Scholarships to Study
Abroad
Redefining study abroad for Indian students. Get access to fully funded government and university scholarships covering tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and living expenses.
Get Free Eligibility Check
Check your options for 2026 intake
Scholarships to Study in Italy (2026)
Quick Answer
Italy offers scholarships for all fields — engineering, management, medicine, design, economics, architecture, and humanities. The main options are: (1) DSU regional scholarships (income-based, €4,000–€6,500/year, covers tuition + housing + meals); (2) MAECI government scholarship (€900/month); (3) Invest Your Talent in Italy (engineering/management/ICT, €900/month + internship); and (4) University merit scholarships (Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi, Padua — up to €14,000/year). Public university tuition is already low (€600–€4,000/year) and income-adjusted.
Italy believes education should be accessible to all capable students, regardless of financial background. Through a layered scholarship system — government (MAECI), regional (DSU), and university-specific awards — international students can study in Italy at minimal or zero cost across engineering, business, medicine, sciences, design, and the arts.
1. DSU Regional Scholarship (Right to Study)
The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario / "Right to University Education") is Italy's income-based scholarship available to ALL students at public universities — whether you study engineering, medicine, management, or humanities. It is administered separately by each of Italy's 20 regions.
Available to All Non-EU Students
International students — including Indians — can apply for DSU scholarships in exactly the same way as Italian students. The DSU is income-based (not merit-based), so your academic scores do not determine eligibility — your family's financial situation does.
What DSU Covers
Tuition Fee Waiver
Full or partial tuition waiver for your entire program — any field, any degree level (Bachelor's, Master's, MBBS/single-cycle, PhD).
Free / Subsidized Meals
Free or low-cost daily meals at university canteens (mensa) throughout the academic year.
Housing Support
Monthly housing allowance or free/subsidized university dormitory accommodation.
Annual Cash Grant
Disbursed directly for books, transport, and living expenses. Varies by region.
DSU Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Family Income (ISEE) | Below ~€8,000–€10,000/year equivalent (approx. ₹7–10 lakhs). Threshold varies by region. |
| University Type | Must enroll in an Italian public university (private universities not covered by DSU). |
| Field of Study | Any field — engineering, management, medicine, sciences, design, humanities. |
| Nationality | Open to all nationalities including Indian students. |
| Tax Residency | Must establish Italian tax residency after arrival. |
| Academic Progress | Must maintain minimum credits (CFU) each year for renewal. |
How to Apply for DSU: Step-by-Step
ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) measures your family's economic situation. It's required for all government support in Italy.
- Visit a CAF office (Centro di Assistenza Fiscale) — present in every Italian city
- Bring: Indian income certificate (apostilled + translated to Italian), 2 years' tax returns, 3-month bank statements, family property details, passport, Italian residence proof
- Fee: €20–40 | Timeline: 5–10 business days | Result: ISEE Parificato (valid 1 year)
Tip: Get your Indian income certificate apostilled BEFORE leaving India to save weeks of processing.
Gain admission to an Italian public university (via IMAT for medicine, TOLC for engineering/economics, or direct application for other programs) and complete enrollment.
Each region has a different DSU organization. Use the complete table below to find yours based on your university's location.
Timeline: Applications open December–January, close March–April.
Documents: ISEE Parificato, enrollment proof, passport, bank account details, income declaration form.
Decision in 2–3 months. Benefit levels: A (Full) = zero tuition + meals + housing + grant; B (Partial) = tuition waiver + discounted meals; C = annual grant only. Funds disbursed to your bank account.
All 20 Italian Regions: DSU Bodies, Grants & Websites
Find your university's region to identify the correct DSU portal and expected annual grant.
| Region (Cities) | DSU Body | Annual Grant | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abruzzo (L'Aquila, Chieti, Teramo, Pescara) | ADSU Abruzzo | €4,000–€5,000 | adsuaq.org |
| Basilicata (Potenza, Matera) | ARDSU Basilicata | €4,500–€5,500 | ardsubasilicata.it |
| Calabria (Cosenza, Catanzaro, Reggio Calabria) | ARDIS Calabria | €4,500–€6,000 | ardiscalabria.it |
| Campania (Naples, Salerno, Benevento, Caserta) | ADISU Campania | €4,500–€6,000 | adisu.regione.campania.it |
| Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Parma, Modena, Ferrara) | ER.GO Emilia-Romagna | €5,000–€6,500 | er-go.it |
| Friuli Venezia Giulia (Trieste, Udine) | ARDISS FVG | €4,500–€6,500 | ardiss.fvg.it |
| Lazio (Rome, Viterbo, Cassino, Latina) | DiSCo Lazio | Up to €5,330 | laziodisco.it |
| Liguria (Genoa, Savona, La Spezia) | ARSSU Liguria | €4,000–€5,500 | arssu.liguria.it |
| Lombardy (Milan, Pavia, Brescia, Bergamo) | EDiSU Lombardia | Up to €5,174 | unibs.it |
| Marche (Ancona, Macerata, Urbino) | ERSU Marche | €4,500–€6,000 | ersu.marche.it |
| Molise (Campobasso, Isernia) | ESU Molise | €4,000–€5,500 | esu.molise.it |
| Piedmont (Turin, Alessandria, Novara) | EDISU Piemonte | Up to €5,200 | edisu.piemonte.it |
| Puglia (Bari, Lecce, Taranto, Foggia) | ADISU Puglia | €4,500–€6,000 | adisu.puglia.it |
| Sardinia (Cagliari, Sassari, Nuoro) | ERSU Sardinia | €4,500–€6,500 | ersusardegna.it |
| Sicily (Palermo, Catania, Messina, Enna) | ERSU Sicilia | €4,500–€6,500 | ersuonline.it |
| Tuscany (Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca) | DSU Toscana | Up to €6,000 | dsu.toscana.it |
| Trentino-Alto Adige (Trento, Bolzano) | Opera Universitaria Trento | €5,000–€6,500 | unitn.it |
| Umbria (Perugia, Terni) | ADISU Umbria | €4,500–€6,500 | adisu.umbria.it |
| Aosta Valley (Aosta) | Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta | €4,000–€5,500 | regione.vda.it |
| Veneto (Padua, Venice, Verona, Treviso) | ESU Veneto | €4,500–€6,000 | esu.pd.it |
2. MAECI Government Scholarship
The MAECI Scholarship is awarded by Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to international students for Master's, PhD, and research programs across all disciplines.
- Monthly stipend: ~€900/month
- Tuition exemption at public universities
- Health insurance coverage included
- Duration: 3, 6, or 9 months (renewable for degree programs)
- Fields: All disciplines — sciences, engineering, arts, music, design, humanities
- Deadline: Typically November for the following academic year
3. Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)
A flagship scholarship-and-internship program run by Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italian Trade Agency (ICE), and MAECI — specifically open to Indian students alongside other selected countries. Focused on technical and business fields.
Best for Engineering & Management Students
IYT targets Master's students in Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics, and Management — making it one of the strongest packages for non-medical fields. It includes a guaranteed industry internship.
- Scholarship: Full tuition waiver + €900/month stipend for 2 years
- Guaranteed internship: 3–6 month internship at an Italian company after studies
- Partner universities: Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, University of Bologna, Bocconi, and ~20 others
- Eligible countries: India, China, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, and more
- Deadline: Typically January–February for October enrollment
4. University Merit Scholarships
Top Italian universities offer their own merit-based scholarships across engineering, management, design, and sciences. These are awarded on academic excellence, not income.
| University | Scholarship Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Full tuition waiver + up to €10,000/year allowance (Platinum €10k, Gold €8k, Silver tuition-only) | Engineering, Architecture, Design |
| Bocconi University | Half to full tuition waiver, up to €14,000/year (Master's), €13,000/year (Bachelor's) | Economics, Finance, Management, Law |
| Politecnico di Torino | Tuition exemption + up to €5,108/year | Engineering, Architecture |
| University of Milan | 55 scholarships of €8,000 each + tuition exemption | Master's programs (all fields) |
| University of Padua | Full tuition waiver + living allowance | English-taught degrees (all fields) |
| University of Bologna | Unibo Action 1 & 2 study grants | All disciplines |
5. Erasmus+ & Erasmus Mundus
EU-funded mobility and joint degree programs. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's degrees offer full tuition + €1,400/month stipend + travel allowance for studying across multiple European countries (often including Italy).
Studying Medicine (MBBS/MD) in Italy
For students specifically pursuing medicine, Italy's public medical universities teach MBBS (called MD/single-cycle Medicine) in English. The same DSU scholarship applies. Admission is via the IMAT exam. Italian medical degrees are WHO-approved and NMC-recognized, allowing graduates to return to India and practice after clearing the NEXT exam (which replaced FMGE in 2024). Note: the clinical internship must be completed in Italy to meet NMC requirements.
6-Year MBBS Cost Comparison
Cost of Living in Italy
| City | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | €850–€1,200 | Fashion/finance/engineering hub; most expensive |
| Rome | €800–€1,100 | Capital; diverse opportunities |
| Turin | €700–€900 | Engineering/automotive; moderate cost |
| Bologna | €650–€850 | Student-friendly; oldest university |
| Pavia / Pisa | €600–€800 | Small cities; most affordable |
Scholarships to Study in Germany (2026)
Quick Answer
Germany's biggest advantage is zero tuition at public universities for all students. On top of that, scholarships fund living costs: DAAD (€992/month, most prestigious), Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month, easiest to get), political foundation scholarships like Heinrich Böll (€934/month) and Konrad-Adenauer (€992/month), plus Erasmus+ and university awards. Scholarships cover engineering, sciences, management, IT, and humanities.
Germany is Europe's innovation hub and one of the most affordable study destinations globally. Public universities charge no tuition fees — you pay only a semester contribution of €250–350. With 49,500+ Indian students already enrolled (the largest international group), Germany combines world-class engineering, sciences, and business education with extensive funding options.
1. DAAD Scholarships (Most Prestigious)
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service) is Germany's largest scholarship organization, funded by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It awards 100,000+ scholarships annually across multiple programs.
DAAD Program Types
DAAD Study Scholarship
For Master's students. Includes monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and study allowance. The flagship program.
DAAD Research Grant
For doctoral candidates. Higher stipend plus research support, conference funding, and insurance.
DAAD EPOS
For development-related courses. Requires 2+ years of relevant work experience. Targets professionals.
Helmut Schmidt Programme
For governance and public policy master's. Focuses on future leaders from developing countries.
DAAD Benefits (Study Scholarship)
- Monthly stipend: €992 (Master's) / €1,300 (PhD) — non-repayable grant
- Health, accident & liability insurance fully covered
- Travel allowance: one-time international flight reimbursement
- Study allowance: one-time payment for books/materials
- Duration: entire Master's (18–24 months) or PhD (up to 3 years)
- Optional extras: rent subsidy, family allowance, German language course funding
DAAD Eligibility
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor's completed within 6 years (Master's); Master's for PhD |
| Academic record | Above-average; German grade 2.5 or better (~GPA 3.5/4.0) |
| Language | IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+ (English programs); B2/C1 German (German programs) |
| Residency rule | Must not have lived in Germany >15 consecutive months at deadline |
| Fields | All disciplines — engineering, sciences, IT, management, humanities |
| Acceptance rate | Competitive: ~6–10% of applicants funded |
2. Deutschlandstipendium (Easiest to Access)
Germany's national merit scholarship — a public-private partnership. Often overlooked by international students, it's one of the most accessible options because you apply directly through your university after admission.
- Amount: €300/month (€3,600/year) — half federal government, half private sponsor
- Eligibility: Any enrolled student at a participating German university (all nationalities)
- Selection: Academic performance + social engagement + personal achievements
- How to apply: Directly through your university (not centrally), usually in summer
- Renewable: For the standard duration of your studies
- Best feature: Can be combined with other scholarships in many cases
3. Political Foundation Scholarships
Germany has several major political foundations that fund international students. Unlike DAAD, these prioritize social/political engagement alongside academics. Most require German language proficiency (B2+).
| Foundation | Amount | Values / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Heinrich Böll Foundation | €934/month | Green Party-affiliated; ecology, democracy, human rights. Funds ~1,200/year, all fields. |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung | €992/month | Leadership potential; political/social development. Master's & PhD. |
| Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung | ~€850–992/month | Social democracy, justice, community development. |
| Humboldt Research Fellowship | €2,670+/month | Postdoctoral researchers, all fields. Highly prestigious. |
4. Erasmus+ & University Scholarships
Erasmus+ funds exchange students at partner universities with a travel grant and monthly stipend. Many German universities (TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg) also offer their own merit-based scholarships of €300–800/month for outstanding international students.
Cost of Living in Germany
German student visa requires €11,904/year (€992/month) in a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) as proof of funds.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared/student housing) | €250–€500 |
| Food & groceries | €200–€300 |
| Health insurance (student rate) | €120–€130 |
| Public transport pass | €50–€100 |
| Utilities & internet | €100–€150 |
| Personal & misc. | €80–€150 |
| Total | €800–€1,330 |
Living Costs by City
| City | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | €1,200–€1,500 | Most expensive; BMW, Siemens; top tech hub |
| Frankfurt | €1,000–€1,300 | Finance center |
| Berlin | €900–€1,200 | Capital; startup scene |
| Heidelberg | €850–€1,100 | Historic student city |
| Leipzig | €700–€900 | Cheapest major city; growing tech |
Scholarships to Study in France (2026)
Quick Answer
France offers prestigious scholarships across all fields: the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (€1,400/month, university-nominated), the India-exclusive Charpak Scholarship (€860/month + tuition waiver + visa fee waiver), the Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po, up to €13,000/year), Erasmus Mundus, and regional grants (up to €10,500/year). Public university tuition is low, and the CAF housing subsidy reduces rent by €100–300/month.
France combines world-ranked universities (Sorbonne, Polytechnique, HEC, Sciences Po) with affordable public education and generous scholarships. Notably, France offers India-specific scholarships and a government housing subsidy that few other countries provide.
2026 Tuition Update
From September 2026, France raised public-university bachelor's tuition for non-EU students from €178 to approximately €2,895/year. Scholarships like Charpak and Eiffel cover or offset these fees, making funding more important than ever.
1. Charpak Scholarship (Exclusive to Indian Students)
Administered by the French Embassy in India (Campus France India), the Charpak Scholarship is named after Nobel physicist Georges Charpak. It is exclusively for Indian students and is one of the most accessible and valuable India-specific scholarships.
Total Value: ₹23–28 Lakhs over 2 years (Master's)
No minimum CGPA is required — selection is based on academic merit and the quality of your Statement of Purpose. This makes Charpak more accessible than purely merit-ranked scholarships.
Four Charpak Sub-Programs
Charpak Master's
For Master's degrees (1–2 years, all fields). Includes tuition waiver at public universities, health insurance, visa fee waiver, Campus France fee waiver, priority CROUS housing.
Charpak Bachelor's
For full-time bachelor's programs in France. Same benefits package — stipend, social security, visa/Campus France fee waivers, housing assistance.
Charpak Exchange
For a semester exchange (requires MoU between your Indian institution and a French host). Under 30 years old. Social security + visa waiver included.
Charpak Summer/Lab
For 1–6 month research internships/projects (engineering, science, management, humanities) during academic breaks at French labs/universities.
Charpak Eligibility & Application
- Nationality: Indian citizen or OCI residing in India
- Age: Under 30 (Exchange/Lab); flexible for Master's
- CGPA: No minimum — SOP quality is key
- CAF housing add-on: €150–300/month additional, bringing total support to ₹91,500–1,05,000/month
- Apply at: scholarship.institutfrancaisindia.in (online portal)
- Deadline: Master's/Bachelor's typically April (applications open February); check official portal
- Note: AI-generated SOPs are disqualified — write authentically
2. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
France's flagship government scholarship by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, designed to attract the world's best students. University-nominated only — you cannot apply directly.
Eiffel Benefits
- Monthly stipend: €1,400/month
- Duration: 12–36 months (typically 24 for Master's)
- Tuition coverage + health insurance + travel support
- Non-repayable grant
Eiffel Eligibility
| Criterion | Master's | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Age limit | Up to 29 | Up to 35 |
| Nationality | All except French (dual-French ineligible) | |
| Fields | Engineering, Science, Economics, Management, Law, Political Science | |
| Application | University nominates you to Campus France (cannot self-apply) | |
Charpak vs Eiffel
You can apply to both, but they cannot be combined. If awarded Eiffel (higher stipend at €1,400), take it; otherwise Charpak (€860) is an excellent safety net. University merit scholarships can usually be stacked with Charpak.
3. Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
Named after the founder of Sciences Po, this scholarship targets non-EU international students (including Indians) admitted to Sciences Po's Bachelor's or Master's programs in political science, international relations, economics, and law.
- Bachelor's: €3,000–€13,000/year tuition grants (3 years)
- Master's: One-time tuition aid up to €10,000/year (2 years)
- Selection: Academic excellence, personal statement, alignment with public-service values
- How to apply: Select Émile Boutmy option in your Sciences Po application
4. Other French Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's
Study across 2–3 European countries (often including France). Full tuition + €1,400/month + travel allowance. Apply directly to specific EMJMD programs.
Regional Scholarships
Île-de-France (up to €10,500/year), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie, Hauts-de-France. Strategic fields. Institution-nominated or direct.
Raman-Charpak Fellowship
India-France PhD research collaboration. Tuition waiver up to €5,000 + visa/social security. For doctoral students.
IDEX / ENS Paris-Saclay
For Master's at Université Paris-Saclay or partner institutions. 1–2 years funding based on M1/M2 level.
Cost of Living in France
France offers affordable living, especially with the CAF government housing subsidy (€100–300/month rent reduction) available to all students.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| University housing (CROUS, subsidized) | €150–€400 |
| Private rental | €400–€800 |
| CAF housing subsidy (deduct) | −€100–€300 |
| Food & groceries | €150–€250 |
| Transport pass | €30–€80 |
| Phone & internet | €30–€60 |
| Personal & leisure | €80–€150 |
| Total | €750–€1,400 |
Living Costs by City
| City | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | €1,100–€1,500 | Capital; most expensive |
| Lyon | €850–€1,100 | 2nd largest; tech hub |
| Toulouse | €750–€1,000 | Aerospace; student-friendly |
| Montpellier | €700–€900 | South; beach access |
| Lille | €700–€900 | North; budget-friendly |
Italy
DSU: €4,000–€6,500/yr
Tuition: €600–€4,000/yr (public)
Income-based + merit awards
Germany
DAAD: €992/month
Tuition: €0 (public)
Zero tuition + funded living
France
Eiffel: €1,400/month
Charpak: €860/month (India)
Low tuition + housing subsidy
📊 Italy vs Germany vs France: Scholarship Comparison
| Factor | ITALY |
GERMANY |
FRANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition | €600–€4,000/yr (Income-adjusted) | €0 Tuition (Semester fee €250–350) | €2,895/yr (Non-EU Bachelor's, 2026) |
| Flagship Scholarship | DSU €4,000–€6,500/yr | DAAD €992/month | Eiffel €1,400/month |
| India-Specific | IYT Program (Engineering & Business) | None | Charpak €860/month |
| Basis | Income-based (DSU) + merit | Merit + engagement | Merit + SOP quality |
| Living Cost/month | €600–€1,200 | €800–€1,330 | €750–€1,400 |
| Housing Subsidy | DSU Housing (Regional dorm allowance) | None | CAF Subsidy €100–300/month |
| Post-Study Visa | 6–12 months | 18 months | Up to 2 years (For recent grads) |
| Best For | Medicine, engineering, design (low income) | Engineering, sciences, IT (zero tuition) | Management, policy, research (India scholarships) |