Italian Studies Scholarships
Degree for a Globalized World
Why would someone choose Italian Studies as a subject area at a university? It would be of interest to students considering careers in the areas of fine arts, international business, diplomacy, or design. Individuals studying law, film, history, political science, art, music, history, drama, political science, or economics might want to consider Italian Studies as part of a double major to tie in with their other educational program.
If you would like to gain knowledge about Italy’s language, literature, and culture, are there options for scholarships? You bet! Students from other countries interested in studying in the United States can also qualify for funding.
Scholarship Programs
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)The NIAF offers two scholarship programs to students who have distinguished themselves academically. The first program is for Italian American students and the second one provides funding to students pursuing studies in Italian Studies.
Successful applicants will receive between $2,500-$10,000 to be used toward tuition and on-campus accommodation. Funding is provided for a one-year period and recipients may apply for funding for subsequent school years. A GPA of at least 3.5 is required to be considered for one of these programs.
Sons of Italy in AmericaEach year, the Order Sons of Italy in America offers 10-13 scholarships under the National Education and Leadership Awards program. Each scholarship provides financial awards ranging from $5,000-$25,000. U.S. citizens of Italian descent who are enrolled in either undergraduate or graduate programs are eligible to apply, as are high school seniors. The following documentation is required: a resume, personal essay, results from standardized tests (SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, etc.), official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
High-school seniors may also apply for the Henry Salvatori Scholarship; those that wish to apply for this source of funding will also be considered for the National Education and Leadership Awards. In addition to the foregoing, individuals in their junior or senior year of an Italian Studies major at an accredited university can apply for the Italian Language Scholarship.
Temple University, The Joseph and Elda Coccia Scholarship for Italian StudiesOne scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded in the fall and spring semesters to a student Italian Studies major attending Temple University Rome. A GPA of at least 3.5 is required. In choosing recipients for this award, preference is given to those who are members of the University’s Italian Club.
Florence Italian Immersion ScholarshipThe New York University (NYU) Florence Italian Immersion Scholarship is open to student Italian Studies majors or minors at a university that do not have an "institutional relationship in place with NYU." Successful applicants will receive a $2,000 tuition credit toward NYU courses being conducted in Florence.
Applicants must have already completed a minimum of three courses in Italian Studies to be considered for this scholarship option. In addition, a personal essay must be submitted, along with a research paper the student had prepared for a university course. The paper must be written in the Italian language, and the grade received from the instructor must be indicated. The amount of monies provided for one semester abroad range from $750-$1,500 for a semester and $1,000-$3,000 for one academic year. Application forms are available online.
Rotary International Ambassadorial ScholarshipsThe Rotary Foundation has provided scholarships to students for more than 50 years. Three different programs are offered:
- Recipients of the Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships receive US $23,000.00 to assist with the cost of one year of study in another country (including universities located in the United States). The funds may be used toward tuition, accommodation, books and supplies, and transportation to and from the country of study.
- Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships provide funding for two years of degree-program study in another country. In this case, two payments of US $11,500.00 are made to help defray educational costs.
- Those individuals interested in pursuing language studies abroad, including those studying Italian, can apply for a Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship, which provides funding for either a three- or six-month immersion program in that country’s language and culture. Either $10,000 for 3 months, or $15,000 for six months of study will be awarded to successful applicants.
Those who wish to immerse themselves in the language and culture of Italy can apply for a Vincenti Study Abroad Scholarship. Applications are accepted twice a year—in September and January. Funding decisions are based on applicants’ academic scores.
Miami University, Ohio, International Education ScholarshipsInternational students pursuing any program at Miami University, including Italian Studies, are eligible to apply for an International Education Scholarship. This merit-based source of funding provides up to $10,000 per academic year.
