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Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students

Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students 2024-25: A Guide

Scholarships are a means to help worthy students who are unable to pay for their living expenses, tuition, or both with financial aid overseas. There is an abundant availability of scholarships in Italy for Indian students who need to concentrate on their studies.

Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students: Reasons to Study in Italy

1. World-renowned establishments

Italy is home to Bologna University, the oldest university in the world. Thousands of students attend this university to further their education and experience the nation’s rich cultural legacy and customs.

Around 145 Italian universities are included in the QS World University Ranking 2024, demonstrating the country’s dedication to offering students a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Every year, 5,000–6,000 Indian students fly to Italy to pursue higher degree programs.

2.  Exposure to Different Cultures

Studying in Italy exposes students to various well-known and lesser-known international communities and their distinctive viewpoints, which enriches their lives. Approximately 35,000 foreign students travel to Italy each year to continue their higher education.

Since Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, a large number of people travel there each year, which can give students exposure and the opportunity to act as local guides for them.

3. Low Tuition Fees

There are about 180 bachelor’s, 700 master’s, and 50 PhD degree programs available in Italian universities, all of which are taught in English.

Public universities in Italy offer their courses nearly free of charge to international students, whereas private universities charge between €1000 and €22,000.

4. Diverse Career Paths

International students are granted a “Permesso di Soggiorno,” or residence permit, which allows them to remain in Italy after completing their master’s degrees there.

Engineering, law, and tourism are the most sought-after job paths in Italy.

5. Learning Foreign Language

Learning to appreciate Italy’s rich cultural legacy and diversity is a key component of studying there.

You will have the amazing opportunity to learn Italian while pursuing higher education in Italy. This will improve your ability to communicate with locals and position you to assist visitors as a tour guide or local translator.

Importance of Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students

Scholarships are a means to help worthy students who are unable to pay for their living expenses, tuition, or both with financial aid overseas. There is an abundant availability of scholarships for Indian students in Italy who need to concentrate on their studies.

Italy is the leading European country, having a modern education system, high-tech infrastructure, world-class faculty, and a multiethnic environment where students can thrive in their academic careers without any worry. 

Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students 2024-25

ServiceScape Scholarship 2024

The ServiceScape Scholarship scheme provides little extra help to Indian students to cover their education and expenses that other scholarships don’t cover. This scholarship program is open to Indian students. The scholarship is being paid toward the educational certification or degree program of the student’s choice.

Benefits€921 (84,000 INR approx)
EligibilityThe student must be enrolled in an accredited college or university
The applicant must submit a 300-word essay on the topic ‘How does writing impact today’s world?’

The applicant must be 18 years old

The student must be enrolled in an accredited college or university
The applicant must submit a 300-word essay on the topic ‘How does writing impact today’s world?’
The applicant must be 18 years old

Application ProcessStudents can visit the online portal of the ServiceScape
Application DeadlinesNovember 30th, 2024

Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2024

The Leakey Foundation grants research funds to doctoral students pursuing academic activity in Italian universities. The research should be related to human origins.

BenefitsThe funds awarded to doctoral students are in the range of €3000-5000 (2,70,000-4,50,000 INR approx) with a funding limit of €20000 (18,00,000 INR)

Larger funds of up to €30000 (27,00,000 INR) are granted to post-doc researchers and senior scientists.
EligibilityAll advanced doctoral students coming from any country are eligible
Application ProcessStudents can visit the online portal of the Leakey Foundation
Application DeadlinesJuly 15th, 2024

MAECI Scholarships

The MAECI or Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation scholarship is an initiative by the Italian government to promote the country’s culture, economics, technological and scientific heritage worldwide.

Benefits€900 per month allowances are paid on a quaternary basis to eligible students in their Italian bank accounts.

Recipients are exempted from paying their university’s tuition fees
EligibilityThe applicant should not be over 28 years of age

They must be enrolled in Master’s, Doctoral or Diploma programs

Students must provide their Italian language level certificate (the minimum level required is B2 within the framework of CEFR). It is not required in those courses which are often taught in the English language.

Students must provide their Eng language level certificate (the minimum level required is B2 within the framework of CEFR). It is not required in those courses which are often taught in the English language.
Application ProcessVisit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation
Application DeadlinesJune 09th, 2024

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is meant to provide Indian students from the marginalised communities in their pursuit of higher education, especially Master’s and PhD programs. It is the partial scholarship program offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

BenefitsUnder this scheme following assistance is provided :
Tuition Fees
Maintainance allowance ($15,400)
Visa Fees
Contingency
Equipment allowance
Air passage by economy class as per the scheme
EligibilityAge below 35 as of 1st April of every Selection Year.

Family Income less than Rs. 8,00,000/- (Rs. Eight lakh per annum)
Application ProcessApplicants can apply on the online portal here http://nosmsje.gov.in/
Application DeadlinesFor 2025 intakes, the application portal will be open next year

Unimony Student Stars 

The Unimony Student Stars Scholarship scheme is meri-cum need-based which is exclusively meant for Indian students who want to study abroad but are limited by financial constraints. This scholarship scheme is available for undergraduate, post-graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral students.

BenefitsParticipating university students get up to €3300 (3,00,000 INR approx)
EligibilityPermanent resident of India.

This award will provide financial aid to a limited number of students who have earned more than 60% in their 12th grade, diploma, or undergrad degree from any college, university, or institute.

Indian students studying abroad at universities may also apply for this scholarship opportunity. To complete the registration process, they need to update their foreign contact number, college or course
Application ProcessStudents can apply at the official website of Unimony Student stars
Application DeadlinesFor 2025 intakes, the official dates are yet to be announced

University Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students-Undergraduates

Padua International Excellence Scholarship

The scholarship program of the University of Padua is meant for all international students including Indians. It is offered to highly talented students pursuing undergraduate programs in English. The Padua International Excellence scholarship program is highly selective and competitive.

Padua International Excellence Scholarship

The scholarship program of the University of Padua is meant for all international students including Indians. It is offered to highly talented students pursuing undergraduate programs in English. The Padua International Excellence scholarship program is highly selective and competitive.

BenefitsFee-waiver + €8,000 scholarship (gross amount) per each academic year.

EligibilityDo not possess Italian citizenship (except for dual citizenship including Italian)

hold a non-Italian foreign secondary school diploma (for Bachelor's or Single-cycle degrees applicants)

Do not reside in Italy

Apply to one or more of the above-mentioned degree programmes completely taught in English at the University of Padua

Application ProcessAutomatically considered by the university after enrollment

Application DeadlinesMay 02, 2024

University of Bologna Scholarships 2024

The University of Bologna provides financial support to international students including Indians pursuing bachelor’s degree courses at the university for the academic year 2024-25.

BenefitsStudy grants of €11,000 gross (Unibo Action 2)

Tuition fee waivers (Unibo Action 1)

EligibilityThe students must have a valid qualification for access to their chosen degree program, issued by an Institution outside of the Italian education system.

The students must be less than 30 years old upon the deadline of the call for application.
Application ProcessStudents will be automatically
considered by the university after enrollment
Application DeadlinesJuly 14th, 2024

University of Trento- Unitrento Scholarship 2024

The University of Trento offers Unitrento scholarships to international students, including Indians, interested in pursuing undergraduate courses at the university. For the first year, the scholarships are awarded according to the points gained in the ranking list at the university. The amount of scholarship is paid in two instalments:

1st instalment by the end of December of the first year of enrollment

2nd instalment by the end of May of the first year of enrollment

2nd instalment by the end of May of the first year of enrollment, only if the credits you have gained are at least 50% of the total credit amount.

BenefitsThe yearly amount of 7,200 Euros (8,500 euros for female students enrolled in STEM degrees).
EligibilityThe students must have a valid qualification for access to their chosen degree program, issued by an Institution outside of the Italian education system.

The students must have a good academic record
Application ProcessStudents will be automatically considered by the university after enrollment
Application DeadlinesMay 20th , 2024

University Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students– Postgraduates

University of Padua- Regione Veneto Scholarships

The University of Padua offers funding to low-income students who are pursuing postgraduate courses at the university. It generally covers the exemption of tuition fees and a subsistence allowance, as well as free or discounted student services such as accommodation, meals at university canteens, etc. It is offered for one academic year.

BenefitsThe amount of the scholarship varies according to the student’s family income and other conditions specified in the call letter.

EligibilityThe student must belong to a low-income family (below 26,306 euros).

Comply with the conditions for obtaining an Italian visa.

Do not benefit from any other national or international scholarship or grant.

Application ProcessApply online by filling out the Richiesta di agevolazioni on the university website
Application DeadlinesThe application dates for 2024-25 have not yet been announced

University of Cattolica International Scholarship

The UCSC Scholarship program aims to reduce the annual tuition fees of international students studying at the university by 33% of the total cost. This scholarship program is extended from year to year.

BenefitsFor the academic year 2024-25, the students will receive scholarship worth €5,600

EligibilitySuccessful students must maintain full-time enrollment status to finish their degree course on time; otherwise, all the additional costs will be at the student’s expense.

Do not benefit from any other national or international scholarship or grant.
Application ProcessApplicants are considered by the university when they meet certain eligibility criteria. They receive an email containing the scholarship offer from the university

Application DeadlinesEnd of May 2024

University of Bologna International Talents Scholarships

The University of Bologna is offering scholarships to deserving students who intend to enroll in first-, second-, and single-cycle degree courses in the academic year 2024–25. The scholarship will be awarded based on academic merit and verification of financial status.

BenefitsUp to €4500 each
Full exemption of tuition fees
EligibilityStrong Academic record

Students must have taken SAT and GRE tests in English

The student must not be older than 30 years

The financial status of the student’s family must be ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) between €16000-35000

Application ProcessApply online by visiting the university website
Application DeadlinesApril 30th, 2024

Politecnico di Torino- TOPOLITO Scholarships

The TOPoliTO scholarship was started by Politecnico di Torino to attract high-quality international talents for inclusion in master’s degree programs.

BenefitsScholarship up to €8000 per year for 2 years
EligibilityThe candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent academic qualification in a foreign education system (outside Italy).

The candidate must hold a valid GRE test score, which should not be earlier than 5 years before the scholarship application deadline

Do not benefit from any other national or international scholarship or grant.
Application ProcessApply online by visiting the university's website.
Application DeadlinesThe application dates for the academic year 2024–25 have not yet been announced.

University of Bocconi- Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards

The University of Bocconi is committed to imparting top-class and modern education to students coming from all over the world, including India. Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards are available to newly enrolled first-year M.Sc. students in the academic year 2024–25.

BenefitsFull tuition fee waiver
EligibilityBased on the candidate’s academic achievement.
Application ProcessThe admission team will contact the eligible candidate.
Application DeadlinesEnd of September 2024

University Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students– Ph.D

University of Bologna- NRRP PhD Scholarship

The PhD program provides the skills necessary to perform high-level research activities and pursue advanced professional career paths not only in universities but also in the public and private sectors. The University of Bologna offers up to 50 PhD courses in various subject areas.

BenefitsThe minimum three-year PhD scholarship amount is €69,991, with an indicative net salary of approximately €1,200 for 12 months.

For each PhD student, approximately €5,000 for the three years and a top-up of €600/month for 6 months during the periods spent abroad.

EligibilityA student must hold a Master’s degree from a second-cycle degree or single-cycle degree program at the University of Bologna or another Italian or foreign university

Application ProcessApply on the official website
Application DeadlinesThe application dates for academic year of 2024-25 have not yet been announced

Documents Checklist

We are giving a list of general documents that need to be submitted during the application process for the scholarships in Italy for Indian students. However, sometimes universities or foundations consider course-specific documents before proceeding with the application. In that case, you can visit the official website of the university or foundation to which you are applying.

  • Admissions Application form
  • University admission or Pre-enrollment letter
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English or Italian language proficiency
  • Additional certificates showing extracurricular training, professional training, etc.
  • Research Proposal or a Study Plan
  • Letter of motivation
  • Declaration of Value (DOV)/CIMEA/Self-Declaration
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letter of intent
  • Certificates showing work experience or any volunteer activity
  • CV
  • Family income certificate
  • Bank certificate
  • Property certificate
  • Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
  • Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code)
  • ISEE Parificato
  • Passport/ID
  • Italian translation of the documents
  • Additional Documents (if required)

Conclusion

Students who want to study at one of Italy’s top universities don’t have to worry about finances. There are many ways to get scholarships in Italy for Indian students. Italian universities, governments, and private businesses are all investing in education programs to get students involved in the study and new ideas. In this way, we can solve real problems in a constantly changing world with enthusiasm and unity.

Italy is one of the most advanced countries in Europe. Its educational system is among the best in the world, and it strongly encourages study and new ideas.

FAQs

Is higher education free for Indian students in Italy?

Yes, higher studies in public universities of Italy are free based on academic background, family income, potential, and scope for exceptional performance.

Indian students can visit the websites of the Italian embassy, consulates, or universities to check the latest updates on the available scholarship programs. 

Indian students can increase their chances of receiving scholarship offers at Italian universities by maintaining excellent academic records, demonstrating financial needs, and crafting a strong application.

If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.

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