If you are from Vietnam and want to study in Italy, there are several scholarship routes you can realistically check. The main options are Italian government scholarships, university fee waivers and merit awards, Erasmus Mundus joint master scholarships, and some regional or external grants. Most are competitive, and you should always check the official source for the current rules, dates, and document list.
Main scholarship routes
The most common choices for students from Vietnam are:
- Italian government scholarships - usually for study, research, or language and culture courses. The official source is the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, often through the Italian embassy or consulate pages.
- University scholarships - fee waivers, tuition reductions, or merit awards offered by each university. Check the university's admissions or scholarships page.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - international master's programmes with scholarships funded by the EU and partner universities. Check the official programme page.
- Regional support - some Italian regions and student agencies offer grants, housing support, or fee help. Check the regional student authority or university site.
You may also find private foundations or subject-specific awards, but these change often and are usually smaller. Do not rely on any third-party list alone. Always confirm on the official call for applications.
Italian government scholarships
These scholarships are usually open once a year and often have a fixed application window in spring or early summer. They can support master's study, PhD research, and in some cases short language or research stays. The exact eligible countries, age limits, and study levels can change from year to year, so check the current call on the ministry site or the Italian embassy in Vietnam.
- Usually asked for: passport, academic transcripts, degree certificate or expected graduation letter, CV, motivation letter, and language proof if required.
- Sometimes asked for: admission letter from an Italian institution, project proposal, or supervisor contact for research stays.
- Language: some calls accept English-taught programmes, while others expect Italian or a plan to study Italian.
These scholarships are competitive. A strong academic record helps, but it is not enough on its own. Read the instructions carefully, because missing one document can make your application invalid.
University fee waivers and merit awards
Many Italian universities offer their own support for international students. This can be a partial or full tuition waiver, a tuition reduction, or a merit scholarship with a cash amount. The rules are different at each university, and the deadline is often tied to the programme application deadline or a separate scholarship round.
What universities often look at:
- Your grades and degree relevance
- English or Italian language level
- Motivation and fit with the programme
- Sometimes family income documents, especially for need-based support
Check the university's official admissions page and scholarship page. Some universities ask for a separate scholarship application, while others automatically consider you when you apply for admission. In many cases, you must first apply to the programme, then submit scholarship documents later.
Erasmus Mundus joint masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the most realistic international scholarship routes if you want a master's degree in Europe and can meet the academic profile. Many Erasmus Mundus programmes include full tuition support and a monthly living allowance, but the programme must accept you first. Selection is based on the programme's own rules, and competition is strong.
- Usually asked for: bachelor degree or proof you will finish soon, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, passport copy, and language proof.
- Often useful: clear study plan, matching academic background, and experience related to the master's topic.
- Timing: many calls open in autumn and close between winter and early spring, but each programme is different.
Use the official programme website only. Some programmes have one application for both admission and scholarship, while others use separate steps. If the programme says you can apply for a scholarship, follow its document rules exactly.
Other support you can check
If you do not get a full scholarship, you may still lower costs with other forms of support. These are not guaranteed, but they can make study in Italy more possible.
- Need-based regional aid: may help with tuition, housing, meals, or grants. Check the regional student agency or university student services.
- Tuition reductions: some universities have reduced fees for high-performing international students.
- Housing support: some universities offer dorm priority or housing grants, often separate from scholarship money.
- External grants: some organisations in Vietnam or abroad offer subject-based support, but you must verify the source carefully.
Be careful with websites that promise easy funding. Real scholarships usually have strict rules, and they ask for original documents or certified copies. If a scheme looks unclear, check the official university, ministry, or scholarship website before you apply.
How to prepare a strong application
A strong profile does not guarantee funding, but it can help you compete. Most scholarship reviewers want to see that you can follow the programme, finish on time, and use the scholarship well.
- Keep documents ready: passport, degree or expected graduation letter, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and language test results if you have them.
- Match your documents to the programme: use the same name, degree title, and dates everywhere.
- Show fit: explain why Italy, why this programme, and how it connects to your studies or career.
- Proofread carefully: short, clear writing is better than long, unclear text.
If your documents are not ready yet, start early. Some scholarships need certified translations, notarised copies, or scans in a specific format. The official call will say what is accepted.
When scholarships usually open
There is no single calendar for all scholarships in Italy, but these patterns are common:
- Government scholarships: often open in spring or early summer.
- University master's scholarships: often open with the programme application or a little later, often from autumn to spring.
- Erasmus Mundus: many programmes open in autumn and close in winter or early spring.
- Regional aid: often follows the academic year and may open after admission.
Always check the current call for the exact year. Deadlines can change, and some programmes close earlier if the quota is filled.
Common questions
Can I get a scholarship without an admission letter?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some scholarships need an offer first, while others let you apply before admission. Read the official rules for each programme.
Do I need Italian to study in Italy with a scholarship?
Not always. Many scholarships support English-taught programmes, but some require Italian or prefer it. Check the language requirement on the programme page and the scholarship call.
Are full scholarships common?
Full scholarships exist, but they are competitive. Many students get partial support, fee waivers, or a mix of grants. Apply to several official options at the same time.
How Eduuro helps
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