If you are a student from Kenya and want to study in Italy, there are several scholarship routes worth checking. The most realistic options are Italian government scholarships, university fee waivers or merit awards, Erasmus Mundus programmes, and a few regional or outside scholarships. Rules change often, so always check the official source for the current call.
Main scholarship routes
These are the options many Kenyan students look at first. Some fund a full degree, while others only reduce fees or living costs.
- Italian government scholarships - usually for master's degree, PhD, research, and some Italian language or cultural courses.
- University scholarships - fee waivers, merit awards, or tuition discounts from the university itself.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - international master's programmes with strong funding, but very competitive.
- Regional benefits and grants - sometimes based on income, study level, or academic merit.
Use the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site for government scholarships, the university's admissions and scholarships page for institutional awards, and the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue for joint master's programmes.
Italian government scholarships
The main national programme is usually the MAECI scholarship, offered by the Italian government through embassies and consulates. It is one of the best-known routes for international students, including students from Kenya.
- What it may cover: a monthly grant, sometimes health insurance support, and in some calls a tuition contribution.
- Who can apply: often master's, PhD, research, or advanced study applicants. Some calls also include Italian language study.
- Typical requirements: a degree that fits the programme level, good academic records, passport, CV, motivation letter, and proof of language ability if the programme asks for it.
- When it opens: usually once a year, often in spring or early summer, with results later in the year. Check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship page and the Italian Embassy or Consulate in Kenya.
Some calls ask for an admission offer from an Italian university, while others let you apply before admission and then prove acceptance later. Read the current rules carefully.
University waivers and merit awards
Many Italian universities offer their own funding. These awards are often easier to understand than national programmes, but they can still be competitive. They are usually tied to a specific university and programme.
- Tuition waivers: reduce or remove university fees.
- Merit scholarships: reward strong grades, test scores, or a strong application file.
- Need-based support: in some cases, depends on family income or financial documents.
- Housing or meal support: sometimes included, but not always.
Typical requirements include transcripts, degree certificates, a motivation letter, English or Italian proof, and sometimes recommendation letters. Some universities also want a ranked list of achievements, portfolio, or proof of income.
Deadlines are different from one university to another. Many open at the same time as admission rounds, and some are automatic if you apply for admission by a certain date. Always check the programme page and the scholarship page of the university you want.
Erasmus Mundus joint master's
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest options if you want a fully international master's degree in Europe. Many programmes include study in more than one country, and some have generous scholarships for top applicants.
- What it may cover: tuition, travel, installation costs, and a monthly living allowance, depending on the programme.
- Who can apply: usually bachelor's degree holders or final-year students who will finish before enrolment.
- Typical requirements: strong transcripts, CV, motivation letter, passport, references, and language proof. Some programmes also ask for work experience or subject-specific documents.
- When it opens: many programmes open between autumn and early winter for the next academic year. Deadlines vary by programme, so check the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and each programme website.
Because this route is highly competitive, your file should be complete and clear. Strong grades help, but so do relevant projects, internships, language skills, and a focused motivation letter.
Other funding you may see
Depending on the university and region, you may also find support from Italian regions, foundations, or partner organisations. These are worth checking, but they are not always open to every programme or every nationality.
- Regional study aid: sometimes based on family income and academic progress.
- Foundation grants: may support specific subjects such as engineering, design, or economics.
- External scholarships: offered by international organisations, charities, or companies.
For these, the official source matters most. Read the scholarship's own site and the university notice that mentions it. Do not rely on old social media posts or second-hand advice.
What a strong application usually looks like
Scholarship providers want to see that you are ready to study and can follow the rules. A good profile does not guarantee funding, but it can make you easier to shortlist.
- Academic documents: transcripts, degree certificates, and grading explanation if your school uses a different system.
- Language proof: IELTS, TOEFL, Italian certificate, or another test named in the call.
- Clear motivation: a short letter that explains your subject choice, goals, and why Italy.
- CV: education, projects, internships, volunteer work, and awards.
- Passport and ID: keep them valid and ready to upload.
- Extra evidence: portfolio, research sample, recommendation letters, or proof of income if asked.
For Kenyan students, it also helps to check how your documents should be legalised, translated, or recognised for Italian study. The university admissions page and the Italian embassy or consulate are the best places to confirm this.
How to time your search
Most scholarship searches work best when you start early. Many students look too late and miss the documents or the deadline.
- Start 6 to 12 months before your planned start date.
- Check the university admissions page first, then the scholarship page.
- Watch for calls from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in spring or early summer.
- Look at Erasmus Mundus programmes in autumn and winter.
- Prepare one strong document set that you can reuse and adjust for each call.
Keep all files in PDF form if possible, and name them clearly. This makes it faster to apply when a call opens.
Common questions
Can I get a full scholarship in Italy from Kenya?
Yes, it is possible, but it is competitive. Erasmus Mundus and some government or university awards can cover a lot, while many university grants only reduce fees.
Do I need admission before I apply for a scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some need an admission offer first, while others let you apply for funding and admission in parallel. Always check the official call.
What should I prepare first?
Start with your transcripts, degree certificate, passport, CV, and language proof. Then prepare a short motivation letter that you can adapt for each scholarship.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.