Italy has long been a beacon of higher learning, with universities that date back nearly a thousand years and continue to rank among the most respected institutions in Europe. Cities like Bologna, Padua, Milan, and Pisa are not just historical centers of art and culture but also thriving hubs of modern research and innovation. For international students eyeing the 2026–2027 intakes, Italy presents a golden opportunity: thousands of scholarships are opening up for Master’s and PhD programs, making world-class education more affordable and accessible than ever before.
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What sets Italy apart as a study destination in 2026 is its unique blend of academic excellence, financial accessibility, and cultural richness. These Italian government initiatives like the MAECI scholarships and Invest Your Talent in Italy program ensure that international scholars can pursue advanced degrees without financial strain. Regional schemes such as DSU Toscana, EDISU Piemonte, and ER.GO Emilia-Romagna further expand support, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. On top of that, leading universities including Bologna, Padua, Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, and Scuola Normale Superiore offer their own competitive merit scholarships, many of which include full tuition waivers and generous stipends.
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Beyond funding, studying in Italy gives students the chance to immerse themselves in a country renowned for its art, cuisine, and Mediterranean lifestyle while also offering access to EU-wide mobility programs, internships, and career pathways. For ambitious international students, Italy in 2026 isn’t just another option—it’s one of the best destinations in the world to combine top-tier education with an enriching life experience.
Why Choose Italy with a Scholarship?
- Affordable yet world-class education: With many scholarships covering tuition fees and living costs, studying in Italy can be surprisingly budget-friendly.
- Diverse opportunities: Italy hosts some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, including Bologna, Padua, Milan, Pisa, and Bocconi.
- Cultural experience: Studying in Italy isn’t just about academics—you’ll live in a country famous for art, history, food, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
- Gateway to Europe: As part of the EU, Italy gives you access to mobility programs, internships, and career opportunities across Europe.
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List of Italian National Level Scholarships for 2026 Intakes
Following 2 Italian government scholarships are among National level programs:
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1# MAECI – Italian Government Scholarships
Run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these scholarships open every April–May 2026. They are available for Master’s and PhD students, as well as researchers and those interested in Italian language and culture. Benefits often include tuition waivers, monthly stipends, and health insurance.
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2# Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)
Expected to open in late January 2026, this program is designed for Master’s students in fields like Engineering, Architecture, Design, and Economics. It combines academic study with internships at top Italian companies, giving you both a degree and career-ready skills.
List of Regional “Right to Study” Scholarships in Italy for 2026
Italy’s regional governments are generous in providing DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) grants. These scholarships are mostly need-based and cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and sometimes travel costs.
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- EDISU Piemonte (Piedmont region) – Apply late July to early September 2026. Covers students in Turin and surrounding universities.
- ER.GO Emilia-Romagna – Open July–September 2026, supporting students in Bologna and across the Emilia-Romagna region.
- DSU Toscana (Tuscany) – Mid-July to early September 2026, for students at universities in Pisa, Siena, and Florence.
- University of Pisa DSU & Merit Scholarships – Applications close in early September 2026, offering a mix of merit and need-based aid.
- University of Pavia (EDiSU Pavia) – Fee waivers and DSU benefits, expected to close in mid-September 2026.
These regional scholarships are some of the most reliable and inclusive schemes, supporting thousands of international students each year.
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List of Italian University-Specific Merit Scholarships in 2026
Following 8 Universities in Italy are also offering scholarships to international students in 2026:
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1# University of Bologna – International Talents @Unibo
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For Master’s students, this highly competitive award provides full tuition fee waivers plus a stipend. Applications are expected between January and May 2026.
2# University of Padua – International Excellence Scholarship
One of the most high paying scholarship in Italy, this Padua university scholarship offers a full fee waiver and €8,000 per year stipend for Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Applications will run from February to May 2026.
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3# Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
Available for MSc students, PoliTo offers scholarships for top-ranked applicants. Calls are usually program-specific, running in spring–summer 2026.
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4# Politecnico di Milano – Merit-Based Scholarships
Polimi offers multiple tiers of scholarships for MSc students, including full fee waivers plus up to €10,000 annually. Applications follow the university’s admission rounds throughout 2026.
5# Bocconi University Scholarships
Bocconi University, one of Europe’s most prestigious business schools, offers generous financial support to attract and retain top international talent. For graduate students, the Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards are among the most competitive opportunities, providing full tuition and fee coverage for outstanding MSc applicants.
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These awards are closely tied to the university’s admission rounds, which are expected to run from November 2025 through May 2026 for the 2026–2027 intake. In addition to merit-based aid, Bocconi also ensures access to need-based assistance through the ISU Bocconi Scholarships, which open in May–June 2026. These scholarships are designed to help students with limited financial resources by offering benefits such as tuition waivers, meal vouchers, and housing support.
Together, these programs make Bocconi not only a world-class destination for business and economics education but also an accessible one for ambitious international students.
6# Università Cattolica Scholarships (EDUCatt)
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Cattolica offers international scholarships at admission and additional EDUCatt need-based aid, expected to close in September 2026.
7# University of Milan – Excellence Scholarships
For top Master’s students, UniMi provides fee exemptions and stipends. To qualify, apply for admission by 31 May 2026.
8# Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) PhD Scholarships
SNS is one of Italy’s elite institutions. Every admitted PhD student receives full funding, housing, meals, and research support. The SNS scholarship 2026 intake for PhD Calls is expected to remain open till May 2026.
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Italy Scholarships Listings With Application Cycles for 2026–2027
| Scholarship / Scheme | Level(s) | Expected 2026–27 Cycle Window |
| MAECI – Italian Government Scholarships (Study in Italy) Fully funded scholarships | Master’s, PhD, research, language/culture | Apr–May 2026 |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) | Master’s (selected fields) | Late Jan–Late Feb 2026 |
| University of Bologna — “International Talents @Unibo” | Master’s (2nd cycle) | Jan–May 2026 |
| University of Padua — Padua International Excellence | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Feb–May 2026 |
| EDISU Piemonte (Piedmont DSU) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Late Jul–Early Sep 2026 |
| ER.GO (Emilia-Romagna DSU) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Jul–Sep 2026 |
| DSU Toscana (Tuscany DSU) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Mid-Jul–Early Sep 2026 |
| Politecnico di Torino — International Scholarships Fully funded scholarships | MSc (program-specific) | Spring–Summer 2026 (varies by program) |
| Politecnico di Milano — Merit-Based International Scholarships | MSc | Multiple intakes across 2026 (aligned with admissions) |
| Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards | MSc | Admission rounds Nov 2025–May 2026 |
| Bocconi University Scholarships (incl. ISU) | Bachelor, Law, Master | May–Jun 2026 (ISU) + linked to admission rounds |
| Università Cattolica — International Scholarships / EDUCatt | Bachelor, Master | During program application + EDUCatt deadline late Sep 2026 |
| University of Milan (UniMi) — Excellence Scholarships | Master’s | Apply for admission by 31 May 2026 |
| University of Pavia — Fee Waivers / EDiSU Pavia | Bachelor, Master | Mid-Sep 2026 |
| University of Pisa — DSU & Merit | Bachelor, Master | Early Sep 2026 |
| Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) — PhD Scholarships | PhD | Mar–May 2026 |
Final Thoughts
Italy is opening its doors wider than ever for international students. With opportunities ranging from government-funded awards and DSU regional grants to prestigious merit scholarships at world-class universities, there’s truly something for everyone.
If you’re dreaming of studying in Europe, the 2026–2027 scholarships in Italy could be your ticket—not just to a degree, but to a life-changing experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
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DATE . Sep/15/2025