Universities in Italy are popular choices for students from around the world. The country offers a broad range of universities and higher education opportunities. Although Italy can be an appealing destination, the costs of living and education vary by city, university, degree program, and personal circumstances.
However, scholarships, tuition waivers, fee reductions, and regional right-to-study benefits can reduce these costs. Some awards also include an allowance or other support. Because eligibility rules and benefits can change by academic year, always review the current official call before applying. Let’s look at some tips for studying in Italy for free.
How to Study in Italy for Free
1. Get Your Application Together and Submit Them Early!
Strong academic results can improve your chances of receiving a merit-based scholarship. Requirements vary by scholarship, so review the official criteria for each opportunity and prepare a complete, accurate application.
Preparing early gives you time to collect supporting documents, check deadlines, and improve your application before submission.
2. Apply for Financial Aid in Italian Universities
Having the best scholarships in Italy at your disposal can help reduce the cost of studying in the country. Italian universities and regional bodies offer scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and fee reductions. Some opportunities cover tuition only, while others include an allowance, accommodation support, or other benefits. Make a list of your target Italian universities and review the official terms of each opportunity.
After identifying suitable universities and scholarships, check the eligibility criteria, deadlines, required documents, renewal conditions, and any charges that remain payable. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee an award, as selection procedures and available resources vary.
A strong academic record and a carefully prepared application can help you compete for scholarships and reduce your education expenses.
3. Apply to Affordable Universities in Italy
Tuition fees in Italy vary by university, degree program, and the student’s circumstances. Public universities generally charge lower fees than private universities, and fees may depend on declared family income and the degree course. Applying to affordable universities in Italy can make it easier to manage the cost of studying abroad.
There are many public universities and private universities in Italy. Compare the official tuition pages for institutions that offer your field of study, and review available scholarships, waivers, and fee reductions before applying.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Italy
Eligible international students may receive tuition waivers and other financial support for a bachelor’s degree in Italy. The opportunities below should always be checked against the official pages for the relevant academic year.
1. Bocconi4Access to Education – 100% Full Tuition Waivers (Bocconi University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 100% waiver of ordinary academic tuition and fees
For A.Y. 2026-27, Bocconi4Access 100% Full Tuition Waivers are full exemptions from ordinary academic tuition and fees for eligible international students enrolled in the first year of a bachelor’s or Law program. Students must submit the Bocconi4Access application and the required documents. Awards depend on the assessment of the applicant’s economic and asset situation and on available resources. Benefits may be renewed year by year if the merit requirements are met.
2. Padua International Excellence Scholarship (University of Padua)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: tuition fee waiver and €8,000 allowance per academic year
The University of Padua offers merit-based economic benefits for international students enrolling in English-taught degree programs. For A.Y. 2026-27, the Padua International Excellence Scholarship includes an €8,000 allowance and a tuition fee waiver per academic year.
Selected candidates must accept the admission offer and pay the €208 admission fee indicated in the offer. Review the current call for eligible programs, conditions, duration, renewal rules, and any charges that remain payable.
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Italy
Italian universities offer scholarships and tuition waivers that can help master’s students reduce their study costs. International applicants should review the current official terms for each opportunity below.
1. Merit-based Scholarships (Polytechnic University of Milan)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: full tuition fee waiver; some awards include a gross allowance of up to €10,000 per year
Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) offers merit-based scholarships for eligible international candidates admitted to the first semester of a first-year English-taught Master of Science program. For A.Y. 2026-27, all of these scholarships include a full tuition fee waiver, and some include an additional gross allowance. Scholarship recipients pay a non-refundable administrative fee of about €170.
The A.Y. 2026-27 call lists Platinum (€10,000 gross per year), Gold (€8,000 gross per year), Gold Piacenza (€5,000 gross per year), Bronze Piacenza (€2,500 gross per year), and Silver scholarships. Silver scholarships include the tuition fee waiver without an additional allowance. Selection considers the applicant’s previous education, supporting documents, scholarship application form, GPA, and academic achievements. Check the current call for eligibility rules and deadlines.
2. Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: varies by A.Y. 2026-27 funding opportunity; options include tuition waivers and merit-based awards
Bocconi University’s current A.Y. 2026-27 graduate support scheme replaces the outdated details previously listed here. For international applicants, the official page lists merit-based scholarships such as the Bocconi Merit Award, the Bocconi Award – Artificial Intelligence, the Women Award, and the Cyber Scholarship, as well as other financial aid opportunities.
The benefit, eligibility rules, application procedure, and renewal requirements depend on the specific opportunity. Review the official page for the funding option that applies to your program and circumstances.
3. Padua International Excellence Scholarship (University of Padua)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: tuition fee waiver and €8,000 allowance per academic year
The University of Padua offers the Padua International Excellence Scholarship for eligible international applicants enrolling in English-taught degree programs. For A.Y. 2026-27, it includes an €8,000 allowance and a tuition fee waiver per academic year.
Selected candidates must accept the admission offer and pay the €208 admission fee indicated in the offer. Review the current call for eligible programs, conditions, duration, renewal rules, and any charges that remain payable.
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Italy
1. Ph.D. Scholarship (Scuola Normale Superiore de Pisa)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: scholarship, financial support for accommodation, free canteen meals, no registration fees, refunded regional student tax, and additional research funding
Scuola Normale Superiore’s Ph.D. admission competition is open to Italian and non-Italian students. Admission is based on academic evaluation and interviews.
All students admitted to the doctoral programs receive a scholarship that includes financial support for accommodation. Students are also entitled to free meals at the school’s canteen. No registration fees are required, the school refunds the regional student tax, and students receive additional funding for research activities in Italy and abroad.
2. EDISU Piemento Scholarships (Polytechnic University of Turin)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: varies according to the EDISU Piemonte notice and the student’s category
EDISU Piemonte is the regional body for the right to university study in Piedmont. Under the latest published notice available during this review, for A.Y. 2025-26, eligible Italian and international students enrolled at institutions in Piedmont, including Politecnico di Torino, may apply based on financial and merit requirements. Eligible Ph.D. students who do not already receive a doctoral scholarship may request the EDISU scholarship only.
If you are looking for affordable higher education in Italy, carefully review the scholarships, fee waivers, and regional benefits above. Some opportunities can substantially reduce tuition costs, while others may provide an allowance or additional support.
We hope this article on how to study in Italy for free was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Italy and Available Programs for International Students pages for more articles and information on studies in Europe.
