Updated: December 29, 2025

Italy is one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe, offering fully funded scholarships without IELTS for international students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. With world-class universities, affordable living costs, and generous government funding, Italy makes higher education accessible to students from all nationalities.

International students can also work part-time while studying, making Italy an ideal option for studying abroad on a budget.

Why Study in Italy?

  • Home to some of the oldest universities in the world

  • Over 60,000 international students currently studying

  • More than 339 English-taught programs

  • Easy travel across Europe (Schengen Zone)

  • Rich culture, art, fashion, history, and lifestyle

  • Affordable tuition and living costs compared to other EU countries

Italy has:

  • 61 public universities

  • 30 private universities

  • 11 higher education institutes

Fully Funded Italian Scholarships 2026 – Key Details

  • Host Country: Italy

  • Universities: Italian Public & Private Universities

  • Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

  • Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded

  • Eligible Nationalities: All Nationalities

  • Application Deadline: Varies by university

Can I Study in Italy Without IELTS?

Yes. Many Italian universities allow students to study without IELTS if:

  • Your previous education was taught entirely in English

  • You provide an English Medium Certificate (EMI)

  • You pass an online interview or video assessment

Top Fully Funded Italian Scholarships Without IELTS 2026

1. Italy Government Scholarship (MAECI) 2025–26

Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) for Master’s and PhD programs at Italian universities.

2. University of Bologna Scholarship

  • Bachelor’s & Master’s programs

  • Ranked #1 in Italy and Top 160 worldwide

  • Funded by the Italian Government

3. University of Padua Scholarship

  • Bachelor’s & Master’s (English-taught)

  • Up to 43 fully funded scholarships

  • Ranked 116th globally

4. University of Milan Excellence Scholarships

  • 155 scholarships available

  • 55 fully funded, 100 partially funded

  • For Undergraduate & Graduate students

5. University of Torino Scholarships

  • Bachelor’s & Master’s programs

  • For highly talented international students

6. University of Pisa Scholarships

  • 24 Merit Scholarships (2026)

  • Bachelor’s & English-taught Master’s programs

7. University of Turin Scholarships

  • Undergraduate, Postgraduate, 5-year & 6-year degree programs

8. University of Florence Scholarships

  • Public research university

  • Scholarships open for international students

9. Bocconi University Scholarships (Private)

Fields: Economics, Finance, Law, Management, Political Science, Computer Science

  • Merit Awards (Undergraduate & Graduate)

  • International Awards (Undergraduate & Graduate)

10. Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships

  • Bachelor’s & Master’s programs

  • Scholarships open for Academic Year 2026

Application Process to Study in Italy Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose a University & Program
Search for Italian universities offering English-taught programs.

Step 2: English Proficiency Proof
Submit an English Medium Certificate if your previous education was taught in English.

Step 3: Online Interview (If Required)
Some universities conduct Skype or video interviews to assess English communication skills.

Italian Universities Accepting Students Without IELTS

  • University of Bologna

  • University of Milan

  • University of Florence

  • University of Pisa

  • University of Padua

  • University of Naples Federico II

  • University of Trento

  • Sapienza University of Rome

  • University of Verona

  • John Cabot University

Final Words

Italy offers one of the best fully funded scholarship opportunities in Europe without IELTS. With strong academic recognition, generous funding, and flexible language requirements, international students should not miss this opportunity to study free in Italy in 2026.

👉 Apply early as deadlines vary by university.