Types of Scholarships
There are several main types of financial aid available in Italy:
- Regional scholarships (DSU, ERSU, LazioDisco, etc.) — the most common and accessible.
- Government grants (MAECI) — offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- University programs — Bocconi Merit Award, Padua Excellence Scholarship, Politecnico di Milano grants, and others.
- Special projects — Invest Your Talent in Italy, Erasmus+, CRUI, and more.
Eligibility Requirements
The requirements depend on the type of scholarship, but there are several general criteria:
- Enrollment in an Italian university (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program).
- Strong academic performance — the better your grades and motivation, the higher your chances.
- Proof of family income — required for need-based scholarships (ISEE Parificato).
- Language proficiency — English or Italian (at least B2 level for most programs).
- Submitting all documents on time — even a one-day delay can make you ineligible.
Required Documents
- Passport and residence permit (if already available).
- High school diploma (12 years of education) or a degree with transcript.
- Language certificate.
- Motivation letter and CV (especially for merit-based scholarships).
- Proof of family income.
Scholarship Amounts
Depending on the program, the amount of support can vary significantly:
- Regional DSU scholarships — €5,000–7,500 per year + exemption from tuition, free meals, and housing support.
- MAECI — €900 per month + insurance and free education.
- University grants — from €3,000 to €18,000 per year (depending on the university and program).
- Invest Your Talent in Italy — around €9,000 per year + internship in an Italian company.
How to Improve Your Chances
- Prepare your documents in advance (especially the ISEE Parificato).
- Apply for several scholarships at the same time.
- Choose regions with lower competition (Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria).
- Participate in international competitions, contests, and projects — this is a plus for merit-based scholarships.
- Write a strong motivation letter that clearly explains why the university should choose you.
Conclusion
To receive a scholarship in Italy, you not only need to get admitted to a university but also submit a complete and properly prepared set of documents on time. Many programs allow you to live and study in Italy without personal expenses, and in some cases — even with a comfortable monthly income. A well-thought-out strategy (applying for multiple scholarships and different types of grants) greatly increases your chances and can make your studies completely free.