Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Italy is not just a destination for art and history lovers; it is a global hub for academic excellence and innovation. Every year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers a prestigious scholarship program to foster international cooperation and promote the Italian language and culture worldwide.

Whether you are looking to pursue a Master’s degree or conduct high-level PhD research, the MAECI scholarship is one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities in Europe.

The MAECI grant is designed to provide a supportive experience for international students:

• Monthly Stipend: A grant of €900 per month (usually paid quarterly) to cover living costs.

• Tuition Fee Waiver: Many universities offer full or partial exemptions for MAECI scholars, though some small regional taxes may still apply.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and accident insurance coverage for the duration of the grant.

The MAECI scholarship covers a wide range of academic paths:

• Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo): Courses lasting 6 or 9 months.

• Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM): For talented individuals in creative fields like opera, painting, or design.

• PhD Programs: Support for doctoral research at recognized Italian universities.

• Research Projects (Progetti in co-tutela): For research conducted under academic supervision.

• Italian Language and Culture Courses: Short-term grants (3 months) for students wanting to master the language.

Applicants can generally apply for any course organized by universities or institutes recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). Popular fields include:

• Engineering and Architecture

• Economics and Management

• International Relations

• Humanities and Fine Arts

• Science and Technology

The scholarship is open to:

• Foreign citizens from eligible countries (a list of over 100 countries including India, Pakistan, Egypt, Brazil, and Ghana is updated annually).

• Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) for specific countries.

To be considered, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Qualification: Must hold a degree that allows enrollment in the chosen Italian course (e.g., a Bachelor's degree is required for a Master's).

• Age Limits:

1. Master’s/AFAM/Language Courses: Maximum 28 years old.
2. PhD Programs: Maximum 30 years old.
3. Research Projects: Maximum 40 years old.

• Language Proficiency: * For Italian-taught courses: B2 level certificate (CEFR).

1. For English-taught courses: B2 level certificate (CEFR). No Italian is required for English-only programs.

The application window typically opens in the spring. Follow these general steps:

1. Register: Create an account on the official Study in Italy website.

2. Select Your Course: Choose up to three university programs that align with your background.

3. Upload Documents: You will typically need a valid passport, CV, transcripts, and language certificates.

4. Submit: Applications usually open between April and May each year, with a deadline in mid-June.

Official Portal

The Italian government manages all applications through the official Study in Italy portal. Prospective students should check this government-run platform annually for the most up-to-date call for applications.