Are you dreaming of studying in Europe without the burden of taking the IELTS exam? Good news! Italy is opening its doors to international students through a wide range of fully funded scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year, and many of them do not require IELTS. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, this is your chance to earn a prestigious degree in one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries.
In this post, we break down the top Italian scholarships you can apply for, how to apply without IELTS, and the benefits that come with studying in Italy.
Why Choose Italy for Higher Education?
Italy offers a perfect blend of high-quality education, affordable living and a vibrant culture. Some key reasons to study in Italy include:
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Globally Ranked Universities like the University of Bologna and Politecnico di Milano.
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Low Tuition Fees and Cost of Living compared to other European countries.
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Wide Range of English-Taught Programs.
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Numerous Scholarships for International Students.
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✈️ No IELTS Required if you can present a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or alternative tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, or PTE.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy (2025–2026)
Here are some of the best scholarship opportunities available in Italy for international students that do not require IELTS:
1. University of Bologna Scholarships
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For: Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
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Funding: Tuition fee waivers + up to €11,000 per year.
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✅ IELTS: Not mandatory if MOI or English proficiency letter is provided.
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Website: Unibo Action Scholarships
2. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
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For: Engineering, Architecture, Design.
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Funding: Full tuition fee waiver + €5,000 to €10,000 yearly stipend.
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✅ IELTS: Waived for English-taught programs with MOI.
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️ Ranked as one of Europe’s best technical universities.
3. University of Siena Scholarships
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Programs in Humanities, Arts, Economics, and Science.
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Offers merit-based tuition reductions and living stipends.
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✅ IELTS: Not required; accepts MOI.
4. University of Pavia – CICOPS Scholarships
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For short-term research (4–12 weeks).
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Focused on students from developing countries.
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Fully funded including travel, accommodation, and stipend.
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✅ IELTS: Not required.
5. Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) 2025–26
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For postgraduate studies and language courses.
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Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Health insurance
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€900 monthly stipend
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✅ IELTS: Not required if previous education was in English.
6. Sapienza University of Rome
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Programs in all fields: Engineering, Law, Humanities, and more.
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Offers regional and national scholarships to non-EU students.
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✅ IELTS: Waived with MOI or other acceptable English proofs.
7. University of Florence Scholarships
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Ideal for students in Science, Economics, and Arts.
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Financial aid available through DSU regional grants.
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✅ IELTS: Optional.
8. University of Turin Scholarships
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Strong focus on Global Development, Business, and IT.
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Generous tuition waivers and living expense grants.
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✅ IELTS: Not required for most English-taught programs.
What is MOI (Medium of Instruction Certificate)?
Many Italian universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate instead of IELTS. This document confirms that your previous degree was taught in English. It can usually be obtained from your former university’s registrar’s office.
Alternative English tests accepted include:
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Duolingo English Test
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TOEFL iBT
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PTE Academic
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Cambridge English Certificates
How to Apply for Italy Scholarships Without IELTS
Follow these simple steps:
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Select a university and scholarship program that suits your academic goals.
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Check the eligibility requirements (make sure IELTS is not mandatory).
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Prepare your documents:
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Passport
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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CV/Resume
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MOI or proof of English proficiency
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Letters of recommendation
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Apply online through the university or scholarship portal.
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Wait for admission or scholarship decision.
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Apply for your student visa (Type D) once admitted.
Application Deadlines
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Most scholarships have deadlines between March and July 2025.
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Start your application process early to avoid missing out.
✈️ Visa Information for Non-EU Students
International students outside the EU will need a Type D student visa to study in Italy. You must show proof of admission, financial ability, and valid travel documents. The scholarship award letter will support your visa application.
✅ Final Thoughts
Italy continues to be one of the best study abroad destinations for international students—offering world-class education, rich culture, and fully funded scholarships. The best part? You don’t need IELTS to qualify for most of these programs.
So if you’re looking for a chance to study in Europe without language test barriers, start preparing your application for these amazing Italy scholarships for 2025–26.