Scholarships for Indian Students in Italy: DSU, Government and University Awards
Last updated October 2026. Scholarship rules, deadlines and visa procedures change every year, and they differ between Italian regions and universities. Check the official pages of the Italian Embassy in India, Universitaly and your university before you plan or apply. Legitimate scholarships don’t charge an application fee.
Italy is a popular choice for Indian students, partly because public university fees are generally lower than in many other destinations and because several funding schemes exist. But those schemes are competitive and need paperwork that takes time. This guide explains how the main ones work, what Indian applicants must prepare, and the admission and visa steps that sit alongside them.
The Three Main Funding Streams
Italy doesn’t have one national student-aid agency. Funding comes from three layers: regional DSU grants, Italian government scholarships through embassies, and awards from individual universities.
1. DSU Regional Scholarship (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)
The DSU is funded by regional governments and awarded mainly on income and merit. It’s open to Italian and international students at participating public universities. Published guidance says benefits can include a tuition reduction or waiver, a cash allowance, subsidised accommodation and meal access, but what you actually receive depends on the region, the university and your income bracket. Rules and deadlines are set by each regional body, so read your region’s current call carefully.
What Indian applicants must prepare. For non-EU students whose families are abroad, the income test uses an ISEE Parificato (an “equivalent ISEE”), which an Italian tax assistance office (CAF) or the university calculates from your home-country documents:
- Income and tax documents for family members who earn, from the competent authorities in India.
- Family composition and asset documents.
- Documents legalised and translated into Italian through the Italian diplomatic offices, a process that can take weeks. Published guidance advises starting in May or June.
- Your university pre-enrolment or enrolment evidence, and your visa or residence permit once issued.
Because DSU deadlines are tied to your enrolment and your paperwork, start early and follow your university’s DSU office instructions. Don’t assume you will receive it.
2. Italian Government Scholarships
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) offers scholarships to students from selected countries, including programmes such as Invest Your Talent in Italy, with applications often handled through Italian embassies. Benefits are generally reported to include a monthly allowance and sometimes insurance and tuition support. They are highly competitive, and eligibility and country lists change from year to year, so check whether India and your degree level are included in the current call on the Italian Embassy’s or MAECI’s official pages.
3. University Scholarships
Many Italian universities offer merit-based awards, tuition reductions or waivers, and research or teaching positions for international students. Each university sets its own rules and deadlines, which are often several months before the academic year starts, so check the scholarship page of each university on your shortlist.
External awards
Educational trusts, foundations and some Indian organisations fund study abroad. Check each provider’s own eligibility and deadlines.
Admission Steps
Step 1: Research courses and universities
Match universities to your academic background, career goals and budget, and check their tuition, scholarships, language of instruction and location.
Step 2: Check eligibility
For bachelor’s programmes, applicants generally need Class 12 from a recognised board and may be asked for an entrance test or English proficiency. For master’s programmes, a relevant bachelor’s degree, transcripts, a statement of purpose, references and a CV are typical, with a portfolio or work experience for some programmes. Check each course’s page.
Step 3: Prepare documents
Common documents include a valid passport, academic certificates and transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, a CV, photographs and English test results where required. Some institutions also ask for verification of your academic qualification. Check what yours requires.
Step 4: Apply and pre-enrol
Apply through the university’s own portal. Non-EU students who need a student visa are generally also required to complete pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal, and the pre-enrolment record is part of the visa and DSU process. Dates and rules are set each year, so check Universitaly’s current calendar.
Step 5: Receive your offer and apply for scholarships
Some universities issue conditional offers pending final results. Check each scholarship’s deadline separately, because many close before or soon after your admission decision.
Step 6: Apply for your student visa
Indian students generally need a national (Type D) student visa for courses longer than 90 days. Typical documents include a passport, admission letter or pre-enrolment, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, health insurance and a completed application form. Requirements and processing times vary, so check the latest guidance from the Italian Embassy and the visa application centre, and apply well ahead. Don’t rely on a fixed processing time from a blog.
English Language Requirements
Many Italian universities teach some programmes in English. Depending on the university, you may be asked for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, a Cambridge qualification, or a Medium of Instruction certificate if your earlier education was in English. Accepted tests and scores vary, so confirm them with each university.
Intakes
Most programmes start in autumn (September or October), and some offer a spring start. Application and pre-enrolment windows differ by university and nationality, so check each university’s calendar and Universitaly’s dates. The autumn intake typically has the widest choice of programmes.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Start the legalisation of your income documents early, since it takes time.
- Write a specific statement of purpose for each university, not a generic one.
- Track each scholarship’s own deadline, which may differ from the admission deadline.
- Check that your documents are complete, consistent and translated where needed.
- Don’t plan your finances around winning a scholarship. Keep a funding plan that works without one, including your visa funds.
- Don’t pay anyone for a “guaranteed” scholarship.
For more, read our guides to how to choose the right scholarship and scholarship comparison, and start with career counselling at Eduvisor if you’d like help planning.
