Fully Funded Scholarship Without IELTS in Italy. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Italy stands out as a premier global hub for European education, attracting thousands of ambitious individuals seeking a transformative study abroad experience without facing exorbitant tuition fees. The Italian higher education landscape is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence, housing modern research facilities alongside ancient institutions. Every year, thousands of international students secure fully backed financial support to pursue degrees across higher learning institutes operating under the standardised European credit transfer system. This structural framework guarantees flexible, affordable education through thousands of fully funded scholarships offered across top-ranked public universities.
A significant advantage of choosing this destination is that English language proficiency can be demonstrated without standardised tests, offering a clear test exemption for eligible international applicants. These universities consistently maintain high positions in global rankings, unlocking extraordinary academic opportunities across diverse degree courses. Through dedicated internationalisation initiatives and strategic education partnerships, Italian institutions promote international educational mobility across the entire European Union. For the 2026 and 2027 academic cycles, public allocations have expanded significantly across 24 regions, benefiting students aged 30 and under across more than 80 public universities and over 1000 academic programmes.
To simplify the decision-making process for international applicants, the key details regarding degree programmes, financial coverage, and national eligibility are summarised below:
| Parameter | Details |
| University | Italian Public Universities (Padova, Bologna, Milan, Turin, Pavia, Pisa, etc.) |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD Programs |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition Fee Waiver, Monthly Allowance, Free Accommodation & Meals) |
| Eligible Nationality | All Foreign Nationalities |
| Award Country | Italy |
| Last Date | Varies by Region & University |
Why Study in Italy Without IELTS
Deciding to study in Italy opens immediate doors to exceptionally low tuition fees paired with world-class, high-quality education. Students immerse themselves in an unparalleled cultural heritage while learning inside legendary historic universities that have built centuries of academic prestige. This vibrant environment accelerates personal and career growth, laying a solid foundation for lucrative post-study work opportunities across Europe. Furthermore, holding an Italian student residence card grants seamless Schengen visa access to 29 European nations during your studies.
Compared to North America or the UK, average living costs remain reasonable, enriching overall student life through affordable transportation and dining. Broad international student mobility policies have effectively eliminated the traditional language barrier waiver hurdle for non-native speakers through flexible admission criteria. Many top-ranked universities provide substantial educational grants, generous merit aid, and complete financial exemption packages. Combined with extensive global networking networks, advanced research facilities, and comprehensive student assistance, Italy remains one of the most attractive study destinations offering an authentic European lifestyle. Typical annual grants range from 12 to 18 months, supporting over 200 specialised tracks with up to 500 euro monthly stipends and 10800 euro in total annual grants.
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Italian Education System and English-Taught Programs
Understanding the Italian university structure is simple due to its alignment with the standardised European Bologna process. The first undergraduate tier is the bachelor’s degree, locally known as the Laurea Triennale, which spans three academic years. Postgraduate study centres on the two-year Master’s degree, referred to as the Laurea Magistrale, alongside specialised doctoral degree research paths leading to PhD programmes. Additionally, specific professional fields like medicine and architecture are structured as continuous single-cycle degrees.
Academic progress is tracked through ECTS credits across a structured semester system, where one credit typically represents 25 hours of total student workload. Italy now offers thousands of English-taught degree courses, featuring carefully organised academic modules and an up-to-date course syllabus. Accumulating university credits allows students in research degrees to engage in multidisciplinary projects spanning high-demand STEM programmes, traditional humanities, applied social sciences, modern business management, specialised engineering degrees, and creative architecture courses. Higher artistic and musical academies, known as AFAM institutes, provide specialised higher artistic training under an international curriculum structure and customised international curricula. These tracks require 1 to 3 years for postgraduate levels or 5 to 6 years for integrated programmes, totalling 120 to 180 ECTS credits.
Major Fully Funded Scholarship Programs in Italy
Italian Government MAECI Scholarships
The MAECI scholarship represents the premier national award managed directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Applications are processed exclusively through the official Study in Italy portal, offering a prestigious Italian government grant to international scholars. Successful recipients receive a generous monthly allowance disbursed directly into their Italian bank account through scheduled instalment payments. Additionally, grantees enjoy complete tuition exemption alongside comprehensive collective health insurance coverage throughout their stay.
Strict criteria govern candidate selection, including specific age limits tailored to candidate qualifications and a list of eligible countries. Candidates applying for master’s applicants’ tracks or enrolling as PhD candidates or conducting scientific research projects can secure this funding. Furthermore, students enrolled in artistic AFAM grants qualify, with possibilities for grant renewal subject to satisfactory academic progress. Selection involves a rigorous comparative evaluation, a formal published merit ranking, and a structured interview process. Interested candidates must monitor the official call on the designated application portal and complete their online registration promptly. Grants run for 3, 6, or 9 months, serving candidates aged up to 28 for master’s, 30 for PhDs, and 40 for research, providing between 9000 and 10800 euros per cycle.
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Regional DSU Scholarships (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)
A DSU scholarship is a regionally managed financial support programme operating under the broader regional financial aid framework known as Diritto allo Studio Universitario. Unlike purely academic awards, eligibility is heavily determined through an economic income assessment utilising the specialised ISEE Parificato calculation. This evaluation examines global family income, overall financial status, and household economic bracket to ensure fair distribution. Winners receive free accommodation in a modern student residence alongside daily free canteen meals through digital meal vouchers.
Applications are processed by each specific regional education office, such as those in Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, Lazio, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna. Benefits combine a full tuition fee exemption with a direct cash stipend paid across the academic year. To maintain funding without becoming repeat students, recipients must meet strict merit requirements by passing a minimum number of minimum credits. Regional awards accommodate study across years 1, 2, or 3, supporting students within low-income thresholds with total values ranging between 6000 and 7000 euros annually.
Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Program
The Invest Your Talent in Italy initiative, widely known as the IYT programme, is executed jointly with Uni-Italia and the ICE Agency. This unique framework pairs advanced academic coursework with mandatory corporate internships and structured on-the-job training. The award focuses strictly on postgraduate tracks, covering specialised engineering master’s pathways, advanced architecture degree tracks, innovative design programmes, and international economics and management degrees.
Designed specifically for students from strategic target markets, the initiative creates vital business synergy between higher education and major industrial sectors. Participants attend a mandatory gender equality seminar alongside their regular coursework during the 9-month scholarship period. A core benefit is the guaranteed mandatory internship placement within an established Italian company, accompanied by complete fee exemption. This program drives targeted talent development through robust strategic partnerships in fast-growing emerging markets via a dedicated application portal serving 18 targeted nations for the 2026 and 2027 academic sessions.
University-Specific Merit Scholarships (Padova, Bologna, Milan, Turin, Pavia, Pisa)
Top individual institutions like the University of Padua and the historic University of Bologna offer dedicated funding, such as the Unibo Action 1 and 2 awards. Similarly, major academic centres including the University of Milan, the prestigious Polytechnic University of Milan, the University of Turin, the University of Pavia, the University of Pisa, and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice manage autonomous financial aid programmes. These institutional excellence scholarships act as direct international student grants paired with high-value merit waivers.
Decisions rely on demonstrated academic performance, outstanding GPA records, and departmental committee reviews for all international applicants with a high GPA. Certain departments may require a competitive entrance exam, but successful candidates receive substantial exemption awards and a total university fee waiver. These programmes attract exceptional international talent to leading regional universities, offering 1- to 2-year funding packages valued between 5000, 8000, and 11000 euros per year.
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How to Prove English Language Proficiency Without IELTS in Italian Universities
English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
Securing an English proficiency waiver is straightforward when utilising an approved language requirement alternative. The most widely accepted document is a formal proof of English proficiency issued by your previous academic institution, enabling seamless non-IELTS admission. Known globally as a medium of instruction statement or MOI certificate, this document confirms that your entire previous degree was taught in English. Obtaining an official English certificate satisfies university admissions boards without requiring expensive standardised testing.
Most admissions offices accept a standardised language assessment or an internal university interview when accompanied by verified academic qualification documents. If your secondary education in English or bachelor’s studies were conducted in English, your former university can issue an official declaration. This document qualifies you for a full language test exemption, serving as legal language proof equivalent to standardised exams. Unless required for native speakers from native English-speaking territories, the university evaluation panel conducts a straightforward language proficiency verification of your English background and foreign university degree to confirm compliance with institutional language criteria during document verification.
English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
To obtain a valid MOI certificate, students must contact their previous university’s registrar letter-issuing office to request a formal statement. This official MOI document serves as verifiable prior education proof confirming attendance at an English medium school or university. The statement must clearly state that all lectures, coursework, and examinations for your degree were conducted in English.
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| OFFICIAL INSTITUTION LETTERHEAD |
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| TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN |
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| This is to certify that [Student Name] was enrolled in [Degree Title] |
| at [University Name] from [Start Year] to [End Year]. |
| |
| The medium of instruction for the entire program was ENGLISH. All |
| lectures, coursework, examinations, and academic activities were |
| conducted exclusively in the English language. |
| |
| Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] [Registrar Signature & Stamp] |
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The document must feature a clear degree transcript statement, official registrar letter formatting, an authorised signature, and an official institution letterhead bearing the university’s official stamp. This certificate can be submitted alongside a secondary school certificate or a bachelor’s degree verification letter when applying to any English-taught programme. Including this explicit academic transcript note provides a bulletproof alternative language proof. Admissions boards rely on this official verification and formal institutional letter to verify your prior instruction language, ensuring your complete study documentation meets all certificate validity standards across 1, 2, or 3 degree cycles.
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Previous Degree Taught in English Self-Declaration
For specific scholarship calls, including government grants, candidates can submit a self-declaration form confirming their language background. This formal language declaration acts as an official statement legally signed by the applicant as a binding student declaration. Applicants originating from an officially designated native English country or an area with official language status can upload this form directly onto the Study in Italy portal declaration system.
This signed statement functions as a binding legal declaration, serving as a recognised language exemption form through personal self-certification. It provides verified academic background proof that supports the applicant declaration and accompanies the formal waiver request. During the initial document upload stage, the administrative verification process reviews the document for full university compliance based on established country eligibility rules for the 2026 and 2027 academic cycles.
Online University Language Assessment Interviews
When academic transcripts require secondary verification, institutions conduct a short language assessment interview. This brief interaction is arranged as an online interview via platforms like a Skype interview or a Zoom assessment. The panel performs a friendly oral evaluation, substituting traditional testing with a live university language test or an informal English communication test.
This mandatory admission interview allows candidate interaction with a faculty member to conduct a quick verbal proficiency test. This live interaction focuses on conversational fluency through a light conversational evaluation to confirm your academic readiness check. This brief language verification call serves as a virtual assessment that enables the committee review to confirm language eligibility within 10 to 30 minutes.
Complete Step-by-Step Application Process for Italian Scholarships
Document Preparation and Legalization
A smooth application procedure requires following a systematic step-by-step guide to secure university admission and your target scholarship application. Early document submission begins with creating an account on the official portal registration system. While most public universities waive the application fee, holding a verified admission offer letter accelerates the overall selection process.
Understanding the overall admission timeline helps candidates prepare for major intake cycles, including the primary winter intake and secondary spring intake. Following initial document verification, students complete pre-enrolment before the published application deadline on the main submission portal. The departmental academic evaluation yields a conditional offer that transitions into final admission for successful international admissions candidates over a 1- to 5-year study period.
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| STEP 1: Academic Document Preparation & Legalization |
| Gather transcripts, degree certificates, CV, and MOI certificate. |
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| STEP 2: Online University Portal Application |
| Submit documents to chosen Italian university portals for evaluation. |
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| STEP 3: Pre-Enrollment via Universitaly Portal |
| Register profile and submit pre-enrollment for visa authorization. |
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| STEP 4: Regional DSU & Government Scholarship Application |
| Upload ISEE Parificato financial documents to regional welfare portals.|
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| STEP 5: Student Visa Application & Embassy Interview |
| Submit Type D visa application at the local Italian consulate. |
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Proper document legalisation is essential when preparing international papers for official recognition in Italy. Non-EU documents usually require an official apostille stamp alongside a certified translation of documents into professional Italian. Historically, universities required a legal declaration of value (known locally as a Dichiarazione di Valore), but most now accept a digital CIMEA statement of comparability.
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Applicants must compile complete academic transcripts, their official degree certificate, a tailored curriculum vitae, a compelling motivation letter, and two strong recommendation letters. You must also provide a clear passport copy alongside an officially verified family income certificate. When required, documents undergo consular legalisation and a certified sworn translation to validate all educational credentials within 30 to 90 days.
Online University Application Portals
Navigating each university’s online application system requires creating a profile on the institution’s university portal. Completing your portal registration generates a personalised candidate profile and opens your main application dashboard. Through this document upload portal, applicants complete programme selection and monitor real-time application tracking.
While many universities waive fees, some require a minor admission fee payment to process your applicant ID. Admissions officers perform thorough document validation based on your course selection. If an evaluation fee applies, payment triggers the final review, leading to published admission results and a status update within 24 to 48 hours on the online portal.
Pre-Enrollment on the university portal
All international students must complete official pre-enrolment on the central Universitaly portal. Completing this pre-enrolment application generates an automated embassy notification containing your verified summary report. This official system acts as the primary visa processing portal, routing documents for final university validation before reaching Italian diplomatic representation offices worldwide.
This mandatory official pre-enrolment step grants formal visa authorisation from the relevant Italian consulate. Acting as the master international student portal, it provides an academic pre-approval record linked directly to your university profile. Once the university issues its final university confirmation, this document serves as your primary visa support document for online pre-enrolment during the 2026 and 2027 academic sessions.
Applying for Regional DSU and Government Funding
Applying for funding requires submitting paperwork through the designated regional application portal. Candidates complete the official DSU application form or submit their MAECI application submission before published deadlines. The process requires a secure income documentation upload detailing your family’s global financial position for economic status submission.
Applicants must monitor strict scholarship deadlines when submitting a merit application or a formal financial aid request. Completing your stipend application through the appropriate regional welfare portal generates an official submission receipt and an immediate application confirmation. Candidates then await the formal award notification and official ranking list publication following the comprehensive financial assessment period.
Financial Coverage, Monthly Stipends, and Living Benefits
Tuition Fee Waivers and Financial Allowance
The primary advantage of these awards is the comprehensive list of scholarship benefits, offering fully funded coverage for all essential living expenses. Grantees receive a consistent monthly stipend alongside a 100% tuition exemption. This structured financial grant functions as an all-inclusive educational stipend and generous student allowance, providing complete cost of living coverage through a total funding package.
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| TYPICAL ANNUAL FINANCIAL COVERAGE |
| |
| [ Tuition Fee Waiver ] --------------> 100% Exempt (€1,000 - €4,000) |
| [ Direct Cash Stipend ] ------------> €6,000 to €10,800 / Year |
| [ Free Accommodation ] -------------> Student Housing / Dormitory |
| [ Free Meal Vouchers ] --------------> 1 to 2 Free Meals Daily |
| [ Health & Travel Insurance ] ------> Full Medical Coverage |
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In addition to living support, students receive complete health insurance coverage, free meals, a dedicated accommodation allowance, and a seasonal travel grant. Combined with an academic allowance, the programme delivers complete financial coverage through a reliable living allowance and an independent personal stipend paid across 1 to 3 academic years, totalling between 8000 and 10800 euros annually.
A full tuition fee waiver grants a complete fee exemption, covering both the base tuition and any initial enrolment fee waiver or standard administrative fee exemption. Furthermore, recipients receive an annual cash allowance transferred via direct bank transfer according to a published stipend instalment plan and predictable instalment payment schedule.
This award also provides a tax-free tax allowance, operating as a direct financial assistance grant and a valuable merit fee reduction. Disbursed as a flexible semester grant, it offers immediate economic relief and robust student funding through a direct cash grant ranging from 1000 to 9000 euros.
Free Accommodation and Meal Vouchers
Securing free accommodation in an official student dormitory or designated residential housing eliminates one of the largest study abroad expenses. Students receive a direct housing voucher or a monthly rent allowance to cover living costs. Furthermore, recipients gain free canteen access utilising a daily meal voucher valid at all campus dining halls and partnered dining hall access facilities.
Living in a university residence hall provides high-quality subsidised housing paired with a generous meal allowance. These organised living arrangements ensure secure campus housing with complete room and board support, saving students between 100 and 300 euros monthly.
Health Insurance and Transportation Allowances
International scholars receive a comprehensive health insurance policy or enjoy direct registration with the national healthcare system, known locally as the SSN registration. This guarantees full medical coverage, including emergency medical coverage at public facilities.
Additionally, students receive a public transport discount when purchasing a local transportation pass or utilising a dedicated transit allowance. This essential health care access is paired with a comprehensive student insurance plan providing medical assistance, a seasonal travel allowance, a discounted local commute pass, and full accident insurance coverage.
Student Visa Process and Residence Permit Formalities
Italian Student Visa Application Requirements
Initiating your student visa application for a long-term Type D visa (the standard long-stay visa) requires an appointment at the local Italian embassy. Candidates complete a formal consulate interview to secure their official visa approval. Upon arrival in Italy, students must apply for a residence permit (known locally as the Permesso di Soggiorno).
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| POST-ARRIVAL PERMIT TO STAY TIMELINE |
| |
| [ Day 1 - 8 ] ----> Submit Postal Kit (Sportello Amico) |
| [ Month 1 - 2 ] ----> Attend Fingerprinting at Questura |
| [ Month 2 - 3 ] ----> Pick Up Permesso di Soggiorno Card |
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| * Grants Legal Residence & 20 Hours/Week Part-Time Work Rights |
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This essential post-arrival registration begins at the local police headquarters (the Questura) by submitting the official postal kit. Applicants then attend a scheduled fingerprinting appointment to receive their physical stay permit card. This grants full legal residency and ensures complete immigration compliance under your international student visa, valid for 90 to 365 days.
Proof of Financial Means and Accommodation Documentation
Preparing complete visa documentation for your embassy appointment requires filling out the official visa application form. Candidates must present a valid flight reservation, verified accommodation proof, and an official bank statement demonstrating financial solvency proof.
Applicants must also attach a valid health insurance policy, their stamped pre-enrolment summary, the official university visa document, and their final admission letter. Ensure your passport meets all passport validity rules, pay the visa fee, and complete consular verification according to the embassy’s visa checklist for submission within 15 to 30 days.
Demonstrating financial proof requires showing a minimum account balance supported by an official bank guarantee or a formal sponsor letter. Applicants must present an officially verified family income proof alongside confirmed accommodation booking details, a hotel declaration, or a signed lease agreement. Alternatively, a university housing letter or a formal declaration of hospitality satisfies requirements, supported by a signed financial solvency statement bearing an official bank seal demonstrating funds between 5000 and 10000 euros.
Post-Arrival Formalities and Work Rights for Students
Within 8 days of arriving in Italy, non-EU students must pick up a Permesso di soggiorno kit at an authorised post office submission counter displaying the Sportello Amico logo. Additionally, students must register for a codice fiscale (the official tax code number) to complete health system enrolment and open a local bank account.
International students holding a valid permit enjoy a part-time work permit allowing up to 20 hours per week (totalling 1040 hours annually) under standard student work rights. This framework allows students to take on seasonal jobs, flexible campus jobs, or an approved internship authorisation. After graduation, students can convert their permit into a post-study work visa to pursue professional career opportunities and complete their tax declaration during the 2026 and 2027 tax years.
Frequently Asked Questions (Latest Google People Also Ask)
Is IELTS mandatory for international students applying for fully funded scholarships in Italy?
No, IELTS is not mandatory for international students applying for fully funded scholarships in Italian public universities. Applicants can prove English language proficiency by providing an official English Medium of Instruction certificate from their previous university, submitting a self-declaration if their previous degree was taught in English, or completing a brief online language assessment interview conducted by the university admissions committee.
Which Italian universities offer fully funded scholarships without requiring IELTS test scores?
Numerous top-ranked public universities in Italy offer fully funded scholarships without requiring IELTS scores. Key institutions include the University of Padua, University of Bologna, University of Milan, Polytechnic University of Milan, University of Turin, University of Pavia, University of Pisa, and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. These universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency for international degree programmes.
How can international students prove English proficiency without taking IELTS or TOEFL exams?
International students can satisfy English proficiency requirements without IELTS or TOEFL by obtaining an official Medium of Instruction certificate from their previous university registrar. This document explicitly confirms that the entire prior degree programme was conducted in English. Alternatively, students can submit an official language self-declaration or participate in a short online video interview with the university faculty.
What expenses do regional DSU scholarships cover for foreign students in Italy?
Regional DSU scholarships provide comprehensive financial support covering full university tuition fee waivers, free accommodation in student residence halls, and daily free meal vouchers for campus dining facilities. Additionally, recipients receive a direct annual cash stipend paid in instalments to assist with personal living expenses, textbooks, local public transportation, and health insurance coverage.
Can international students work part-time while studying on an Italian scholarship?
Yes, non-EU international students holding a valid Italian student visa and residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) are legally authorised to work part-time. Italian immigration law permits international students to work up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters, totalling up to 1,040 hours per calendar year, in addition to full-time work during official university vacation periods.
Conclusion
Italy provides an exceptional pathway for international students to pursue high-quality, fully funded European education without requiring standardised English exams like IELTS. By utilising alternative language proofs such as Medium of Instruction certificates, eligible candidates can access prestigious national MAECI grants, regional DSU financial aid, and university merit waivers across world-class public institutions. Preparing application documents early ensures a seamless transition toward achieving academic success and exploring vibrant post-graduation career opportunities across Europe.
Official Scholarship & University Resources
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Official Study in Italy MAECI Portal – Application Deadline: March 26, 2027 (Expected Call Cycle) | Currently Open
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Official Invest Your Talent in Italy Application Portal – Application Deadline: May 11, 2027 | Currently Open
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Official University Pre-Enrollment Portal – Application Deadline: Rolling (June to November 2026/2027) | Currently Open
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University of Milan Official DSU Scholarship Portal – Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 | Currently Open
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University of Padua Official International Scholarships – Application Deadline: May 2, 2027 | Currently Open
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University of Bologna Official Study Grants Portal – Application Deadline: April 30, 2027 | Currently Open