Fully Funded Italian Scholarships 2026 | Study Free in Italy. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Italy, known for its rich history, world-class education, and vibrant culture, offers numerous fully funded scholarships for international students in 2026. These scholarships cover bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs at top Italian universities, allowing students of all nationalities to study for free.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fully funded Italian scholarships, including types, eligibility, application process, required documents, and FAQs.
| University: | Italian Universities |
| Degree level: | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Italy |
| Last Date: | Vary with Scholarship |
Types of Fully Funded Italian Scholarships (2026)
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Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI Scholarships)
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Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Covers tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
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Open to master’s and PhD students.
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University-Specific Scholarships
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Offered by top Italian universities like theUniversity of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, and the University of Padua.
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Some cover full tuition, while others provide stipends.
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EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
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For students enrolled in universities in the Piedmont region.
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Includes tuition waivers and financial aid.
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Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Program
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For master’s students in engineering, architecture, design, and economics.
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Includes internships in Italian companies.
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ERC (European Research Council) Grants
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For PhD and postdoctoral researchers in STEM and social sciences.
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MOFA Taiwan Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
For Bachelor’s Programs
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Proof of English/Italian language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/CILS).
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Some programs may require entrance exams.
Joy of Giving Something Fellowship 2026 (Paid)
For Master’s Programs
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Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
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Minimum GPA (varies by university).
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Language proficiency (Italian or English, depending on the program).
Microsoft Internship (Free Verified Certificate)
For PhD Programs
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Master’s degree in a related field.
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Research proposal (for some programs).
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Recommendation letters.
ACI Foundation Scholarship 2026 (Fellowships)
Additional Requirements
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Open to all nationalities (some scholarships may have country-specific quotas).
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Some scholarships require financial need.
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Age limits may apply (e.g., under 35 for some programs).
Colombia Government Scholarship | Fully Funded
Application Process
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Choose a Scholarship & University
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Check the official scholarship websites and university portals.
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Check Deadlines
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Deadlines vary (usually between January and June 2026).
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Prepare Required Documents
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Academic transcripts & diplomas
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CV/Resume
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Motivation letter
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Recommendation letters
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Language proficiency certificates
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Passport copy
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Research proposal (for PhD)
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Submit Online Application
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Apply via the university or scholarship portal.
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Wait for Results
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Selected candidates may be called for interviews.
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Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Bachelor’s | Master’s | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Transcripts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Degree Certificate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Passport Copy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| CV/Resume | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Motivation Letter | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommendation Letters | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Research Proposal | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Language Certificate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
FAQs
1. Can I work while studying in Italy on a scholarship?
Yes, international students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week).
2. Do I need to know Italian?
Not always—many programs are in English. However, learning basic Italian helps in daily life.
3. Is there an age limit for scholarships?
Some scholarships (like MAECI) require applicants to be under 28 (Master’s) or 30 (PhD).
4. How competitive are these scholarships?
Very competitive—strong academic records and well-prepared applications increase chances.
5. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but check each scholarship’s rules—some don’t allow double funding.
Final Tips for Applicants
✔ Startearly—scholarship deadlines approach fast!
✔Tailor your application to each scholarship’s requirements.
✔Contact professors (for PhD programs) to increase acceptance chances.
✔Check visa requirements early.
How to Apply?
🔗 Official Scholarship Portal: Study in Italy—MAECI Scholarships
🔗University Scholarships: Visit your chosen university’s website.
Conclusion
Italy offers incredible opportunities for international students through fully funded scholarships. Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, make sure to prepare a strong application and apply before the deadline.
Good luck with your scholarship journey! 🎓✈️
Would you like any modifications or additional details? Let me know!
1. Italian Government Scholarships – MAECI (Study in Italy)
Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), this fully funded scholarship supports international students enrolling in Italian universities for Master’s, PhD, research, and cultural courses. Scholars receive allowances, tuition coverage (depending on university), and health insurance. Applications are through the Study in Italy portal.
Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) – Official Study in Italy Scholarships Page
🎓 2. University of Bologna – International Talents @Unibo Scholarships
The University of Bologna offers this fully funded international scholarship for second cycle (Master’s) programs. It includes tuition fee exemption and study grant support at one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities.
University of Bologna Scholarships – Official Study Grants Page
🎓 3. MAECI Scholarships at University of Padua
Through the Italian Government Scholarship scheme, the University of Padua participates in offering fully funded grants for Master’s and PhD programs, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
University of Padua – MAECI Scholarships Official Page
🎓 4. Official Italian Foreign Affairs Scholarships Directory
This is the Official Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Scholarships/Grants page that links to all scholarship categories available for foreign students wishing to study in Italy.
Italian Scholarships & Grants – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official Page