To study in Italy, a country synonymous with rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine, is not just a traveler’s paradise. It has also emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education in Europe. With some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Italy offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural immersion. More importantly, it offers numerous fully funded scholarships in Italy—making it an affordable and attractive choice for students from around the globe, especially from India.
For those wondering about the cost of studying in Italy, you’ll be happy to know that with the right scholarship, your tuition fees, accommodation, and even living expenses can be covered entirely. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about studying in Italy on a full scholarship—from scholarship opportunities to the actual costs involved, and how Indian students can take advantage of these options with the help of a reliable study abroad consultancy in Kolkata like Studies in Overseas.
1. Understanding the Cost of Studying in Italy
Before diving into the world of study abroad scholarships for Indian students, let’s look at the actual cost of studying in Italy without financial aid:
Tuition Fees
Italy is home to both public and private universities. While private institutions can charge higher fees, public universities to study in Italy offer affordable tuition—even for international students.
- Public universities: €500 to €5,000 per year
- Private universities: €5,000 to €20,000 per year
Accommodation
Accommodation costs depend largely on the city and whether you opt for university housing or private apartments.
- University dorms: €250–€400 per month
- Private apartments: €300–€700 per month
Living Expenses
- Food & groceries: €150–€250/month
- Transport: €25–€45/month for student passes
- Miscellaneous (books, clothing, entertainment): €100–€200/month
Health Insurance
All non-EU students must have health insurance coverage, either through private providers or Italian national health services.
- Average cost: €100–€150 per year
Total Estimated Annual Cost (Without Scholarship):
- Low range: €6,600 per year
- High range: €16,000+ per year
Now imagine slashing these numbers to near-zero with a full scholarship—that’s the opportunity many Indian students can explore through Italian government scholarships for international students, DSU scholarships, and university-specific grants.
2. Fully Funded Scholarships Available for Indian Students
Italy is incredibly generous when it comes to scholarships for international students. Below are the most popular and beneficial options, especially for those aiming to study in Italy for free.
Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI)
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to international students, including those from India.
Benefits:
- €900 monthly stipend
- Full tuition waiver
- Free health insurance
Eligibility:
- Age: Under 28 years for master’s programs, under 30 for PhD programs
- Academic qualifications appropriate for chosen course
- Proficiency in English or Italian
Duration:
- 6 to 9 months, extendable depending on academic performance
This is one of the most prestigious Italian government scholarships for international students, offering Indian students the chance to pursue high-quality education at minimal personal cost.
DSU Scholarship Italy (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)
Perhaps the most well-known among Indian students, the DSU scholarship Italy is provided by the regional governments and administered through the universities.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Free accommodation or a housing allowance
- Meal vouchers
- Annual stipend (varies by region but can be up to €5,200/year)
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in a degree course at an Italian university
- Family income (ISEE) must be below a certain threshold (approx. €23,000)
- No academic backlog
This scholarship truly allows Indian students to study in Italy for free, as it covers nearly every major expense.
University-Specific Scholarships to Study in Italy
1. University of Bologna Scholarships
- Offers the “Unibo Action 1&2” program for international students.
- Up to €11,000 annually + tuition waivers.
- Competitive selection based on SAT/ACT or GRE scores.
2. University of Padua Scholarships
- Fully funded scholarships for top international students enrolling in English-taught degree programs.
- Benefits include tuition waiver and €8,000 stipend per year.
3. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
- Offers multiple tiers:
- Platinum: €10,000/year + tuition waiver
- Gold: €5,000/year + tuition waiver
- Silver: Tuition waiver only
- Ideal for engineering and architecture students.
4. Bocconi University Scholarships
- Renowned for economics, finance, and business programs.
- Awards up to €14,000/year.
- Highly competitive with academic merit being the primary criterion.
These University of Bologna scholarships, Politecnico di Milano scholarships, and Bocconi University scholarships are not just prestigious—they’re practical and make Italy an ideal destination for budget-conscious Indian students.
3. Application Process for Scholarships in Italy
Applying for a scholarship in Italy requires planning, documentation, and awareness of deadlines. Here’s a breakdown:
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic performance: Above-average GPA or ranks
- Standardized tests: GRE/SAT/IELTS/TOEFL (depending on the university)
- Financial documentation: ISEE form (for DSU), income certificates
- Language proficiency: English or Italian (B2 level or above)
Required Documents
- Transcripts and mark sheets
- Valid passport
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV
- Scholarship-specific documents (e.g., income proof for DSU)
Application Timeline
- November–March: Most scholarship applications open
- March–May: University admissions and document submission
- June–August: Final results and visa process
4. Additional Costs to Consider Even with Scholarships
Though fully funded scholarships in Italy cover most major expenses, there are a few minimal costs students may still need to bear:
Application Fees
- Most Italian universities charge €30–€50 as an application processing fee.
- Approx. INR 10,000 for multiple applications.
Document Verification
- HRD & MEA Apostille services are essential for Indian-issued degrees.
- Costs: INR 500–1,500 depending on the state.
Travel and Visa
- Flight to Italy: ₹30,000–₹60,000 one-way
- Student visa fee: Approx. €50–€60
Health Insurance
- If not covered by the scholarship, expect to pay ₹5,000–₹6,000 annually.
These minimal costs are a small investment compared to the massive financial relief provided by the scholarships.
5. Tips for Indian Students Planning to Study in Italy
At Studies in Overseas, we have helped hundreds of Indian students successfully begin their academic journey in Italy. Here are some top tips:
1. Start Early
- Scholarship and admission deadlines come fast—prepare at least a year in advance.
2. Keep Your Documents in Order
- Ensure notarized copies, apostille certifications, and translations (if needed) are ready.
3. Learn Basic Italian
- While courses may be in English, daily life is easier with a basic grasp of Italian.
4. Use a Study Abroad Consultancy
- A reliable study abroad consultancy in Kolkata like Studies in Overseas can help with:
- Application guidance
- Scholarship assistance
- Visa preparation
- Post-arrival support
5. Explore Work Opportunities
- International students can legally work 20 hours per week.
- Wages: €7–€12/hour depending on the job.
Working part-time helps supplement your living expenses and provides valuable international work experience.
Conclusion
Pursuing higher education in Italy is not only a dream but also a financially viable reality for Indian students—thanks to numerous fully funded scholarships in Italy. From government scholarships like MAECI to regional opportunities such as the DSU scholarship Italy, and university-specific options from the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, and Bocconi University, there’s a wealth of choices available for deserving candidates.
The cost of studying in Italy can be significantly reduced, often to zero, making it one of the most affordable European universities for international students. With the guidance of a trusted study abroad consultancy in Kolkata, your journey to Italy can be smooth, well-organized, and fully funded.
So what are you waiting for? Let Studies in Overseas be your guide as you embark on your journey to study in Italy for free.
