If you are from Indonesia and want to study in Italy, there are several scholarship routes you can realistically compete for. The best-known ones are government or regional awards, university fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus joint master's scholarships. Most of them ask for good grades, proof of language ability, and clear documents, so preparation matters a lot.
Main scholarship paths in Italy
There is no single scholarship for every student. In Italy, funding usually comes from a few different places.
- Italian government scholarships - check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, often called MAECI.
- Regional or university scholarships - check the university admissions page and the regional right-to-study office, often called DSU or ERSU depending on the region.
- Erasmus Mundus - check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page and each joint master's page.
- University fee waivers and merit awards - check each university's scholarship page and programme page.
These options are competitive, but they are open to international students, including applicants from Indonesia. Some are based on merit, some on financial need, and some use both.
Italian government scholarships
The Italian government scholarship programme is one of the main national routes for international students. It is usually for master's degrees, PhD study, research projects, and sometimes Italian language and culture courses.
- What they usually want: a completed application, passport, study plan, academic records, and sometimes proof of language skills.
- Who can compete: non-Italian students living outside Italy, including students from Indonesia.
- Selection style: academic profile, study project, and fit with the programme.
- When they usually open: often once a year, commonly in spring or early summer, but dates change each cycle.
Always check the official MAECI scholarship notice for the current year. That page is the source that matters for dates, eligible countries, and exact requirements.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many Italian universities offer their own scholarships. These can be full or partial tuition waivers, merit awards, housing support, or cash grants. Some are automatic if you are admitted with strong grades, while others need a separate application.
- What they usually want: strong academic results, CV, motivation letter, diploma or transcript, and sometimes a portfolio for art or design.
- Language proof: English-taught programmes may ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test. Italian-taught programmes may ask for Italian language proof.
- When they usually open: often around the same time as admissions, with deadlines linked to the programme application or soon after.
- Where to check: the university admissions page and the programme page, because each university sets its own rules.
These scholarships are realistic if you have a solid academic record and a focused application. A clear reason for choosing the course helps a lot.
Regional aid and need-based support
Italy also has regional right-to-study support. This is different from a merit scholarship. It is usually based on family income and can include tuition reductions, meal support, housing, or a cash benefit.
- What they usually want: income documents, family documents, translations, and sometimes legalisation or apostille, depending on the region and the year.
- Who can apply: many international students, if they meet the rules for the specific region and university.
- When they usually open: often after admission offers start, and before or near the start of the academic year.
- Where to check: the regional scholarship office or university student support page.
This route can be very helpful, but the paperwork can take time. Start early if you think you may qualify.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are among the strongest scholarship options for international students. They are for joint master's programmes run by several European universities, and they often cover tuition, travel, and living costs. They are very competitive, so your documents need to be strong.
- What they usually want: bachelor transcript, diploma or proof of graduation, CV, motivation letter, references, and language proof.
- Selection style: academic strength, motivation, relevance of your background, and sometimes international experience.
- When they usually open: often from autumn to early winter for the next academic year, but each consortium sets its own timeline.
- Where to check: the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and the programme's own website.
If your grades are strong and your study plan is clear, this can be a very good option. Read each programme page carefully, because the course structure and documents differ from one master to another.
What a strong application usually includes
Most scholarship committees want the same basic things. If your documents are complete and easy to understand, you make their job easier and your profile stronger.
- Academic documents: diploma, transcript, and sometimes an explanation of your grading system.
- Language proof: English or Italian test results, if required.
- Motivation letter: short, focused, and linked to the exact programme.
- CV: clean format with education, projects, internships, and language skills.
- Recommendation letters: if the scholarship asks for them.
- Extra evidence: portfolio, research proposal, or work experience if relevant.
For many scholarships, your profile is stronger when your documents match the course. For example, a public policy master's may want research or volunteering, while an engineering course may value technical projects. Use the programme page as your guide.
When to start and how to prepare
Do not wait for the final deadline. Many students lose opportunities because they need time for transcripts, translations, or language tests.
- Start checking options 8 to 12 months before you want to begin study.
- Make a shortlist of universities and scholarship pages.
- Prepare scanned copies of your diploma, transcript, passport, and test scores.
- Check whether documents need official translation, notarisation, or apostille.
- Watch the university admissions page and the scholarship's own site for the current year's dates.
For Italy, timing matters because some scholarships are tied to admission rounds. If you miss the first round, you may miss the funding too.
Common questions
Can students from Indonesia apply for scholarships in Italy?
Yes. Many Italian scholarships are open to international students, including applicants from Indonesia. The exact rules depend on the scholarship, so always check the official page.
Do I need Italian to get a scholarship?
Not always. Many master's programmes are taught in English and accept English test results. Some scholarships or regional benefits may still ask for Italian documents or basic Italian if the course is in Italian.
Is a full scholarship guaranteed if I have good grades?
No. Good grades help, but they do not guarantee funding. Committees also look at your documents, motivation, language level, and how well your profile fits the programme.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level, and documents, so you are ready for scholarship and admission searches. 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.