🎓 1. Top Universities & Scholarships (2026–2027)
📌 University of Padua – Padua International Excellence Scholarship
- Levels: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Coverage: Full tuition + €8,000/year stipend (highly competitive)
- Deadline: Feb–May 2026 (estimated)
- Apply/Info: https://www.unipd.it/en/en/studying-padua/funding-and-fees/scholarships-international-students
📌 University of Bologna – International Talents @UNIBO
- Levels: Bachelor’s & Master’s (especially Master’s)
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver + financial support (up to ~€11,000/year)
- Deadline: Jan–May 2026 (typically Mar–Apr)
- Apply/Info: https://www.unibo.it/en/teaching/grants-and-scholarships
📌 Politecnico di Milano – Merit & Excellence Scholarships
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD
- Coverage: Tuition waiver + €5,000–€10,000/year (plus merit tiers)
- Deadline: Varies by intake (usually Feb–Mar 2026)
- Apply/Info: https://www.polimi.it/en/tuition-fees-and-scholarships/
📌 Bocconi University Scholarships
- Levels: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Coverage: Full/partial tuition waiver + need-based support (meal vouchers, housing)
- Deadline: Linked to admissions (Nov 2025–May 2026)
- Apply/Info: https://www.unibocconi.eu/wps/wcm/connect/Bocconi/SitoPubblico_EN/Navigation+Tree/Programmes/Scholarships/
📌 University of Milan – Excellence Scholarships
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD
- Coverage: Tuition waiver + €6,000/year stipend
- Deadline: Typically 31 May 2026 (admissions by that date)
- Apply/Info: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/enrolment
📌 Università Cattolica / EDUCatt Scholarships
- Levels: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Coverage: Need/merit-based partial tuition and aid
- Deadline: EDUCatt application opens with admissions; main deadline Sep 2026
- Apply/Info: https://www.unicatt.it/en/about-unicatt/tuition-and-scholarships
📌 EDISU Piemonte & DSU Regional Scholarships
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD
- Coverage: Tuition + housing + meal support + allowances (region-based)
- Deadlines: Jul–Sep 2026 per region (e.g., Tuscany, Piedmont)
- Apply/Info: Contact regional DSU authority (e.g., DSU Toscana, EDISU Piemonte)
📌 Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
- Levels: Master’s, PhD, research, Italian culture/language
- Coverage: Tuition waiver + ~€900/month stipend + health insurance
- Deadline: Typically Apr–May 2026
- Apply/Info: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/en/home_borse
🧭 2. Step-by-Step Application Guide
1️⃣ Choose Programs & Universities
Decide your degree and field (e.g., Engineering, Business, Science).
Use university portals above to check available 2026–27 courses.
2️⃣ Check Eligibility
Common requirements include:
✔ Secondary school/previous degree transcripts
✔ English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) may be waived if prior English-medium degree
✔ Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
✔ Reference letters (for PhD/competitive awards)
3️⃣ Prepare Documents
Typical documents:
📄 Passport copy
📄 Academic transcripts & diplomas
📄 CV/Resume
📄 Motivation letter
📄 Proof of funds (if required)
📄 Language certificate or MOI letter
4️⃣ Submit Admission + Scholarship Applications
Most universities will ask that you:
- Apply for admission first (by deadline)
- Apply for scholarships separately or via the same portal
Check each university’s instructions carefully.
5️⃣ Follow Up & Interview (if any)
Some programs contact short-listed candidates for interviews (especially for PhDs and merit awards).
Be ready with research proposals for PhD applications.
💰 3. Scholarship Coverage & Stipends (Approx.)
| Scholarship | Tuition Waiver | Stipend / Other |
|---|---|---|
| Padua Excellence | Full | €8,000/year |
| Unibo @UNIBO (Bologna) | Full/Partial | Up to ~€11,000/year |
| Politecnico di Milano | Full/Partial | €5,000–€10,000/year |
| Bocconi Merit Awards | Full/Partial | Tuition + aid |
| UniMi Excellence | Full/Partial | ~€6,000/year |
| MAECI Italian Govt | Full | ~€900/month + insurance |
| DSU Regional | Full | Meals + housing + allowances |
🛂 4. Italy Student Visa Process
🇮🇹 For degree study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
International students from outside the EU/EEA need a Student Visa (Type D):
📌 Steps
- Receive admission & scholarship offer
- Get “Declaration of Value” (Dichiarazione di Valore) (if required)
- Apply for Italy Student Visa at your local Italian Embassy/Consulate
- Submit documents:
• Passport
• University letter of acceptance
• Scholarship award letter
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of funds (if needed beyond scholarship)
• Health insurance proof - Visa interview & fee payment
- Travel to Italy & register with local authorities (Questura)
Once in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days.
📌 5. Important Deadlines (Typical 2026 Cycle)
| Scholarship / Program | Expected Call Window |
|---|---|
| MAECI – Italian Govt Scholarships | Apr – May 2026 |
| Padua International Excellence | Feb – May 2026 |
| UniBo Merit Scholarships | Jan – May 2026 |
| Bocconi Merit Awards | Nov 2025 – May 2026 |
| Politecnico di Milano | Multiple rounds through Spring 2026 |
| University of Milan Excellence | By 31 May 2026 |
| DSU/Regional Support | Jul – Sep 2026 |
| Università Cattolica / EDUCatt | Admission + Sep 2026 |
🧠 6. Final Recommendations for 2026–27
✅ Start Early: Many university scholarships require admission first — begin applications Nov–Dec 2025 for 2026 intake.
✅ Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t rely on one — combine government + university + regional (DSU) options.
✅ Prepare Strong Documents: Tailor your motivation letter to each university and highlight achievements.
✅ Confirm Language Requirements: Some programs accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) instead of IELTS/TOEFL.
✅ Stay Organized: Track deadlines in a calendar and submit documents well ahead of cutoff dates.
🚀 Helpful Official University Links
| University | Scholarship/Funding Page |
|---|---|
| University of Padua | https://www.unipd.it/en/en/studying-padua/funding-and-fees/scholarships-international-students |
| University of Bologna | https://www.unibo.it/en/teaching/grants-and-scholarships |
| Politecnico di Milano | https://www.polimi.it/en/tuition-fees-and-scholarships/ |
| Bocconi University | https://www.unibocconi.eu/wps/wcm/connect/Bocconi/SitoPubblico_EN/Navigation+Tree/Programmes/Scholarships/ |
| University of Milan | https://www.unimi.it/en/study/enrolment |
| Università Cattolica | https://www.unicatt.it/en/about-unicatt/tuition-and-scholarships |
| Italian Govt Scholarships (MAECI) | https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/en/home_borse |
