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Study in Italy for Free: Scholarships, Costs & Top Universities
Study for Free in Italy with Universal Study
Studying in Italy is a dream for many international students—and the best part? It can be completely free or very affordable. With scholarships like DSU/EDISU, low public university tuition fees, and multiple university-specific grants, students worldwide have access to quality higher education in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to study for free in Italy, the types of financial aid available, top universities, and what it really costs to live and study in Italy in 2025.
DSU/EDISU Regional Scholarships
One of the best ways to study for free in Italy is by applying for the DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) or EDISU scholarships. These are need-based scholarships offered by regional authorities in Italy such as Lazio, Lombardia, Tuscany, and Piedmont.
What You Can Get:
- Full tuition fee exemption – no need to pay university fees
- Free meals at university dining halls
- Free or subsidized accommodation in university hostels or dorms
- Annual cash allowance anging from €2,000 to €5,000 to support other living expenses
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible, students must provide ISEE-equivalent financial documents, which show family income and assets. These documents must be translated and legalized by the authorities in the student’s home country.
Note: These scholarships are open to both EU and non-EU international students.
Low Tuition Fees at Public Universities
Even if you don’t qualify for a scholarship, studying in Italy is still very affordable—especially compared to countries like the UK, USA, or Australia.
Here’s how tuition works:
- Students from low-income families may pay as little as €0 to €500/year
- Standard tuition fees for others range from €1,000 to €3,000/year
Tuition fees are calculated based on family income, making Italy’s public education system one of the most inclusive and fair in Europe.
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Scholarships from Italian Universities
Apart from government-backed scholarships, many top Italian universities offer their own financial aid packages, especially for international students.
Some of the most generous institutions include:
University of Bologna
University of Padua
Sapienza University of Rome
University of Milan
Politecnico di Milano
Types of Aid Offered:
- 🎯 Merit-based scholarships for top academic performers
- 🎓 Tuition fee waivers for selected students
- 💰 Grants and stipends for international applicants
These scholarships may be:
- Automatically considered during the application process
- Or require a separate application form, usually submitted online
Be sure to check the deadlines and requirements for each university’s scholarship program to improve your chances.
Eligibility Requirements for Free or Low-Cost Education
To take advantage of these amazing opportunities, students need to meet a few basic requirements:
Apply to an Italian public university (or eligible private institutions)
Submit required financial documents (for DSU/EDISU) showing family income and assets
Have a good academic background for merit-based scholarships
Apply on time – deadlines are critical
Some courses require Italian language proficiency, but many programs are taught entirely in English, especially at the master’s level
Top Tuition-Free or Affordable Universities in Italy
Here are some of the most popular and affordable universities for international students in Italy:
University of Bologna
University of Padua
Sapienza University of Rome
University of Milan
Politecnico di Milano
University of Pisa
All these universities participate in national and regional scholarship schemes and offer English-taught programs, making them ideal for international students.
Living Costs for Students in Italy
While tuition may be free or low, students still need to budget for monthly living expenses. The cost of living in Italy varies depending on the city, but here’s a general estimate:
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
Rent (shared apartment) |
€250 – €500 |
Food & groceries |
€150 – €250 |
Public transport |
€25 – €50 |
Utilities, internet, etc |
€50 – €100 |
Personal expenses |
€100 – €150 |
Total Expense |
€600 – €1,000 |
Affordable student cities: Bologna, Pisa, Pavia, and Siena
More expensive cities: Rome, Milan, and Florence
Thanks to DSU benefits, many students pay reduced rent, get free meals, and even receive monthly stipends, significantly lowering their expenses.
Final Thoughts: Is Studying in Italy Worth It?
Absolutely! Whether you’re interested in art, business, medicine, or engineering, Italy offers:
With the right scholarship and proper planning, students can easily study for free in Italy and gain world-class education without breaking the bank.
