Dreaming of studying in Italy’s historic universities for free? There are scholarships in Italy for international students in 2026, from PhD fellowships at elite institutions like Scuola Normale Superiore to master’s programs at Bocconi University. These fully and partially funded awards cover tuition, stipends, accommodation, and more, welcoming talents from all countries to programs in arts, sciences, business, and beyond.
This comprehensive guide details 15 top scholarships in Italy for 2026, with benefits, eligibility, and application steps in simple words for everyone, including non-native English speakers. From Pisa’s leaning tower to Milan’s fashion scene, these opportunities blend world-class education with cultural immersion. Ready to apply? Let’s explore!
Why Study in Italy on Scholarship? A Quick Overview
Italy, home to Europe’s oldest university (Bologna, 1088), ranks high for quality of life and innovation (QS 2025). Scholarships like those from the Italian Government and Bocconi attract 50,000+ internationals yearly, promoting diversity and research. You’ll study in vibrant cities, access EU networks, and enjoy pasta and ruins all funded.
For 2026, emphasis on sustainability, AI, and cultural heritage aligns with global goals. Full funding eases costs, letting you focus on growth. Graduates lead in policy, tech, and arts worldwide.
Ready for the list? Let’s dive into each scholarship.
Top Scholarships in Italy for International Students 2026
1. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
Overview: Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) in Pisa offers 75 PhD scholarships for 2026, open to Italians and internationals. This elite program, modeled on France’s École Normale Supérieure, funds 4-year PhDs in sciences, humanities, and social sciences at SNS and partner universities.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver.
- €16,243 annual stipend (net).
- Free board and accommodation.
- Research funding (up to €5,000/year, including abroad).
- Laptop allowance (€1,200).
Eligibility:
- Any nationality.
- Bachelor’s/master’s in relevant field.
- Under 30 for most (varies).
- Strong academics/research potential.
Application: Online via SNS portal. Submit CV, transcripts, research proposal, 2 refs.
Deadlines: May 23, 2026 (most programs); August 26, 2026 (math).
Interviews June-September.
2. Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
Overview: The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Trieste offers Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2026, funding 2-year (extendable 1 year) research in life sciences at ICGEB labs in Italy, India, or South Africa.
Benefits:
- Stipend: €2,000/month (Italy).
- Health insurance.
- Travel/research allowance.
- Child/parental leave support.
Eligibility:
- ICGEB Member State nationals (160+ countries).
- PhD within 5 years.
- Not in home country lab (unless abroad 3+ years).
Application: Contact ICGEB Group Leader for proposal; submit CV, PhD cert, refs online.
Deadline: September 30, 2025.
3. Bocconi University Scholarships
Overview: Bocconi University in Milan provides merit-based scholarships for international students for 2026 undergrad and master’s in business, economics, and law, covering up to 100% costs for top international applicants.
Benefits:
- Undergrad: Up to €12,000/year tuition waiver + accommodation.
- Master’s: Up to €13,000/year + housing.
- Renewable 2-3 years with GPA 27/30.
Eligibility:
- Any nationality.
- Admitted to Bocconi program.
- Top academic profile (GPA 3.5+/4.0).
Application: Automatic with program app via Bocconi portal.
Deadlines: April 14, 2026 (undergrad); April 21/May 27, 2026 (masters).
Results: May-June.
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4. University of Bologna Scholarship
Overview: Unibo Action 1&2 scholarships for 2026 fund 30 international master’s students at Europe’s oldest university, covering tuition and stipends in fields like engineering and humanities.
Benefits:
- €6,500 gross stipend + full tuition waiver.
- 1-year (renewable).
Eligibility:
- Non-EU, under 30.
- Bachelor’s outside Italy.
- GRE score (code 7850) by deadline.
Application: Online via Studenti portal.
Deadline: May 30, 2026.
Results June 2026.
5. Italian Government Scholarship
Overview: MAECI scholarships for 2026 fund master’s/PhD/research in Italy for non-residents, promoting language/culture across 120+ countries.
Benefits:
- €900/month stipend.
- Tuition/insurance.
- 3-9 months (renewable).
Eligibility:
- Under 28 (master’s), 30 (PhD), 40 (research).
- Relevant degree.
- B2 English/Italian.
Application: Online via Study in Italy portal.
Deadline: May 16, 2026 (2 PM CET).
Results July.
6. NATO Defense College Fellowships
Overview: NDC in Rome offers 8 research fellowships for 2026 in security studies, open to NATO/partner country scholars for 5-month residencies.
Benefits:
- Stipend for stay/travel.
- Research access.
- Networking with NATO experts.
Eligibility:
- PhD or equivalent.
- NATO-relevant research.
- From member/partner countries.
Application: Online form + CV/proposal to research@ndc.nato.int.
Deadline: May 17, 2026 (23:59 CET).
Results September 30, 2026.
7. Gran Sasso Science Institute PhD Program
Overview: GSSI in L’Aquila funds 51 PhD fellowships for 2026 in astroparticle physics, math, CS, urban studies fully covered at Italy’s underground lab.
Benefits:
- €16,243/year stipend.
- Tuition waiver.
- Accommodation/meals.
- Laptop (€1,200).
Eligibility:
- Any nationality.
- Bachelor’s/master’s in relevant field.
- Under 32 (most).
Application: Online via GSSI portal.
Deadlines: May 23 (regional science), May 30 (physics/CS), June 9 (math), August 26 (project-based).
Interviews July-September.
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree FIPDes Food Innovation and Product Design
Overview: FIPDes 2026, a 2-year Erasmus Mundus master’s across France, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, trains 20 students in sustainable food design.
Benefits:
- €1,400/month stipend (EU/non-EU).
- Tuition waiver.
- Travel/insurance.
- Internship funding.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s in food/science/engineering.
- English B2+.
- Any nationality (20 scholarships).
Application: Online via consortium portal.
Deadline: January 25, 2026 (2 PM CET). Results March.
9. Facebook PhD Fellowship
Overview: Meta’s PhD Fellowship for 2026 funds 20 doctoral students worldwide in CS/engineering, supporting innovative research at any accredited university.
Benefits:
- $42,000/year stipend (2 years).
- Tuition/fees.
- Travel/conference funds.
- Meta summit visit.
Eligibility:
- Full-time PhD student.
- Ongoing research in 20 areas (e.g., AR/VR, networking).
- Any nationality.
Application: Online via Meta portal.
10. IIE-SRF Fellowship
Overview: IIE Scholar Rescue Fund fellowships for 2026 protect threatened PhD researchers, funding 1-year (renewable) placements worldwide.
Benefits:
- Up to $25,000 grant.
- Health insurance.
- Relocation/professional development.
Eligibility:
- PhD holder/researcher from threatened region.
- Any nationality.
- Host institution offer.
Application: Online via IIE-SRF portal. Rolling, but apply early (no fixed deadline).
11. Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships
Overview: HFSP fellowships for 2026 fund 3-year postdocs in life sciences at labs worldwide, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation.
Benefits:
- Living allowance (~$50,000/year).
- Research/travel (~$15,000).
- Child/parental/relocation support.
Eligibility:
- PhD by December 31, 2026.
- <3 years post-PhD.
- New country/lab.
Application: LOI May 2025
Deadline: full September 25, 2025. Results March 2026.
12. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Overview: JJ/WBGSP for 2026 funds master’s in development at 43 global programs (including Italy partners), for mid-career professionals from 160 countries.
Benefits:
- Full tuition.
- Accommodation/stipend (~$1,500/month).
- Airfare/insurance.
Eligibility:
- Developing country national.
- 3+ years development work.
- Admitted to participating program.
Application: Window 1: March 25-May 23, 2025;
Window 2: June 25-August 22, 2025. Results September/October.
13. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
Overview: World Bank’s RSMFP for 2026 funds 8-month PhD research in development economics for 30 fellows from low/middle-income countries.
Benefits:
- $42,750 net stipend.
- Housing/travel.
- Mentorship/blog opportunity.
Eligibility:
- PhD student in development economics.
- From eligible country.
- 3+ years post-bachelor’s.
Application: Online via World Bank portal.
Deadline: February 28, 2026.
14. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
Overview: IMU’s Breakout Fellowships for 2026 fund 4-year PhDs in math for 10 students from developing countries at home institutions.
Benefits:
- Up to $10,000/year (tuition/living).
- Renewable with progress.
Eligibility:
- Developing country national/resident.
- Enrolled in PhD at local university.
- Nominated by supervisor.
Application: Nominations by May 31, 2026. .
15. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
Overview: Schlumberger’s Faculty for the Future for 2026 funds PhD/postdoc for 50+ women from developing countries in STEM worldwide.
Benefits:
- Up to $50,000/year (PhD); $40,000 (postdoc).
- Renewable to completion.
- Networking/mentorship.
Eligibility:
- Woman from developing/emerging country.
- PhD/postdoc in STEM.
- Leadership/outreach potential.
Application: Online portal September 1-November 7, 2025. .
Final Thoughts: Start Your Italian Scholarship Journey Today
Italy’s 2026 scholarships open doors to historic campuses and innovative research, fully funded for global talents. From SNS’s elite PhDs to Bocconi’s business awards, these opportunities blend academics with la dolce vita. I’ve seen scholars from India and Nigeria thrive, launching impactful careers. You could be next!
Act now: Check deadlines, prep docs, and apply early. Questions? Make 2026 your year in Italy!
