Study in Italy for Free: A complete Guide for Indian Students
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Housing, the famous and oldest University of Bologna Italy attracts thousands of students globally every year. Apart from this, Italy offers cheap higher education and in some cases it is free. There are various public universities in Italy which is why education is cheaper here. These public universities offer different scholarships which in turn help students to study for free in Italy. Studying in Italy can be costly based on the type of course pursued, the type of university either public or private and the type of accommodation If you are really looking at studying in Italy for free, then consider applying to public universities in Italy. These universities are cheap and affordable because they have low tuition costs. Also they offer a plethora of scholarships that are fully funded. So, opting for these universities is feasible for international students.
If you are interested in studying for free in Italy check out the cost of studying in Italy, read the article to study in Italy for free, and aim for lucrative choices.
- Italy Free Education for Indian Students
- Tuition-Free Universities in Italy for International Students
- Cheap Universities in Italy for International Students
- Free Public Universities in Italy for International Students
- Study in Italy for Free FAQs
Italy Free Education for Indian Students
Free education in Italy for Indian students is possible through two main possibilities: applying for a scholarship and applying for early bird discounts in fees by applying to Italian universities well in advance. Though Italian Universities are not completely free, two ways allow a full reimbursement of tuition fees. Check out how to study in Italy for free in the sections below.
Scholarships based on merit
Universities publish various calls for scholarships that allow full reimbursement of tuition fees. These calls are usually based on merit, therefore, on the average grade you have or the number of credits you have acquired compared to the total maximum credits you could acquire by keeping up with the exams. The following are the top scholarships offered at Italy universities for international students:
| Scholarship offered at Italy Universities |
Scholarship Amount Offered for Students |
|---|---|
| Bologna University Study Grants for International Students |
€11,059 |
| EDISU Piemonte Scholarships |
€11,000 |
| Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme |
€8,000 |
| Bocconi Merit and International Awards |
€12,000 |
| Politecnico de Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students |
€10,000 |
| Università Cattolica International Scholarships |
25% fee waiver |
Applying Earlier than the Deadline at Italian Universities
Many Italian universities offer 5-10% concession to international students applying to the university before the deadline. Those who are willing to make a partial payment of their tuition fee as soon as they get offer letters from their respective Italian universities may be eligible for a 10% discount. Read more about How to apply at Italian Universities?
Economic Concessions to Study in Italy for Free
With an ISEE value of up to €24,500, first-year students and students who meet the merit requirements are completely exempted from paying any tuition fees at Italian universities. Fees are calculated for payments above this limit. This is usually more favourable for low-income belonging students, but they must meet the merit requirements. ISEE indicates the equivalent economic situation, a criterion based on evaluating the family's economic crisis. This, in turn, can aid students to study in Italy for free.
Get more details at: Top 10 Universities in Italy
Tuition-Free Universities in Italy for International Students
If you want to study for free in countries like Italy, think of applying to public universities. Italy's public universities offer tuition-free education in the majority of cases to international students. Universities like the University of Bologna also offers tuition free education to international students through their merit-based scholarships. Thus, the University of Bologna is one of the tuition-free universities in Italy for international students. The University of Bologna offers a tuition fee waiver to deserving international students only who register for either the first, second or single-cycle degree programs. Those who do are offered:
- Study grants of up to €11,000 gross (applying for Unibo Action 2); and,
- Tuition fee waivers (for those applying for Unibo Action 1).
Most of the fees for students applying for these cycles will be able to pay this amount, which would fully cover their tuition costs, and help them study in Italy in English for free.
Cheap Universities in Italy for International Students
The following universities in Italy are considered as affordable or cheap for international students based on their annual tuition fees:
| Italy Universities |
Cheapest Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| University of Bergamo |
€400 |
| €480 |
|
| University of Salerno |
€800 |
| Polytechnic University of Turin |
€1,250 |
| Free University of Bozen-Bolzano |
€1,300 |
| University of Pisa |
€2,500 |
| Politecnico di Torino |
€2,600 |
| University of Perugia |
€3,000 |
In conclusion, the university is not free but there are some concessions which, if you are in a complicated economic condition or if you are particularly good, allow you to have the exemption or reimbursement of university fees. Check: Italy Post Study Work Visa
Free Public Universities in Italy for International Students
There are no completely free public universities in Italy for international students. While costs can be reduced to a great extend with funding or scholarships, there maybe minor administrative charges. Public universities in Italy charge lesser tuition fees from international students than private universities. Applicant bear minimal administrative fee like semester fee. There may be some cost of living in Italy if not included in the scholarships.
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Study in Italy for Free FAQs
Q. Is ISEE for international students as well for admission to Italy university?
A. If there’s an international student or an Italian student living abroad, they are eligible to obtain a reduction in their University fees and also in their regional fee by submitting the ISEE-U parificato as proof of limited efficiency to pay for living and studying in Italy.
Q. Are international students eligible for free education in Italy?
A. Yes, international students are eligible for free education in Italy. They will be assessed based on their academic background, family income, potential and scope for exceptional performance academically in order to receive a full scholarship to support their studies in Italy.
Q. What are the ways to cut down on expenses of not studying free in Italy?
A. There are various ways of cutting down on expenses if not studying in a tuition free university in Italy. These include opting for on-campus housing accommodations because they are cheaper, opt for public universities because they are also cheaper and cut down on one’s personal expenses.
Q. Are there other universities besides University of Bologna which are tuition free in Italy?
A. No, there are no other universities besides Bologna University which offer a full tuition fee waiver to international students to study in Italy.
Q. Which are the top partial scholarships offered by Italian universities?
A. There are universities like Politecnico de Milano that offer partial scholarships varying from €5,000 - €10,000 during the course of study. Or there are other universities like Bocconi University which offer scholarships between €12,000 - €13,000, and others.
Q. Can I study free in Italy?
A. Yes, international applicants can study for free in Italy. There is a wide range of scholarships that are available for applicants from Italian universities. Apart from those, there are scholarships that are externally funded.
The University of Bologna MS fees is around INR 1 L - 4 L for first-year, which vary by specializations for international students. The table below includes popular MS specializations at the university with first-year fees:
| MS Specializations | First-Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Master in Artificial Intelligence | INR 2.73 L |
| Masters in Civil Engineering | INR 2.96 L |
| Master in Advanced Automotive Engineering | INR 2.96 L |
As per the latest Top Colleges & Universities in Italy Rankings given by Shiksha, the Sapienza University of Rome, is ranked the #1 university in Italy.
The university also ranks among the top higher educational institutions globally, securing a world rank of #132 as part of World University Rankings 2025, rolled out by a major ranking platform.
The same source also ranks the institute #66 among all colleges/universities in Europe.
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Such universities are listed given below. But, to know the exact course for which the universities offer teaching in English, it is best advised to check with the university: