If you are a student from Japan and want to study in Italy, you can compete for several kinds of funding. The main options are government or regional grants, university fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus scholarships for joint master's degrees. The exact rules change by programme, so always check the official source before you apply.
Main scholarship types
For students from Japan, the most realistic options are usually these:
- Italian government or regional scholarships - These are often for degree students and may cover part of the living cost, tuition, or both.
- University scholarships and fee waivers - Many Italian universities offer merit awards, tuition reductions, or full fee waivers for international students.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - These are competitive international master's programmes with scholarships attached to selected students.
- External awards - Some foundations, companies, or Japanese institutions may support study abroad, but the rules are separate from the university.
Eligibility often depends on your degree level, grades, language profile, and financial documents. Some awards are open to all non-EU students, while others are open to all nationalities, including Japanese applicants.
Government and regional programmes
Italy has scholarship schemes that are managed at national or regional level. In some years, these programmes are open to international students for bachelor's, master's, or PhD study. The official source is the scholarship or regional authority website, not social media or old forum posts.
These awards often ask for:
- a valid admission offer or proof that you have applied
- passport details
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- proof of language ability, if the programme asks for it
- financial documents, especially for need-based support
Many of these schemes open before or around the time university applications open. Some open in spring or early summer for the next academic year, but timing can vary a lot by region and programme. Check the official scholarship page each year.
University scholarships and fee waivers
University awards are often the easiest place to look first. Many Italian universities publish merit scholarships, tuition reductions, or automatic fee waivers for high-achieving international students. These are usually tied to a specific degree programme, so you should always read the programme page and the admissions page together.
What they usually require:
- good grades in your previous study
- complete application documents
- an essay or motivation letter
- sometimes a CV or portfolio
- proof of English or Italian, depending on the course language
Some waivers are automatic if you are admitted with a strong academic record. Others need a separate scholarship application after you apply for admission. Deadlines are often earlier than the main enrolment deadline, so do not wait until the last minute.
Erasmus Mundus and other joint master's
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest options for master’s students who want to study in Europe, including Italy. These programmes are run by consortia of universities, and the scholarship is usually connected to the selected master’s programme. Students from Japan can apply if they meet the programme rules.
These applications usually ask for:
- a recognised bachelor's degree or expected graduation
- transcripts and degree certificate
- CV
- motivation letter
- references or recommendation letters
- language proof, often English
Calls for applications often open in autumn and winter for programmes starting the next academic year, but each consortium sets its own schedule. Check the official Erasmus Mundus page and the programme website for the exact date and document list.
What makes a strong application
A strong profile helps because many scholarships are competitive. You usually improve your chances by showing a clear study plan, good grades, and complete documents that match the programme.
- Keep your transcripts clear and easy to read.
- Upload your passport and degree documents early if they are ready.
- Write a short, specific motivation letter.
- Show your English level or Italian level if you already have proof.
- Include a CV that matches the field you want to study.
If a programme asks for portfolio work, research experience, or awards, include them in a neat way. Admissions teams and scholarship panels usually prefer a complete file over a rushed one with missing items.
How to plan your timing
Start early. For many Italian scholarships, you may need to apply for admission first, or at least in parallel with the scholarship form. Some awards close before university admissions finish, while others open after you receive an offer.
A simple plan is:
- 6 to 12 months before start - research programmes and language needs
- 4 to 8 months before start - prepare documents and apply for admission
- 3 to 6 months before start - check scholarship openings and submit applications
- after selection - follow the university and immigration steps on the official pages
For visa and residence rules, use the Italian national immigration authority and the Italian embassy or consulate in Japan. Scholarship money does not replace visa requirements.
Common questions
Can students from Japan apply for Italy scholarships?
Yes, many Italian scholarships are open to Japanese students. Some are open to all nationalities, while others focus on non-EU students. Always check the eligibility rules on the official page.
Do I need Italian language to get a scholarship?
Not always. Many master's programmes and some scholarships accept English. Some programmes need Italian, especially at bachelor level or in fields taught in Italian. Check the programme page for the language rule.
Should I apply for admission and scholarship at the same time?
Often yes, but not always. Some scholarships need proof that you applied to a programme, while others ask for a full admission offer first. Read both deadlines carefully on the university or scholarship website.
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.