Several public universities in Italy allow Indian students to study with little or no tuition fees through income-based reductions and regional scholarships. Universities such as the University of Bologna, University of Padua, University of Turin, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, University of Pisa, University of Pavia and University of Trento offer tuition waivers that can reduce annual fees to €0–€500. Most students apply through regional scholarships like EDISU, ER.GO or DSU to access tuition-free education in Italy.
Italy is one of the few European countries where Indian students can study at public universities with very low or almost zero tuition fees. While Italy does not officially call its universities “tuition-free,” many public institutions offer full tuition waivers through income-based reductions and regional scholarships. In practice, thousands of Indian students study in Italy every year paying €0–€500 per year in tuition.
This guide focuses on specific public universities in Italy where Indian students can study at almost no cost in 2026, along with how these fee waivers work.
How “Tuition-Free” Study Works in Italy
Italian public universities follow an income-based fee system instead of fixed tuition.
Indian students can get full or near-full fee waivers through:
- Regional scholarships (EDISU, ER.GO, DSU, LazioDisco)
- University merit-based fee exemptions
- ISEE Parificato (income evaluation for non-EU students)
If approved, tuition can drop from €2,000–€4,000 to €0–€500 per year.
Top Tuition-Free Public Universities in Italy for Indian Students (2026)
1. University of Bologna
Location: Bologna
The University of Bologna is one of the best public universities in Italy for Indian students seeking tuition-free education.
Why Bologna is tuition-free for many Indian students:
- Eligible for ER.GO regional scholarship
- Full tuition waiver for low-income non-EU students
- English-taught programs in business, engineering, computer science
Typical fees after waiver: €0–€500 per year
2. University of Padua
Location: Padua
Padua is among the most popular universities in Italy for Indian students due to generous scholarships.
Fee benefits:
- Access to Veneto regional scholarships
- Income-based tuition exemptions
- Low living costs compared to Milan or Rome
Popular courses: Medicine, Biotechnology, Engineering, Psychology
Fees after scholarship: €0–€600 per year
3. University of Turin
Location: Turin
The University of Turin offers one of the best tuition-free study options through the EDISU Piemonte scholarship.
Why Indian students choose Turin:
- EDISU covers tuition, accommodation and meals
- Strong English-taught master’s programs
- Affordable city for students
Fees after waiver: €0
4. Sapienza University of Rome
Location: Rome
Sapienza provides full tuition exemptions for eligible non-EU students.
Scholarship advantage:
- LazioDisco regional scholarship
- Income-based fee reductions
- Many English-taught programs
Popular fields: Engineering, Economics, Humanities, Data Science
Fees after waiver: €0–€500
5. University of Milan
Location: Milan
Despite being in an expensive city, the University of Milan allows Indian students to study almost tuition-free.
Fee structure:
- Income-based tuition reduction
- Regional Lombardy scholarship
- Fee exemptions for low-income students
Fees after waiver: €0–€700 per year
6. University of Pisa
Location: Pisa
Pisa is well-known for science, engineering and mathematics and offers tuition waivers to international students.
Why Pisa is affordable:
- Tuscany regional scholarship (DSU Toscana)
- Very low rent compared to Milan or Rome
Fees after waiver: €0–€500
7. University of Pavia
Location: Pavia
Pavia offers excellent value for Indian students looking for near-free education.
Key benefits:
- Regional scholarship eligibility
- Low cost of living
- Strong programs in medicine and sciences
Fees after waiver: €0–€600
8. University of Trento
Location: Trento
The University of Trento is known for its international focus and generous fee waivers.
Why Trento stands out:
- Automatic fee reduction for non-EU students
- Strong engineering and computer science programs
Fees after waiver: €0–€500
Universities Where Fees Are Almost Zero After Scholarships
| University | Typical Fees After Waiver |
| University of Turin | €0 |
| University of Bologna | €0–€500 |
| University of Padua | €0–€600 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | €0–€500 |
| University of Milan | €0–€700 |
| University of Pisa | €0–€500 |
| University of Pavia | €0–€600 |
| University of Trento | €0–€500 |
Important Note for Indian Students
To study tuition-free in Italy, Indian students must:
- Apply for regional scholarships every year
- Submit family income documents translated and legalized
- Meet minimum academic progress requirements
Missing the scholarship deadline means paying standard tuition.
Conclusion
Italy offers one of the best tuition-free study opportunities in Europe for Indian students. Public universities such as Bologna, Padua, Turin, Milan and Sapienza allow students to reduce tuition fees to almost zero through regional scholarships and income-based waivers. With globally recognised degrees, English-taught programs and affordable living costs, Italy stands out as a top destination for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2026.
Read related blogs:
- University of Turin: Acceptance Rate, Admission, Courses & Scholarships
- University of Milan: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admission Guide
- Sapienza University of Rome: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, and Courses
- Cost of Living in Italy for International Students
- University of Bologna: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, and Courses
- Master’s in Italy for Indian Students: Programs, Costs, Scholarships & Admission Guide
- Universities in Italy That Accept International Students Without IELTS
- Top 10 Universities in Italy for International Students
- Intakes in Italy for International Students 2025–2026
- Top 10 Public Universities in Italy for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Indian students study in Italy for free?
Yes. Through regional scholarships and income-based fee waivers, many Indian students study at Italian public universities with zero tuition fees.
2. Which Italian university is best for tuition-free education?
University of Turin, University of Bologna and University of Padua are among the best options for tuition-free study.
3. Are these universities fully public?
Yes. All listed universities are public universities funded by the Italian government.
4. Do these universities offer English-taught programs?
Yes. Most offer English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, especially in STEM and business.
5. Is IELTS mandatory for tuition-free universities in Italy?
No. Many universities accept alternatives like Duolingo or proof of English-medium education.
6. Are Italian public universities really tuition-free for Indian students?
Yes. While not officially free, public universities in Italy offer income-based waivers and regional scholarships that reduce tuition to €0–€500 per year.
7. Which Italian public universities offer zero tuition fees for Indian students?
University of Turin, University of Bologna, University of Padua, Sapienza University of Rome and University of Pisa commonly offer zero or near-zero tuition after scholarships.
8. What documents are required to get tuition waivers in Italy?
Indian students must submit family income certificates, property statements, bank details and translated, legalized documents for ISEE evaluation.
9. Do tuition-free universities in Italy offer English-taught programs?
Yes. Most public universities offer English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs in engineering, business, data science and life sciences.
10. Is there a minimum income requirement to qualify for fee waivers?
Yes. Students from lower-income households have higher chances of receiving full tuition waivers through regional scholarships.
11. Are tuition waivers available every year or only in the first year?
Tuition waivers are awarded annually. Students must reapply and maintain academic progress to continue receiving benefits.
12. Do Indian students need an offer letter before applying for scholarships?
Yes. Most regional scholarships require students to have an admission offer from an Italian public university.
13. Can Indian students lose their tuition-free status?
Yes. Failure to meet academic credit requirements or missing scholarship deadlines can result in loss of fee waivers.
14. Are tuition-free universities in Italy good for job opportunities?
Yes. Degrees from Italian public universities are globally recognised and provide access to job markets across Europe.
15. Which Italian city is best for tuition-free study and low living costs?
Turin, Padua, Pisa and Trento offer the best balance of tuition-free education and affordable living for Indian students.