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MAECI Italian Government Scholarship

Comprehensive guide to financial benefits, eligibility requirements, and official application steps.

Scholarship Program Overview

Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation funds international students and researchers for Master's degrees, PhDs, AFAM (art/music/dance) programs, research stays, and Italian language & culture courses.

This award is officially open for international applicants seeking full-time higher education programs. Selected candidates receive financial support throughout the standard duration of their degree.

Scholarship Categories:

University Master's degree programs 🔹 AFAM programs (Higher Education in Art, Music, and Dance) 🔹 PhD programs 🔹 Research programs (for postgraduate researchers) 🔹 Italian language & culture courses

Scholarship Benefits:

Study/Research programs: €10,800 total, paid in 3 installments (€5,500, €2,300, €3,000) 🔹 Language & Culture courses: €3,600 total 🔹 Tuition exemption (amount/scope varies by host university — some universities offer full exemption, others partial) 🔹 Health/accident insurance coverage for the duration of the grant

Eligibility Requirements:

Foreign citizenship (non-Italian) or Italian citizens residing permanently abroad 🔹 Age limits vary by program category — generally under 40 for most tracks (confirm current limits per category) 🔹 Relevant academic qualifications for your chosen program level (Bachelor's for Master's applicants, Master's for PhD applicants, etc.) 🔹 Language proficiency: Italian language ability required for Italian-taught programs (though many Master's and PhD programs are offered in English) 🔹 Not already benefiting from another scholarship for the same period

Application Process:

Register on the official "Study in Italy" MAECI scholarship portal Select your program category and target Italian institution(s) Complete the online application form Upload required documents: academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy, motivation letter, CV, language certificates (if applicable), and any category-specific requirements Submit before the deadline Applications are reviewed by Italian diplomatic missions and MAECI in coordination with host institutions Successful candidates receive an official grant letter and can proceed to enroll and apply for their study visa

Key Dates:

2026–2027 cycle: Closed — deadline was 26 March 2026 at 2:00 PM CET 🔹 2027–2028 cycle: Expected to open around February 2027, with a deadline in late March 2027 (confirm exact dates once the call is published)

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the category — some programs require you to apply to and be provisionally accepted by an institution alongside your scholarship application; others allow the scholarship award to precede formal admission. Check the specific program category guidelines.
In three installments: €5,500 at the start, €2,300 mid-program, and €3,000 toward the end — exact schedule may vary by grant category.
Tuition exemption depends on the host university — some offer full exemption for MAECI grantees, others a partial reduction. Confirm with your specific university.
Generally, you select one category per application cycle — check current rules if you want to combine language study with a later degree program.
Yes, age limits apply and vary slightly by category — most fall around a maximum of 40 years old, but always verify against the current year's official call for applications.

Quick Summary

Host CountryItaly
Funding TypeFully Funded
Verification Manually Verified
Last UpdatedUpdated Jul 2026

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