Studying in Italy has become an increasingly popular choice for international students, thanks to the country’s world class universities, rich cultural heritage, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other parts of Western Europe. Among Italy’s top institutions, Sapienza University of Rome stands out as one of the most prestigious choices for students from around the world.
Founded in 1303, Sapienza University of Rome is one of the oldest universities in the world and currently welcomes students from more than 100 countries. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and postgraduate programs across nearly every academic discipline.
What makes Sapienza especially attractive to international applicants is the sheer range of financial support available. Rather than offering a single scholarship program, the university provides multiple funding streams designed for different student needs, including merit based scholarships, study abroad funding, accommodation support, research scholarships, reimbursements, and welfare programs.
This guide breaks down every major scholarship and funding opportunity currently listed by Sapienza University, so you can quickly identify which ones apply to your situation. For more BS, MS,Phd, Postdoc Positions visit here.
Why Consider Sapienza University for Your Studies
Sapienza is not just an old university, it is a large and highly active academic institution with strong international partnerships and a long history of research excellence. For students planning to study in Italy, a few key advantages stand out:
- Centuries of academic tradition combined with modern research facilities
- A wide and diverse international student community
- Multiple funding pathways instead of just one general scholarship
- Support programs that go beyond tuition, including housing, healthcare, and psychological counselling
- Opportunities for research, thesis support, and international mobility
Complete List of Sapienza University Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
Since each opportunity has its own purpose, eligibility requirements, funding amount, and application process, students should always read the official call carefully before applying. Below is a breakdown of the main funding opportunities currently listed on Sapienza’s official website.
1. Scholarships for Students with Care Responsibilities or Vulnerable Circumstances
Sapienza awards 100 scholarships to support students facing care responsibilities or vulnerable life circumstances. Eligible applicants may include parents, caregivers, young caregivers, care leavers, victims of gender based violence, and victims of terrorism or organised crime. Selected students currently receive €1,000 each.
2. Reimbursement for Psychological Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
This program reimburses students for eligible mental health and psychological support services, including counselling, psychotherapy, clinical psychology, psychological assessment, educational and career guidance, psychiatry, and psychopharmacological monitoring by qualified professionals. Eligible students may receive up to €1,000 based on documented expenses.
3. Study Materials Reimbursement
Students can be reimbursed for eligible study materials purchased during the period specified in the official call, up to €500 based on documented expenses.
4. Accommodation at Sapienza University Residences
Sapienza periodically opens calls for free accommodation in university residences. Under the most recent call, at least 35 beds in double rooms were made available free of charge, with the possibility of more places opening up through additional funding sources.
5. IUPALS, Italian Universities for Palestinian Students
IUPALS is a national project coordinated by the Conference of Italian University Rectors together with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of University and Research, and the Consulate General of Italy in Jerusalem. It supports students from the Palestinian Territories who wish to study in Italy. At Sapienza, selected students receive tuition fee exemption, accommodation, meals, and health insurance.
6. Regional Scholarships and Housing through DiscoLazio
Sapienza students may also apply for regional scholarships and housing support administered through DiscoLazio, Lazio’s regional right to study body. Benefits and eligibility are set annually by DiscoLazio.
7. Grants for Rental and Healthcare Costs
Separate calls provide financial support for rental expenses and healthcare costs. The healthcare grant targets eligible out of region students, while the rental grant supports students meeting specific academic, residency, and economic requirements.
8. Scholarships for Polo Universitario Interateneo di Rieti
Sapienza also offers scholarships for students enrolled in eligible programs at the Polo Universitario Interateneo di Rieti. Available places, funding, and eligibility criteria are announced through the official competition.
9. Merit Based Scholarships for Italian and International Students
Sapienza runs merit based competitions such as Don’t Miss Your Chance, aimed at non Italian graduates applying to selected programs, and Wanted the Best, aimed at graduates from other Italian universities enrolling in eligible Master’s programs at Sapienza. Terms change from year to year, so checking the current call is essential.
10. Research and Working Scholarships
Various faculties, departments, and university structures at Sapienza regularly publish research and working scholarship opportunities tied to specific projects or institutional needs. These are listed on the university’s official transparency portal.
11. Italian Erasmus
This national mobility program allows eligible Sapienza students to study in person at another participating Italian university for a period of three to six months.
12. International Thesis Scholarships
This scholarship supports students who need to conduct part of their thesis research abroad. It is open to students in at least the first year of a two year Master’s degree, or in the last or second to last year of a single cycle degree program. Research must be carried out at a foreign university, company, research institution, or international organisation for at least two consecutive months. The current award is €2,821 gross for the approved research period.
13. International Post Degree Scholarship
Aimed at Sapienza graduates wishing to attend advanced courses or post degree training at international institutions, this scholarship lasts between six and twelve months and currently provides €1,290 per month. Selection is based on qualifications and examinations.
14. Scholarships for Study and Training Abroad
These opportunities support students who want to study or complete a traineeship abroad through Erasmus+ and other Sapienza funded international mobility programs. Destinations, funding, and eligibility depend on the specific program chosen.
15. Grants for International and Italian Citizens Living Abroad, Awarded by the Italian Government
Sapienza also shares information on scholarships offered directly by the Italian Government for international students and Italian citizens living abroad, supporting study and training opportunities within Italy.
16. #100ragazzeSTEM Scholarship
This scholarship supports outstanding women studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Full details on eligibility, funding, and the application process are published through the official call.
17. Student Collaboration Scholarships
Open to students beyond their first year, this program allows students to work with university services such as libraries, laboratories, student information centres, and reception services in exchange for financial support. The collaboration involves 150 hours of work and pays €1,295. Students supporting activities for peers with disabilities or specific learning difficulties receive a tax free grant of €1,500.
18. Thesis Awards, Scholarships, and Other Opportunities
Sapienza, along with public institutions and private organisations, regularly publishes thesis awards, research prizes, and other academic opportunities throughout the year. Terms vary by organisation and competition.
19. Scholarships for Specialisation Schools
Sapienza also offers scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in Specialisation Schools, with funding and eligibility determined individually for each call.
20. Sapienza Scholarship Payment Schedule
Scholarship payments follow Sapienza’s administrative calendar throughout the year. According to the official website, payments are paused during December and January due to year end administrative procedures, then resume afterward.
How to Apply for Sapienza University Scholarships
Since each of the opportunities above has its own dedicated call, there is no single application process that covers all of them. However, the general approach looks like this:
- Identify which scholarship or funding opportunity matches your academic level and situation
- Read the official call carefully for eligibility requirements, deadlines, and required documents
- Prepare supporting documents such as academic transcripts, proof of enrolment, or income declarations, depending on the program
- Submit your application through the official Sapienza University portal before the stated deadline
- Monitor your university email and the official scholarships page for updates or additional requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sapienza University free for international students?
No, but Sapienza offers multiple scholarships, reimbursements, and support programs that can significantly reduce the cost of studying, including tuition support, housing, and living expense grants for eligible students.
Do I need to know Italian to apply for these scholarships?
Language requirements depend on the specific program you are applying to. Some Sapienza programs are taught in English, while others require Italian proficiency. Always check the language requirements listed in your chosen degree program.
Can non European students apply for these scholarships?
Yes, many of the opportunities listed, including the International Thesis Scholarship and International Post Degree Scholarship, are open to international students from outside Europe, subject to the eligibility criteria in each official call.
How much funding can I expect from Sapienza scholarships?
Funding varies widely depending on the program, ranging from a few hundred euros for reimbursements to over €2,800 for the International Thesis Scholarship, and monthly payments of €1,290 for the International Post Degree Scholarship.
Where can I find the official application deadlines?
Deadlines are announced individually for each scholarship through Sapienza’s official calls. It is important to check the university’s official scholarships page regularly since deadlines and requirements can change from year to year.
Where can I find more information?
For the latest scholarship announcements, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, visit the official Sapienza University Scholarships page:
