Italy has announced a new round of scholarships for international students for the 2026–27 academic year, offering financial support, fee reductions and academic opportunities across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The initiative is designed to attract students with foreign qualifications and support their access to European higher education.
The scholarship programme includes 15 awards for eligible international applicants enrolling in selected degree programmes. It combines financial assistance with institutional support services, reflecting broader efforts to internationalise higher education in Italy and make it more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Overview of the scholarship programme
The scholarship scheme provides a structured financial and academic support package for selected students. It is open to candidates applying for both bachelor’s and master’s programmes, including specialised joint programmes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total scholarships | 15 |
| Academic year | 2026–27 |
| Eligible applicants | International students |
| Study levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Funding | €6,000 (gross) |
| Fee waiver | Yes (except minor charges) |
The programme aims to reduce financial barriers while ensuring that selected candidates meet academic and merit-based standards.
Financial benefits and coverage
One of the key aspects of the scholarship is its financial support, which includes both direct funding and fee exemptions.
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual grant | €6,000 (before deductions) |
| Tuition fees | Waived |
| Additional fees | €140 regional tax + €16 stamp duty |
| Payment method | Instalments based on performance |
Although often described as “fully funded” in general discussions, the scholarship is technically partially funded, as students are still required to pay minimal administrative charges.
Additional support services
Beyond financial assistance, students will benefit from a range of institutional services:
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Orientation and welcome programmes
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Integration support within academic and social environments
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Access to online university systems
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Italian language courses
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Specialised support for students with disabilities
These services are designed to ease the transition for international students and improve their academic experience in Italy.
Also Read: Top 10 scholarships in Europe without IELTS for 2026
Available degree programmes
The scholarship applies to a variety of academic disciplines, particularly those offered in English. These programmes reflect key areas of global demand and academic research.
Bachelor’s programme
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Economics and Finance
Master’s programmes
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Psychology of Well-Being and Performance
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Planetary Sciences
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Rehabilitation Sciences
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Building Engineering and Cultural Heritage Management
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Computational Cognitive Science
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Economics and Management
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Legal Sciences for Internationalisation and Business Innovation
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Economics and Finance
In addition, a portion of the scholarships is reserved for students enrolling in joint academic pathways and collaborative international programmes.
Eligibility criteria
The scholarship is specifically designed for students with international academic backgrounds. Applicants must meet both general and programme-specific requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-Italian (international students) |
| Academic qualification | Obtained outside Italy |
| Bachelor’s entry | Minimum 12 years of education |
| Master’s entry | Relevant undergraduate degree |
| Language requirement | English proficiency (B2 level) |
Applicants from countries with shorter schooling systems (10 or 11 years) may need to provide additional academic certification or complete foundation coursework.
Required documents
Applicants must prepare and submit a set of documents as part of the application process. These documents are essential for eligibility verification and evaluation.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport/ID | Valid identification document |
| CV | Academic and professional background |
| Motivation letter | Written in English |
| Academic certificates | Previous qualifications |
| Transcripts | Record of grades |
| English certificate | Minimum B2 level |
| Programme selection form | Required application form |
Important note:
Some documents, such as translations and official verifications, may be submitted later but must be completed before final enrolment.
Application process
The application process is conducted entirely online through the university’s official portal. Candidates must follow a structured procedure:
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Register on the university’s online system
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Log in using provided credentials
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Select the scholarship application option
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Upload required documents
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Submit the application before the deadline
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening date | March 12, 2026 |
| Deadline | April 20, 2026 (23:59 Italian time) |
Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection process and evaluation
Applications are assessed by a university-appointed committee based on merit and supporting documentation.
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic qualifications | 60 |
| CV and motivation letter | 40 |
| Total | 100 |
Candidates are ranked based on their total score, and final results are published on the official portal.
Tie-breaking rules:
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Preference given to younger candidates
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If still tied, preference given to female candidates
Scholarship payment structure
The scholarship amount is not paid in a lump sum. Instead, it is distributed in instalments based on academic progress.
Bachelor’s degree payment schedule
| Instalment | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1st | Enrolment completed |
| 2nd | Minimum 15 ECTS credits |
| 3rd | Enrolment in second year + 30 ECTS |
| 4th | Minimum 45 ECTS |
| 5th | Enrolment in third year + 95 ECTS |
| 6th | Minimum 110 ECTS |
Master’s degree payment schedule
| Instalment | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1st | Enrolment completed |
| 2nd | Minimum 15 ECTS credits |
| 3rd | Second year enrolment + 48 ECTS |
| 4th | Minimum 63 ECTS |
Conditions for maintaining the scholarship
To continue receiving the scholarship, students must meet academic performance requirements each year.
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Bachelor’s students must achieve required ECTS credits for progression
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Master’s students must meet credit thresholds for second-year enrolment
Important rules:
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Missing one deadline may delay payments
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Missing two consecutive deadlines may lead to cancellation
Acceptance and visa requirements
Selected candidates must formally accept the scholarship within 10 days of receiving notification. Failure to respond within this period is considered a rejection.
International students requiring a visa must follow official Italian procedures through the designated student visa system.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance deadline | Within 10 days |
| Visa process | Mandatory for non-EU students |
| Enrolment | Required before payment |
Key considerations for applicants
Applicants should keep the following points in mind:
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Scholarships cannot be combined with other funding sources
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Academic performance directly affects payment continuation
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Some master’s programmes may require additional eligibility checks
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Failure to enrol on time results in loss of scholarship
The call for applications is available at the following link
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