How to Study for Free in Italy?

DSU Scholarship (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)

This is the most popular and accessible scholarship for students in Italy. It’s available in every region and is designed to support students from low- or middle-income families.

What it covers:

• Exemption from tuition fees.
• An annual scholarship (on average €5,000–8,500 depending on the region).
• Free meals in the university cafeteria.
• Housing benefits or a place in a dormitory.

Who can apply:

• Citizens of any country, including CIS countries.
• You must provide proof of family income (usually through the ISEE Parificato certificate).

Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)

Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for international students.

What’s included:

• Free education.
• A monthly allowance of €900.
• Health insurance.

Highlights:

• Competition is high, but it’s definitely worth trying.
• Aimed at master’s, PhD, and language programs.

University Discounts and Benefits

Even if you don’t get a DSU scholarship, many universities offer tuition discounts for international students:

• University of Pavia — up to 100% discount.
• University of Turin — reduced tuition of €300–400 per year.
• Politecnico di Milano — grants for students with high academic performance.

CRUI Scholarship (for students under international protection)

The CRUI Foundation, associated with the Conference of Italian University Rectors, in cooperation with ministries (MAECI, Ministry of the Interior, MUR) and agencies like ANDISU, provides scholarships specifically for students entitled to international protection (refugees, people with subsidiary protection, including those with temporary protection for Ukrainians).

In addition, the Foundation organizes internships and grants: students who have received a regional scholarship can apply for extra support for international mobility — covering accommodation, meals, and travel expenses.

University Scholarships

Many universities also offer their own scholarship and support programs:

• Bocconi University — Merit and International Awards: tuition discounts up to 50%, plus merit scholarships up to €12,000–13,000 per year (for both bachelor’s and master’s programs).
• Politecnico di Milano — annually awards grants to talented international master’s students: full tuition waiver and additional payments of €5,000–10,000 per year.
• University of Milan (Statale) — “Excellence Scholarships” for first-year master’s students: €6,000 + full tuition exemption; other need-based and merit scholarships range from €1,800 to €6,000 per year.
• University of Bologna — International Talents @ UNIBO program: 30 grants for international master’s students, €6,500 + full tuition waiver.
• University of Padua — Padua International Excellence Scholarship: €8,000 per year + full tuition exemption (up to 3 years for bachelor’s / 2 years for master’s programs).

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)

A program by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MUR for top students from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

It includes:

• Study in English-taught master’s and postgraduate programs in engineering, architecture, economics, and management.
• An internship in an Italian company.
• A 9-month scholarship that covers tuition and living expenses.

Conclusion

It’s absolutely possible to study in Italy for free if you:

• Apply for the DSU or other scholarships.
• Follow deadlines carefully and prepare your documents properly.
• Stay active in your studies and successfully complete each semester.

This way, you can not only avoid paying tuition but also live comfortably in Italy on a scholarship that covers all your basic expenses.