Discover the cheapest Italian Scholarships universities offering for international students, including fees, programs, eligibility, and top funding options.
Discover affordable Italian universities providing scholarships for international students.
Italy is one of the world’s most affordable and culturally rich study destinations. With world-class education, low tuition fees, countless scholarship opportunities, and a globally recognized academic reputation, thousands of international students choose Italy every year. But the biggest question most students ask is: What are the cheapest Italian universities offering scholarships?
This comprehensive guide answers that in detail. We explore the most affordable public universities, available scholarships, admission tips, cost of living estimates, and expert advice to help you study in Italy without financial stress.
1. Why Study in Italy? (Full Overview)
Studying in Italy is not just about the appeal of Renaissance architecture, historic cities, and beautiful landscapes. Italy also provides:
1.1 Affordable Tuition Fees
Public universities offer some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe, ranging from €500 to €2,500 per year—significantly cheaper than the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia.
1.2 Wide Range of Scholarships
Many universities offer full or partial scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs. Italy also provides regional funding opportunities that are accessible even to low-income international students.
1.3 English-Taught Programs
Over 500 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs exist across fields like business, engineering, medicine, design, economics, law, and humanities.
1.4 Globally Recognized Degrees
Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, including:
- University of Bologna
- Sapienza University
- University of Padua
Their rankings guarantee global recognition and excellent job prospects.
1.5 Low Cost of Living
Compared to Western Europe, Italy is surprisingly affordable. Cities like Bologna, Pisa, and Bari offer student-friendly living costs.
2. Cheapest Italian Scholarships Universities Offering
Below we list the best and most affordable universities in Italy along with their scholarship options and estimated yearly tuition fees.
2.1 University of Bologna (Università di Bologna)
Average Tuition: €700 – €3,000 per year
Scholarship Options:
- Unibo Action 1 & 2
- Study Grants for International Students
- Regional ER.GO Scholarships
Why It’s Popular:
The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world and offers a large number of English-taught courses. Their Action scholarships often provide full tuition fee waivers + study grants.
2.2 University of Pisa (Università di Pisa)
Average Tuition: €500 – €2,500 per year
Scholarships:
- DSU Toscana Scholarship
- Merit-Based Tuition Waivers
Why It’s Affordable:
Pisa is one of the cheapest cities in Italy for students. The DSU scholarship often includes free meals, accommodation, and allowances.
2.3 University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova) Italian Scholarships
Tuition Fees: €1,000 – €2,500 per year
Scholarships:
- Padua International Excellence Scholarships
- Fee Waivers
- Veneto Regional Scholarships
Highlights:
Padua is ranked as one of the top universities in Europe and offers one of the highest numbers of English-taught programs.
2.4 Sapienza University of Rome
Fees: €1,000 – €2,500 annually
Scholarships:
- LazioDisco Regional Scholarship
- Merit Scholarships for International Students
Why Students Choose It:
It’s one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Europe, offering many funding options that significantly reduce costs.
2.5 University of Milan (Statale)
Fees: €800 – €2,000 per year
Scholarships:
- DSU Scholarship
- Excellence Scholarships
Key Benefits:
A top university for life sciences, medicine, and business programs. Milan offers some of Italy’s biggest scholarship amounts.
2.6 Politecnico di Milano
Fees: €1,600 – €4,000 per year
Scholarships:
- Merit-Based Scholarships
- DSU Scholarships
- Platinum and Gold Scholarships
Best For:
Engineering, architecture, computer science, and design programs.
2.7 University of Turin (Università degli Studi di Torino)
Fees: €800 – €2,000 yearly
Scholarships:
- EDISU Piemonte Scholarship
- Tuition Fee Reductions
Why It’s Cheap:
EDISU is one of Italy’s most generous scholarships, covering fees, meals, and accommodation.
2.8 University of Bari (Aldo Moro)
Fees: €500 – €2,000 per year
Scholarships:
- ADISU Scholarships
- Merit-Based Tuition Reductions
Advantage:
One of the cheapest universities in southern Italy, ideal for low-budget students.
2.9 University of Florence
Fees: €1,000 – €2,700 per year
Scholarships:
- DSU Tuscany Scholarships
- Fee Waivers
Why Study Here:
Florence offers a culturally rich environment with affordable living and strong academic excellence.
2.10 Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Fees: €700 – €2,100 per year
Scholarships:
- Ca’ Foscari International Scholarships
- Veneto Regional Scholarships
Best For:
Business, economics, humanities, and environmental sciences.
3. Types of Scholarships in Italy for International Students
Italy offers several scholarship categories:
3.1 University Italian Scholarships
Universities offer:
- Full tuition waivers
- Partial fee waivers
- Merit-based awards
- Program-specific grants
Examples:
- Unibo Action Grants
- Padua Excellence Scholarships
3.2 Italy Regional Italian Scholarships
Every region in Italy offers affordable scholarships based on:
- Financial status
- Academic performance
- Family income
Top regional scholarships include:
- DSU Toscana
- EDISU Piemonte
- LazioDisco
- ERSU Sicily
- ER.GO Emilia-Romagna
These often cover:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Living allowance
3.3 Government Italian Scholarships
Italy also provides national scholarships for international students:
- MAECI Government Scholarship
- Italy Invest Your Talent Scholarship
These scholarships support master’s and PhD students mainly.
3.4 Fully Funded Italian Scholarships(Full Fee Coverage)
Some scholarships provide:
- 100% tuition coverage
- Monthly allowance
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
Examples:
- Unibo Action 2
- Padua Excellence Scholarship
- MAECI Grants
4. Cost of Living in Italy for Students
Your total expenses depend on the city. Here’s a breakdown:
4.1 Average Monthly Costs
| Expense | Cost (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €250 – €600 |
| Food | €150 – €250 |
| Transport | €25 – €35 |
| Utilities | €50 – €120 |
| Personal Expenses | €100 – €200 |
Total Estimated Cost: €500 – €1,200 per month
4.2 Cheapest Cities to Live in Italy
- Pisa
- Bologna
- Bari
- Turin
- Siena
- Padua
These cities offer lower rents and student-friendly living costs.
5. Cheapest Degree Programs in Italy
If you’re looking to minimize costs, consider the following fields:
5.1 Affordable Bachelor’s Programs
- Humanities
- Languages
- Education
- Economics
- Business Administration
Fees are usually €500–€1,500 per year.
5.2 Affordable Master’s Programs
- Management
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- International Relations
Fees typically €1,000–€2,500 per year.
6. Requirements to Apply to Italian Scholarships
Common documents:
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree (for master’s applications)
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or English proficiency letter)
- Family income documents for regional scholarships
7. How to Apply for Cheap Universities & Scholarships in Italy
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a University & Program
Select affordable universities listed above.
Step 2: Check Scholarship Deadlines
Most scholarships open from February to September.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prefer certified translations where necessary.
Step 4: Submit Admission Application
Then apply separately for scholarships like DSU, EDISU, etc.
Step 5: Apply for Pre-Enrollment on the Universitaly Portal
Step 6: Apply for Study Visa at the Italian Embassy
8. Best Tips to Study in Italy on a Low Budget
Here are expert tips to reduce expenses:
Tip 1: Apply Early
Most scholarships run on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tip 2: Choose Smaller Cities
Living costs drop significantly outside Milan and Rome.
Tip 3: Apply for Regional Scholarships
They offer the biggest financial support.
Tip 4: Try Public Transport & Student Canteens
Student discounts save a lot of money.
Tip 5: Choose Part-Time Jobs
Italy allows students to work 20 hours per week.
9. Final Verdict: Which Italian University Is the Cheapest?
If you want the cheapest tuition + highest scholarship chances, the best universities are:
Top 3 Cheapest Options
- University of Pisa
- University of Bari Aldo Moro
- University of Turin
Best for Scholarships
- University of Bologna
- University of Padua
- Sapienza University of Rome
Italy stands out as the most affordable European study destination, offering world-class education, low fees, and generous scholarships—even for international students.
Also Read: How Can International Students Secure Canada Government Scholarships in 2025?
Sources
FAQs
1. Which is the cheapest university in Italian Scholarships for international students?
University of Pisa, University of Bari, and University of Turin offer some of the lowest tuition fees starting at €500 per year.
2. Can international students study in Italy for free?
Yes.Italian Scholarships With regional scholarships like DSU, EDISU, and LazioDisco, students can get free tuition, free accommodation, and allowances.
3. Do Italian universities teach in English?
Yes.Italian Scholarships Many bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs are available in English.
4. What GPA is required?
Most Italian Scholarships universities require a minimum of 2.5–3.0 GPA for admission and scholarships.
5. Is Italy good for Indian students?
Yes,Italian Scholarships is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students because of its affordability, English-taught programs, and strong scholarships.
6. How much money is required to study in Italian Scholarships?
Approximately €6,000–€12,000 per year, depending on city and lifestyle.
7. Is IELTS mandatory for Italian Scholarships?
IELTS is optional at many universities if you can provide an English proficiency letter.
8. Which city in Italy is cheapest for students?
Pisa, Bari, Turin, and Bologna are the most budget-friendly.