How to Get into an Italian University on a Fully Funded Scholarship with Low CGPA

At first, it may sound strange that someone with a low CGPA can get a fully funded scholarship. But in reality, it is possible. In Italy, there are need-based scholarships. This means they care more about your financial condition than your grades. The process is simple, but it takes time. You need to follow the steps carefully and be patient.   You can check out more BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Step 1: Check the University List

First, check the list below. It has 20 Italian universities, their admission opening dates, and links to their official websites. You need to visit each university website and explore it.

List of Italian Universities and Application Dates (2026–27):

1. Politecnico di Milano (Milan)

• Applications Open: 1 October 2026
• Deadlines:
  • Early round: 1 December 2026
  • General round: 29 January 2027 (some programs may have later rounds)
• Notes: Separate applications for Bachelor’s and Master’s. Application fee depends on the round.

2. University of Bologna (Bologna)

• Applications Open: Usually between October and February each year
• Deadlines: Many programs close between January and April
• Notes: Each program has its own dates. You must also complete Universitaly pre-enrolment.

3. Sapienza University of Rome (Rome)

• Applications Open: 22 December 2025
• Deadlines:
  • Non-EU students: 15 May 2026
  • Others: 31 July 2026
• Notes: Pre-selection is required for most programs.

4. University of Padua (Padua)

• Applications Open: 2 November 2025
• Deadlines:
  • First call: 2 February 2026
  • Second call: 2 May 2026
  • Third call (EU/residents): 2 August 2026
• Notes: Apply early for better chances.

5. University of Milan

• Applications Open: 22 January 2026 (for open-admission Master’s)
• Deadlines:
  • Non-EU students: 30 April 2026
  • Bachelor’s and limited programs start from March 2027
• Notes: Some programs have limited seats.

6. University of Turin

• Applications Open:
  • Postgraduate: 25 November 2026
  • Undergraduate: 19 February 2026
• Deadlines:
  • Postgraduate: 29 January 2027
  • Undergraduate: 15 April 2026
  • Universitaly: 15 July 2026
• Notes: You can apply to up to 2 programs.

7. University of Naples Federico II

• Applications Open: Usually between December and February
• Deadlines: Many programs close between February and May
• Notes: Dates depend on the program.

8. University of Pisa

• Applications Open: Usually between December and February
• Deadlines: Many programs close by 30 April (some earlier)
• Notes: Some programs have two application rounds.

9. University of Florence

• Applications Open: 10 December 2025
• Deadlines:
  • First intake: 6 February 2026
  • Second intake: 17 April 2026
  • Third intake (EU/residents): 31 August 2026
• Notes: Apply through the official portal.

10. University of Genoa

• Applications Open: 26 November 2026
• Deadlines: Around 20 March 2027 (some programs earlier)
• Notes: Separate spring intake for residents.

11. University of Verona

• Applications Open: Usually October to December
• Deadlines: Usually April to May
• Notes: Deadlines change by program.

12. University of Salerno

• Applications Open: Depends on program
• Deadlines: Usually March to June 2027
• Notes: Check each department.

13. University of Catania

• Applications Open: Late 2025 to early 2026
• Deadlines: Mostly April to May 2027
• Notes: Southern universities may have later deadlines.

14. University of Bari Aldo Moro

• Applications Open: Depends on program
• Deadlines: Usually April to June 2027
• Notes: Universitaly pre-enrolment is important.

15. University of Parma

• Applications Open: November to February
• Deadlines: March to May
• Notes: Check official announcements.

16. University of Triest

• Applications Open: Depends on program
• Deadlines: February to May
• Notes: Some English programs close early.

17. University of Siena

• Applications Open: December to March
• Deadlines: April to June
• Notes: Some programs have more than one intake.

18. University of Salento (Lecce)

• Applications Open: Depends on program
• Deadlines: March to July
• Notes: Some programs are more flexible.

19. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

• Applications Open: November to February
• Deadlines: April to May
• Notes: Apply through UNIMORE portal.

20. University of Ferrara

• Applications Open: Depends on program
• Deadlines: March to June
• Notes: Deadlines change by program.

Also Check: UST South Korea Scholarship for Masters, PhD & Integrated Programs (Fully Funded)

Step 2: Choose the Right University

While selecting a university, keep these things in mind:

1. Does the university offer the program you want?
2. Is your program taught in English or another language?
3. What is the ranking of the university, if that matters to you
4. Any other personal preference you have

Take your time and choose carefully.

Also Check: Heidelberg University Scholarships for BS, MS, PhD and Medicine in Germany

Step 3: Apply for Admission

• After selecting your university:
• Check the eligibility criteria and apply for admission.
• Most applications are not difficult. The main thing is timing. You must apply at the correct time.
• Some universities may ask for an application fee, but in most cases it is not very high.

Also Check: University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Step 4: Understand the Scholarship System

Now comes the most important step.

After finalizing your university, you need to check which region it belongs to. In Italy, scholarships are given by regions, not just universities. Each university comes under a specific regional scholarship.

Regional Scholarships in Italy and Covered Universities

1. Lombardia

• Scholarship: Regional DSU Scholarships (managed by universities or EDISU Lombardia)
• Universities:
  • Politecnico di Milano
  • University of Milan

2. Emilia-Romagna

• Scholarship: ER.GO (Regional Agency for Higher Education Support)
• Universities:
  • University of Bologna
  • University of Parma
  • University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
  • University of Ferrara

3. Lazio

• Scholarship: LAZIODISCo (Disco Lazio)
• Universities:
  • Sapienza University of Rome

4. Veneto

• Scholarship: Regione Veneto Scholarships
• Universities:
  • University of Padua
  • University of Verona

5. Piemonte

• Scholarship: EDISU Piemonte
• Universities:
  • University of Turin

6. Campania

• Scholarship: ADISU Campania
• Universities:
  • University of Naples Federico II
  • University of Salerno

7. Toscana

• Scholarship: DSU Toscana
• Universities:
  • University of Pisa
  • University of Florence
  • University of Siena

8. Liguria

• Scholarship: ALISEO Liguria
• Universities:
  • University of Genoa

9. Puglia

• Scholarship: ARDSU Puglia
• Universities:
  • University of Bari Aldo Moro
  • University of Salento

10. Sicilia

• Scholarship: ERSU (Regional Office for Student Support)
• Universities:
  • University of Catania

11. Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Scholarship: ARDIS Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Universities:
  • University of Trieste

Also Check: Italian Government Scholarships for International Students

Step 5: Apply for Need-Based Scholarship

These scholarships are for students whose family income is less than €30,000 per year.
You will need to prepare some documents from your country, such as:

• No property certificate
• Salary certificate

All documents must be attested by the relevant authority in your country.

Also Check: Think Big Scholarships for BS & MS at the University of Bristol, UK

What You Get

These scholarships usually provide:

• Free education
• Free food
• Free accommodation
• A stipend

If your family income is below €30,000, your chances of getting selected are very high.

Also Check: Malaysia International Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)