Scholarship Overview — What Is the MAECI Italian Government Scholarship?
The MAECI Italian Government Scholarship is Italy's flagship international scholarship programme, offered annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale — MAECI). Established under Italian Law 288/55 and its subsequent amendments, the programme has been running for decades and represents Italy's most important tool for academic diplomacy.
The scholarship's mission is threefold: to promote international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological fields; to attract global talent to Italy's higher education system; and to strengthen Italy's economic and diplomatic relationships by cultivating long-term ties with future decision-makers worldwide. Unlike many government awards, the MAECI Scholarship is not limited to low-income countries — it is open to citizens of approximately 141 eligible countries across every continent, including major sending nations such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Vietnam, Brazil, and Turkey.
One of the most distinctive and student-friendly aspects of the MAECI Scholarship is that no university admission is required before applying. You apply for the scholarship first through the official Study in Italy portal. If selected, you receive an official award letter, which you then use to apply for admission to your chosen Italian public university. This reverse-order process significantly lowers the barrier to entry compared to most other competitive scholarships.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the total scholarship grant was increased to €10,800 (up from the previous €9,000), paid across three installments. The programme supports five distinct types of academic activity: Master's degrees, AFAM (Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance), PhD programmes, research projects under academic supervision, and Italian language and culture courses.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Italy |
| Founded | Under Law 288/55 (decades of operation) |
| Awarding Body | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) |
| Application Portal | Study in Italy — studyinitaly.esteri.it |
| Eligible Nationalities | ~141 countries (see official call for complete list); also Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE) |
| Programme Types | Master's (Laurea Magistrale), AFAM, PhD, Research Projects, Italian Language & Culture Courses |
| Application Route | Students apply directly — no university nomination or prior admission needed |
| Application Fee | None — completely free to apply |
| Application Deadline | ~March 26 each year at 2:00 PM CET (check official portal for confirmed date) |
| Embassy Screening | July (interviews/screening by local Italian embassies/consulates) |
| Results & Award Letters | August (final ranking list published on portal and local embassy website) |
| Studies Begin | October/November 2026 — must arrive before November 15 for full stipend |
| Duration (Master's) | Up to 12 months per academic year (renewable) |
| Duration (PhD) | 9 months per year |
| Duration (Language) | 3 months |
| Total Grant (Study/PhD) | €10,800 (paid in 3 installments) |
| Grant (Language Courses) | €3,600 (paid as single installment at end of course) |
| Approx. Monthly Value | ~€900/month (for 12-month Master's programmes) |
| Scholarship Renewal | Yes — renewable for continuing students who earned ≥15 CFU credits |
Exact Financial Package — What Does the MAECI Scholarship Cover?
Here is every benefit of the MAECI Italian Government Scholarship, with exact figures verified from official MAECI documentation for the 2026–2027 cycle:
Total Cash Grant
€10,800 (Study/PhD)
The scholarship provides a total of €10,800 for Master's, AFAM, PhD, and research programmes — an increase from the previous €9,000. Paid in three installments: typically ~€5,500 upon arrival, ~€2,300 at mid-year upon confirmation of enrollment, and ~€3,000 at year-end upon proof of 27 credits (CFU) earned.
Language Course Grant
€3,600 (Single Payment)
Students on the Italian language and culture courses track receive a separate total of €3,600, paid as a single payment at the end of the 3-month course. Note: this is reduced proportionally if you arrive after the first 15 days of the course.
Tuition Fee Exemption
At Most Public Universities
Most Italian public universities exempt MAECI scholars from enrollment and tuition fees. However, this is a university-level decision — not centrally guaranteed by MAECI. Students typically still pay a regional tax (~€140) and stamp duty (~€16). Language course scholars are not eligible for tuition exemption.
Health Insurance
Full Duration Covered
MAECI contracts a collective health, medical, and accident insurance policy for all scholarship holders, covering the entire duration of the grant period at no cost to the scholar. Pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered.
Housing Assistance
University Support
Italian universities provide assistance with student housing search, including access to university-managed accommodation (DSU/EDISU residences). There is no separate cash housing allowance — but MAECI scholars have priority access to subsidised university accommodation.
Scholarship Renewal
Yes — Annual
Students who received an MAECI scholarship may apply for renewal for the following academic year if they are continuing the same full-time programme and can demonstrate at least 15 university credits (CFU) earned at the time of application. Priority is given to enrolled students with documented progress.
⚠️ Important: Arrive before November 15 for the full stipend
The MAECI Scholarship stipend is calculated from your date of arrival in Italy. If you arrive after November 15 of the award year, the total amount is reduced proportionally for each day of delay. Plan to arrive in October or by early November to receive the full €10,800. This deadline applies to all study and research tracks.
5 Types of Programmes Supported by the MAECI Scholarship
Unlike many scholarships that restrict applicants to a single degree level, the MAECI Scholarship is uniquely flexible — it supports five distinct academic tracks at Italian public institutions. There are no field-of-study restrictions: any discipline offered at Italian public or legally recognised higher education institutions is eligible.
Master's Degree (Laurea Magistrale) Up to 12 months/year
The most popular track. Open to applicants with a completed Bachelor's degree. Covers two-year Master's programmes (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo) at Italian public universities in any discipline — engineering, economics, arts, sciences, and more. Age limit: under 28.
AFAM — Arts, Music & Dance 9 months
Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance at AFAM institutions (Accademie di Belle Arti, Conservatori, etc.). For students seeking advanced training in visual arts, music performance, dance, film, and design at Italy's specialised arts academies. Age limit: under 28.
PhD / Doctorate 9 months
Supports doctoral candidates at Italian universities in any field of research. For applicants who hold a Master's degree and have either identified a supervisor or are applying for a structured doctoral programme. Age limit: under 30.
Research Projects 9–12 months
Grants for research conducted under academic supervision at Italian universities or public research organizations (CNR, INFN, etc.). Ideal for postdoctoral researchers or those pursuing specific projects. Must have a letter of agreement from a host institution. Age limit: under 40.
Italian Language & Culture Courses 3 months
Short intensive courses in Italian language, literature, and culture at certified Italian institutions. Grant is €3,600 (single payment). Tuition exemption does not apply to this track. No prior Italian knowledge required — the course is the study itself. Age limit: under 28.
🏛️ Which Italian universities accept MAECI scholarship holders?
All Italian public universities accept MAECI scholarship holders — there is no list of approved institutions. Major receiving universities include Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano, University of Turin, University of Naples Federico II, University of Padua, University of Florence, Politecnico di Torino, and University of Pisa. Private universities are also accepted if they are legally recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education.
Who Can Apply — MAECI Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for International Students
1. Nationality — Which Countries Are Eligible?
The MAECI Scholarship is open to citizens of approximately 141 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. The complete list is published annually in the official call for applications on the MAECI website and Study in Italy portal. Notably, the list includes major applicant countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Vietnam, China, Brazil, Turkey, Morocco, and many Eastern European nations.
The scholarship is also open to Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE) in specific listed countries — a category for Italian nationals living permanently in qualifying countries. EU citizens living in Italy are generally not eligible. Applicants must be residing outside of Italy at the time of application (except for PhD students already enrolled in an Italian institution applying for renewal).
2. Age Limits — Strict and Applied at the Deadline
- Master's degree / AFAM / Italian Language Courses: Must not have reached 28 years of age by the application deadline date.
- PhD programmes: Must not have reached 30 years of age by the application deadline date.
- Research projects: Must not have reached 40 years of age by the application deadline date.
- Age is calculated at the time of the deadline — not at the start of studies. If your 28th (or 30th/40th) birthday falls after the deadline, you are still eligible for that cycle.
3. Academic Requirements
- For Master's / AFAM: A completed Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution. Final-year undergraduates may apply with a "hope certificate" or expected graduation letter, provided the degree is completed before the start of studies in Italy.
- For PhD: A completed Master's degree. Applicants who are currently enrolled in an Italian PhD programme may apply for renewal but not for a new first-year award.
- For Research Projects: A completed Master's or doctoral degree, plus evidence of an agreement with a host Italian research institution or supervisor.
- Degree recognition: Your previous degree must be recognizable by Italian authorities. A Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore) — issued by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country — or a CIMEA certificate is often required at the university enrollment stage (not necessarily at the application stage).
4. Language Requirements
Language requirements apply at the programme level, not centrally. For English-taught programmes, a B2-level English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or a Medium of Instruction letter from your previous university) is required. For Italian-taught programmes, B2-level Italian proficiency (CILS, CELI, PLIDA, or equivalent) is needed. For Italian language and culture courses, no prior Italian knowledge is required.
5. Who Is NOT Eligible?
- Citizens of countries not appearing on the official MAECI eligible countries list
- Applicants who are currently residing or studying in Italy (except for PhD/research renewal applications)
- Students applying for Bachelor's degrees (Laurea Triennale) — the MAECI Scholarship does not fund undergraduate programmes
- Students whose previous degree is not recognized by Italian authorities
- Students who exceed the age limit for their category as of the application deadline
- Applicants who cannot demonstrate language proficiency at B2 level (Italian or English, depending on programme)
- Students applying for distance learning or online programmes — all study must be conducted in person in Italy
⚠️ The Bachelor's Exclusion: Critical for New Applicants
The MAECI Scholarship does not fund Bachelor's degree programmes (Laurea Triennale). This is a hard exclusion — students currently completing their A-Levels or in their first or second year of a Bachelor's cannot apply for this award. The minimum entry point is applying to a Master's programme with a completed (or about-to-be-completed) Bachelor's degree.
Check Your Eligibility & Track Your MAECI Scholarship Documents
Use the interactive tools below to instantly check if you qualify for the MAECI Italian Government Scholarship 2026, build your document checklist, compare programme statistics, and explore alternatives — all without leaving this page.
