A lot of students have asked us if the education in Italy is actually free. Let us look at the education system in Italy and find out if you can actually study for free in Italy or not.
Free Education for Students from 6 to 16
The government of Italy has made education compulsory for everyone between the ages of 6 and 16. It is free for Italian residents as well as people of all other nationalities who have settled in the country. The government schools are also very well-equipped and offer high-quality studies. The Italian government considers elements like the income level of the family as well as the academic background of the student.
Applying for Grants and Scholarships
Since all universities and schools are not free, you can consider applying for grants and scholarships to help you study in Italy even if you are on a budget. You can either look for scholarships which are specific to Italy or you can check with the university if they offer any scholarships that you can be eligible for. In your home country, you can look for a study abroad scholarships which can help you cover the study costs.
Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Do your research and find out about scholarships that are specific to the courses or subjects you have chosen.
The Education System
There are 89 institutions in Italy which come under the university sector. There are several other institutions which operate under the non-university sector. These institutions cater to students who are inclined towards non-academic studies like design, music, choreography, language mediation, and several other disciplines.
As a student looking for options, you will find that Italy caters to a wide variety of study options to help you further your studies according to your interest.
Learning the Language
Knowing the local language is definitely helpful, but Italy has several courses which are offered in English. Some universities will also offer Italian classes to help you learn the language during the course of your stay as a student in the country.
You will find yourself gradually grasping the language and if you already know Italian, then you will be able to improve your fluency during your stay. The place you stay and your ability to easily travel around the country can greatly depend on your ability to speak the language.

In a nutshell
To conclude, you can study in Italy for free either through grants and scholarships or you can study for free if you are between the age of 6 and 16 and are settled in the country. There are several disciplines in which you can further your studies and you will also have the ease of travelling to some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The food is considered to be one of the best cuisines in the world and the people are mostly friendly. Your university is most likely to help you learn the local language fluently and you can choose homestay for budgeted accommodation during the time that you study in Italy.
Best Scholarships for International Students in Italy
DSU Scholarships for International Students at Polytechnic University of Milan in Italy, 2019
Are you looking for a wonderful opportunity to accomplish your studies with financial assistance? Then the Polytechnic University of Milan is offering you its DSU Scholarship. This education award will be granted to those candidates who are a part of the first year of Laurea and in single cycle Laurea Magistrale Study Programme This funding education will be comprised maximum of 5,139.00€.
Provided By: Polytechnic University of Milan
Course: Undergraduate,
graduate program
Award: Up to 5,139.00€
Application Deadline: July 16, 2019
Apply
Now
100 Scholarships for Students with International Protection in Italy, 2019-2020
Italian Ministry of Interior is providing a wonderful opportunity of participating in the grants program to international students. Applicants having bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. degree course at any Italian Public University can apply.
Provided By: Italian
Ministry of Interior
Course: Degree level program
Award: Tuition fee
Application Deadline: From June 10, 2019, to July 15, 2019.
Apply
Now
69 postgraduate placements for Italian and Foreign Students in Italy 2019
The Scuola Normale Superiore University is furnishing great opportunity in the form of the postgraduate placements program for foreign students in Italy. The educational funds will include tuition fee, a grant for board and accommodation.
Provided By: Scuola Normale Superiore University
Course: Postgraduate
degree program
Award: tuition
fee
Application Deadline: August 29, 2019
Apply
Now
University of Pavia Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards Award
The University of Pavia is glad to invite applicants for Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards Scholarship. Students must be enrolled with the MSc program are eligible to apply for this program. This scholarship is providing an award up to 6’000 Euros.
Provided By: University of Pavia
Course: Civil Engineering program
Award: Up to 6’000 Euro/year
Application Deadline: 21st of June 2019
Apply Now
“Don’t Miss Your Chance” funding for EU and Non-EU Students 2019
Thoughts become things. If you see it in your mind, then the “Don’t miss your chance” Scholarship opportunity is a desirable chance for you to make your dreams come true. The duration of this award two years and it will worth € 4,300.00 each year.
Provided By: Sapienza University of Rome
Course: master’s degree program
Award: € 4,300.00 each year
Application Deadline: June 27, 2019
Apply Now
Fee waivers and scholarships for high-achieving international students
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice is inviting for Fee waivers and scholarships for high-achieving international students in Italy. International students enrolling in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the 2019-2020 academic years are eligible to apply. The scholarship award is € 5,000.
Provided By: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Course: Bachelor’s and master’s degree program
Award: € 5,000
Application Deadline: Open
Apply Now
Post-doctoral Fellowships 2020
Veronesi Foundation is offering Post-doctoral Fellowships for foreign students in Italy. Candidates hold a degree in Medicine and have clinical research experience and post-graduate qualification can take the benefits. The scholarship is providing € 5,000.
Provided By: Veronesi Foundation
Course: Post-doctoral program
Award: € 5,000
Application Deadline: 1st January 2020
Apply Now
Italian government awards for Foreign Students in Italy, 2019
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is furnishing a worthy opportunity for supporting applicants to complete their dream of study abroad. The award will give 900 Euros monthly allowance on a quarterly basis for students along with a health and medical accident insurance
Provided By: Italian government
Course: Degree level course
Award: 900 Euros monthly allowance
Application Deadline: Check back by next year
Apply Now
Top Universities in Italy
Universities | World Rank | Tuition Fee |
The Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | 401 | €3,000 to € 8,900 |
The Università degli Studi di Padova (UNIPD) | 150 | €1.858,00 to €2.919,00 |
University of Bologna | 180 | Up to € 1.554,00 |
University of Turin | 208 | 1,153 USD |
University of Pisa | 389 | 2,000 USD |
University of Siena | 445 | up to € 2,500 |
University of Verona | 408 | €1,000 to € 1,800 |
University of Milan | 148 | € 4,000 |