;
financial documents;
accommodation contracts;
rent payments;
scholarship applications;
emails from relevant authorities;
and application receipts.

Moreover, do not wait until the scholarship portal is about to close before checking whether an important document could take several weeks to obtain.

If you are targeting 2027, study the previous call before the new one appears. This allows you to prepare without assuming that old requirements will remain unchanged.

5. Regional Scholarships vs. University Merit Scholarships

Regional funding and university merit scholarships should not be confused.

Regional scholarships can place considerable emphasis on financial circumstances while also requiring students to satisfy academic conditions.

By contrast, university merit scholarships usually focus more heavily on academic achievement.

Consider two hypothetical students.

Applicant A has exceptional grades and a strong academic profile. Therefore, university excellence scholarships may deserve particular attention.

Applicant B has a solid academic record but comes from a household with limited financial resources. In this case, regional right-to-study funding may be especially important.

Nevertheless, neither student should automatically ignore the other funding route.

Instead, each applicant should investigate all opportunities for which they genuinely qualify.

Your Situation	Funding Route to Investigate	Why
Family finances are the main obstacle.	Regional funding	Economic circumstances can play an important role.
Exceptional academic record	University merit scholarships	Academic excellence is often central.
Applying for postgraduate study	MAECI and university funding	Several postgraduate routes may exist.
Primarily need lower tuition	Tuition exemptions and regional benefits	These can reduce study costs.
Family lives outside Italy.	Regional requirements	Foreign financial documents may take time.

In short, your profile should determine your funding strategy.

6. MAECI Scholarships for International Students

Another major funding route is provided by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commonly known as MAECI.

MAECI offers scholarships to eligible foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad. For the 2026/27 academic year, the programme supported eligible study, training, and research activities in Italy.

According to the official MAECI scholarship information, applications for the 2026/27 cycle closed on March 26, 2026.

However, that date should not be treated as the deadline for 2027/28.

Instead, students targeting the next cycle should monitor the new official call once it becomes available.

Who Should Investigate MAECI?

MAECI is particularly relevant to students who:

come from an eligible country or territory;
are applying for an eligible study category;
satisfy the required academic conditions;
meet applicable age requirements;
satisfy the relevant language requirements;
and meet the additional conditions stated in the annual call.

For the 2026/27 cycle, eligible study categories included master’s programmes, AFAM programmes, PhD programmes, research projects, and advanced Italian language and culture courses.

Therefore, being an international student alone does not guarantee eligibility.

Your nationality matters. Likewise, your proposed degree level and programme matter. Age and language conditions may also apply.

For this reason, always verify the new annual call before submitting an application.

How Much Did MAECI Provide in 2026/27?

For the principal nine-month awards in the 2026/27 cycle, the scholarship total was €10,800.

The amount was divided into three instalments:

€5,500;
€2,300;
and €3,000.

However, applicants targeting a later cycle should not assume that the amount or payment structure will remain identical.

Scholarship conditions can change from one academic year to another. Therefore, use previous figures for planning and the new call for your actual application.

7. How to Prepare for the Next MAECI Application

You do not need to wait for the next application portal to open before preparing.

First, identify suitable Italian programmes. Next, examine previous eligibility conditions and determine whether your profile broadly fits the programme.

Meanwhile, prepare important academic documents.

These may include:

academic transcripts;
degree certificates;
CV;
passport;
language evidence;
and other programme-specific documents.

In addition, strengthen your overall academic and professional profile where possible.

Once the new MAECI call appears, compare your preparation with the updated requirements and make the necessary adjustments.

This approach gives you a head start without depending on outdated rules.

8. University Scholarships in Italy

Regional funding receives considerable attention online. However, individual Italian universities also provide scholarships.

Depending on the institution, opportunities may include:

excellence scholarships;
merit awards;
tuition-fee exemptions;
departmental scholarships;
programme-specific grants;
international student awards;
and other forms of financial assistance.

University merit awards often place greater emphasis on academic performance.

Therefore, students with strong grades should investigate university scholarships even if they also intend to apply for regional support.

How to Find University Scholarships

Once you identify a university, visit its official scholarship and tuition pages.

Look for terms such as

international scholarships;
scholarships for international students;
merit scholarships;
excellence scholarships;
tuition exemptions;
fee waivers;
and financial aid.

Afterward, determine whether scholarship consideration is automatic or requires a separate application.

This distinction is important.

Some institutions may automatically evaluate eligible applicants for selected awards. In contrast, other scholarships require another application, additional documents, or a separate deadline.

Consequently, never assume that submitting your admission application automatically enters you into every scholarship competition.

9. Do Not Choose a University Only Because of a Scholarship

A generous scholarship is attractive, but funding should not be the only reason you choose a university.

Also consider:

programme quality;
academic suitability;
admission requirements;
language of instruction;
living costs;
accommodation availability;
scholarship renewal conditions;
career opportunities;
and your ability to manage financially if the scholarship application is unsuccessful.

Most importantly, choose a programme that makes sense for your academic and professional goals.

For students comparing Italy with other affordable destinations, our guide on how to study in Europe for free or at a low cost provides a broader comparison.

10. Can You Study in Italy Without IELTS?

Sometimes.

However, statements such as “study in Italy without IELTS” need context.

A university’s language requirement and a scholarship’s language requirement are not necessarily identical.

For example, some programmes may accept IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge qualifications, or another recognised language test. In other cases, universities may accept specific evidence that your previous education was completed in English.

Nevertheless, other programmes may insist on a particular language certificate.

Therefore, the useful question is not

“Does Italy require IELTS?”

Instead, ask:

“What proof of language proficiency does my specific programme require?”

Then check the scholarship requirements separately.

For applicants specifically researching alternatives, our guide to European scholarships for African students without IELTS explains this issue in more detail.

What Should You Check Before Paying for IELTS?

Situation	What to Verify
The previous degree was taught in English.	Whether a Medium of Instruction document is accepted
Several tests are listed.	Which alternative certificates qualify?
Scholarship has separate language rules.	Verify scholarship requirements independently.
The programme is taught in Italian.	Check required Italian proficiency.
Requirements are unclear.	Contact the university before making assumptions.

As a result, checking the program requirements first can potentially save you unnecessary examination costs.

At the same time, do not assume that previous English-medium education automatically gives you an exemption.

11. How Much Does It Really Cost to Study in Italy With a Scholarship?

Scholarship applicants often focus on tuition and forget other expenses.

However, your real budget may include several additional costs.

Expense	Question to Ask
Tuition	Is it waived, reduced, or still payable?
University fees	Are any mandatory charges excluded?
Accommodation	Is housing provided, or must you rent privately?
Food	Are meals included or subsidised?
Health insurance	What coverage will you need?
Visa expenses	What must you pay before travelling?
Residence procedures	What expenses arise after arrival?
Transport	Are student discounts available?
Initial settlement	Can you manage before scholarship payments begin?

The last point is particularly important.

Even if you eventually receive substantial financial support, you may still need money before your first scholarship payment arrives.

For example, travel, temporary accommodation, deposits, transport, and food can create immediate expenses.

Therefore, receiving a scholarship does not necessarily mean that you need no money before travelling.

Instead, prepare an initial settlement budget separately.

12. Financial Documents for International Students

For many international applicants, financial documentation is one of the most demanding parts of the regional scholarship process.

If your family’s income and assets are outside Italy, the scholarship authority may need documentation that allows it to evaluate your household’s economic circumstances.

Depending on the relevant call, applicants may encounter documents concerning:

family composition;
household income;
employment or unemployment;
property ownership;
other assets;
translations;
certification;
and legalisation where applicable.

Some students may also encounter an ISEE Parificato or another economic assessment depending on their circumstances.

Because requirements can change, do not assume that documents accepted in one academic year will automatically satisfy the next call.

A Better Way to Prepare

Start with your target university.

Next, identify its regional scholarship authority. After that, download the latest available scholarship call and locate the section concerning international students.

Then:

Create a document checklist.
Identify documents that must come from your home country.
Check translation requirements.
Determine whether certification or legalisation is necessary.
Begin with documents that may take the longest.
Compare everything again when the new call is published.

This approach is safer than following a generic DSU checklist from social media.

13. Documents to Prepare for Scholarships in Italy

There is no universal document checklist for every Italian scholarship.

Nevertheless, international students commonly encounter some combination of:

valid passport;
academic transcripts;
degree certificate or current qualification;
Curriculum Vitae;
motivation letter where required;
recommendation letters where required;
language evidence;
admission or application evidence;
family income documents for need-based funding;
household composition documents;
property or asset documents where required;
translations and legalisations where applicable;
and programme-specific documentation.

Furthermore, administrative documents deserve the same attention as essays.

A strong motivation letter cannot compensate for every missing compulsory document. Likewise, perfect paperwork cannot make you academically eligible for a programme whose entry requirements you do not satisfy.

Therefore, work on both sides of the application.

14. A Practical Scholarship Timeline for Italy in 2027

Italy does not have one scholarship deadline covering every funding programme.

Instead, MAECI, regional authorities, and universities follow different calendars.

Therefore, the following timeline is a preparation framework rather than an official national schedule.

Preparation Period	Recommended Action
10–12 months before	Research universities and suitable programmes.
8–10 months before	Build a realistic shortlist.
6–9 months before	Identify regional, university, and national funding.
4–6 months before	Prepare academic and financial documents.
3–5 months before	Submit applications that have opened
2–4 months before	Monitor remaining regional and university calls.
After admission	Complete relevant enrolment and immigration procedures.
Before travelling	Prepare accommodation and initial funds.
After arrival	Complete required residence, enrolment, and scholarship procedures.

Most importantly, do not wait until every portal opens before preparing.

Much of the work can be completed earlier.

15. How to Build a Strong Italy Scholarship Strategy

A good scholarship strategy should be built in stages.

Start With Academic Fit

First, identify programmes for which your previous education and qualifications make you a realistic applicant.

A generous scholarship has little value if you are not eligible for the programme.

Investigate University Funding

Next, examine university scholarships, tuition exemptions, and departmental awards.

At the same time, determine whether funding consideration is automatic or requires another application.

Identify the Regional Authority.

Afterward, find the regional organisation responsible for right-to-study benefits at your university.

Then investigate its financial and academic requirements.

Check National Funding

In addition, determine whether MAECI or another national programme applies to your nationality, study level, and academic profile.

Calculate the Remaining Funding Gap

Finally, ask:

“If I receive this scholarship, which expenses will still be my responsibility?”

That question can completely change how you compare two offers.

Suppose Scholarship A provides a tuition exemption and an €8,000 grant.

Meanwhile, Scholarship B provides accommodation, subsidised meals, tuition-related benefits, and a smaller cash grant.

Scholarship A has the larger headline amount. Nevertheless, Scholarship B could reduce your actual living expenses more substantially.

Therefore, compare the complete package, not just the cash amount.

16. Common Mistakes International Students Make

Treating DSU as One National Scholarship

Italy’s regional right-to-study system does not operate through one identical national application.

Therefore, identify the authority serving your chosen university.

Applying Without Checking Eligibility

A scholarship can be generous and still be unsuitable for you.

Check nationality, degree level, academic requirements, and other conditions first.

Confusing Tuition-Free With Fully Funded

A tuition waiver can save thousands of euros. However, it may leave accommodation, food, and living expenses entirely to you.

Therefore, examine all benefits before describing an award as fully funded.

Preparing Financial Documents Too Late

Foreign documents can take time to obtain and process.

For that reason, start early.

Assuming Scholarships Can Always Be Combined

Some programmes restrict recipients from simultaneously holding particular awards.

Consequently, check compatibility rules before accepting multiple scholarships.

Depending on Scholarship Money Immediately After Arrival

Payments may not begin immediately.

Therefore, prepare enough money for your initial expenses.

Assuming IELTS Is Always Required

Some programmes accept alternatives.

However, never assume an exemption without checking the official programme requirements.

Using Old Deadlines

Scholarship articles remain online after application cycles close.

As a result, always verify the academic year before relying on a deadline.

17. Which Italian Scholarship Route Fits Your Profile?

The following comparison can help you organise your research.

Your Profile	Funding Route to Prioritise
Limited household financial resources	Regional right-to-study scholarships
Exceptional academic performance	University merit scholarships
Eligible postgraduate applicant	MAECI
Mainly need lower university fees	Tuition exemptions
Applying to a specialised programme	Departmental funding
Need several possible funding routes	Regional + university + national options

However, “prioritise” does not mean “apply only to”.

Where the rules permit, you can investigate several funding categories.

The objective is not to submit the largest possible number of applications. Instead, focus on opportunities for which you genuinely satisfy the requirements.

18. How Competitive Are Scholarships in Italy?

There is no single acceptance rate for Italian scholarships.

Competitiveness depends on the funding route.

For example, university excellence scholarships can be highly competitive because academic merit may play a major role. By contrast, regional right-to-study programmes operate under a different framework involving economic and academic requirements.

Government scholarships have their own selection criteria.

Consequently, your preparation should reflect the type of scholarship.

For a merit award, provide strong evidence of academic achievement and programme fit.

For need-based regional funding, complete financial documentation becomes especially important.

Meanwhile, MAECI applicants should begin by confirming that they satisfy the annual eligibility conditions.

In other words, different scholarships evaluate different aspects of your profile.

19. Are Scholarships in Italy Really Worth It?

For the right student, they can make an enormous difference.

Italy is particularly interesting because funding comes from several levels of the higher-education system.

For instance, students may find national government funding alongside regional right-to-study programmes. Universities also provide scholarships, tuition exemptions, and departmental awards. In addition, specialised programmes may create further opportunities for eligible applicants.

This gives students several possible pathways.

At the same time, navigating the system requires careful research.

Therefore, a strong applicant should understand:

which funding authority applies to the university;
What documentation is required
when applications open;
what the scholarship covers;
and which expenses remain afterward.

Understanding those details is more valuable than simply knowing the names of dozens of scholarships.

20. How to Verify Scholarship Information Before Applying

Scholarship information changes regularly. Therefore, verification should become part of your application routine.

A scholarship guide can help you discover opportunities and understand the application system. However, the final application should always follow the current official call.

Before applying, verify:

the academic year;
eligibility requirements;
eligible nationalities;
degree level;
scholarship benefits;
required documents;
application procedure;
deadline;
renewal conditions;
and restrictions on combining scholarships.

In particular, pay attention to the academic year.

An official document for 2026/27 can be accurate but still unsuitable as the final authority for a 2027/28 application.

Therefore, use previous calls for preparation. Once a new call appears, use the updated information for the actual application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy

Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Italy?

Yes. International students can access regional, university, and government funding in Italy. Depending on the programme, funding may contribute toward tuition and living expenses. However, the exact benefits differ between scholarships.

Is DSU available to international students?

Eligible international students can access regional right-to-study programmes. Nevertheless, DSU should not be treated as one national scholarship with identical rules throughout Italy.

Is studying in Italy completely free with a scholarship?

Not necessarily. Even a generous scholarship can cover expenses such as travel, initial accommodation, administrative charges, or other personal costs.

Therefore, calculate your remaining expenses before travelling.

Can I study in Italy without IELTS?

Possibly. Some programmes accept alternative evidence of English proficiency. However, individual universities determine their own requirements, so applicants should verify the specific programme conditions.

Does MAECI cover every international student?

No. MAECI establishes eligibility conditions for each annual cycle. These can include eligible countries, study categories, age requirements, and language conditions.

Therefore, check the relevant annual call.

Can bachelor’s students receive scholarships in Italy?

Yes. Eligible bachelor’s students may access regional scholarships, university awards, and tuition exemptions depending on the institution and programme.

Can master’s students receive scholarships in Italy?

Yes. Master’s applicants may potentially access regional scholarships, university merit funding, tuition exemptions, and MAECI where eligible.

Are Italian scholarships available to African students?

Yes. Eligible applicants from African countries can access various funding routes. However, nationality-specific conditions can apply to particular programmes.

Are Italian scholarships available to Asian students?

Yes. Eligible applicants from Asian countries can also access regional and university scholarships, while national programmes may apply country-specific rules.

Do I need admission before applying for a scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship.

Some opportunities are connected with university admission, whereas others require separate applications. Regional programmes also follow their own procedures.

Therefore, check the admission and scholarship timelines independently.

Can I apply for more than one Italian scholarship?

In some cases, yes. However, scholarship compatibility rules may prevent recipients from holding certain awards simultaneously.

Check those conditions before accepting multiple forms of funding.

What Is ISEE Parificato?

ISEE Parificato is an economic assessment that some international students may encounter when their household income and assets cannot be assessed through the ordinary Italian ISEE process.

Whether you need it depends on your circumstances and the responsible institution.

When Should I Start Preparing for Italy Scholarships in 2027?

Ideally, begin several months before applications open.

Start by researching programmes and funding routes. Meanwhile, prepare academic documents and investigate financial-document requirements.

This gives you time to resolve problems before the actual deadlines arrive.

Final Thoughts

Italy can be an attractive destination for international students because funding comes through several different routes rather than one single scholarship.

For example, students with limited household resources may find regional right-to-study support particularly important. Meanwhile, academically strong applicants can investigate university merit awards. Eligible postgraduate students may also consider MAECI, while tuition exemptions and specialised programmes provide additional possibilities.

Therefore, the strongest strategy is not to depend on one opportunity.

Instead, begin with programmes that genuinely match your academic background. Next, investigate the regional funding system connected with each university. In addition, check university scholarships and national opportunities for which you qualify.

Having gone through the Italian student system myself, I would emphasise one final lesson: do not separate scholarship planning from the practical paperwork required to access the scholarship.

Prepare financial documents early. Moreover, verify language requirements before paying for tests, keep records of important submissions, and calculate the expenses that remain even after receiving funding.

Finally, remember that scholarship deadlines, amounts, and eligibility requirements can change.

Use previous calls to prepare. However, once the new application cycle opens, rely on the current official information.

Scholarship hunting should not be about collecting the largest possible list of opportunities. Instead, it should be about identifying funding that genuinely fits your situation and preparing a complete application when the opportunity opens.