Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students?

Studying in Italy is a dream for many students — and the good news is, you don’t need to spend lakhs to make it happen. Thanks to generous scholarships, Indian students can study in top Italian universities at very low or even zero cost!

In this blog, we’ll explain the top scholarships in Italy for Indian students, how they work, who can apply, and how to get them.

Why Choose Italy for Scholarships?

Italy is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe. Public universities have low tuition fees, and the Italian government, regions, and universities offer many scholarships for international students — including Indian students.

Some scholarships cover tuition fees, while others also give monthly living support, accommodation help, and free meals.

Top Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students

1. DSU Scholarship (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)

The DSU Scholarship is one of the most popular and valuable scholarships for Indian students in Italy.

• Who offers it? Regional government

• Covers:

  • 100% Tuition fee waiver

  • Free accommodation or rent allowance

  • Free meals in the university cafeteria

  • Pocket money (around €3,000/year)

• Eligibility:

  • Family income below the required limit (usually under ₹8–9 lakhs/year)

  • Enrolled in a public university in Italy

• Deadline: Varies by region (usually July–September)

This scholarship in Italy for Indian Students is needs-based, not merit-based. Even average students can get it if income documents are in place.

2. Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI Scholarship)

This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) of Italy.

• For: Master’s and PhD programs

• Covers:Monthly allowance of €900

  • Tuition fee waiver (in most cases)

  • Health insurance

• Eligibility:

  • Age limit: 28 (for Master’s), 30 (for PhD)

  • Apply directly through the official MAECI portal

• Deadline: Usually in June every year

Competitive, but a great option if you're applying to a public university.

3. University Scholarships

Many public universities in Italy offer their own scholarships, especially for international students.

Examples:

• University of Bologna: Unibo Action 1 & 2 Scholarships

• Politecnico di Milano: Merit-Based Scholarships (€5,000–€10,000)

• Sapienza University of Rome: Fee waivers and grants

• University of Padua: Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships are often merit-based and require high academic scores or a strong SOP.

4. Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship

This scholarship is for students applying to specific STEM or business-related Master’s programs.

• Offered by: Italian government + partner companies

• Covers:

  • Tuition waiver

  • Monthly allowance

  • Internship with Italian companies

• Eligibility:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

  • Good academic performance

  • IELTS/TOEFL required

• Deadline: Typically February–March

Documents Required for Scholarship Application

To apply for scholarships, especially DSU, you’ll typically need:

• Valid Passport

• 10th & 12th marksheets

• Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)

• Family Income Certificate

• Property Certificate (if needed)

• Bank statements

• Translated and legalized documents

• SOP (Statement of Purpose)

• Universitaly Pre-enrollment confirmation

Note: Documents like income and property certificates must be translated into Italian and legalized by the Italian embassy.

How YES Italy Helps You Get a Scholarship

YES Italy is one of the top Italian education consultants in Delhi, specializing in helping Indian students:

• Select public universities that offer maximum scholarship options

• Prepare and translate income-related documents

• Apply correctly and on time for DSU and MAECI scholarships

• Improve SOPs and applications for university-based grantsGuide through pre-enrollment, visa, and post-admission steps

With expert support, your chances of getting a fully funded education in Italy increase significantly.

Final Thoughts

Italy makes quality education affordable and accessible through its many scholarship options. If you're an Indian student dreaming of studying abroad — especially in top universities — these scholarships can help you do it without spending lakhs.

Start your application early, prepare your documents carefully, and don’t hesitate to get expert help.

Ready to Study in Italy with a Scholarship?

Book your free counseling session with YES Italy today and start your journey towards a low-cost, high-quality international education in Italy!