The scholarships in Italy landscape for 2026 includes several strong opportunities for international students who want to study in Italy without relying only on IELTS. As of March 23, 2026, some Italian universities and scholarship-linked admission routes accept alternatives such as previous education in English, programme-level language checks, or other officially accepted proof of proficiency.
In this article, we cover the top scholarships in Italy 2026 without IELTS, focusing on officially verifiable options and current 2026 deadlines where applicable. You will find details on scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, English-language alternatives, required documents, and how to apply before the deadline.
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Quick Overview Table of Scholarships in Italy
| Scholarship | University / Provider | Funding | 2026 Status | IELTS Alternative Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAECI Scholarships 2026-27 | Italian Government | €10,800, insurance, possible tuition exemption | Open until 26 March 2026 | English-taught applicants can use a B2 English document; an entirely English-taught bachelor’s degree is accepted |
| UNICORE 8.0 | Multiple Italian universities | Tuition support, accommodation, meals, health insurance, study support | Open until 17 April 2026 | Official FAQ says an English certificate is generally not required; English may be assessed during interview |
| University of Camerino + ERDIS Marche | University of Camerino | Tuition waiver, free food and lodging, possible extra cash support | Pre-admission open until 31 March 2026; ERDIS call follows later | For English-taught courses, Cambridge/IELTS/TOEFL upload is listed as not mandatory |
| Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026-27 | University of Padua | Fee waiver + €8,000 gross per academic year | 2026/27 call available from March 2026; degree deadlines vary | Padua exempts applicants who completed previous education entirely in English |
| University of Bologna Mathematics Scholarship 2026-27 | University of Bologna | 2 scholarships worth €5,000 each | Open until 15 May 2026, 18:00 | Bologna accepts several routes, including previous university study in English or a free CLA online test |
1. MAECI Scholarships 2026-27
Benefits
The MAECI scholarship is one of the strongest government-backed scholarships in Italy for international students in 2026. The official 2026-27 call provides:
- total grant of €10,800
- payment in 3 instalments
- collective health insurance
- possible tuition fee exemption depending on the institution
- funding for study, research, or higher education routes in Italy
Eligibility
- Open to foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad from eligible countries listed on the Study in Italy portal.
- Applicants can apply through only one beneficiary country.
- The most relevant routes here are mainly Master’s, AFAM, PhD, and research programmes. Standard bachelor’s degrees are generally not covered, except limited special cases stated in the call.
- Applicants must hold the qualification required for the chosen programme.
- Age limits in the official call apply:
- up to 28 for Master’s and AFAM
- up to 30 for PhD
- up to 40 for research projects
- For English-taught programmes, applicants need B2 English, but IELTS is not the only route. An entirely English-taught bachelor’s degree can be used as proof, and applicants from countries where English is an official language may use a self-declaration.
- For programmes entirely taught in English, Italian language proof is not required.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or identity document
- Academic qualification required for the chosen programme
- English-language proof for English-taught programmes, which can be:
- a B2 English certificate
- a document confirming the bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English
- a self-declaration where the call allows it
- For PhD applicants:
- PhD admission letter, or
- supervisor invitation first, with admission letter uploaded later if requested
- For research applicants:
- supervisor invitation letter
- research project
- Any supplementary documents later requested through the Study in Italy portal
How to Apply
- Go to the official Study in Italy portal.
- Register an account using an email address you check regularly.
- Choose the eligible study route, usually Master’s, AFAM, PhD, or research.
- Upload the required identity, academic, and language documents.
- If your programme is English-taught, upload an accepted B2 English document or the alternative proof allowed by the call instead of relying only on IELTS.
- Submit the application online by 26 March 2026 at 14:00 Italian time.
- If you are shortlisted and the portal enables it, upload any supplementary documents later by the official follow-up deadline.
Selection Criteria
The official call shows a multi-stage process:
- comparative evaluation of applications
- interview for applicants who pass the first stage
- publication of the merit ranking
- possible upload of supplementary documents if requested
- acceptance or decline of the award
Why It Ranks High
This is one of the strongest scholarships in Italy because it is a live national government call with a clear deadline, a strong grant amount, and official English-proof alternatives beyond IELTS.
2. UNICORE 8.0 (Scholarships in Italy)
Benefits
UNICORE 8.0 is one of the best currently open Italy-based scholarship routes for refugee students. The official UNICORE FAQ lists benefits such as:
- accommodation
- meals
- residence-permit related support
- health insurance
- study materials
- legal, social, and psychological support
Eligibility
- Open only to applicants recognized as refugees in the eligible countries listed by the official UNICORE call.
- Applicants must hold a qualification valid for admission to a Second Cycle Degree Programme.
- Minimum required GPA is 3.0 or equivalent.
- The degree must normally have been obtained in or after 2021, unless the individual university call states otherwise.
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the selected programme.
- Applicants must not have previously enrolled at a partner university in the UNICORE network.
- English proficiency is required, but the process may assess English during the interview rather than relying only on IELTS.
- Applicants can apply to a maximum of 2 universities.
Required Documents
- Refugee ID card or proof of refugee registration
- Certificate confirming the qualification required for admission
- Transcripts of exams passed and grades
- GPA documentation
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter
- Any additional document required by the specific university or programme
How to Apply
- Visit the official UNICORE platform and review the available participating universities and courses.
- Read the general admission criteria and then check the specific university call for your chosen programme.
- Create an individual account on the UNICORE platform.
- Select up to 2 universities.
- Upload all required documents directly on the platform.
- Submit by 17 April 2026 at 12:00 noon (UTC+2).
- If one of the participating universities requires an additional admission-platform step, complete that extra submission as instructed by the university.
Selection Criteria
UNICORE has one of the clearest selection systems in this list:
- Step 1: document evaluation
- Step 2: online interview
The official criteria include:
- academic background and GPA: 0–20
- CV, professional experience, and personal skills: 0–10
- coherence between previous studies and the chosen programme: 0–10
Applicants scoring below 25 do not move to the interview stage. The interview then evaluates:
- technical skills
- subject knowledge
- English level
Why It Ranks High
This is one of the strongest scholarships in Italy for eligible refugee students because it combines university access with practical settlement support and does not depend only on IELTS.
3. University of Camerino + ERDIS Marche (Scholarships in Italy)
Benefits
The University of Camerino scholarship route becomes powerful when combined with ERDIS Marche. Official university pages state that the scholarship can offer:
- university tuition fee waiver
- free food
- free lodging in student residences and canteens
- possible additional cash assistance
Eligibility
- Applicants must first complete the UNICAM pre-admission procedure for an eligible programme.
- Programme requirements can vary depending on the degree and country of qualification.
- For English-taught courses, Cambridge, IELTS, or TOEFL can be uploaded, but the university states these are not mandatory at pre-admission stage.
- MOI certificates should not be uploaded.
- If even one mandatory document is missing, the pre-admission application is rejected.
- The later ERDIS Marche scholarship stage is based on both merit and certified family economic situation.
- The pre-admission result does not automatically mean scholarship award or final enrolment.
Required Documents
- Passport
- High school diploma for bachelor’s entry
- Bachelor’s documents as well, if applying for a master’s programme
- Programme-specific academic documents
- All attachments uploaded in .pdf format
- Payment confirmation of the €20 pre-admission fee
- For the later ERDIS scholarship stage:
- certified family income documents
- certified family asset/property documents
- any additional economic documents required by the annual ERDIS notice
How to Apply
- Start with the official UNICAM pre-admission route for academic year 2026/27.
- Register in the university database and open the Domanda di Valutazione Preventiva procedure.
- Check programme-specific and country-based document rules before uploading files.
- Upload the mandatory documents in .pdf format.
- For English-taught programmes, upload an English certificate only if you have one; the university says this is not mandatory at pre-admission stage.
- Submit the application and pay the €20 fee.
- Complete the pre-admission application by 31 March 2026.
- If you receive a positive evaluation, follow the next instructions for Universitaly pre-enrolment and then prepare separately for the later ERDIS Marche scholarship call.
Selection Criteria
This route works in two layers:
- UNICAM pre-admission first
- ERDIS Marche scholarship evaluation later
From the official pages:
- UNICAM pre-admission is rejected if mandatory documents are missing or payment is not finalized
- ERDIS awards are based on merit and certified family economic situation
Why It Ranks High
This is one of the more practical scholarships in Italy for students who want a realistic lower-cost route and can manage both academic and financial-document requirements.
4. Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026-27 (Scholarships in Italy)
Benefits
The Padua International Excellence Scholarship remains one of the strongest merit-based scholarships in Italy for international students. Official University of Padua pages show:
- fee waiver
- €8,000 gross per academic year
- support for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes
- a maximum duration of 2 years for master’s and 3 years for bachelor’s or single-cycle degrees
Eligibility
- Open to highly talented international applicants seeking admission to English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes at the University of Padua.
- Applicants must meet the public scholarship conditions published by Padua, including:
- holding a non-Italian foreign qualification valid for admission
- not residing in Italy
- applying to one or more eligible English-taught degree programmes
- There is no separate scholarship application. Eligible applicants are considered automatically when they apply for admission.
- For the English requirement, Padua accepts exemptions. Applicants do not need an English certificate if their previous education was completed entirely in English, or if they meet one of the other official exemption routes.
Required Documents
Because Padua uses automatic scholarship consideration, the required documents are the same as the degree-application documents. Based on the official Padua application guidance, applicants should prepare:
- Valid passport or ID
- Academic transcript or marksheet
- Academic qualification, if already obtained
- CV
- Motivation letter
- English-language certificate, unless exempt
- Any programme-specific documents requested by the chosen degree
- Official translations into English or Italian where required
How to Apply
- Apply for one or more eligible English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes at the University of Padua.
- Submit the normal degree application with the required admission documents.
- Use one of Padua’s accepted English-proof routes if you are exempt from IELTS.
- There is no separate scholarship application.
- If you meet the scholarship conditions, you are considered automatically.
- Apply in the first application period if possible, because the official page states scholarships are reserved for first-period candidates, with only exceptional second-period consideration.
- Wait for the selection results published according to the official 2026/27 call timeline.
Selection Criteria
Padua is highly selective but structurally simple:
- there is no separate scholarship application
- eligible students are automatically considered
- each Academic Committee shortlists candidates
- awards go to the most deserving candidates based on academic excellence, quality, and prior records
Why It Ranks High
This is one of the most attractive scholarships in Italy for high-performing students because it combines strong merit funding with clear English-proof alternatives to IELTS.
5. University of Bologna Mathematics Scholarship 2026-27 (Scholarships in Italy)
Benefits
The University of Bologna Mathematics scholarship is a narrower award, but it is still a real and active 2026/27 scholarship option in Italy. The official call provides:
- 2 scholarships
- value of €5,000 each
- funding for first-year international students in the two-year master’s in Mathematics
Eligibility
- Open to international students enrolling in the first year of the two-year master’s degree in Mathematics.
- Applicants need a suitable academic background in Mathematics, Physics, or an equivalent foreign qualification considered suitable by the university.
- If the degree title is different, applicants must still meet the required credit background stated by the programme.
- English proficiency is required at B2, but IELTS is not the only route. Bologna also accepts:
- a previous degree taught entirely in English
- a previous university English exam at B2 level
- native-speaker status
- a free online test offered by the University Language Center (CLA)
- Non-EU applicants also need to satisfy the Italian-language rule required for enrolment in the programme.
Required Documents
Based on the official programme admission page, applicants should be ready to upload:
- Academic qualification documents
- Transcript or academic curriculum
- English-language proof through one of the accepted routes
- Application documents in .pdf format through Studenti Online
- Original foreign qualification documents later for enrolment verification, if admitted
How to Apply
- First apply for admission to the Mathematics master’s programme through Studenti Online.
- Upload the required admission documents in .pdf format.
- Meet the programme’s Intake 1 application deadline of 13 April 2026 if you want to compete in the first scholarship call.
- If needed, complete the academic-preparation interview stage.
- After or alongside the admission route, apply for the scholarship in Studenti Online under the call titled First call for scholarships for international students – Second cycle degree/Two-year master in Mathematics – A.Y. 2026/2027.
- Upload the required scholarship documents, including Annex A and a valid passport copy.
- Submit the scholarship application by 15 May 2026 at 18:00 CET.
Selection Criteria
The Bologna Mathematics scholarship uses a specific scoring model:
- academic curriculum: max 25 points
- curriculum vitae: max 5 points
To be eligible, applicants must:
- apply for the master’s admission by the Intake 1 deadline
- obtain a positive evaluation (green status) from the Admission Board
- be under 30
Why It Ranks High
This is one of the clearest programme-based scholarships in Italy because the scoring model, deadline, and English alternatives are all published clearly.
All official links can be found in the end.
Financial Note Regarding scholarships in Italy
These scholarships in Italy are not equal in cost coverage:
- MAECI gives a fixed national grant of €10,800, but tuition exemption depends on the institution and regional fees still apply.
- UNICORE is stronger on practical arrival support because it can include accommodation, meals, health support, and related integration assistance.
- UNICAM + ERDIS can become one of the most practical low-cost Italy routes because it combines tuition waiver with food and lodging support.
- Padua is strong for merit students because it combines fee waiver with €8,000 gross per year.
- Bologna Mathematics is narrower and smaller at €5,000, so it works better as a programme-specific opportunity than a full living-cost solution.
Who Should Apply for Scholarships in Italy
Best fit for MAECI
- students targeting Master’s, AFAM, PhD, or research in Italy
- applicants who want a national government scholarship route
- students who can handle a competitive merit ranking and interview process
Best fit for UNICORE
- refugee students in the eligible countries
- applicants with good GPA, relevant academic background, and a strong interview profile
- students needing structured support beyond tuition
Best fit for University of Camerino + ERDIS Marche
- students who want a practical Italy route with lower living-cost pressure
- applicants who can prepare strong family economic documents
- students comfortable with a step-by-step admission first, scholarship second process
Best fit for Padua International Excellence
- high-achieving applicants to English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes
- students with very strong previous academic records
- candidates who want merit-based selection without a separate scholarship form
Best fit for Bologna Mathematics
- international applicants specifically targeting the Mathematics master’s
- students with a strong academic curriculum in mathematics or physics
- candidates who want a transparent programme-based scholarship competition
How Competitive Are These Scholarships in Italy?
Most Competitive Scholarships in Italy
- Padua International Excellence Scholarship
- MAECI Scholarships
- UNICORE 8.0
Reason:
- all three combine strong funding with high visibility
- all three attract international demand
- all three filter candidates beyond basic eligibility
Competitive but More Route-Specific
- University of Bologna Mathematics Scholarship
- University of Camerino + ERDIS Marche
Reason:
- narrower applicant pool
- more programme-specific or documentation-specific filters
- lower overall visibility than national awards, but still selective
Real Chances Analysis of Scholarships in Italy
Best Chance for Government Funding
MAECI is the strongest national government route in this list, but only if your profile matches its eligible study categories and you can compete on merit.
Best Chance for Full Practical Support
UNICORE 8.0 is the strongest support package for eligible refugee applicants because the value is not just monetary. It also covers practical settlement support.
Best Chance for Merit Students
Padua International Excellence is strongest for students with top academic records applying to English-taught degrees. If your academics are average, your chances are lower here than in more profile-based routes.
Best Chance for Lower-Cost Study in Italy
University of Camerino + ERDIS Marche is one of the more practical routes if your family-income documents are strong and you want a realistic living-support model.
Best Programme-Specific Chance
University of Bologna Mathematics Scholarship is strongest if you are already a serious Mathematics applicant and can secure a strong academic evaluation by the department.
Tips to Win Scholarships in Italy
- Match the scholarship to your actual profile instead of chasing the biggest funding label.
- For MAECI, check programme type carefully before applying because standard bachelor’s coverage is very limited.
- For UNICORE, prepare both documents and interview performance.
- For UNICAM + ERDIS, start financial-document preparation early.
- For Padua, apply in the first application period if possible.
- For Bologna, do not miss the Intake 1 admission deadline because the scholarship depends on it.
- For all five Scholarships in Italy, do not assume “without IELTS” means “without English proof.”
Common Mistakes while Applying to Scholarships in Italy
- assuming all scholarships in Italy accept the same English-proof route
- applying to MAECI for an ineligible degree type
- missing programme admission deadlines while focusing only on the scholarship
- ignoring the separate economic-document burden in the ERDIS route
- treating Padua as an easy scholarship because there is no separate application
- applying to Bologna scholarship without first securing the required admission status
- confusing “without IELTS” with “no language requirement at all”
FAQ about Scholarships in Italy
Are there really scholarships in Italy without IELTS in 2026?
Yes, but the correct meaning is that some scholarships in Italy or their linked university admissions routes accept alternatives to IELTS. These can include:
- a previous degree taught entirely in English
- another accepted English certificate
- an internal university language test
- programme-specific language assessment during interview
It does not mean there is no English requirement at all.
Which scholarship in Italy is fully funded without IELTS?
For eligible applicants, UNICORE 8.0 is the strongest support package in this article because it can include accommodation, meals, health support, and study-related assistance, while not relying only on IELTS as the English route.
Is MAECI a scholarship in Italy without IELTS?
MAECI can fit that category for English-taught programmes because the official call accepts a B2 English document and also allows an entirely English-taught bachelor’s degree as an accepted route. IELTS is not the only option.
Can I study in Italy with MOI only?
Sometimes, but not universally. Some universities may accept previous education in English, while others want a specific certificate, transcript proof, internal test, or direct assessment. MOI should never be assumed to work everywhere.
Which scholarships in Italy is easiest to get?
There is no universal easiest option. Structurally:
- MAECI is broad but competitive
- UNICORE is highly specific and interview-based
- Padua is very merit-focused
- UNICAM + ERDIS is practical but documentation-heavy
- Bologna Mathematics is narrow but targeted
The easiest option is the one that fits your profile best.
Which scholarships in Italy are still open right now?
As of 23 March 2026, the routes covered in this article are still active in some form:
- MAECI Scholarships 2026-27 — open until 26 March 2026
- UNICORE 8.0 — open until 17 April 2026
- University of Camerino pre-admission — open until 31 March 2026
- Padua International Excellence Scholarship 2026-27 — active with 2026/27 call timing and programme deadlines
- University of Bologna Mathematics Scholarship 2026-27 — open until 15 May 2026
Do all scholarships in Italy have the same deadline?
No. Some Scholarships in Italy have fixed scholarship deadlines, like MAECI, UNICORE, and Bologna Mathematics, while others depend first on university admission windows, like Padua and UNICAM.
More on Scholarships Central
Conclusion of Scholarships in Italy 2026
The scholarships in Italy listed in this article show that international students do have real 2026 options without relying only on IELTS. MAECI is the strongest government route, UNICORE 8.0 offers the most practical support for eligible refugee students, Padua is the strongest high-merit option, UNICAM + ERDIS is one of the most realistic lower-cost routes, and Bologna Mathematics is a strong programme-specific opportunity. The correct strategy is simple: verify the official English-proof route, match the Scholarships in Italy to your profile, and apply before the deadline closes.
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Official sources of these Scholarships in Italy
- MAECI call PDF: https://www.esteri.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bando-26-27-ENG.pdf
- Study in Italy: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/ListaBandi
- UNICORE admission criteria: https://universitycorridors.unhcr.it/admission-criteria/
- UNICORE FAQ: https://universitycorridors.unhcr.it/faq/
- UNICAM pre-admissions: https://international.unicam.it/admissions/pre-admissions-2026-2027
- UNICAM pre-admission tutorial PDF: https://international.unicam.it/sites/d7.unicam.it.international/files/_How%20to%20apply%20fro%20preliminary%20evaluation_2627_0.pdf
- ERDIS scholarships: https://international.unicam.it/scholarship-unicam/erdis-scholarships
- Padua scholarship page: https://www.unipd.it/en/padua-international-excellence-scholarship
- Padua language requirement: https://www.unipd.it/en/en/studying-padua/admission/language-requirement-admission-degree-programmes-university-padua
- Padua application documents: https://apply.unipd.it/news/new/13-which-documents-required-your-application
- Bologna Mathematics admission: https://corsi.unibo.it/2cycle/Mathematics/how-to-enrol
- Bologna scholarship call: https://bandi.unibo.it/s/mat/first-call-for-scholarships-2026-2027
- Bologna scholarship abstract PDF