Study in Italy for Free 2026: Guide for Indian Students

Benefits for Indian Students Who Study in Italy

The opportunity to study in Italy for Free is highly exciting for Indian students, given it serves as a gateway to globally recognised degrees without substantial fee structures.

• English Taught Programs: With over 500 to 600+ programs offered in English, students can pursue their higher education in high-demand fields like AI, data science, sustainable engineering and more.
• Near- Zero Tuition: With a unique ISEE system to scale student fees based on their family incomes, middle-class Indian students can receive a world-class education at as low as just €156/year.
• Schengen Mobility: The Italian student visa also allows you to travel and connect across 29 different European countries without any extra visa.
• Temporary Residence Permit: After completing your education in Italy, the government allows you to stay back for 12 months on a temporary residence permit to find a job or start something of your own. 

Tuition Costs in Italy for Indian Students

Understanding the fee structure at Italian universities can be of great help for Indian students, given that it helps make an informed decision. Italy is widely recognised for its affordable tuition structures in Europe.

Public Universities

Studying at Public universities is highly appealing among Indian students, given that the tuition fees are income –based, calculated through the ISEE Parificato system, which is a financial assessment tool for international students.

The average fee range to study at public universities in Italy is €900 – €4,000 per year, and can be reduced to €0 with DSU scholarships.

Key Highlights

• Fees are calculated based on family income and belongings.
• Tuition fees for programs like engineering or medical can be higher than those for other programs.
• Fee payment can be done with 2-3 instalments.
• Students are required to pay an additional regional tax of around €140–€200 (INR 15.0K to INR 21.48K) per year. 

Private Universities

Private Universities in Italy are strongly preferred by students who seek specialised programs, industry connections, and globally recognised business schools.

The average fee range to study programs at private universities in Italy is €12,000 – €20,000 per year, and can be significantly reduced with merit-based scholarships and partial tuition waivers.

Key Highlights

• Programs like business, management, finance and fashion programs are highly popular at private universities.
• Merit-based scholarships and need-based aid help reduce fees significantly.

Top Italian Universities with Low Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Studying at any Italian university means you never have to compromise on the quality of education, and each institution offers scholarship options that make education highly affordable.

Fully-Funded Scholarships & Fee Waiver Options in Italy

With multiple scholarship pathways, Indian students can significantly reduce and even eliminate the tuition costs. These scholarships are designed for students aiming to study in Italy for free or with near-zero tuition.

DSU Regional Scholarships

DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) is a need-based funding initiative that is made available for students at public universities across Italy.

While the scholarship is not only based on academic merit, it is one of the most accessible funding options for middle-income Indian families, making the dream of free study in Italy for Indian students a reality.

MAECI Government Scholarships

A full tuition funding option offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Master’s and PhD programs. The assistance offered to students through this scholarship is limited, making it highly competitive among postgraduate applicants.

Invest Your Talent in Italy

A government- backed program initiative for selected countries, including India. It aims to target fields like engineering, technology, and economics.

Eligibility Criteria & Documents Required for Italian Scholarships

Students planning to study in Italy for free are required to meet a few eligibility conditions to qualify for applying to a particular university.

1.  Educational Requirements

• Must have completed secondary education with at least 70% marks to apply for a bachelor’s degree.
• For a master’s program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 75% marks to apply.

2.  Language requirements

• For non-native speakers, applying to English-taught courses requires proof of language through proficiency tests.
• Accepted scores include IELTS (usually 6.0 or 6.5+), TOEFL 80+ or Duolingo: 100 and above.

3.  Application Requirement

• Fill out the application form through the university’s online portal before the deadlines by paying any applicable application fees.

4.  Documents required for Admission are:

• A valid passport
• National ID
• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets
• passport-sized photograph
• Well-crafted statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation 
• English proficiency test scorecard
• Financial Statements Proof
• Bachelor’s degree (for Master's admission)
• Work experience (if any)
• Detailed Resume

Step-by-Step Application Process

For Students planning to study abroad in Italy for free, understanding the correct approach to the university application is crucial. Here are structured steps that will help you maximise the prospects of admission to an Italian university.

STEP 1: Research & Shortlist Universities

• The process starts with exploring various universities that offer programs in your desired field at an affordable tuition.
• Here, you must shortlist at least 4-5 universities that align with your academic interests and future goals.

STEP 2: Understand Eligibility & Prepare Documents

• With each university having its own eligibility conditions and requirements, understanding these essentials will help you prepare a more detailed application.
• Gather all the documents mentioned on the form that will support your application.  

STEP 3: Submit Online Application

• Apply for admission to the university's official portal before the deadline to ensure any future challenges.
• Before submitting, thoroughly check the documents attached and the details filled. Submit your application successfully by paying an application fee (if applicable).
• Track your application using the online portal, and you will receive an official admission letter after getting shortlisted.

STEP 4: Apply for Scholarships

• The admission letter will allow you to apply for the top scholarship options available.
• Develop a separate application for each financial aid, including DSU, MAECI, or university-specific scholarships, and gather documents as required.

STEP 5: Apply for Pre-Enrolment via Universitaly

• Complete the pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal, in which you are required to upload admission proof, choose your programs and connect with an Italian consulate in India.
• This is the mandatory step that students must follow before applying for the Italian student visa.

Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students

Students planning to study for free in Italy must not only budget for tuition, but also strongly focus on living expenses. The average monthly expense breakdown for a student can be seen as:

Work Rights & Post-Study Prospects in Italy

The opportunity to study in Italy for Indian students for free comes with exciting work rights and rewarding post-study prospects. It includes various part-time work opportunities, internships and a work permit after completion of studies, making it highly valuable for students.   

• International students are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their course of study. Income generally ranges from €7–€15, helping students to offset their daily expenses.
• The majority of the programs at Italian universities include internship opportunities, allowing students to learn practical skills and gain valuable work experience.
• After completion of a degree, Italy allow non-EU graduates to apply for a temporary residence permit, which is valid for up to 12 months and is helpful for students searching for jobs.

Expert Tips to Maximise Your Chances of Getting Italian Scholarships

If you're among those aiming for free study in Italy for Indian students, your core focus must be on strategic planning and documentation that will enhance your prospects of winning a scholarship.  

1. Apply Early & Track Every Deadline: Top scholarship options like DSU and MAECI have strict timeframes, and seats are also limited, making it vital for you to plan at least 8 to 10 months before the intake.
2. Prepare Financial Documents Carefully: DSU scholarships are income-based, and you must prepare accurate ISEE Parificato documentation. Maintain income certificates and bank statements, and get them correctly translated to avoid rejection.
3. Maintain Strong Academic Performance: While the majority of top scholarships are merit-based, make sure to prioritise a high GPA and maintain academic consistency. For competitive scholarships, above-average performance is required, which will help you stand out from other applicants.
4. Craft a Compelling SOP: While applying for a scholarship, craft a compelling statement of purpose clearly highlighting why you chose to study in Italy, your future goals and how winning a scholarship will support your academic goals.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, the opportunity to study in Italy for free is practical and realistic for Indian students, given the availability of financial aid options such as DSU regional scholarships, government grants, and income-based tuition systems. With the correct planning and structured approach, you can earn a globally recognised degree with lower study expenses. While the opportunity seems exciting, securing a seat at an Italian university can be challenging, given that it involves multiple steps. No worries, connect with our study abroad consultants today, who will help you prepare all the documents and apply with confidence.

FAQs

1. Is it really possible to study in Italy for free for Indian students?

Yes, Indian students can study in Italy for free; however, it requires following the correct procedure. The public universities in Italy charge tuition fees based on family income, and with the help of DSU regional scholarships, qualifying students can enjoy full tuition waivers.

2. How much bank balance is required for an Italian student visa from India?

Indian students planning to study in Italy are required to show proof of funds covering living expenses for one year, usually around €6,000–€7,000.

3. Is IELTS mandatory to study in Italy?

IELTS is mandatory for students planning to study English-taught programs at Italian universities. Most universities generally require IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall or equivalent scores in other proficiency tests.

4. What is ISEE Parificato and why is it important?

ISEE Parificato is simply a financial assessment certificate used for international students to determine eligibility for DSU scholarships and financial aid.  The certificate is helpful to assess family income and assets, and proper documentation is required for students to qualify for fee waivers.   

5. Can Indian students work while studying in Italy?

Yes, Indian students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Italy. Working part-time can be helpful for students to cover daily costs and gain international work experience.