Scholarships in Italy for Pakistani Students:
Italy is one of the few countries in Europe where a Pakistani student from a middle-income family can study almost entirely for free. Most students don’t realize how many scholarships are open to them. The famous DSU regional scholarship alone supports thousands of international students every year, and several university and government scholarships add even more options.
Here are the 9 best scholarships in Italy for Pakistani students, what each one covers, and how to apply for the 2027 intake.
1. DSU Regional Scholarship (Diritto allo Studio)
Best for: almost everyone from a low or middle-income family Covers: full tuition waiver, a yearly cash grant (often €5,000–€7,000 for students living away from home), free or subsidized meals, and in some regions accommodation
The DSU is run by regional agencies such as ER.GO (Bologna), DiSCo (Rome), EDISU (Turin), and ESU (Padua and Venice). It is based on your family’s income and assets, called the “ISEE parificato” for international students. It is not limited by nationality.
How to apply: 1. Get admission to a public university in that region 2. Collect family income, property, and family composition documents, translated and legalized 3. Apply online on the regional agency’s portal, usually between July and September 4. Submit originals after arriving in Italy
Read our full explanation of how DSU makes study free in free universities in Italy for international students.
2. Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)
Best for: master’s students in engineering, architecture, economics, and management Covers: tuition waiver, a monthly stipend (around €900 during the course period), and an internship with an Italian company
This Italian government program works with selected universities and is open to citizens of specific countries. Pakistan has been included in several past rounds. Check the current country list on the official Invest Your Talent website before applying.
3. Italian Government MAECI Scholarships
Best for: master’s, PhD, and research students Covers: a monthly allowance (around €900) and a tuition fee waiver in many cases
Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these scholarships are announced on the “Study in Italy” portal, usually around spring. Eligible nationalities are listed in the yearly call, so check whether Pakistan is included.
4. University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship
Best for: high achievers applying to English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs Covers: a scholarship of several thousand euros per year plus a tuition waiver
Padua selects applicants based on academic merit and requires an early application, usually in the first round (January–March).
5. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
Best for: top engineering, architecture, and design applicants Covers: “Gold” and “Platinum” merit awards that can include full tuition waivers and cash grants of several thousand euros per year
Competition is tough, but a strong GPA and a well-written motivation letter can win you a place.
6. University of Bologna Study Grants
Best for: international students applying to first- and second-cycle degrees Covers: a grant of about €11,000 per year in recent rounds, plus a tuition fee waiver
These “Unibo Action 1 & 2” study grants are based on merit and your admission test results, and they are separate from DSU. You can apply for both.
7. Bocconi International Awards
Best for: business, economics, and finance students Covers: full or partial tuition waivers, and a yearly cash grant for the top candidates
Bocconi is private and expensive, but its merit awards can make it very affordable. Apply early, in the first admission window.
8. University of Pavia International Scholarships
Best for: students in Pavia’s English-taught programs Covers: a yearly cash scholarship and a tuition waiver for selected candidates
Pavia is a small, affordable student city, which makes this award go further.
9. Region-Specific and Foundation Scholarships
Many regions and private foundations also offer awards, for example:
- Lazio DiSCo additional support for international students
- Collegio (residential college) placements in Pavia and Milan, which include board and lodging
- Foundation and bank-funded awards at specific universities
Search your chosen university’s “scholarships for international students” page to find these.
Key Takeaways
- DSU regional scholarships are need-based and open to Pakistani students regardless of nationality.
- University merit scholarships often close with the admission deadline, so apply for both together.
- Scholarship proof can reduce what you must show in the bank for the visa.
Eligibility Tips for Pakistani Students
- Documents are everything. For DSU, income and property documents must be translated into Italian and legalized. Start in April or May.
- Apply early for merit awards. Most university scholarships are tied to the first admission round (January–March).
- Keep your grades up. DSU renewal depends on earning enough credits in your first year.
- Combine scholarships. You can often hold a DSU scholarship alongside certain university awards. Check each call’s rules on combining.
Need-Based vs. Merit-Based: Which Should You Target?
If your family income is modest, the DSU should be your first priority, since it’s the most reliable source of funding. If your grades are excellent (for example a CGPA above 3.5), apply for university merit awards as well. The best strategy is to do both.
Do Scholarships Help With the Visa?
Yes, but only when they are officially awarded. For the 2026–27 academic year, Italy requires proof of about €10,180 per year in financial means. An awarded scholarship from a reputable Italian institution can count toward this, while simple eligibility cannot. Learn more in our Italy study visa from Pakistan guide.
Suggested Timeline for the September 2027 Intake
| Month | Action |
| Nov 2026 – Jan 2027 | Shortlist universities and prepare documents |
| Jan – Mar 2027 | Apply for admission and merit scholarships (first round) |
| Apr – Jun 2027 | Universitaly pre-enrollment, collect DSU income documents |
| Jul – Sep 2027 | Apply for DSU, attend the visa appointment |
| Sep – Oct 2027 | Arrive, enroll, submit DSU originals |
How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter That Stands Out
Merit scholarships in Italy often decide between strong candidates on the motivation letter. A clear structure helps:
- Opening: one or two lines on the problem or field that excites you
- Academic fit: the specific courses, labs or professors that match your background
- Evidence: projects, research, internships or results that show you can succeed
- Future plan: how the degree helps your career and, if possible, Pakistan
- Closing: why this university and scholarship are the right fit
Keep it to one page unless the call says otherwise. Avoid generic lines like “Italy is a beautiful country with rich history.” Committees read hundreds of letters, and specific details are what make yours memorable.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships in Italy for Pakistani students are more accessible than most people think. The DSU scholarship alone can cover your tuition and much of your living costs, and merit awards from Bologna, Padua, Politecnico di Milano, and Pavia add even more opportunities. Start early, keep your paperwork clean, and apply to both need-based and merit-based options. Also explore the best universities in Italy for Pakistani students and our wider list of fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students.
Scholarship amounts and eligibility change every year. Confirm the latest details in each official call before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistani students get fully funded scholarships in Italy?
Yes. The DSU regional scholarship, combined with a tuition waiver, effectively provides full funding for many Pakistani students from low and middle-income families.
When does the DSU scholarship open?
Most regional agencies open applications between June and July, with deadlines between late July and early September.
Is IELTS required for Italian scholarships?
Not for the DSU. Merit scholarships follow the university’s admission requirements, which sometimes accept an MOI letter.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships in Italy?
Yes. You can apply for DSU and university merit awards together, but some awards can’t be combined. Read each call’s rules.
Does a scholarship replace the bank statement for the visa?
Only if it is officially awarded and covers the required amount. Scholarship eligibility alone is not accepted as proof of funds.
Can I hold DSU and a university merit scholarship together?
Sometimes. Rules differ by region and university, and some awards reduce the DSU amount. Read both calls before accepting.
Is there an age limit for Italian scholarships?
DSU has no strict age limit, but some government or university scholarships set limits for certain programs. Always check the call for applications.
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