Study in Italy with Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD

Italy 🇮🇹 is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students. With world-renowned public universities, relatively affordable tuition fees, regional scholarships, and numerous university-funded awards, students from around the world can pursue higher education in Italy with significantly reduced or even fully covered costs.

For the 2026–27 academic year, international students can explore scholarships offered by the Italian government, universities, regional authorities, and European funding programs.

Whether you are interested in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Business, Medicine, Architecture, Arts, or Social Sciences, Italy offers a wide range of study opportunities.

🎓 Study in Italy 2026–27

🇮🇹 Bachelor’s | Master’s | PhD
💰 Tuition Fee Waivers & Scholarships
🏠 Accommodation Support
🍝 Meal Benefits
💶 Living Allowances
🌍 Open to International Students

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🇮🇹 Why Study in Italy?

Italy combines prestigious universities with relatively affordable education and a wide range of financial aid opportunities.

⭐ Key Benefits

🇮🇹 Benefit	📌 What Students Can Expect
🎓 World-Class Universities	Bologna, Padua, Milan, Pisa, Turin and many others
💰 Affordable Tuition	Public universities often use income-based tuition systems
🎓 Scholarships	Government, university and regional scholarships
🏠 Accommodation	Scholarships may include free or subsidized housing
🍝 Meals	Some regional scholarships provide meal benefits
💶 Living Support	Selected scholarships provide annual or monthly allowances
🌍 International Environment	Large international student communities
🇪🇺 European Location	Opportunity to study and build experience in Europe
💼 Part-Time Work	International students may work subject to Italian regulations

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🎓 Fully Funded Italian Scholarships 2026–27

There is no single scholarship that covers every international student. Instead, Italy has several major funding opportunities.

The most important options include:

1. 🇮🇹 Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
2. 🇪🇺 Erasmus+ Scholarships
3. 🎓 University of Bologna Scholarships
4. 🏛️ Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
5. 💼 Bocconi University Scholarships
6. 🏠 Regional DSU Scholarships
7. 🎓 Sapienza University Scholarships
8. 🔬 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
9. 🇮🇹 Invest Your Talent in Italy
10. 🌍 Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

Let’s look at them in detail.

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🇮🇹 1. Italian Government Scholarship – MAECI

The Italian Government Scholarship, commonly known as the MAECI Scholarship, is one of the most important funding opportunities for international students interested in studying in Italy.

It is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

The scholarship can support selected international students pursuing eligible study or research programs at participating Italian institutions.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

💰 Benefit	📌 Details
🎓 Tuition	Waiver/exemption according to the applicable university and scholarship conditions
💶 Financial Grant	Scholarship allowance according to the official call
🏥 Health Coverage	Benefits according to the official scholarship conditions
🌍 Eligible Students	Citizens of eligible countries
🎓 Study Levels	Selected Master’s, PhD, research and other eligible programs
🏛️ Provider	Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

⚠️ Important: MAECI eligibility, participating countries, study categories, age limits, deadlines and financial benefits can change each year. Always check the official call before applying.

👉 Official Website: https://www.esteri.it/en/

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🇪🇺 2. Erasmus+ Scholarships

Erasmus+ is one of Europe’s major education and mobility programs.

Students can access Erasmus+ funding through eligible mobility, exchange, joint-degree and cooperation programs.

For students specifically looking for a fully funded Master’s degree, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs are particularly important because many offer substantial scholarships covering tuition, travel and living expenses.

🎁 Possible Benefits

Benefit	Coverage
🎓 Tuition	May be fully covered
✈️ Travel	Scholarship may include travel support
💶 Living Allowance	Available under eligible programs
🏠 Mobility Support	Depending on program
🌍 Multiple Countries	Some programs involve several European universities

👉 Official Erasmus+ Website: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/

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🎓 3. University of Bologna Scholarships

The University of Bologna is one of Europe’s most historic universities and offers scholarships and tuition reductions for international students.

One well-known opportunity is the International Talents @Unibo scholarship scheme, with awards determined according to the university’s annual call.

🎁 Possible Benefits

🎓 Benefit	📌 Details
💰 Tuition	Tuition reduction or exemption depending on award
💶 Financial Support	Available for selected scholarship schemes
🌍 Eligibility	International students
🎓 Study Level	Mainly Bachelor’s and Master’s opportunities
🏛️ University	University of Bologna

👉 Official website: https://www.unibo.it/en/

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🏛️ 4. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships

If you are interested in Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Design or Technology, Politecnico di Milano is one of Italy’s leading choices.

The university offers scholarships and merit-based financial support for international students admitted to eligible Master’s programs.

🎁 Scholarship Support

Benefit	📌 Details
🎓 Tuition	Scholarships may provide substantial tuition waivers
💶 Financial Award	Available for selected awards
🌍 International Students	Eligible students can apply
💻 Fields	Engineering, Architecture, Design & Technology
🎓 Level	Primarily Master’s

👉 Official website: https://www.polimi.it/en/

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💼 5. Bocconi University Scholarships

Bocconi University in Milan is internationally recognized for Business, Economics, Finance, Management and related fields.

International students can apply for merit-based and need-based financial aid according to the university’s current scholarship schemes.

📊 Bocconi Funding

🎓 Area	📌 Information
🏫 University	Bocconi University
🌍 Students	International students
📚 Fields	Business, Economics, Finance & Management
💰 Support	Tuition reduction/exemption and other aid depending on award
🎓 Levels	Bachelor’s & Master’s opportunities

👉 Official website: https://www.unibocconi.eu/

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🏠 6. DSU Regional Scholarships 🇮🇹

One of the biggest advantages of studying at an Italian public university is access to regional student financial aid.

These scholarships are often referred to collectively as DSU scholarships, although each region has its own agency and rules.

Depending on the region and student’s circumstances, benefits may include:

🎁 Possible DSU Benefits

Benefit	Possible Support
🎓 Tuition	Reduction or exemption
🏠 Accommodation	University/residence accommodation
🍝 Meals	Free or subsidized meals
💶 Cash Grant	Annual financial contribution
📚 Student Support	Additional benefits depending on region

Regional scholarships can be particularly attractive to international students because eligibility is often based significantly on family economic circumstances, together with academic/enrolment requirements.

⚠️ Each region has its own application process and deadlines. Do not assume that applying for university admission automatically applies you for the regional scholarship.

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🎓 7. Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships 🇮🇹

Sapienza University of Rome offers various scholarships, tuition reductions and funding opportunities for international students and researchers.

Funding opportunities can vary by degree level, department and academic year.

📌 Areas of Study

• 💻 Computer Science
• ⚙️ Engineering
• 🧬 Life Sciences
• 🏥 Medicine
• 📊 Economics
• 🏛️ Architecture
• 🌍 Social Sciences
• 🔬 Research & PhD programs

👉 Official website: https://www.uniroma1.it/en/

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🔬 8. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

For researchers, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) provide some of Europe’s most prestigious research funding opportunities.

Italian universities and research institutions participate in MSCA projects across numerous disciplines.

🎁 MSCA Support

Benefit	📌 Support
💶 Researcher Salary	Funded according to the specific MSCA action
✈️ Mobility	Mobility-related allowance
👨‍🔬 Research	Research and networking support
🏥 Social Benefits	Applicable benefits under the fellowship
🌍 International	Researchers from eligible backgrounds

👉 Official website: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/

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🇮🇹 9. Invest Your Talent in Italy

Invest Your Talent in Italy is a specialized program designed to attract talented international students to Italian higher education and industry.

The program has historically focused on selected countries and fields, so applicants should check the current call carefully.

🎓 Typical Areas

• 💻 Information Technology
• ⚙️ Engineering
• 📊 Economics
• 🏢 Management
• 💡 Technology & Innovation

The program may combine academic study with opportunities for professional development and internships.

👉 Official information: https://investyourtalent.esteri.it/

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🌍 10. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme supports selected postgraduate students from eligible countries who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need.

However, this program should not automatically be described as an exclusively Italy-specific scholarship. Students must check whether their proposed institution and program meet the current eligibility rules.

👉 Official website: https://www.akdn.org/

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📊 Quick Comparison of Italian Scholarships

🇮🇹 Scholarship	🎓 Level	💰 Funding	🌍 International Students
🇮🇹 MAECI	Master’s/PhD & eligible programs	💰 Grant + applicable benefits	✅ Eligible countries
🇪🇺 Erasmus+	Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD depending on program	💰 Varies	✅ Yes
🎓 Bologna	Bachelor’s/Master’s	💰 Merit-based awards	✅ Yes
🏛️ Politecnico Milano	Master’s	💰 Tuition + selected awards	✅ Yes
💼 Bocconi	Bachelor’s/Master’s	💰 Merit/need-based	✅ Yes
🏠 DSU Regional	Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD depending on region	💰 Tuition + accommodation/meals/grant	✅ Generally
🎓 Sapienza	Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD	💰 Varies	✅ Yes
🔬 MSCA	Research/PhD/Postdoctoral	💰 Fully funded research positions	✅ Eligible researchers
🇮🇹 Invest Your Talent	Master’s	💰 Program-specific	🌍 Selected countries
🌍 Aga Khan Foundation	Postgraduate	💰 Program-specific	🌍 Eligible countries

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🎓 Italian Universities Offering Scholarships

International students should not search only for the words “fully funded scholarship.”

Many Italian universities offer a combination of:

Admission + tuition reduction + regional scholarship + accommodation + meals

This can sometimes result in very low out-of-pocket costs.

🏛️ Universities to Explore

🇮🇹 University	🎓 Popular Areas	🌍 International Students
🎓 University of Bologna	Engineering, CS, Economics, Humanities	✅
🎓 University of Padua	Engineering, Science, Medicine	✅
🎓 University of Pisa	Engineering, CS, Science	✅
🎓 University of Turin	Engineering, Business, CS	✅
🎓 University of Milan	Science, Medicine, Economics	✅
🎓 University of Verona	Economics, Medicine, Languages	✅
🎓 University of Palermo	Engineering, Science, Economics	✅
🎓 Ca’ Foscari University of Venice	Business, Economics, Languages, CS	✅
🎓 University of Parma	Engineering, Science, Economics	✅
🎓 University of Rome Tor Vergata	Engineering, Economics, Science	✅
🎓 University of Messina	Engineering, Medicine, Science	✅
🎓 University of Ferrara	Engineering, Architecture, Science	✅
🎓 University of Macerata	Humanities, Economics, Law	✅
🎓 University of Naples L’Orientale	Languages, International Studies	✅
🎓 Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies	Research, Engineering, Social Sciences	✅
🎓 University of Siena	Economics, Medicine, Science	✅

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🎓 Selected Italian Universities & Application Links

Below are universities from the source list where international students can explore admissions and scholarship opportunities.

#	🇮🇹 University	🎓 Degree Levels	🔗 Application / Information
1	University of Cassino and Southern Lazio	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Visit
2	University of Padua	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Apply
3	University of Pisa	Bachelor’s, Master’s	International Students
4	University of Turin	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Visit
5	University of Milan	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Admissions
6	University of Verona	Bachelor’s, Master’s	International Students
7	University of Palermo	Bachelor’s, Master’s	International Students
8	Ca’ Foscari University of Venice	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Admission Rounds
9	University of Parma	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Visit
10	University of Rome Tor Vergata	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Admissions
11	University of Messina	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Admissions
12	University of Ferrara	Bachelor’s, Master’s	How to Enrol
13	Iuav University of Venice	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Visit
14	University of Macerata	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Enrolment
15	University of Naples L’Orientale	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Admissions
16	Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies	Selected programs	Official Website
17	University of Siena	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Apply

⚠️ Deadline Notice: Application deadlines vary by university, program, intake and applicant category. Do not rely on a single date from a third-party article. Always confirm the current deadline on the university’s official admissions page.

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🎯 Eligibility Requirements

Requirements depend on the university and scholarship.

For a Master’s degree, international applicants generally need:

🎓 Academic Requirements

• Completed Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant academic background
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate
• Program-specific prerequisite subjects where applicable

🌍 English Language Requirements

For English-taught programs, universities may accept:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• PTE
• Other recognized English-language qualifications
• Proof of previous education in English, where accepted

The required score depends on the university and program.

📑 Common Documents

📄 Document	Usually Required?
Passport	✅
Bachelor’s Degree	✅ Master’s applicants
Academic Transcript	✅
CV	✅
Motivation Letter / SOP	🔹 Program dependent
IELTS/TOEFL	🔹 Program dependent
Recommendation Letters	🔹 Program dependent
Financial Documents	🔹 Scholarship/visa dependent
Research Proposal	🔹 PhD/research programs

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📝 How to Apply for Scholarships in Italy

The application process depends on the scholarship.

A typical Master’s applicant should follow these steps:

1️⃣ Find an Eligible Program

Search Italian universities for an English-taught degree matching your academic background.

2️⃣ Check Admission Requirements

Review the university’s academic, language and document requirements.

3️⃣ Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your:

📄 Degree
📊 Transcript
📑 CV
✍️ Motivation Letter
🌍 English-language certificate
🛂 Passport

4️⃣ Apply for University Admission

Submit your application through the university’s official admission portal.

5️⃣ Apply for Scholarships

Depending on the scholarship, applications may be submitted through:

• 🇮🇹 Government portals
• 🏛️ University portals
• 🏠 Regional scholarship agencies
• 🇪🇺 Erasmus platforms

6️⃣ Apply for Regional Funding

If eligible, apply separately for the relevant regional scholarship such as DSU or its regional equivalent.

7️⃣ Complete Pre-Enrollment

Non-EU students may need to complete the required pre-enrolment procedures through Universitaly.

8️⃣ Apply for Your Student Visa 🇮🇹

After receiving the necessary admission/pre-enrollment documentation, apply for the appropriate Italian study visa through the Italian authorities responsible for your country.

9️⃣ Travel to Italy ✈️

After receiving your visa, travel to Italy and complete the required residence formalities.

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🛂 Italy Student Visa 🇮🇹

Students from outside the EU generally need the appropriate Italian study visa for long-term university studies.

📑 Common Visa Documents

Document	Purpose
🛂 Passport	Identity & travel document
🎓 Admission Letter	Proof of university admission
💰 Financial Evidence	Demonstrates available funds
🏠 Accommodation	Evidence of accommodation
🏥 Health Insurance	Required according to visa rules
📄 Academic Documents	Supports educational background
📸 Photographs	Visa application
📝 Visa Form	Official application

Requirements can change, so always check the Italian embassy/consulate or official visa provider responsible for your application.

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💼 Can International Students Work in Italy?

Yes. International students holding an appropriate study residence permit may work subject to Italian immigration and employment regulations.

Part-time employment can help students gain experience and supplement their income, but students should not rely entirely on part-time work to finance their studies.

💡 Popular Student Jobs

• 💻 IT Support
• 🍕 Restaurant/Hospitality
• 🛍️ Retail
• 📦 Warehouse
• 🏫 University Assistant
• 🧑‍💻 Freelance/Online Work where legally permitted

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💼 Working in Italy After Graduation

Graduating from an Italian university can open opportunities to seek employment in Italy, subject to the immigration rules applicable at the time.

Students should investigate the available post-study residence and work-permit conversion routes before graduation.

🚀 Potential Career Sectors

Sector	🇮🇹 Demand
💻 Information Technology	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🤖 Artificial Intelligence	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⚙️ Engineering	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔐 Cybersecurity	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📊 Data Science	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏭 Manufacturing	⭐⭐⭐⭐
💼 Business & Finance	⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏗️ Architecture	⭐⭐⭐⭐

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🏡 Cost of Living in Italy 🇮🇹

Living costs vary considerably depending on the city.

Milan and some central areas of Rome can be significantly more expensive than smaller university cities.

💶 Estimated Monthly Student Budget

Expense	Estimated Range
🏠 Accommodation	€250–€700+
🍝 Food	€200–€350
🚌 Transportation	€30–€60
📚 Study Materials	€20–€60
📱 Phone/Internet	€15–€40
🎉 Personal Expenses	€50–€150
💰 Total	Approximately €565–€1,360+

Actual costs depend heavily on the city, accommodation type and lifestyle.

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📍 Cities to Consider

🏙️ Milan

Excellent for:

💻 Technology
💼 Business
🏦 Finance
🎨 Design

🏛️ Bologna

Excellent for:

🎓 University life
⚙️ Engineering
💻 Computer Science
🌍 International students

🌊 Pisa

Excellent for:

🔬 Research
⚙️ Engineering
💻 Computer Science
🎓 STEM

🏛️ Turin

Excellent for:

🚗 Automotive
⚙️ Engineering
💻 Technology
📊 Business

🌅 Padua

Excellent for:

🔬 Research
🏥 Medicine
⚙️ Engineering
💻 Technology

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⚠️ Important Things Students Should Know

Before applying, remember that “fully funded scholarship in Italy” does not always mean every expense is automatically covered.

Scholarship benefits differ significantly.

For example:

• 🎓 One scholarship may cover tuition only.
• 💶 Another may provide a cash allowance.
• 🏠 A regional scholarship may provide accommodation and meals.
• 🇪🇺 An Erasmus scholarship may cover mobility and living expenses.
• 🏛️ A university scholarship may combine tuition exemption with financial support.

Therefore, always read the official scholarship call.

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Always check the exact nationality, degree, academic and program requirements.

2. Missing the University Deadline

Scholarship deadlines and admission deadlines may be different.

3. Assuming Every Italian University Is Fully Funded

Many universities offer scholarships, but not every award covers 100% of expenses.

4. Ignoring Regional Scholarships

Regional financial aid can be extremely valuable for international students.

5. Using Unofficial Websites

Always verify important information through university or government websites.

6. Waiting Until the Deadline

Prepare your documents several weeks or months before applications close.

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📊 Italy Scholarship Strategy for International Students

A strong strategy is to apply for multiple funding opportunities rather than relying on one scholarship.

🥇 Recommended Approach

Priority	Action
1️⃣	Apply to suitable Italian universities
2️⃣	Target university merit scholarships
3️⃣	Apply for regional financial aid
4️⃣	Check MAECI eligibility
5️⃣	Explore Erasmus opportunities
6️⃣	Compare accommodation options
7️⃣	Prepare visa documents early

This approach can significantly reduce the amount you need to pay yourself.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🇮🇹 Is Italy free for international students?

Not automatically. However, Italian public universities can be relatively affordable, and eligible students may receive tuition reductions, exemptions and scholarships.

🎓 Can I study a Master’s degree in Italy with a scholarship?

Yes. Numerous Italian universities offer scholarships or financial aid for international Master’s students.

💰 Which Italian scholarship is best?

There is no single best scholarship for everyone. MAECI, regional scholarships, university scholarships and Erasmus opportunities all have different eligibility requirements and benefits.

🏠 Do Italian scholarships cover accommodation?

Some scholarships, particularly regional financial aid programs, may provide accommodation or housing-related benefits. Check the current regional call.

🇬🇧 Do I need IELTS?

Not always. Requirements depend on the university and program. Some institutions may accept other English-language evidence.

💼 Can I work while studying in Italy?

International students may work subject to the conditions of their study residence permit and Italian employment regulations.

🇮🇹 Can I stay in Italy after graduation?

Graduates may have routes to remain in Italy for employment or other qualifying purposes, subject to the immigration rules in force at that time.

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🔗 Official Websites for Italy Scholarships

Use official sources whenever possible.

🇮🇹 Resource	🔗 Official Website
🇮🇹 Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs	MAECI
🎓 Universitaly	Universitaly
🇪🇺 Erasmus+	Erasmus+
🎓 University of Bologna	Unibo
🏛️ Politecnico di Milano	Polimi
💼 Bocconi University	Bocconi
🎓 Sapienza University	Sapienza
🔬 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions	MSCA
🇮🇹 Invest Your Talent	Invest Your Talent
🌍 Aga Khan Foundation	AKDN

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🎯 Final Thoughts

Studying in Italy 🇮🇹 can be an excellent opportunity for international students looking for affordable European education and scholarship opportunities.

From prestigious universities such as Bologna, Padua and Politecnico di Milano to regional financial aid programs, students have several ways to reduce the cost of studying and living in Italy.

The key is to apply strategically:

🎓 Choose the right university
📚 Select a suitable program
💰 Apply for university scholarships
🏠 Apply for regional financial aid
🇮🇹 Check MAECI opportunities
🇪🇺 Explore Erasmus programs
🛂 Prepare your visa documents early

🇮🇹 Your Italian study journey starts with the right application.

🎓 Find a program → 💰 Apply for funding → 🛂 Complete your visa process → ✈️ Start your journey in Italy!

Good luck with your scholarship application! 🇮🇹🎓🍀