Italy has five scholarship routes in our guides, and they are quite different from each other. One is a government scholarship covering Bachelor's, Master's and PhD study. One is a research fellowship for scientists. Two come from individual universities, Bologna and Milan. The last is an admission route into English-medium medicine through the IMAT exam, with need-based aid on top. Pakistani students aiming for a degree, a PhD or a medical seat will each find something here, though not everything is open at the same time.
Three of the five are listed as fully funded. Two are partial. Deadlines are the main thing to watch, because several vary by year or by exam session, so treat every date below as a pointer and confirm it on the official site.
All five Italian scholarships at a glance
| Scholarship | Funding | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| IMAT Italy - English-Medium MBBS | Partial Funding | Varies by exam session |
| Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) | Fully Funded | Around March 26 (varies slightly) |
| TWAS Fellowships for Research Developing World Academy of Sciences | Fully Funded | 10 August 2026 (specific components) |
| University of Bologna Study Grants | Partial Funding | Typically late May/early June |
| University of Milan DSU Scholarship 2027 in Italy | Fully Funded | Varies - confirm on official site |
Fully funded options for Italy
The Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) are the broadest. They come from Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fund Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and research or Italian-language programs for foreign citizens. You get a monthly stipend and, at many public universities, a tuition exemption. The deadline is around March 26 and moves slightly each year, so check the date early. If you are not sure which scholarship to pursue first, this is the one to read first. See the full details page too.
The TWAS Fellowships are a different animal. The World Academy of Sciences runs what the data describes as the world's largest South-South PhD and postdoctoral research fellowship programme, working with institutions across developing nations to support early-career researchers. The deadline we have is 10 August 2026, and it applies to specific components such as the Swaminathan Achievement Grant, so do not assume it covers every part of the programme. This route is for researchers, not for someone looking for an undergraduate seat. More on the full details page.
The University of Milan DSU Scholarship 2027 in Italy is described as a fully funded financial aid program for international students. It covers tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation. The deadline varies, and the source only says to confirm it on the official site. That is a real gap, so do not plan around a guessed date. Open the full details page and then the university's own site.
Partial funding: Bologna grants and the IMAT route
The University of Bologna Study Grants pair a tuition-fee waiver with a cash living-cost grant. They are open to international Bachelor's and Master's applicants at Italy's oldest university. Two requirements matter: a standardized test score, and a separate application after admission. Many students miss the second step because they think admission is the finish line. The deadline is typically late May or early June. Read the full details page before you plan your timeline.
The IMAT Italy - English-Medium MBBS route is about admission first and money second. It is merit-based entry to a 6-year English-medium MBBS at public Italian universities through the International Medical Aptitude Test. The data calls it one of the most transparent, affordable, and globally recognized pathways to a European medical degree. Financially eligible students can apply for need-based DSU scholarships, which cover dormitory housing, a stipend of approximately €7,000/year, and meal cards. The deadline varies by exam session. Universitaly pre-enrollment opens months in advance, and you register for IMAT 15-25 days before the exam date. Details are on the full details page.
Which Italian option suits which student
- Want a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD with a stipend: start with MAECI.
- Want medicine in English: the IMAT route is the only one here built for that, and the DSU aid is need-based.
- Already a researcher at PhD or postdoctoral level: look at TWAS.
- Applying to a specific university: compare Bologna's grants and the Milan DSU scholarship.
For most Pakistani students without a research background, MAECI and the Milan DSU scholarship look strongest on paper because both are listed as fully funded and cover broad needs. MAECI has a fixed-ish annual date, which makes it easier to plan for. Milan's date is unclear, which is the main risk. Bologna is a solid fallback, but since it is partial, you would need a plan for the remaining costs.
Preparing your documents for Italy
Start early, because the Bologna route needs a test score and the IMAT route needs registration well before the exam. Gather your transcripts, degree certificates, passport and language proof in one folder. Keep copies of everything you submit on Universitaly or a university portal. Our documents checklist for international scholarships lists what most applications ask for, and the general scholarships guide for Pakistani students explains how to compare programmes across countries.
Frequently asked questions
Which Italian scholarships are fully funded?
Three: the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI), the TWAS Fellowships, and the University of Milan DSU Scholarship 2027. Bologna and the IMAT route are partial.
When is the MAECI deadline?
Around March 26, and it varies slightly year to year. Check the official announcement before you prepare.
Does the TWAS deadline of 10 August 2026 apply to everything?
No. The date we have is for specific components such as the Swaminathan Achievement Grant. Confirm the date for the component you want.
How much do the IMAT DSU scholarships give?
They cover dormitory housing, meal cards, and a stipend of approximately €7,000/year, for students who are financially eligible.
Do Bologna's grants cover everything?
No. They combine a tuition-fee waiver with a cash living-cost grant, and the funding is listed as partial.
Is there a fixed date for the Milan DSU scholarship?
The deadline varies, and the only advice we have is to confirm it on the official site.
Open each individual guide above for eligibility and steps, and always check the official scholarship or university website for the current dates and rules before you apply.