With colleges that are among the most prestigious in Europe and have been there for almost a millennium, Italy has long been a shining example of higher education. Italy offers a fantastic opportunity to international students interested in the 2026–2027 intakes: thousands of scholarships are becoming available for Master’s and PhD programs, making admission to top-notch education more affordable than ever.
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Why Pick Italy as a Scholarship Destination?
#1. Academic achievement:
Italy’s distinctive fusion of academic achievement, affordability, and cultural diversity is what makes it stand out as a study abroad destination in 2026.
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#2. Fully financed scholarships:
The Invest Your Talent in Italy program and the MAECI scholarships are two examples of Italian government programs that guarantee international students can pursue advanced degrees without facing financial hardship. These scholarships pay for living expenses, housing, and tuition.
Furthermore, premier colleges like as Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi, Padua, Bologna, and Scuola Normale Superiore provide their own competitive merit scholarships, many of which come with large stipends and full tuition exemptions.
#3. World-class education at a reasonable price:
Studying in Italy can be surprisingly inexpensive because of the numerous scholarships that cover living expenses and tuition.
#4. Numerous options:
Bologna, Padua, Milan, Pisa, and Bocconi are just a few of the oldest and most esteemed colleges in Europe that are located in Italy.
#5. Cultural experience:
Living in Italy, a nation renowned for its art, history, cuisine, and Mediterranean way of life, is more than just studying academics.
#6. It is a Gateway to Europe:
Italy’s membership in the EU provides you with access to internships, employment opportunities, and mobility programs throughout Europe.
#7. Wonderful experience:
In addition to providing financial support, studying in Italy allows students to experience a nation known for its art, food, and Mediterranean way of life. It also provides access to internships, career pathways, and EU-wide mobility packages.
Italy is one of the best places in the world to combine a top-notch education with a fulfilling life experience, so for aspirational international students, it’s not just another choice in 2026.
List of Italian Scholarships with 2026/2027 Application
| Scholarship / Scheme | Level(s) | Expected 2026–27 Cycle Window |
| MAECI – Italian Government Scholarships (Study in Italy) | Master’s, PhD, Research, Italian Language & Culture | Apr – May 2026 |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) | Master’s (Engineering, Architecture, Design, Economics) | Late Jan – Late Feb 2026 |
| University of Bologna – International Talents @Unibo | Master’s (2nd cycle) | Jan – May 2026 |
| University of Padua – International Excellence Scholarship | 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 | 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 Bocconi) | Bachelor’s, Law, Master’s | ISU: May – Jun 2026 + linked to admission rounds |
| Università Cattolica – International Scholarships / EDUCatt | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Admission + EDUCatt deadline late Sep 2026 |
| University of Milan – Excellence Scholarships (UniMi) | Master’s | Apply by 31 May 2026 |
| University of Pavia – Fee Waivers / EDiSU Pavia | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Mid-Sep 2026 |
| University of Pisa – DSU & Merit Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Early Sep 2026 |
| Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) – PhD Scholarships | PhD | Mar – May 2026 |
