Studying in Italy: Public Universities and Scholarships for Brazilians

Discover how to study in Italy at public universities, with scholarships for Brazilians and practical tips for applying and life on campus.

Overview: why choose Italian public universities

Italian public universities attract international students by offering recognized teaching, academic tradition, and specialized programs in the arts, sciences, and engineering. Many institutions combine high-level research with practical programs and European exchanges, including Erasmus+, according to information from the European Commission. For Brazilians, studying in Italy can also deepen cultural and professional ties with Europe.

According to Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the country offers scholarship programs and support for foreign students and returning nationals: https://www.esteri.it. The evaluation of Brazilian degrees and their recognition for entry into Italian higher education often goes through centers such as CIMEA, part of the ENIC-NARIC network (https://www.cimea.it), which provides guidance on degree equivalence.

Key reasons to choose a public university in Italy:

• Academic quality across various fields (humanities, fashion, architecture, medicine, engineering).
• Possibility of scholarships and university housing limited to students meeting socioeconomic criteria.
• European mobility network and international programs (Erasmus+, bilateral agreements).

See also: Life in Italy: real tips for practical day-to-day questions.

Common entry requirements for Brazilians

Admission varies by university and program, but there are recurring requirements for Brazilian students:

• Diploma and recognition: Brazilian undergraduate degree or recognized high school diploma. For postgraduate programs and master's, many universities require the degree to be recognized or accompanied by a comparability statement via CIMEA.
• Academic records: transcript, syllabus, and sworn translations when required.
• Student visa: those needing residence for more than 90 days must apply for a type D visa at an Italian consulate in Brazil; check procedures on the local consulate site and MAECI (https://www.esteri.it).
• Specific exams: some courses, especially in health and architecture, require national entrance exams (e.g., test d’ingresso) or local university exams.

For Brazilians with Italian citizenship, the enrollment process is different; citizenship information is in Cidadania Italiana and in the consulate practical guide.

Types of scholarships available (study scholarships, assistantship, housing)

There are several sources and forms of financial support for foreign students in Italy:

• Italian government scholarships (MAECI/MUR): the government publishes annual scholarships for foreigners and Italians abroad — often called “borse di studio MAECI” — covering study, accommodation, and, in some cases, a stipend. Check the MAECI and Ministry of University and Research (MUR) calls: https://www.esteri.it and https://www.mur.gov.it.
• University scholarships: many public universities offer borse di studio tied to merit and/or ISEE (economic indicator for families in Italy), plus accommodations (university housing) with reduced rates. Check the university’s “studenti” section.
• Language assistant / research assistant: paid positions for students acting as assistants in departments, common in graduate programs.
• European and international programs: Erasmus+, Fulbright scholarships (for certain programs), and scholarships from cultural foundations and NGOs.
• Regional scholarships: Italian regions (Regioni) and local institutions may offer aid to low-income students.

For details and current calls, review the official university and MAECI/MUR sites, and monitor calls on the European Commission page for Erasmus+: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus.

Application process: prerequisites, documents and deadlines

The process starts with research and preparation. Common steps:

1. Choose courses and institutions: identify public universities offering the desired program and confirm whether instruction is in Italian or English.
2. Check deadlines: timelines vary; many undergraduate and master programs have applications in the second half of the year prior to the start of classes. Always confirm on the university portal.
3. Gather documents:
   • Translated diploma and transcript, and, when required, legalized/apostilled.
   • Motivation letter and CV for postgraduate programs.
   • Letter(s) of recommendation (when required).
   • Valid passport and proof of financial means for the visa.
4. Online registration: many Italian universities use platform-based applications. Payment of fees (when applicable) is required at registration.
5. Result and enrollment: after acceptance, follow enrollment instructions and apply for a visa (if needed).

Italian and/or English proficiency tests

• Courses taught in Italian typically require certification such as CILS or CELI; for English-taught programs, TOEFL or IELTS may be requested. Some universities accept proofs of schooling in English.
• In fields with entrance exams (medicine, architecture), the exam score determines vacancy allocation.

References: MAECI, MUR and central universities. To recognize Brazilian diplomas, consult CIMEA (https://www.cimea.it).

How diploma recognition and evaluation work

• Title equivalence is assessed by CIMEA and the destination university; processes may require detailed documentation of completed courses.
• Assessments for scholarships and waivers are based on academic merit and socioeconomic criteria (ISEE in Italy, when applicable).

Also check our Italy News for updates on education policies.

Funding sources: Italian government scholarships, universities, and organizations

Major funding sources include:

• MAECI / MUR (government scholarships): annual calls for foreign students and Italians abroad — https://www.esteri.it / https://www.mur.gov.it.
• Universities: internal scholarships, tuition waivers, and housing.
• Erasmus+: for mobility within the EU — https://ec.europa.eu.
• Foundations and private institutions: merit-based scholarships in specific fields (arts, music, research).

Common selection criteria and tips to stand out

• Academic merit: grades, publications, and letters of recommendation.
• Coherent study plan: clear motivation letter with academic and professional objectives.
• Language proficiency: reach the required level before applying.
• Organized documentation: translations, apostilles, and complete forms prevent disqualification.

Practical tip: check scholarship deadlines in advance and prepare applications months ahead of the deadlines.

Cost of living in Italy and budgeting tips

Costs vary by city (big centers like Rome and Milan are more expensive than smaller university towns). Consider:

• Housing (university residence, shared apartment).
• Food, transportation, health insurance, and study materials.
• Tuition fees (public universities have reduced rates for foreigners in specific programs or through scholarships).

Plan using multiple quotes and consult university portals for estimates and potential aid.

Practical tips for Brazilians: adapting to Italian higher education

• Improve your Italian before arrival if the course is taught in Italian; this eases academic and social integration.
• Familiarize yourself with the evaluation system (often based on final exams and ECTS credits).
• Join student associations and campus activities — expand your network and internship opportunities.
• For citizenship eligibility, information on procedures is in Cittadinanza italiana: how to apply.

Study and campus life experiences

• Italian public universities often offer vibrant cultural life: seminars, laboratories, theaters, and research centers.
• Student housing and support services vary; check the university’s “Student Services.”

How to seek institutional support and useful contacts

• Italian consulates and the Embassy in Brazil provide information on visas and MAECI scholarships.
• International Offices of universities guide you on applications, visas, and adaptation.
• CIMEA for diploma recognition: https://www.cimea.it.

Also check practical guides in Life in Italy for daily adaptation.

Final steps: preparing applications, deadlines and follow-up

• Create a timeline with university and visa deadlines, allowing time for translations and legalization.
• Submit applications and, if possible, apply to multiple sources of funding (university, MAECI, Erasmus+).
• Keep digital backups of documents and monitor emails from the International Office.

How to maximize scholarship chances

• Prepare a personalized motivation letter for each call.
• Strengthen your profile with projects, internships, and letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
• Demonstrate financial need indicators when requested (tax documents required by Italian calls).

Options after completion: continuing studies and career

• Postgraduate studies (PhD) and post-laurea as academic paths.
• Traineeships and research programs in Italian and multinational companies.
• For those aiming to reside, check visa work requirements and pathways from study to work with the Italian Ministry of the Interior.

For recent news and changes in mobility and scholarship policies, follow Italy News.

"Always consult official calls and the universities’ international offices; information can change between academic years." — recommendations based on MAECI and MUR guidance (https://www.esteri.it, https://www.mur.gov.it).

It is clear that studying in Italy at public universities requires upfront planning—from diplomas recognition to applications and scholarship searches—but there are multiple funding avenues and support for Brazilians willing to prepare in advance.