In 2026, Italy is opening its doors wide to students across the globe with fully funded scholarships; no IELTS is required.
Yes, you read that right. You can now study at top Italian universities without needing to write IELTS and still get your tuition fees, accommodation, and even travel covered.
Let’s show you how.
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in Europe for good reason:
- World-class education with globally ranked universities
- Home to top institutions like the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano
- Rich cultural heritage and affordable living costs
- English-taught programs widely available for international students
- Scholarships that cover tuition, living allowance, meals, and travel
And now, you don’t even need an IELTS test to get started.
Top Fully Funded Italian Scholarships Without IELTS in 2026
Here are some top scholarships you should consider:
1. Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI Scholarship)
Offered by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Benefits:
- Full tuition fee exemption
- €900 monthly allowance
- No IELTS required (English Proficiency Certificate accepted)
- Deadline: Usually May–June
- Application Website: CLICK HERE
2. University of Bologna Scholarship (Unibo Action 1 & 2)
Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Covers full tuition and annual living stipend of €11,000
- No IELTS if your degree was taught in English
- Accepts English Proficiency Letter from your university
- Application Website: CLICK HERE
3. DSU Regional Scholarships
Available at: All public universities in Italy (e.g., University of Pisa, Siena, Florence)
- Covers tuition fees, free meals, accommodation, and an allowance
- No IELTS if you provide proof of prior English-medium instruction
- Deadline: July–September depending on the region
- APPLICATION PORTAL: CLICK HERE
4. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
Level: Master’s in Engineering, Architecture, and Design
- Full tuition waivers + €5,000–10,000 annual allowance
- No IELTS if undergraduate degree was in English
- Website: https://www.polimi.it
5. Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
- Offers tuition waivers, cash rewards for high performers, and DSU benefits
- No IELTS required
- English-taught programs widely available
- Application Website: CLICK HERE
Study in Italy Without IELTS – What’s Required?
Here’s how to skip the IELTS and still qualify:
| Requirement | Alternative |
|---|---|
| IELTS or TOEFL | Not needed |
| English Proficiency Certificate | Accepted by most Italian universities |
| Previous degree in English | Valid proof of language proficiency |
| Language interview (some cases) | May be conducted by university staff |
Just ask your previous university to issue an official English Proficiency Certificate stating that your entire degree was taught in English.
Popular Programs to Apply For
You can find fully funded, English-taught degrees in:
- Business and Economics
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Arts and Design
- Political Science and International Relations
- Health and Life Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose a University and Program
Search for English-taught programs at public universities like:
- University of Padua
- University of Milan
- University of Florence
- University of Trento
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- English Proficiency Certificate
- CV/resume
- Passport-size photo
Step 3: Apply for Scholarship + Admission
Some scholarships require a separate application, while others (like DSU) are handled through regional government portals.
Pro Tip: Apply early and keep checking deadlines for each university or scholarship portal.
Scholarship Deadlines (Estimated)
| Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Italian Government (MAECI) | May–June |
| DSU Regional Scholarships | July–September |
| Unibo Action 1 & 2 | March–May |
| Politecnico di Milano | February–April |
| Sapienza Scholarships | April–June |
FAQs – Italian Scholarships Without IELTS 2026
1. Can I apply without IELTS if I am from a non-English-speaking country?
Yes, as long as you provide a valid English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution.
2. Are scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Yes, scholarships like DSU and University of Bologna (Unibo Action 2) cover undergraduate programs too.
3. Can I work while studying in Italy?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time (20 hours/week) during their studies.
4. Do I need to apply separately for DSU scholarships?
Yes, DSU applications are submitted via regional websites after university admission.
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