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10 Italy Study Abroad Scholarships That Will Pay for More Than Pizza
There’s nothing as beautiful as free money. And if scholarships to study in Italy existed back when Michelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel, we’re sure he would have included a few scholarships alongside the frescoes of happy little cherubs.
One of the useful tips for studying abroad in Italy is to have plenty of savings in store to thoroughly enjoy every nook and cranny of the beloved, romantic land. Why? Well, there’s a popular Italian saying that goes avere le Braccine Corte, which translates to “to have short arms”. In other words, if you’re so stingy that you can’t reach your pockets, you’ll find your poor arms the target of many Italian whispers.
So, if you’ve chosen to study at one of Italy’s many renowned, centuries-old institutions, the next step is to save as much as you can! While fundraising and part-time gigs can get you some pretty comfortable sums, scholarships for studying abroad in Italy will pad that bank account faster than you can say mamma mia.
Don’t stinge by during one of your life’s most memorable experiences! Save enough euros to afford all the mouth-watering pizza and gelato you can dream of with these amazing Italy study abroad scholarships.
10 scholarships for study abroad in Italy
These scholarships to study abroad in Italy will give you plenty of coins to toss into Rome’s Trevi Fountain to meet your future soulmate.
1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) Grant
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) believes there are tons of convincing reasons why one should study abroad in Italy! That’s why they offer grants to a huge spectrum of foreign citizens pursuing higher education in Italy. Whether you’re a graduate or PhD student, are taking courses of higher education in arts, music, and dance, want to conduct research, or are studying the most romantic language on Earth, you’ll have the opportunity to secure funding through the MAECI grant.
- How much? 900 euros/month
- Offered? 3 – 9 months (depends on course of study)
- Deadline: Summer 2020 for 2020-2021 academic year
2. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
This nationally competitive program is lovingly backed by the U.S. Department of State in an effort to provide students of limited financial means amazing opportunities to both study and intern abroad. In order to support students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad, the Gilman program grants over 2,900 scholarships of up to $5,000 each. Eligible destination countries are those with a low Travel Advisory Level, which means that the Italy-philes of the study abroad bunch are more than encouraged to apply.
- How much? Up to $5000
- Offered? Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, or Academic Year
- Deadline: March 3, 2020 for Cycle 2
3. USAC Scholarships
USAC is well known for its affordable study abroad programs, but did you know it also offers a vast array of funding options, too? Specifically, USAC offers its students two top-notch scholarships to study in Italy: the Janice Proctor Memorial Scholarship and the Frank and Carol Nota Scholarship. While you need to be participating in the Torino program in Fall for the former, the latter is open to students studying anywhere in Italy in the Summer or Spring! If you still haven’t made a final decision on which program provider to choose, then USAC is a solid option for those sold on Italy.
- How much? Varies
- Offered? Spring, Summer, Fall
- Deadline: March 2020 for Summer/Fall 2020 (exact deadline TBA)
4. The Ashley Soulé Conroy Foundation Scholarship
The Ashley Soulé Conroy Foundation (Ashley’s Foundation) has its roots in 2006, after the curious, young Ashley’s life was cut short just a month into her study abroad trip in India. Her family then set up this foundation to honor her life and Ashley’s love for travel. Ashley’s Foundation now grants scholarships to a few students from around the United States planning to study abroad. While students aiming to study abroad can choose any country to receive funding, this is definitely a great pick among study abroad in Italy scholarships!
- How much? $4,000
- Offered? Spring, Fall
- Deadline: October 1 for Spring, June 1 for Fall
5. Fund for Education Abroad
The Fund for Education Abroad has awarded hundreds of students with well over a million dollars in funding to realize their dreams of studying abroad. While all eager participants are encouraged to apply, applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups, such as first generation, minority, or community college students are given preference. By submitting one online application, you’re entered into consideration for a ton of other affiliated scholarships, so you can increase your chances of saying ciao bella to some funds even more!
- How much? $1,250 – $10,000
- Offered? Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, or Academic Year
- Deadline: TBA
6. ItaliaRail’s Italy Study Abroad Scholarship
When in Rome, you take the train. That’s why Italy’s railway company, ItaliaRail, offers scholarships, plus a 3-day rail pass to the selected applicants. Of course, you don’t have to just be studying abroad in Rome to qualify. ItaliaRail’s Italy Scholarship is open to students enrolled in one of their university’s credit-granting programs in Italy. If you love Italy just as much as these guys do, then show it off for a chance to win some extra change.
- How much? $1,000
- Offered? Fall
- Deadline: Summer 2020
7. National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Scholarship
While not your traditional study abroad scholarship per say, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Scholarship still combines some of our favorite things: Italy and free money. Scholarship recipients receive a year of support to help cover tuition and housing costs. You do need to be an NIAF member or have a parent, grandparent, or guardian with an active membership, however. If you don’t have membership, but have Italian ancestry, consider getting the student membership for a chance to apply to this great scholarship!
- How much? $2,500 – $12,000
- Offered? Academic Year
- Deadline: March 1, 2020
8. Scott’s Cheap Flights Scholarship
For those always on the hunt for cheap ways to travel, you may have heard of Scott’s Cheap Flights, which blasts out alert emails with airfare deals as soon as they become available. If you’re a full-time student (both undergrad or grad!) planning to study abroad anytime during the year, then you’re eligible to apply! Simply submit an essay explaining why it’s Italia or bust, and you’re well on your way to one thousand extra dollars.
- How much? $1,000
- Offered? Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, or Academic Year
- Deadline: TBA 2020
9. Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Italy
Like the Gilman Scholarship, the Fulbright Program gets its funding straight from the U.S. Department of State. What does this mean for you? Well, basically tons of prestige and a shiny new resume addition. Fulbright Italy provides grants to either conduct research or teach English abroad. However, it’s important to note that you must have a bachelor’s degree in hand before departure. If you’re looking to become a grantee, apply early, because deadlines are almost an entire year before departure!
- How much? Varies
- Offered? Academic Year
- Deadline: TBA 2020
10. API Abroad Scholarships
Those going abroad through API have the chance to apply for a range of Italy study abroad scholarships, ranging from $250 to $1,000 per award. Because API grants about $500,000 in scholarship funds annually, there are plenty of opportunities to get your own!
The API-JCU Diversity Scholarship, for example, is open to diverse API students enrolled in the John Cabot University Program in Rome, Italy. Don’t match the diversity criteria, but still interested in the Rome program? Simply by applying early, participants can get a tuition deduction through the API-JCU Early Bird Scholarship. Additionally, you can apply to the Lauren Lund Memorial Scholarship for a chance at full tuition covered during the spring semester.
- How much? Varies
- Offered? Fall, Spring, or Summer
- Deadline: Varies
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Get those essays ready for Italy study abroad scholarships!
Let’s review what’s at stake.
Hm…some world heritage relics from the Roman Empire, real gelato (like the most authentic you can get), mouth-watering pizza baked to a crispy perfection, and of course the lifetime memories and unforgettable experiences.
If that seems like a pretty short list, that’s because you haven’t gone off to Italy to add to it yet! So, start that scholarship application process early and read up on some pro tips to craft the best study abroad scholarship applications.
Even if you aren’t planning to head off for at least another year, scholarship deadlines creep up much sooner than you would expect. If studying abroad is even something remotely in your realm of crazy college dream possibilities, then pull yourself together, amico mio, because you got some researchin’ to do!
