If you are from Brazil and want to study in Italy, you can realistically compete for several funding options. The main ones are government scholarships, university fee waivers or merit awards, and Erasmus Mundus programmes. None is automatic, so a strong profile and full documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship routes
Most Brazilian students look at these options first:
- Italian government scholarships - usually for short study, master’s, research, or language and culture courses. Check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian embassy or consulate in Brazil for the current call.
- University scholarships and fee waivers - many Italian universities offer tuition reductions, merit awards, or full tuition waivers. Check the university admissions page and the financial aid page for each programme.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - international master’s programmes with scholarships funded by the EU. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page and each programme website.
- Regional right-to-study aid - some students can get support based on family income and academic status. Rules and documents vary by region, so always check the regional authority and the university's student support office.
These options are different. Some pay tuition only. Some also give a living allowance. Some are only for certain degree levels or subjects.
Government scholarships
Italian government scholarships are a common path for international students. They are usually competitive and often aimed at master’s study, PhD research, or short courses. The official source is the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, plus the Italian diplomatic mission in Brazil.
What they usually ask for:
- Proof of Brazilian nationality
- Academic records and degree certificates
- Italian or English language proof, depending on the course
- A motivation letter or study plan
- Sometimes age limits or subject-specific rules
When they open: often once a year, usually in the first half of the year for the next academic cycle, but the timing can change. Check the official call and the embassy page. Do not rely on old social media posts.
University waivers and merit awards
Many universities in Italy offer their own support. This can be a full or partial tuition waiver, a merit scholarship, or a discount for top applicants. Some awards are automatic when you apply. Others need a separate form.
What they usually ask for:
- Strong grades
- A complete application for the degree programme
- CV and motivation letter
- Language proof, usually English for many international programmes
- Sometimes a portfolio for art, design, or architecture
When they open: often around the same time as the degree application, but some universities open scholarship calls earlier or later. Check the programme page, not only the main university homepage. Deadlines can be different for each faculty and each intake.
These awards are realistic if you have a strong academic record and apply early. They are less about need and more about merit, although some universities combine both ideas.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known international options for master’s students. These programmes are run by university consortia, often with study in more than one country. Some include a period in Italy. The scholarship is usually very competitive.
What they usually ask for:
- A completed bachelor’s degree or proof you will finish soon
- Good grades
- English language proof, and sometimes another language
- CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and transcripts
- Sometimes work experience, project experience, or relevant study background
When they open: many calls open in autumn and close in winter or early spring for the next academic year, but each programme has its own calendar. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme website and the specific joint master page.
If you want this route, start early. These programmes often ask for several documents, and some need certified translations.
Other funding and real-world tips
Besides the main routes, some students use a mix of support:
- Regional tuition support or housing support
- University fee reductions for early applicants
- Exemption from part of the tuition based on income documents
- External scholarships from Brazilian institutions, foundations, or private sponsors
A few practical points matter a lot:
- Check whether the scholarship is for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD level
- Check language rules. Many programmes in Italy are in English, but some are in Italian
- Check if you need document legalization or an apostille
- Check whether your transcripts need translation into Italian or English
- Check the visa rules with the Italian national immigration or consular authority, because funding proof can matter for your visa file
A strong application is not only about grades. It is also about having the right documents ready on time.
How to make your profile stronger
Scholarship committees and admissions teams want a clear picture of you. A complete profile helps them understand if you fit the course and if you are worth funding.
Useful documents often include:
- Passport or ID
- Degree certificate or current enrolment proof
- Official transcripts
- English or Italian language proof
- CV with study, work, and volunteer experience
- Motivation letter or study statement
- Recommendation letters, if asked
- Portfolio, if your field needs one
If your documents are ready, you can apply faster and with fewer mistakes. This also helps if a university wants to contact you first after searching for suitable candidates.
Common questions
Can a student from Brazil get a full scholarship in Italy?
Yes, sometimes. But full scholarships are competitive. They are more common in some master’s and research programmes than in undergraduate study. Always check the official programme page and the scholarship rules.
Do I need Italian to apply?
Not always. Many master’s programmes and some scholarships are in English. But if the course is in Italian, or if the scholarship rules ask for it, you will need Italian proof. Check the exact language requirement for each programme.
When should I start looking?
Start at least 6 to 12 months before the intake. Many calls open months before classes begin, and some need time for translations, apostilles, or language tests. Early preparation gives you more choices.
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.