Top 10 Italy Scholarships for International Students in 2025 – No IELTS Required

Italy has become one of the most attractive destinations for higher education, especially for international students looking for quality education at affordable costs. With its rich academic heritage, world-renowned universities, and stunning cultural environment, Italy offers plenty of fully and partially funded opportunities. The best part? Many of these Italy scholarships for international students in 2025 do not require IELTS. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, master's, or doctoral studies, this list from wsscholar4u will guide you through the top scholarships available and how to apply.

1. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students (MAECI)

Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), this scholarship is one of the most prestigious Italy scholarships for international students. It supports students enrolling in master’s, PhD, and AFAM (art and music) courses.

Key Features:

Visit wsscholar4u.com for guidance on how to apply effectively.

2. University of Bologna Scholarships – Unibo Action 1&2

The University of Bologna, one of the oldest in the world, offers the Unibo Action 1 & 2 scholarships to international students enrolling in first and second-cycle degree programs.

What’s Included:

Tip: This is among the top Italy scholarships for international students listed on wsscholar4u due to its generous funding and no-IELTS policy.

3. DSU Regional Scholarships (Laziodisco, EDISU, etc.)

These are need-based regional scholarships provided by Italian regional authorities such as EDISU Piemonte, Laziodisco, and ERSU. They cover universities like Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, and University of Florence.

Benefits Include:

Students from low-income backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply, and wsscholar4u regularly updates the application timelines.

4. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

Politecnico di Milano offers multiple merit-based scholarships for international master's students in science, architecture, and engineering.

Scholarship Tiers:

IELTS is not mandatory if you provide alternative English language certificates or proof of prior English-medium instruction.

5. University of Padua Scholarships for International Students

Padua’s excellence scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students across multiple degree programs in English.

Inclusions:

Listed on wsscholar4u, the Padua scholarships are highly competitive and ideal for students aiming to study in Northern Italy.

6. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships

If you're pursuing a research-focused career, Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa offers fully funded PhD scholarships for top international students.

What You Get:

The university may waive IELTS if your previous degree was taught in English. It’s a high-ranking institution, and wsscholar4u often features application tips for its competitive programs.

7. Bocconi University Graduate Scholarships

Bocconi University, one of Italy’s most prestigious business schools, offers graduate merit awards and need-based international awards.

Scholarship Benefits:

Pro Tip: Bocconi is highly selective—use guidance from wsscholar4u to craft a strong profile.

8. University of Pavia “Invest Your Talent in Italy” Program

This scholarship is supported by MAECI and aimed at students from selected countries who wish to pursue degrees in engineering, ICT, economics, or management.

Includes:

The “Invest Your Talent in Italy” program is regularly covered on wsscholar4u, with updates on country eligibility and deadlines.

9. Sapienza University of Rome International Scholarships

Sapienza offers over 40 scholarships annually to international students applying for bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught in English.

Features:

It’s one of Italy’s largest universities and a frequent highlight on wsscholar4u for its affordable education and scholarship access.

10. Humanitas University Scholarships for Medical Students

For those pursuing medicine, Humanitas University provides merit scholarships for international medical students based on entrance exam performance.

Benefits:

Humanitas is a modern private medical university with state-of-the-art facilities and strong international partnerships.

Why Choose Italy Without IELTS?

One of the major reasons why students prefer Italy is the flexibility regarding language proficiency. Many universities accept:

This makes Italy one of the most accessible countries for higher education without IELTS, especially when paired with a fully or partially funded scholarship.

Tips for Applying to Italy Scholarships for International Students

  1. Start Early: Many scholarships open between March and June, with deadlines varying by university and region.
  2. Prepare Documentation: Academic transcripts, motivation letter, passport, and proof of English proficiency (if required).
  3. Use WSScholar4U Resources: Platforms like wsscholar4u.com provide updated scholarship listings, eligibility guides, application walkthroughs, and tips.
  4. Apply to Multiple Universities: Maximize your chances by targeting 3–5 universities or regions.
  5. Don’t Wait for IELTS: Apply early and request a language waiver based on your previous education.

Explore, Apply, and Study in Italy for Free!

If you're dreaming of studying in one of Europe’s most culturally rich and academically strong countries, Italy scholarships for international students in 2025 are your best shot. Whether you’re seeking fully funded PhD programs, business degrees, engineering, or arts, there’s a scholarship waiting for you—and many don’t require IELTS.

🎓 Need help applying? Visit wsscholar4u.com for complete application guides, free scholarship lists, and expert insights to make your Italy study abroad journey a reality.