Italy is one of the most popular destinations for educational migration. Choosing Italy for your studies is a smart and economical decision. Free education in Italy allows international students to focus on their academic programs and receive high-quality training. Every year, a large number of international students choose to study in Italy. There is intense competition among students to gain admission to the top universities in Italy and to obtain Italian scholarships. Italian universities are always striving to provide the highest quality education and facilities to create an ideal environment for students.
International students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Italy through their studies. The experience of studying in Italy goes beyond quality universities and affordable tuition. Educational migration to Italy includes enjoying delicious cuisine, exploring ancient landmarks, and unique opportunities that turn studying into an unforgettable adventure. In this article from the Elm Vira series, join us as we explore free education in Italy.
Benefits of Studying in Italy
Italy is home to some of the richest collections of education, architecture, art, cuisine, music, and fashion in the world. Studying in Italy is a comprehensive opportunity that helps students grow personally as well as academically. International students from all over the world come to Italy to build a bright future through its high-quality education system. For many years, Italy has been a center of art, science, and higher education. Some of the advantages of studying in Italy include:
- The possibility of free education in Italy
- Obtaining a globally recognized degree
- The option to work while studying
- Eligibility for Italian scholarships
- Access to international research and educational resources
- A dynamic and international environment
- Affordable tuition and living costs
- The opportunity to study in English
- Easy admission process
- Eligibility for a Schengen visa
Ways to Study for Free in Italy
Studying for free in Italy is truly a dream come true for international students. As you know, studying at Italy’s well-known and reputable universities, which offer the highest level of education quality and facilities, usually comes with costs. However, you can reduce your study expenses by applying for Italian scholarships. Below, we explore ways to study for free in Italy:
- Strengthen Your Skills and Resume
When you start sending admission applications to Italian universities, having a good GPA, high grades, language certificates, academic achievements, and even your financial situation can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship. These documents and qualifications prove that you are eligible for a scholarship and can study for free in Italy.
- Look for Affordable Universities
If you have a limited budget, start your research by looking for affordable universities in Italy. Applying to inexpensive universities makes it easier to reduce your overall study costs and compensate for them with Italian scholarships. Prepare a list of affordable Italian universities based on your field of study and choose the best option. With a good scholarship, study costs will be manageable and can make studying free in Italy possible. Some of the most affordable universities in Italy include:
- John Cabot University
- University of Camerino
- Florence Institute of Design International
- University of Padua
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
- European University of Rome
- Polytechnic University of Milan
- University of Bergamo
- University of Naples
- University of Salerno
- Polytechnic University of Turin
- University of Pisa and more…
- Prepare Your Application in Advance
As mentioned earlier, competition for scholarships and free study opportunities in Italy is intense. Make sure to apply on time with all the necessary documents required for Italian scholarships. If you are applying for regional scholarships in Italy, it is advisable to prepare and submit all documents that prove your financial situation.
- Apply for Scholarships Through Universities to Study Free in Italy
University scholarships are the best option for international students seeking to study for free in Italy. Apply for Italian scholarships through the university’s official website online. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, accommodation, insurance, and more.
Italian Scholarships
In Italy, all international students are eligible for scholarships based on their financial status or academic merits. There are national and regional government scholarships that enable international students to study for free in Italy. Additionally, some Italian universities offer scholarship programs specifically for international students. Below are some of the most well-known Italian scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year:
- Italian Government Scholarships for International Students
The Italian government offers scholarships to both domestic and international students. These scholarships are available for Master’s and PhD programs and aim to strengthen cultural, scientific, and technological international cooperation, as well as promote the Italian language and culture. These scholarships are granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) to international students.
Under this program, international students studying at Italian higher education institutions are exempt from tuition fees and registration costs and receive a monthly stipend of €900 along with health insurance for 3, 6, or 9 months depending on the study program.
This scholarship allows students to study for free in Italy. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria regarding age, language skills, and academic documents.
The Invest Your Talent in Italy program, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development, is offered to students from Azerbaijan, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Turkey, Tunisia, and Vietnam.
This scholarship provides the opportunity to study for free in Italy and develop skills and expertise through a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs taught in English at reputable Italian universities. It is awarded to top students under specific conditions.
2. Free Education in Italy with the Regional Scholarship (DSU)
The Italian Regional Scholarship, or DSU, is a financial-need-based scholarship for students in Italy. The DSU scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for talented and motivated students to study for free in Italy. This scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and empower financially needy students to pursue their educational dreams in the country. This full-funded scholarship is available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students. There is no age limit to receive this scholarship.
Students must register before applying for this scholarship. The DSU scholarship does not require proof of Italian or English language proficiency. To be eligible, the applicant’s annual income must be less than 25,000 euros. Students need to submit all necessary financial documents to the relevant authorities in the province where they plan to study. One of the conditions to qualify for this scholarship is to have a minimum GPA of 14 out of 20. The application period for this scholarship is from late July to late September. Universities offering the DSU scholarship include:
- University of Pisa
- Politecnico di Milano
- University of Siena
- University of Milan
- University of Florence
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Bologna
- University of Padua
- Politecnico di Torino
- …and others.
3. Free Education in Italy: University Scholarships
Various universities in Italy offer different scholarships to students. Some of the most well-known university scholarships in Italy that provide the opportunity for free education are as follows:
- University of Milan Excellence Scholarship
For the academic year 2024-2025, the University of Milan will offer over 155 scholarships to the best international students admitted to Master’s programs. Of these, 55 scholarships are worth 8,000 euros each (including tuition fee waiver), and 100 scholarships offer full tuition fee exemption.
- EDISU Piemonte Scholarship
- Non-EU international students enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at Politecnico di Torino, University of Turin, and the University of Eastern Piedmont can apply for this scholarship. Students who meet the academic merit and financial eligibility criteria can apply to receive this scholarship and study for free in Italy. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on different conditions.
3. University of Padua Scholarship Program
The University of Padua also offers full-funded scholarships to talented students who wish to pursue English-taught programs at the university. This scholarship includes an €8,000 stipend and tuition fee waiver. The university has allocated 120 full tuition waivers for international students enrolled in selected study programs. This tuition exemption applies only for the first year of study and is not renewable.
4. Bocconi University
Bocconi University offers merit-based scholarships to international students studying in various Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. These scholarships provide tuition waivers ranging from half to full tuition, valued up to €13,000 per year for Bachelor’s programs and up to €14,000 per year for Master’s students.
5. Free Education in Italy: Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano annually awards merit-based scholarships to the most talented international Bachelor’s students. These merit-based international scholarships exempt recipients from paying tuition fees for the entire academic year, enabling students to study for free. Additionally, scholarships ranging from €5,000 to €10,000 are offered alongside tuition waivers.
Other universities offering scholarships in Italy include:
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University of Bologna
-
University of Pavia
-
University of Milan
-
University of Turin
-
University of Padua
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in Italy
To be eligible for scholarships in Italy, certain conditions must be met, as outlined below:
General Conditions
The eligibility for scholarships and the opportunity to study for free in Italy depends on various factors. Italian scholarships are offered to non-resident students and Italian citizens living abroad who hold the appropriate academic qualifications to enroll in universities or higher education institutions in Italy. Note that having a strong academic resume, language certificates, international exam scores, published articles or research, and similar qualifications can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship and studying for free in Italy.
Age Requirements
Applicants for Bachelor’s programs in Arts, Music, Dance, and advanced Italian language and culture courses must be at least 18 and no older than 25 years. Applicants for Master’s programs must be no older than 28 years. PhD candidates should be no older than 30 years. Applicants for university-supervised research projects must not exceed 40 years of age.
Language Proficiency
Possessing an Italian language certificate is required for studying in Italian-taught programs as part of scholarship eligibility. The minimum required level of Italian proficiency is B2. Students enrolling in English-taught programs must provide a valid English language certificate (TOEFL or IELTS). For PhD programs and university-supervised research projects, no language certificate is required.
- Required Documents
Applicants seeking scholarships and free education in Italy must submit the necessary documents, including identification papers, academic certificates, language proficiency certificates (if required), resumes, letters of recommendation, financial documents, and more.
To apply for an Italian scholarship, students should visit the official Italian scholarship website at esteri. Within the specified timeframe and submit their application along with the required documents according to the guidelines.
Summary
Studying in Italy offers unique opportunities for students and opens doors to a dynamic job market across Europe. The ease of admission without the need for difficult exams is one of the main reasons many international students choose Italy as their preferred study migration destination. Many students migrate to Italy to study for free. Tuition fees at Italian higher education institutions are much lower compared to many other study destinations. Obtaining an Italian scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for students who wish to study in a developed country with unique educational and welfare facilities.
Italian university scholarships enable students to manage not only their tuition fees but also living expenses, insurance, and accommodation. For more information about studying abroad and free consultation, please visit the consultation section.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it possible to study for free in Italy?
- Yes, through obtaining scholarships, having a strong academic resume, and attending affordable universities.
- What are the most important scholarships in Italy?
- University scholarships, regional scholarships, and government scholarships.
- What are the eligibility criteria for Italian scholarships?
- Language certificates, age requirements, academic merit, and proof of financial need for DSU scholarships.
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