Fully Funded Italian Scholarships Without IELTS 2026 | Study in Italy Free
Study in Italy Without IELTS: Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities
Are you dreaming of studying in Europe without the burden of English proficiency tests? Italian universities and government programs offer multiple Italian scholarships without IELTS 2026 that allow talented international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs without IELTS or TOEFL.
Italy is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, known for its rich culture, high-quality education, and relatively low cost of living. Moreover, with fully funded scholarships, international students can access world-class degree programs without paying tuition fees, while receiving living stipends and other benefits.
This article covers the best fully funded Italian scholarships available in 2026 that either waive IELTS requirements or accept alternative English language proof.
How to Study in Italy Without IELTS
Before exploring specific programmes, it’s important to understand how you can study in Italy without an IELTS requirement in 2026.
1. Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter
Many Italian universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter as proof of English proficiency if your previous education was entirely taught in English. This approach is widely recognised and often accepted in scholarship and admission decisions.
2. Alternative English Tests
Although IELTS is widely known, some institutions in Italy accept alternative tests such as:
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Duolingo English Test
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TOEFL iBT
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Cambridge English qualifications
Always check the specific university’s language policy before applying.
3. English-Taught Programmes
Italy offers a growing number of fully taught English programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels, especially in major research universities. Many of these programs explicitly allow admission without IELTS if other qualifying evidence is provided.
Top Fully Funded Italian Scholarships Without IELTS 2026
Here are some of the most notable opportunities to study in Italy without IELTS and with full financial support:
1. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
The Italian Government Scholarship is one of the most generous fully funded awards available for international students. It supports study and research for degree programs in Italy and covers a wide range of academic fields.
What It Covers:
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
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Health insurance or equivalent coverage
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Travel allowance (in some cases)
Eligibility:
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Available to international students of all nationalities
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Open for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
IELTS Requirements:
Many applicants can submit an MOI letter or alternative proficiency evidence instead of IELTS, depending on the university of choice.
Official application link: click here
2. University of Bologna Study Grants
The University of Bologna, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offers competitive study grants that may cover tuition and living expenses entirely.
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Eligible for international students
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Available for both cycle I (Bachelor’s) and cycle II (Master’s) programs
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English-taught programs often waive IELTS based on MOI or alternative proof
Official application link: click here
3. Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships
Politecnico di Milano offers merit-based scholarships to high-achieving international students, especially for engineering, architecture, and design programs.
Benefits May Include:
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Tuition waiver
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Monthly living allowance
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Support for study materials
Although Politecnico sometimes requires language proof, many English-taught programmes accept alternative evidence instead of IELTS.
Official application link: click here
📌4. University of Padua International Scholarships
The University of Padua provides scholarship opportunities for international candidates, particularly through merit-based awards and special funding streams.
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Covers full tuition fees
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Offers monthly stipends
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Some awards accept MOI letters
Germany and other EU partner students may qualify for additional funding, but most international scholarships still don’t require IELTS where English is the language of study.
Offiicial application link: click here
5. Sapienza University of Rome Scholarships
Sapienza University of Rome, another leading Italian university, offers financial support to excellent international applicants, including tuition reductions and merit awards.
Scholarship Advantages:
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Can include living cost stipends
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Full or partial tuition coverage
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Opportunities for research funding
Where programs are taught in English, Sapienza often accepts alternative language verification like MOI.
Official application link: click here
Fields of Study Available Under Italian Scholarships Without IELTS 2026
These scholarships support a range of academic areas, including but not limited to:
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Engineering and Technology
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Economics and Business
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Computer Science & AI
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Environmental and Life Sciences
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Social Sciences and Humanities
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Medicine and Health Sciences
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Arts, Design and Architecture
Italy has strong institutions across all major disciplines, giving international students diverse options for fully funded study.
How to Apply for Italian Scholarships Without IELTS
Step 1: Choose Your Target University
Research universities in Italy offering your preferred course. Focus on those with English-taught programmes.
Step 2: Check IELTS Waiver Conditions
Look for whether the programme accepts MOI letters or alternate tests. Contact the admissions or international office for confirmation.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Typical requirements include:
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Academic transcripts and diplomas
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Passport copy
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Personal statement
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Letters of Recommendation
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CV/Resume
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Language proficiency evidence (MOI or alternative certification)
Step 4: Apply Online
Submit your applications through:
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University admissions portals
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The official Italian Government scholarship portal
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Relevant scholarship databases
Step 5: Follow Up and Track Status
Monitor your email and application dashboards for updates or additional documentation requests.
Benefits of Studying in Italy Without IELTS
Studying in Italy with a fully funded scholarship and without the IELTS requirement offers multiple advantages:
🌍 High-Quality European Education
Italian degrees are recognised globally and many universities feature in international rankings.
💰 Financial Support
Full tuition waivers and monthly stipends reduce financial pressure significantly.
📚 Cultural Experience
Italy’s rich cultural heritage, historic cities, and diverse student communities enhance your personal growth.
Language Flexibility
Many English-taught programmes make Italy accessible even without formal English test certificates.
Conclusion: Start Your Italy Scholarship Journey in 2026
Italian scholarships without IELTS 2026 provide exceptional opportunities for international students who want to study in Europe without the added burden of English test fees or complex admissions hurdles.
By identifying the right scholarships, preparing strong applications, and confirming language requirements, you can unlock a fully funded path to higher education in Italy.
Start your research early, and make sure to check official university and government portals for exact application deadlines and requirements!
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