There are various ways to Study in Italy, some prefer Full Scholarships and some do pay themselves. Here, We will talk more about the Italian Universities, Education in Italy, Value of Studying in Italy and such factors.

About Italy

Italy is a beautiful country located in Southwestern Europe, on the Apennine peninsula. The country comprises of the mainland Italy and the surrounding islands. The country stretches southwards almost to the coasts of North Africa.

Italy has something to offer everyone. It boasts stunning old cities, the Mediterranean and breathtaking natural views. It is known for it’s fantastic food and wine, as well as its passionate people. At the same time, it is among the 8 most industrialised countries in the world, hosting many of the world’s biggest companies and research facilities. Italy has a rich cultural tradition and history as well as many World Heritage Sites that you might wish to visit during your stay.

The top tourist attractions in Italy include:

• The Colosseum: the largest and most famous amphitheatre in the Roman world, built in the first century AD.
• Canals of Venice: “The City of Water”, as Venice is called, has over 150 canals. The main tourist attractions are romantic gondolas and Italian architecture along the Grand Canal. If you plan on visiting Venice, don’t forget about St Mark’s Basilica, located on Piazza San Marco.
• Pompeii: a city that was covered in ash and soil in 79 AD, when the volcano Vesuvius erupted. The city was preserved under the ashes.
• Leaning Tower of Pisa: its construction started in 1173 and soon after the tower began to sink due to a poorly laid foundation.
• Lake Como: the lake is shaped like an inverted ‘Y’ and it’s famous for the attractive villas which have been built here since Roman times.

Cost of Studying & Living in Italy

Tuition fees at Italian institutions vary, but they are generally lower than in other parts of Europe or North America. This makes Italian universities an enticing proposition for foreign students. International students in Italy have a chance to receive a quality higher education at an affordable cost.

The cost of tuition will vary at each institution. However, you should expect to pay more if you choose to attend a private university. A bachelor’s course will, on average, cost €900 to €4,000 per year at a public institution. Fees at a private institution usually cost, on average, €6,000 to €20,000 per year. If you are from the EU or EEA, you probably won’t pay more than Italian citizens. Other international students should expect higher course costs.

There are options to help you fund your studies. All students (Italian and International) can apply for financial help. The funding will be distributed according to your financial situation and academic merit. If you receive support, this can help with tuition fees, accommodation fees and other living costs. Contact your chosen institution for information about what financial support they can offer to you.

In Italy institutions do not normally have halls of residence. They do however offer services to help you find a place to live. This can include university owned housing, or helping you find suitable private housing. Private renting in Italy is the more expensive option, so make sure you budget for this!

Getting a part-time job is a great way to help fund your studies in Italy. As an EU student, you are able to work without additional permission. As a non-EU student, your visa will dictate if you are permitted to have paid employment whilst you study. If you are allowed to work, it will probably only be up to 20 hours a week. This means that you should not rely on this to fund your studies. If you do wish to get a job, it may be helpful if you have some Italian language skills.

Why Study in Italy?

Some of the first universities in Europe were founded in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is recognised as the oldest university to still operate. Today, Italy is the home of many prestigious institutions of higher education. Many of Italy’s institutions perform well in the QS World University Rankings, appearing in the top 200 each year.

Italy has played an important role in recent reform of higher education. This reform is known as the “Bologna Process”. The country is one of the four countries that created the European Area of Higher Education. This was formed by signing the Sorbonne Declaration in 1998, which was to be the first step in the higher education reform. Today the Bologna Process is now being implemented throughout Europe.

Italy has around 97 universities, which are divided into several categories:

• State universities: These are state funded public institutions and make up the majority in Italy.
• Other publicly funded universities: Funded by Province rather than state.
• Private universities: Non state funded.
• Superior Graduate Schools (Scuola Superiore Universitaria): These are independent institutions that offer advanced training and research courses specialising in postgraduate studies.

You will also find 137 other higher education institutions throughout Italy. These are academies that specialise in certain sectors. They range from art, music and dance colleges, to research based and technical institutions.

Italy has several levels of higher education. Completing undergraduate studies (bachelor’s degree – ‘laurea’) can lead to master’s studies and earning a master’s degree (‘laurea magistrale’). Bachelor’s studies typically take 3 years to complete and master’s studies take 1 year. Following the completion of your masters studies you can do a PhD which usually lasts 3 academic years.

Most of the courses and programmes offered are taught in the Italian language but the number of English language programmes available is growing. Therefore, it may be possible to find courses taught in English if your Italian language skills are not good enough.

Best Scholarships in Italy for International Students

1. The Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
   Scholarship Link
   Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fee and monthly allowance worth $1000
   Eligible Degree: AFAM, Master’s, and PhD
   The Italian government is always looking to make its education system affordable for international students. The Italian Government Scholarships for foreign students, one of the best Italy scholarships for international students, are some of the programs introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to support students from other parts of the world, especially those that are struggling financially. This scholarship in Italy are also designed to boost international cooperation in various fields, including technological, cultural, and scientific.

The scholarships are offered to eligible international students studying in one of the Italian universities. The beneficiaries receive partial or full tuition fees depending on the number of qualified students and their educational merit. On top of this, one will also receive monthly allowances amounting to about $1000 and paid on quarterly basis. You can confirm on the scholarship page whether your country is eligible before moving forward with the application process.

2. University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students
   Scholarship Link
   Scholarship Amount: Study grants worth $13,000 and tuition fee waivers
   Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s and Master’s
   Various universities in Italy also offer institution-based financial aid to some of their students. The University of Bologna, for instance, awards study grants to those students who meet the qualification criterion. Some students may also receive full tuition waivers for all the academic years of their current programs. The offer is only available at the University of Bologna for anyone studying First, Single, or Second Cycle Degree Programmes.

You must possess academic qualification documents that meet the requirements of your selected course to get this scholarship in Italy. If you don’t have some of the documents ready, make sure they’re available by the time of registration. Also, remember that only those who have not benefited from this grant before are eligible. Do you want to learn more? Visit the official scholarship website for a detailed guide on the application process.

3. Merit and Bocconi International Awards
   Scholarship Link
   Scholarship Amount: 50% or full tuition fee waiver
   Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s and Master’s
   Another university with a program(s) geared towards improving the welfare of international students is the University of Bocconi. It has two popular programs for international students. Merit Awards, for one, cover full tuition fee costs for those who meet the requirements. Undergraduate students who are beneficiaries of these awards receive up to $14,500, while graduates can receive up to $15,700.

It’s worth noting, though, that the acceptance rate of those who apply for this scholarship is very low. This can be attributed to the huge amount of funds awarded to each beneficiary. Nevertheless, you always have a chance of being considered provided you meet the minimum requirements set by the university.

4. Politecnico International Scholarships
   Scholarship Link
   Scholarship Amount: Tuition waiver
   Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.
   Are you a student in the fields of Engineering and Architecture? The Politecnico di Torino might just be your ideal destination. The institution offers Italy scholarships to international students who are interested in the available programs. There are five different scholarship projects which you can apply for at the institution.

Alta Scuola Politecnica, for instance, targets talented international students who are interested in the school’s Master of Science programs. COLFUTURO scholarships, on the other hand, are designed for Colombian students enrolled in Engineering and Architecture programs at the Master of Science and Ph.D level. Other scholarships include Eni Project (Petroleum Engineering), TOPoliTo, and Invest Your Talent in Italy. Visit the official scholarship page for more information on each of these programs.

5. Scuola Normale Superiore Ph.D. Scholarships
   Scholarship Link
   Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee and research stipend
   Eligible Degree: Ph.D. programs
   Scuola Normale Superiore is one of the most prestigious institutions in Italy. This state-supported university offers various financial aids to international students looking to further their studies in the country. Perhaps the most popular scholarship program at the institution is the fully-funded Ph.D. courses. The beneficiaries of this Italy scholarship will have their tuition fee covered as well as room & board (total attendance cost).

It’s worth noting that all students admitted at Scuola Normale Superiore will receive a scholarship that will finance all their doctoral studies. In addition to the tuition fees, you’re also entitled to a stipend to enhance your research activities. The students may also get free accommodation and meals at the institution’s facilities

Italy PhD Scholarships For International Students 2021

Latest information about PhD Scholarships for International students in Italy, 2021-22

1. SCAR Fellowships In Antarctic Research 2021SCAR Fellowships In Antarctic Research 2021 is a Partial Funding international scholarship offered by the The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to applicants of SCAR member countriesThis PhD, Post Doc scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Antarctic Research. 31 May is the deadline to send applications for SCAR Fellowships In Antarctic Research 2021. This scholarship can be taken at SCAR member countries . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).
2. IAL Research Grants For Doctoral StudiesIAL Research Grants For Doctoral Studies is a Full Funding international scholarship offered by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to citizens of SingaporeThis PhD scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Research related to Singapore’s Continuing Education and Training (CET) sector. 31 May is the deadline to send applications for IAL Research Grants For Doctoral Studies. This scholarship can be taken at Singapore or Overseas . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by Institute for Adult Learning (IAL).
3. PhD Positions For International Students In Neuroscience, Mathematics & PhysicsPhD Positions For International Students In Neuroscience, Mathematics & Physics is a Full Funding international scholarship offered by the International School for Advanced Studies for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to international applicants (other than Europe)This PhD scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Neuroscience, Mathematics & Physics . 31 Mar is the deadline to send applications for PhD Positions For International Students In Neuroscience, Mathematics & Physics. This scholarship can be taken at International School for Advanced Studies, . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by International School for Advanced Studies.
4. T2M Fellowship For International ResearchersT2M Fellowship For International Researchers is a Partial Funding international scholarship offered by the University of Turin / Università degli Studi di Torino (UNITO) for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to all nationalitiesThis PhD, Post Doc, Conferences & Travel Grants scholarship can be taken for pursuing in All scientific research disciplines, except Engineering and Architecture . 05 May is the deadline to send applications for T2M Fellowship For International Researchers. This scholarship can be taken at University of Turin / Università degli Studi di Torino (UNITO), . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by University of Turin / Università degli Studi di Torino (UNITO).
5. NATO Defense College (NDC) PfP, MD And OMC/PAG FellowshipsNATO Defense College (NDC) PfP, MD And OMC/PAG Fellowships is a Partial Funding international scholarship offered by the NATO Defense College for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to all selected nationalitiesThis PhD, Post Doc scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Defence & security policy research & related to NATO and its partners . 01 Sep is the deadline to send applications for NATO Defense College (NDC) PfP, MD And OMC/PAG Fellowships. This scholarship can be taken at Italy . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by NATO Defense College.
6. NWO Rubicon Scholarship, 2018NWO Rubicon Scholarship, 2018 is a Partial Funding international scholarship offered by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to researchers at Dutch universities and research institutesThis PhD scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Any Subject. 30 Aug is the deadline to send applications for NWO Rubicon Scholarship, 2018. This scholarship can be taken at Top research institutions outside the Netherlands . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).
7. PhD Scholarships In Statistics And Mathematical FinancePhD Scholarships In Statistics And Mathematical Finance is a Partial Funding international scholarship offered by the University of Milano-Bicocca for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to applicants of ItalyThis PhD scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Statistics and Mathematical Finance. 15 Jun is the deadline to send applications for PhD Scholarships In Statistics And Mathematical Finance. This scholarship can be taken at University of Milano-Bicocca, . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by University of Milano-Bicocca.
8. Ciencia Sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders, CsF)Ciencia Sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders, CsF) is a Full Funding international scholarship offered by the Ciência sem Fronteiras for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to applicants of BrazilThis Bachelors/Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Post Doc scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Mathematics/Natural Sciences Agriculture, Forestry and Nutritional Science Engineering Art, Music, Sport. 01 May is the deadline to send applications for Ciencia Sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders, CsF). This scholarship can be taken at Institutions in Germany, Australia , Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, South Korea, Denmark , USA, Spain, Finland, France, Netherlands, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, UK , Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by Ciência sem Fronteiras.
9. PhD Fellowships At Sapienza University Of Rome 2020PhD Fellowships At Sapienza University Of Rome 2020 is a Partial Funding international scholarship offered by the Sapienza University of Rome for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to international applicantsThis PhD scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Archaeology; Architectural SciencesEconomics; Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences; Law; History, Politics and Society; Molecular Biology and Medicine & more. 30 Apr is the deadline to send applications for PhD Fellowships At Sapienza University Of Rome 2020. This scholarship can be taken at Sapienza University of Rome, . The scholarship application form can be seen hereCheck out other international scholarships, fellowships and grants offered by Sapienza University of Rome.
10. OECD CRP Research Fellowships, 2020OECD CRP Research Fellowships, 2020 is a Partial Funding international scholarship offered by the The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for international students. Students eligible for this scholarship are: Open to nationals and permanent residents of countries participating in the Co-operative Research ProgrammeThis PhD, Post Doc, Conferences & Travel Grants scholarship can be taken for pursuing in Natural Resources Challenge, Sustainability in Practice and the Food Chain. 10 Sep is the deadline to send applications for OECD CRP Research Fellowships, 2020. This scholarship can be taken at Institutions in another member countries of the Co-operative Research Programme . The scholarship application form can be seen here