Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026-27: €9,000 Grant for Students
Apply for the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27 to study or research in Italy with a fully funded grant, €9,000 stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance — open to international students for Master’s, PhD, research, and language programs.
What Is the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27?
The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27 is a fully funded opportunity offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) for international students and Italian citizens living abroad.
This prestigious scholarship allows recipients to pursue Master’s degrees, PhD programs, research projects, AFAM arts programs, and Italian language/culture courses at public universities or accredited institutions in Italy.
Unlike some scholarships that only fund tuition, this program not only waives tuition fees but also provides a generous stipend and health insurance to support your academic journey in one of Europe’s most culturally rich and academically renowned countries.
Overview of the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27
- Program: Italian Government MAECI Scholarship
- Host Organization: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
- Location: Italy (various public universities and accredited institutions)
- Program Type: Fully Funded Scholarship (tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance)
- Duration: One academic year (renewable for degree programs)
- Eligible Applicants: International students and Italian citizens living abroad
- Field Focus: Master’s, PhD, research projects, arts (AFAM), and Italian language/culture courses
- Program Format: Study or research at participating Italian universities or institutions
Benefits of the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27
Studying in Italy with the Fully Funded MAECI Scholarship provides strong financial support, health coverage, and cultural exposure, making it a truly comprehensive scholarship. Below is a clear breakdown of what successful applicants receive:
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Financial Grant | €9,000 paid in three installments: 1st – €4,500 after arrival/enrollment; 2nd – €2,500 upon attendance verification; 3rd – €2,000 after academic progress check |
| Monthly Stipend Equivalent | Effectively about €900/month for living expenses during the academic year. |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Possible exemption from enrollment and tuition fees at participating Italian universities (institution‑dependent). Regional fees always apply. |
| Health & Medical Insurance | Covered for illness/accident during the scholarship period (pre‑existing conditions typically excluded). |
| Academic & Cultural Immersion | Opportunity to study or conduct research and engage in Italian academic and cultural life. |
| Renewable Support | Scholarship may be renewed for further academic years (subject to progress and program type). |
| Institutional Support | Some universities offer additional support for international scholarship holders (e.g., orientation services). |
Programs and Study Areas Covered by the MAECI Scholarship
The MAECI Italy Scholarship 2026–27 supports a variety of programs across multiple disciplines. Applicants can choose programs that match their academic background and career goals.
1. Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale)
- Humanities: Literature, History, Philosophy, Archaeology, Cultural Studies
- Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, Sociology, International Relations
- Natural Sciences & Technology: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Information Technology
- Engineering: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial Engineering
- Business & Management: Business Administration, Management, Finance, Marketing
- Law & Legal Studies: International Law, European Law, Public Policy
- 2. PhD Programs
-
All disciplines listed under Master’s, plus specialized research areas in cutting-edge fields, depending on the university program
3. Research under Academic Supervision
-
Focused research projects in any discipline offered by the host institution, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts
4. Higher Education in Arts, Music & Dance (AFAM)
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Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Design, Architecture
5. Italian Language & Cultural Courses
- Italian Language (B2 or above for advanced courses)
- Italian Culture, History, and Society
Eligibility Criteria for the MAECI Italy Scholarship 2026–27
The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27 sets specific eligibility requirements to ensure candidates are ready for academic and cultural life in Italy. These cover nationality, degree level, age, language proficiency, and residency, helping you understand if you qualify for this prestigious program.
1. Nationality
- Open to international students from eligible countries worldwide.
- Also available to Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE).
2. Academic Qualifications
- Master’s Programs: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- PhD Programs: Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Research Projects: Must have a relevant academic background suitable for the chosen research area.
- AFAM (Arts, Music, and Dance) Programs: Relevant prior education or portfolio in the arts.
- Italian Language & Cultural Courses: No prior degree required, but basic language proficiency may be recommended.
3. Age Limits
- Master’s, AFAM & Language Programs: Maximum 28 years old.
- PhD Programs: Maximum 30 years old.
- Research Projects: Maximum 40 years old.
4. Language Requirements
- Italian-taught programs: Minimum B2 level of Italian.
- English-taught programs: Minimum B2 level of English (Italian not required).
5. Work or Residency Requirements
- Students must be able to reside in Italy for the duration of the program.
- International students must have the ability to obtain a student visa for Italy.
Required Documents for the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship
Candidates for the MAECI Italy Government Scholarship must submit a complete set of documents to demonstrate their academic qualifications, language proficiency, and suitability for the program. Preparing these documents carefully ensures your profile meets the scholarship’s standards and increases your chances of being selected.
- Updated CV / Resume
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter – Explaining why you want to study in Italy, your academic goals, and how the scholarship will help your career.
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates
- Language Proficiency Certificate – B2 level of Italian for Italian-taught programs or B2 level of English for English-taught programs.
- Passport Copy & ID
- Letter of Acceptance – Required for some programs (especially PhD or research projects) from the host institution.
- Additional Documents – Any other documents requested by the official MAECI call for applications (e.g., recommendation letters, portfolio for AFAM arts programs).
MAECI Italy Scholarship Application Process Explained
The application process for the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27 is fully online and free of charge. All submissions must be made through the official Study in Italy portal ,this is the only official platform for MAECI scholarship applications, so avoid using third-party sites.
First, create a personal account on the portal by providing your email and basic details. Verify your email to activate your account. Once logged in, you can access the application form, upload documents, and track your submission.
Next, carefully select your academic program and host institution in Italy. Choose the type of study — Master’s degree, PhD, research project, AFAM arts program, or Italian language and culture course. Make sure the program matches your qualifications and review all eligibility requirements.
Then, complete the online application form with accurate personal and educational details. Upload all required documents, including passport copy, CV, transcripts, motivation letter, language certificates, and any additional program-specific documents in PDF format.
After completing the form, submit your application before the official deadline, which is expected in mid-June for the 2026–27 cycle. Submit early to avoid technical issues or high traffic on the portal.
Finally, monitor your Study in Italy account dashboard for updates on your application status. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted by Italian diplomatic missions or institutions for additional procedures, so keep all communication channels open.
Why Choose the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship?
The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026–27 stands out because it combines financial support with a genuine opportunity to build an international academic and professional career in Europe.
Beyond the €9,000 grant, tuition fee exemptions, and health insurance, the MAECI Scholarship program allows students to study at some of Italy’s top public universities while experiencing one of the world’s richest academic and cultural environments.
International students can also work part-time during their studies in Italy (within legal student work limits), helping them gain professional experience alongside their degree. In addition, the scholarship connects recipients with Italian research institutions, cultural organizations, and global academic networks, which can significantly strengthen future career opportunities in Europe and beyond.
For students seeking a balance of quality education, cultural immersion, and international exposure, the Italian Government Scholarship offered by MAECI remains one of the most attractive opportunities to study in Italy.
Application Deadline for the MAECI Italy Scholarship 2026–27
For the 2026–27 MAECI Scholarship, applicants should expect the application window to open in April–May 2026, with the deadline typically around mid‑June 2026 (final dates will be confirmed once the official call is published).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the age limit for the MAECI Scholarship 2026–27?
A: Age limits depend on the program level. For Master’s degree, AFAM, and Italian language courses, applicants must generally be under 28 years old. For PhD programs, the maximum age is 30 years, while research projects may allow applicants up to 40 years old at the time of the application deadline
Does the MAECI Scholarship cover travel expenses?
A: No, the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship does not normally cover international travel costs. The scholarship mainly provides a €9,000 financial grant, tuition fee exemption, and health insurance, while students are expected to arrange their own travel and accommodation.
Do I need IELTS or an English certificate for the MAECI Scholarship?
A: Applicants must show B2-level language proficiency depending on the language of instruction. If the chosen program is taught in English, a B2-level English certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required. For programs taught in Italian, applicants must provide B2-level Italian language certification.
Can the MAECI Scholarship be renewed?
A: Yes, the MAECI Italy Scholarship can be renewed for subsequent academic years, especially for degree programs such as Master’s or PhD studies. However, renewal depends on the student demonstrating satisfactory academic progress and meeting the requirements set by the scholarship authorities.
Related Opportunities
If you’re interested in international scholarships to Europe, you may also want to explore:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
- Italian University Merit Scholarships
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany
- Scholarships for Study in France and Spain