Study in Italy for Free in 2026: Scholarships, ISEE Tuition Exemption & Public Universities for Indian Students

Italy is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for higher education. International students, including Indians, can study in public universities at very low cost, and sometimes even for free. In 2026, most public universities in Italy still follow an income-based fee system, which makes education affordable for many students.

Unlike Germany, where tuition is mostly free for everyone, Italy uses a system called ISEE. This system decides how much you need to pay based on your family’s financial situation. Tuition fees usually range from €0 to €4,000 per year.

For many Indian students from low-income families, the fees are usually between €156 and €1,500 per year, which is much cheaper compared to other countries.

If your family income (ISEE) is low, you may qualify for a full fee waiver, meaning you can study for free or at a very low cost. However, if you do not submit your income documents, you will be charged the maximum tuition fee. So, it is very important to provide these documents.

Even the highest tuition fees in Italy are still cheaper compared to many other European countries. With the help of scholarships, studying in Italy becomes highly affordable while offering a degree that is recognized worldwide.

*Are you looking to study in Italy? Y-Axis is here to guide you through the entire process!

Why Study in Italy for Free?

• Free or Very Low Tuition Fees: Many public universities offer free education or very low fees based on your family income (ISEE), making it possible to study at almost no cost.
• Globally Recognized Degrees: Italy follows the Bologna education system, so your degree is accepted across Europe and many other countries.
• Top and Historic Universities: Italy has some of the oldest and most reputed universities, such as University of Bologna, giving you quality education at low cost.
• Part-Time Work Options: Students can work up to 20 hours per week, helping them manage living expenses while studying.
• Travel Across Europe: With an Italian student visa, you can visit around 25 countries in the Schengen area, giving you more exposure and travel opportunities.

Best Affordable Universities in Italy for International Students

Public universities in Italy have some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe. The average fees are between €900 and €4,000 per year, depending on the course and university. With the ISEE income system and scholarships, many students can study for free or pay very little.

Politecnico di Milano has reached a major milestone by entering the top 100 universities in the world, ranking 98th. Other top universities in Italy also perform well, including Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, University of Padua, Politecnico di Torino, and University of Milan.

Steps to Study in Italy for Free for Indian Students

Step 1: Choose the Right Course and University

Choose a public university and course that you like. Check if the course is in English or Italian. Also check the intake (usually September/October) and the fee system based on family income.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

• For bachelor’s programs, you must complete Class 12 with good marks.
• For master’s programs, you need a related bachelor’s degree.
• Some courses like medicine, architecture, and veterinary may need entrance exams.

Step 3: Complete Pre-Enrollment on UNIVERSITALY

Pre-enrollment is required for most courses. You need to apply through the UNIVERSITALY portal, which is made for international students. This step is important before applying for a student visa.

Step 4: Meet Language Requirements

For English courses, you may need IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL. Some universities also accept MOI (Medium of Instruction), Cambridge certificates, or interviews. For Italian courses, you must show proof of Italian language skills.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Apply through the university’s official website. You will need documents like academic marksheets, language scores, SOP, recommendation letters, passport copy, and CV.

Step 6: Get ISEE Parificato for Fee Reduction

International students need ISEE Parificato to show their family income. This helps reduce tuition fees by 50% to 100%. It is also needed for scholarships.

Step 7: Get Admission and Declaration of Value (DOV)

After getting admission, you may need a Declaration of Value from the Italian Consulate in India. This confirms that your Indian education is valid in Italy. You can also use a CIMEA certificate instead.

Step 8: Apply for an Italian Student Visa (Type D)

Apply for a long-term student visa (D Visa) for courses longer than 90 days. After reaching Italy, you can apply for a residence permit to stay legally. Visa processing may take up to 90 days, so apply early.

Step 9: Apply for Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)

After arriving in Italy, apply for your residence permit within 8 working days at Poste Italiane. This allows you to live and study in Italy legally.

*Planning to do masters in Italy? Contact Y-Axis for complete guidance

Requirements for Indian Students to Study in Italy for Free

Indian students applying to public universities in Italy must typically prepare:

• Valid Passport
• Academic Qualifications: Class 12 transcripts for bachelor's or a relevant bachelor's degree for master's
• Declaration of Value (DOV) / CIMEA Certificate: Validates your Indian academic credentials in the Italian system
• ISEE Parificato: Income document to qualify for tuition reduction or scholarships
• Language Proficiency Proof: IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; Italian language certificate for Italian-taught programs
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Explaining academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing Italy
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Typically required for master's programs
• Updated CV/Resume
• UNIVERSITALY Pre-Enrollment Confirmation
• Entrance Test Score: For competitive programs such as medicine, architecture, or veterinary science
• Portfolio: For design, architecture, or fine arts programs
• Proof of Financial Resources: Required for the student visa application

Cost of Living in Italy for Students

On average, international students might expect to spend between €7,500 and €8,500 per year on housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. This translates to roughly €900–€1,100 per month depending on the city.

• Accommodation (Rent): €300 – €700/month
• Food & Groceries: €150 – €250/month
• Health Insurance: €200 – €300/year (approximately €17–€25/month)
• Transportation: €50 – €100/month
• Personal & Miscellaneous: €50 – €150/month

Southern cities like Palermo (€600–€800/month) and smaller university towns offer the lowest living costs, while Rome, Milan, and Florence are typically more expensive.

For the student visa, applicants must show proof of financial means of at least €5,977.79 per year, or €459.83 per month during the academic year.

Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in Italy

Italy is a popular choice for international students in 2026 because it offers many fully funded scholarships. These scholarships are given by the government, universities, and regional authorities. Top universities like University of Bologna, University of Padua, and Politecnico di Milano provide scholarships that cover tuition fees and also give money for living expenses.

MAECI Government Scholarship (Italian Government Scholarship)

The MAECI Scholarship is offered by the Italian government for international students who want to study a Master’s or PhD in Italy. It provides about €10,800, free tuition, and health insurance. This scholarship supports students for study, research, training, and learning Italian language and culture.

DSU Regional Scholarships (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)

These scholarships are given by regional governments in Italy. They are based on your academic performance and family income. If your family income is low, you may get a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition, accommodation, and food. It also gives money for living expenses.

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)

This is a special scholarship supported by the Italian government. It allows students to study a Master’s degree and also do internships in Italian companies. Students usually get around €1,000 per month for 9 months, and tuition fees are reduced or fully covered.

University of Bologna – Alma Mater Scholarships

University of Bologna offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and master’s students. Students receive around €11,000 and a full tuition fee waiver. For 2025–26, around 30 scholarships are available for international students. Applicants must be under 30 years old and should have taken the GRE test.

University of Padua – International Excellence Scholarship

University of Padua offers about 62 scholarships for international students with excellent academic records. This scholarship covers tuition fees and provides support for living expenses. Selection is based on academic performance and previous studies.

Bocconi University Scholarships

Bocconi University offers fully funded scholarships for both undergraduate and master’s programs. These scholarships cover full tuition fees (around €12,000–€13,000 per year) and may also include accommodation support.

Scuola Normale Superiore - PhD Scholarships

Scuola Normale Superiore offers around 75 PhD scholarships for both international and Italian students. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and provides extra funding for research, even abroad.

Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI) - PhD Fellowships

Gran Sasso Science Institute offers about 31 PhD fellowships in subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Urban Studies. This scholarship includes free tuition, accommodation, and meal support.

*Read more.....

Top Scholarships in Italy

Begin Your Journey to Affordable Education in Italy

Studying in Italy at low or no cost is a great opportunity for Indian students who want a high-quality education without spending too much money. Italy has top-ranked public universities, a long history of education, and many courses in English. Because of this, Italy is becoming one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students.

In most public universities, tuition fees depend on your family income and can even become zero with the ISEE Parificato system. But students should plan everything early, including admission, income documents, and visa process. Important steps like pre-enrollment on UNIVERSITALY, getting the Declaration of Value, and applying for DSU or government scholarships need proper planning and early action.

The effort you put in now like choosing the right university, preparing good academic documents, and applying for scholarships can help you get international exposure, practical learning in top universities, and better career opportunities in Europe and other countries.

How Can Y-Axis Help You Study in Italy for Free?

Y-Axis provides complete support for students who want to study in Italy at low-cost or tuition-free public universities. We guide you at every step, from choosing the right university to getting your student visa successfully.

When your goal is to study in Italy for free, it is important to select the right public university and understand the ISEE system, scholarships, and admission process. Our experts help you find universities that match your academic profile and career goals while maximizing your chances of studying at low or no cost.

At Y-Axis, we offer:

• Y-Path Guidance to help you choose the right low-cost or tuition-free university and program based on your academic background
• Y-Axis Coaching Centre to improve your IELTS, TOEFL
• Complete support for UNIVERSITALY pre-enrollment and university applications
• Guidance for ISEE Parificato documentation to reduce tuition fees
• Support in preparing strong SOPs, LORs, and academic documents
• Assistance with scholarship applications like DSU and MAECI
• Step-by-step guidance for the Italy student visa (Type D) and residence permit process