If you've ever dreamed of studying in one of Europe's most historic and prestigious universities, Sapienza University of Rome is a name you simply cannot overlook. Founded in 1303, Sapienza is not just Italy's largest university it's one of the oldest and most respected academic institutions in the entire world. And the good news? It offers a wide range of scholarships and financial support programs for both Italian and international students.
Whether you're an undergraduate, a master's student, a PhD candidate, or a postdoctoral researcher, Sapienza has a scholarship pathway designed for you. This guide breaks down every scholarship program available, who can apply, what you'll receive, and how to get started.
Why Choose Sapienza University of Rome?
Before diving into scholarships, it's worth understanding why thousands of international students choose Sapienza every year.
Located in the heart of Rome, Sapienza enrolls over 100,000 students and offers more than 300 degree programs across virtually every academic field from medicine and engineering to humanities, law, and the arts. The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in Italy and in the QS World University Rankings.
Studying at Sapienza means being part of a rich intellectual tradition while living in one of the world's most culturally vibrant cities. Add to that a solid financial aid system, and it's easy to see why this destination is increasingly popular among international applicants.
Overview of Sapienza Scholarship Programs
Sapienza offers multiple categories of scholarships. Here is a complete breakdown of what's available:
1. Regional Scholarships and Accommodation Support (DISCO Lazio)
One of the most sought-after financial aid options at Sapienza comes through DISCO Lazio, the Regional Body for the Right to Education and Knowledge. This regional authority manages a scholarship and accommodation system specifically designed to support deserving students.
What you get:
- Full or partial scholarship support
- Free or heavily discounted campus accommodation
- Exemption from university tuition fees and regional taxes
- Free or discounted catering services on campus
Eligibility: Students must meet specific income and academic merit requirements. The call for applications is typically announced between May and July each year.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through the DISCO Lazio portal at www.laziodisco.it.
This scholarship is renewable each year as long as students continue to meet the income and merit thresholds.
2. Student Collaboration Scholarships (Paid Internships)
Sapienza offers paid collaboration internships to enrolled students who wish to support university operations while earning financial compensation.
What you get:
- 150 hours of paid work (typically in shifts of 2–4 hours per day)
- Grant amount: €1,295.00
- For students supporting peers with disabilities or Specific Learning Difficulties: €1,500.00 tax-free
Eligible roles include:
- Libraries and laboratories
- Interactive learning rooms
- Student reception and information centers
- Promotional and outreach activities
Who can apply: Students enrolled in their second year or beyond at Sapienza.
This is an excellent opportunity for students who want to contribute to campus life, build their CV, and earn a financial grant at the same time.
3. Merit-Based Scholarships for Italian and International Students
Sapienza rewards academic excellence through its "Wanted the Best" merit scholarship program, which is open to both Italian and international graduate students.
Who can apply: High-achieving undergraduate and master's graduates from Italian and international universities.
This scholarship is ideal for top students who want recognition for their academic achievements and a financial boost to continue their education.
4. International Thesis Scholarships
Planning to write your dissertation abroad? Sapienza's International Thesis Scholarship is designed exactly for this purpose.
What it offers: Financial support for students enrolled in degree programs at Sapienza to conduct their thesis research at foreign institutions or research centers.
Purpose: To promote international academic mobility and help students gain cross-border research experience during their degree.
This scholarship is especially valuable for students in research-heavy fields who benefit from international exposure and collaboration.
5. International Post-Degree Scholarship
This scholarship is one of the most generous on offer and targets Sapienza graduates who want to pursue advanced education or training abroad after completing their degree.
Eligibility: Graduates holding a Master's degree (two-year courses), single-cycle degrees, or old-system degrees from Sapienza.
Duration: 6 to 12 months
Monthly stipend: €1,290 per month
This is a fantastic option for graduates who want to build international experience in research, advanced studies, or professional training right after finishing their degree at Sapienza.
6. Scholarships at Polo Universitario Interateneo di Rieti
Sapienza also provides specific financial scholarships for students enrolled in programs at its Rieti campus (Polo Universitario Interateneo di Rieti).
Three separate scholarship tracks are available:
- International Students – General scholarship for non-Italian students
- Health Professions – For students in healthcare-related programs
- Economics and Engineering – For students in business and technical fields
Each track has its own eligibility criteria and application deadline. Italian-language versions of the calls are available on the Sapienza transparency portal.
7. Italian Erasmus Program
For Italian students (or international students studying in Italy) who want to explore academic opportunities within the country, the Italian Erasmus program provides a mobility option similar to the EU's Erasmus+ but focused on domestic universities.
This program supports student exchanges between Italian institutions, allowing participants to gain new academic and cultural perspectives without leaving the country.
8. Grant for Rental and Healthcare Costs
Sapienza has recently published a new call for subsidies aimed at helping out-of-town students cover two of the biggest financial burdens of university life: rent and healthcare costs.
This is a targeted grant for students who have relocated to Rome to study and need financial help managing living expenses. Students should check the official Sapienza website for current call details, as these are periodically updated.
9. Scholarships for Study and Training Abroad (Erasmus+ and Sapienza Funding)
Want to study or complete an internship in another country? Sapienza supports outgoing students through two main channels:
- Erasmus+ Programme: The EU's flagship mobility program for higher education. Students can study or intern at partner universities across Europe and beyond.
- Sapienza Direct Funding: Additional financial support for international mobility not covered under Erasmus+.
Both streams are managed through Sapienza's Study Abroad office. The program is open to students across all degree levels.
10. #100ragazzeSTEM – Scholarship for Outstanding Women in STEM
In a powerful commitment to gender equity in science and technology, Sapienza has launched the #100ragazzeSTEM scholarship program. This award is specifically designed for exceptional female students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
This initiative reflects the university's dedication to closing the gender gap in STEM fields and empowering the next generation of women in science and innovation.
11. Research and Working Scholarships
For students interested in combining academic work with research activity, Sapienza publishes regular calls for research and working scholarships through its Transparency Portal. These are updated periodically and cover various research domains across the university's faculties.
Additionally, thesis awards and fellowships supported by external public and private bodies are listed on the Degrees Awards and Fellowships page on Sapienza's website.
12. Scholarships for Specialisation Schools
Medical and advanced professional students pursuing studies at Sapienza's Specialisation Schools (scuole di specializzazione) have access to dedicated scholarship programs tailored to their unique educational paths.
13. Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Citizens
Beyond Sapienza's own programs, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offers scholarships specifically for foreign citizens and Italian citizens living abroad who wish to study in Italy.
These are government-funded awards that support academic and cultural exchange between Italy and the rest of the world. Details are available through the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Who Can Apply for Sapienza Scholarships?
The eligibility varies by program, but in general:
- Regional scholarships (DISCO Lazio): Students meeting income and merit requirements
- Student collaboration scholarships: Students in their second year or above
- Merit scholarships: High-achieving Italian and international graduates
- International thesis scholarships: Enrolled Sapienza students in any degree program
- Post-degree scholarships: Sapienza graduates with a Master's or equivalent degree
- Erasmus+ and study abroad: Students enrolled at Sapienza at various degree levels
- #100ragazzeSTEM: Female students in STEM programs
Key Benefits at a Glance
Scholarship | Amount | Duration |
Student Collaboration | €1,295 – €1,500 | 150 hours |
International Post-Degree | €1,290/month | 6–12 months |
DISCO Lazio Regional | Full tuition + accommodation | Academic year |
Erasmus+ | Varies by destination | 3–12 months |
#100ragazzeSTEM | TBD (check official page) | Academic year |
How to Apply
Each scholarship at Sapienza has its own application process and deadline. Here's how to get started:
- Visit the official scholarships page at www.uniroma1.it/en/pagina/scholarships
- Identify the scholarship most relevant to your degree level and situation
- Check the specific call (bando) for that scholarship deadlines and documentation requirements are listed there
- Prepare your documents, which typically include: proof of enrollment, income declarations (ISEE for Italian tax assessment), academic transcripts, and identification
- Submit your application through the relevant portal (Sapienza student portal, DISCO Lazio website, or the Transparency Portal)
For regional scholarships, the application window typically opens in May and closes by late July, so it's important to plan ahead.
Tips for International Students Applying to Sapienza Scholarships
- Start early. Scholarship calls are published in advance but deadlines can approach quickly. Mark key dates on your calendar.
- Learn basic Italian. Some scholarship calls and documentation are only available in Italian. Using a translator tool or seeking help from Sapienza's international office can make a big difference.
- Check the DISCO Lazio website regularly. Regional scholarship updates are posted there first.
- Contact Sapienza's Education Welfare Unit if you're unsure which scholarship applies to you. Their office is located in the Orthopedics Building (CU016), 3rd floor.
- Don't rely on a single scholarship. Many students combine Erasmus+ funding with university grants to maximize their financial support.
Master Tips From Masters Grant
Sapienza University of Rome is genuinely committed to making higher education accessible not just to top-income students, but to anyone with talent, dedication, and the drive to succeed. From merit awards and paid internships to international mobility grants and regional aid, the scholarship ecosystem at Sapienza is rich, diverse, and well-structured.
Whether you're applying from Asia, Africa, the Americas, or elsewhere in Europe, there is very likely a scholarship at Sapienza that fits your profile. Take the time to explore each program carefully, prepare your application thoroughly, and don't be afraid to reach out to the university's student support services for guidance.
Your journey to studying in Rome could be more affordable than you think.
Other Similar Opportunities in Europe :
Alexander Rave Scholarship 2027 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Portugal Government Scholarships 2027
Netherlands Government Scholarships 2026-2027 at HAN University
Ready to Apply?
Gather your documents and apply through the official website.
Apply on Official WebsiteNo application fee required through our portal.