Italian Government MAECI Scholarship Guide | Italy

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MAECI Scholarship Guide

The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship supports eligible international students, researchers, artists, and Italian citizens living abroad who want to study or conduct research in Italy.

The scholarship is offered by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commonly known as MAECI. Its objectives include strengthening international cooperation, promoting Italian language and culture, supporting scientific and technological collaboration, and expanding the international reach of Italy’s education system.

For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, most recipients receive a total of €10,800 for nine months, equivalent to €1,200 per funded month. The award also includes health insurance for illness and accidents during the scholarship period. Tuition treatment depends on the university because some institutions grant fee exemptions while others require recipients to pay tuition and regional charges.

The scholarship supports eligible:

  1. Second-cycle Master’s degrees
  2. Higher Education in Arts, Music and Dance programmes
  3. PhD programmes
  4. Research projects under academic supervision
  5. Intensive Italian language and culture courses

The ordinary MAECI programme does not generally fund new Bachelor’s applications, online degrees, part-time study, one-year university Master programmes, specialisation courses, or single academic courses.

Understanding how to get the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship requires more than submitting the online form. Applicants must select an eligible programme, satisfy nationality and age rules, demonstrate academic merit, provide the correct language evidence, prepare a focused motivation letter, and perform well if invited to an interview.

€10,800 AwardMaster’s and PhDStudy in ItalyItalian Government

What Is the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship?

The MAECI Scholarship is an Italian government programme that finances eligible study, training, and research activities at public or legally recognised private institutions in Italy.

Funded activities must take place in person on Italian territory. Online programmes and degrees delivered outside Italy are not covered.

The award is managed through the Study in Italy platform, while initial applicant selection is organised by the relevant Italian embassy, consulate, or diplomatic representation responsible for the applicant’s selected citizenship.

Applicants submit their application centrally through the Study in Italy portal. A committee established by the relevant Italian diplomatic representation then evaluates eligible applications, interviews selected candidates, and publishes a country-level merit ranking.

Latest Application Status

The application period for the 2026 to 2027 academic year has closed.

Applications had to be submitted online by 2:00 p.m. Italian time on March 26, 2026. Only applications and documents submitted through the official Study in Italy portal were accepted.

The next call, expected to cover the 2027 to 2028 academic year, has not yet been officially published.

Applicants preparing for the next cycle should monitor official announcements during early 2027. The previous cycle was published in March, but the next opening date and deadline should not be assumed until MAECI releases the new call.

Eligible Countries

The MAECI Scholarship is available only to citizens of countries and territories included in the official list for the relevant academic year.

The 2026 to 2027 list included applicants from many regions, including:

South and Central Asia

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Bangladesh
  3. India
  4. Kazakhstan
  5. Kyrgyzstan
  6. Sri Lanka
  7. Tajikistan
  8. Turkmenistan
  9. Uzbekistan

East and Southeast Asia

  1. China
  2. Indonesia
  3. Japan
  4. Malaysia
  5. Mongolia
  6. Philippines
  7. South Korea
  8. Taiwan
  9. Thailand
  10. Vietnam

Middle East

  1. Bahrain
  2. Iran
  3. Iraq
  4. Israel
  5. Jordan
  6. Kuwait
  7. Lebanon
  8. Oman
  9. Syria
  10. Yemen

Africa

The list included countries such as Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Applicants were also accepted from several European, North American, Latin American, and Oceanian countries.

The country list can change between application cycles. Applicants should not assume that eligibility in one year guarantees eligibility in the next.

Dual and Multiple Citizenship

Applicants with more than one eligible foreign citizenship may apply through only one country selection process.

Applicants holding both Italian and foreign citizenship must declare both nationalities and apply through the foreign beneficiary country according to the rules in the call.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility depends on the scholarship category.

Applicants generally need to:

  1. Hold citizenship from an eligible country
  2. Possess a valid passport or identity document
  3. Meet the academic requirements of the selected programme
  4. Meet the relevant age limit
  5. Satisfy the required Italian or English language level
  6. Apply for an eligible full-time and in-person programme
  7. Enter the first year of the selected programme, unless requesting an authorised renewal
  8. Submit the application through Study in Italy before the deadline

Applicants also need to complete the separate admission or pre-enrolment procedures required by their chosen Italian university or institution.

Receiving the MAECI Scholarship does not automatically guarantee university admission, and applying to a university does not automatically create a MAECI application.

Eligible Study Programmes

The 2026 to 2027 call supported five main categories for new applicants:

1. Master’s Degree Programmes

These are Italian Laurea Magistrale, or second-cycle Master’s degrees.

2. Higher Education in Arts, Music and Dance

These are commonly known as AFAM programmes.

3. PhD Programmes

Applicants must satisfy the doctoral admission requirements of the chosen institution.

4. Research Projects

These must be completed under academic supervision at an eligible Italian institution.

5. Intensive Italian Language and Culture Courses

These are three-month advanced courses for applicants with at least A2 Italian proficiency.

Applicants could list up to three programme options, including courses at different institutions, but all three choices had to belong to the same programme category.

Master’s Degree Scholarships

MAECI Master’s funding is available for Italian second-cycle degrees known as Laurea Magistrale programmes.

Applicants entering the first year must hold a qualification equivalent to an Italian Bachelor’s degree. Some programmes may require an admission examination, academic assessment, or separate pre-enrolment through Universitaly.

A nine-month scholarship is awarded for the academic year and may potentially be renewed for the following year.

Applicants should verify carefully that their programme is a recognised second-cycle degree.

An Italian Master Universitario, which is often a one-year postgraduate professional programme, is not the same as a Laurea Magistrale and is not eligible under the ordinary MAECI call.

AFAM Scholarships

The scholarship supports first- and second-cycle programmes at eligible institutions for:

  1. Fine arts
  2. Music
  3. Dance
  4. Design
  5. Theatre
  6. Other recognised artistic disciplines

AFAM applicants must hold the academic qualification required by the selected institution and may need to complete an audition, portfolio review, admission examination, or separate pre-enrolment procedure.

AFAM scholarships last nine months and may potentially be renewed.

PhD Scholarships

MAECI scholarships are available for eligible PhD programmes at Italian institutions.

Applicants must possess the academic qualification required for doctoral admission and must pass the admission process established by the university.

The scholarship application requires:

  1. Curriculum vitae
  2. Relevant academic qualification
  3. PhD admission letter
  4. Invitation or supervision letter
  5. Motivation letter
  6. Any additional supporting material

A pre-admission letter is not accepted as a valid final admission document. Applicants who have not yet received formal admission may initially upload a supervisor’s invitation letter and declare that the final document will be provided later if authorised.

PhD scholarships last nine months and may potentially be renewed.

Research Project Scholarships

Research Project Scholarships support work carried out under academic supervision at:

  1. Public Italian universities
  2. Legally recognised private Italian universities
  3. Public research institutions
  4. Recognised museums
  5. Recognised archives

The scholarship lasts nine months and is not renewable.

Applicants need a research project and an invitation letter from the Italian supervisor or host institution.

The research proposal must not exceed 1,000 words. The invitation letter must be printed on official institutional letterhead, signed by the supervisor, and confirm the supervisor’s willingness to provide progress reports if required.

Intensive Italian Language and Culture Scholarships

MAECI provides three-month scholarships for advanced Italian language and culture courses.

Applicants must demonstrate at least A2 Italian proficiency under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

These scholarships are different from the nine-month awards.

The 2026 to 2027 language scholarship provided a total of €3,600, paid after completion of the funding period and verification of enrolment, presence in Italy, and satisfactory progress.

Applicants for language courses cannot submit missing documents after the initial deadline. Their application must therefore be complete when submitted.

Does MAECI Fund Bachelor’s Degrees?

New Bachelor’s applications are generally not supported.

The 2026 to 2027 call included a Bachelor’s and single-cycle degree category only for authorised renewals of a special programme called “Costruiamo il futuro.” It was not open as a normal new Bachelor’s scholarship route.

Students seeking a first Bachelor’s degree in Italy should explore:

  1. University merit scholarships
  2. Regional right-to-study awards
  3. Tuition exemptions
  4. Institution-specific international student funding
  5. Separate government or foundation programmes

Scholarship Amount and Benefits

Most MAECI recipients in the 2026 to 2027 cycle receive a total of €10,800 for nine months.

This is equivalent to €1,200 for each funded month, although the money is not paid as a regular monthly instalment. It is transferred in three larger payments to an Italian bank account in the recipient’s name.

The main benefits include:

  1. €10,800 for eligible nine-month programmes
  2. €3,600 for a three-month Italian language course
  3. Collective health insurance during the scholarship
  4. Possible exemption from university tuition, depending on the institution
  5. Potential renewal for eligible multi-year programmes

The scholarship is intended to contribute towards study and living costs in Italy.

Is the MAECI Scholarship Fully Funded?

The MAECI Scholarship provides significant financial support, but it should not automatically be described as completely fully funded.

It does not guarantee:

  1. Full tuition exemption at every university
  2. Free accommodation
  3. International airfare
  4. Visa fee reimbursement
  5. Regional tax exemption
  6. Funding for family members
  7. Coverage of all living expenses
  8. Dental or pre-existing medical treatment

Some recipients may be able to cover most essential expenses with the scholarship, especially in lower-cost cities or when their university grants a tuition waiver.

Others may need additional savings for housing deposits, airfare, regional fees, visa-related costs, and the period before the first scholarship payment.

Tuition Fees and Regional Charges

Some Italian universities exempt MAECI recipients from enrolment and tuition fees under their institutional policies.

However, this exemption is not automatic across every university.

Applicants must ask their chosen institution whether MAECI recipients are required to pay tuition. Any tuition that remains payable is not reimbursed by MAECI.

Regional fees must be paid by the student and are not reimbursed.

For intensive Italian language and culture courses, enrolment and tuition fees must always be paid by the recipient.

Before choosing a course, applicants should confirm:

  1. Annual tuition
  2. Enrolment charges
  3. Regional tax
  4. Application fees
  5. Laboratory or programme charges
  6. Whether a MAECI waiver is available

Health Insurance

MAECI provides collective health insurance covering eligible illness and accident expenses during the official scholarship period.

The insurance does not cover:

  1. Pre-existing medical or pathological conditions
  2. Dental treatment
  3. Periods outside the official scholarship duration

Applicants from EU countries are advised to bring a valid European Health Insurance Card.

Recipients should review the insurance conditions and consider purchasing additional coverage when necessary.

Accommodation and Travel Costs

MAECI does not provide guaranteed accommodation.

Italian universities may have housing offices, student residences, or agreements with private accommodation providers, but MAECI itself does not arrange housing for recipients.

The scholarship can be compatible with university accommodation when the student is not receiving additional cash support from another Italian public body.

Airfare is not listed as a standard MAECI Scholarship benefit.

Applicants should budget for:

  1. Flights to and from Italy
  2. Visa-related travel
  3. Accommodation deposits
  4. Initial rent
  5. Food and transportation before the first payment
  6. Bedding and household items
  7. Regional and university charges

Age Requirements

The age limits for the 2026 to 2027 call were:

Master’s, AFAM and Italian Language Applicants

Applicants had to be at least 18 and no older than 28 by the application deadline.

The official cutoff required applicants to have been born on or after March 27, 1997.

PhD Applicants

Applicants had to be at least 18 and no older than 30.

The official cutoff required applicants to have been born on or after March 27, 1995.

Research Project Applicants

Applicants had to be at least 18 and no older than 40.

The official cutoff required applicants to have been born on or after March 27, 1985.

These dates apply only to the 2026 to 2027 call.

The exact birth-date cutoffs will move forward when a new application cycle is announced.

Academic Requirements

There is no single MAECI minimum GPA that applies to every country or institution.

Applicants are assessed comparatively based on the merit of their educational background.

Academic evidence may include:

  1. Degree result
  2. Transcript
  3. Grades in relevant subjects
  4. Class ranking
  5. Research experience
  6. Publications
  7. Awards
  8. Thesis quality
  9. Admission to the selected programme
  10. Recommendation letters
  11. Relevance of previous study

Applicants should help the selection committee understand their academic results.

Where possible, include:

  1. Grading scale
  2. Position in class
  3. Cohort size
  4. Academic distinctions
  5. Scholarships or medals
  6. Evidence of exceptional performance in relevant subjects

Language Requirements

Language requirements depend on the language and type of programme.

Italian-Taught Master’s and AFAM Programmes

Applicants need at least B2 Italian under the CEFR.

An official language certificate or another accepted document confirming B2 proficiency must be uploaded.

English-Taught Master’s and AFAM Programmes

Applicants need at least B2 English.

Accepted evidence may include:

  1. An official language certificate
  2. Documentation that the previous Bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English
  3. A self-declaration for applicants from countries where English is an official language

No Italian certificate is required for programmes taught entirely in English.

PhD and Research Project Applicants

MAECI does not require central proof of language proficiency for these categories.

However, the university, doctoral programme, supervisor, or host institution may impose its own language requirements.

Italian Language Course Applicants

Applicants need at least A2 Italian.

Accepted Certificates

The Study in Italy FAQ requires evidence connected with the CEFR level. Duolingo certificates are accepted only for English.

Applicants must also check whether the chosen university accepts the same certificate.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applicants can be excluded when they:

  1. Are not citizens of an eligible country
  2. Exceed the age limit
  3. Apply for an ineligible programme
  4. Apply for part-time study
  5. Are enrolled beyond the normal legal duration of their programme
  6. Apply for an online programme
  7. Apply for an ordinary Bachelor’s degree
  8. Apply for a single-cycle degree as a new applicant
  9. Apply for a one-year Master Universitario
  10. Apply for a specialisation course
  11. Apply for a single academic course
  12. Fail to upload a valid passport or identity document
  13. Submit an incomplete application
  14. Enter a year other than the first year, unless requesting an eligible renewal

New applicants must generally not be enrolled in or have earned a secondary or higher education qualification from an institution located in Italy. Research applicants must also not have received a MAECI Research Project Scholarship during the previous five academic years.

Employees of the Italian public administration and their first-degree descendants are also excluded.

Documents Required

Documents depend on the selected programme.

All files must be uploaded in PDF format. Each upload field accepts one file with a maximum size of 2 MB, although applicants may merge several documents into one PDF where necessary.

For the scholarship application itself, documents did not need to be translated or legalised for the 2026 to 2027 cycle. Applicants still had to upload a scan of the original document. Universities, visa offices, and Italian authorities may require translations or legalisation later.

Documents for Master’s Applicants

Master’s applicants generally need:

  1. Curriculum vitae
  2. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
  3. Transcript listing subjects and grades
  4. Italian or English language evidence
  5. Motivation letter
  6. Optional supporting documents

Optional materials can include:

  1. Admission letter
  2. Recommendation letter
  3. Academic awards
  4. Publications
  5. Ranking evidence
  6. Other material supporting academic merit

Final-year Bachelor’s students may apply using their current transcript and expected result, but they must declare that the final qualification will be provided later if requested under the supplementary-document process.

Documents for PhD Applicants

PhD applicants generally need:

  1. Curriculum vitae
  2. Qualifying academic degree
  3. Formal PhD admission letter
  4. Supervisor invitation letter
  5. Motivation letter
  6. Additional academic evidence

The supervisor’s declaration must be on institutional letterhead and signed.

Documents for Research Project Applicants

Research applicants generally need:

  1. Curriculum vitae
  2. Research proposal of no more than 1,000 words
  3. Invitation letter from the host institution or supervisor
  4. Motivation letter
  5. Additional supporting documents

The invitation letter must identify the supervisor and confirm their willingness to provide academic progress reports if required.

Motivation Letter

The MAECI motivation letter must not exceed 500 words.

It may discuss:

  1. Personal and academic background
  2. Academic interests
  3. Reasons for studying in Italy
  4. Reasons for choosing the programme
  5. Purpose of the study or research project
  6. Short-term goals
  7. Long-term goals

A strong structure can include the following sections.

Academic Preparation

Explain your previous degree, strongest subjects, academic achievements, and relevant research or professional experience.

Programme Choice

Show why the selected Italian programme fits your existing background.

Mention specific:

  1. Courses
  2. Research areas
  3. Laboratories
  4. Faculty expertise
  5. Professional training
  6. Artistic opportunities

Why Italy?

Avoid relying only on Italy’s history, culture, or beauty.

Explain why Italy offers academic, scientific, artistic, linguistic, or professional resources that are relevant to your goals.

Career Plan

Describe what you intend to do after completing the programme.

International Contribution

Connect your education with a wider contribution to your field, institution, professional sector, or international cooperation.

How to Strengthen the Motivation Letter

Use specific evidence.

Instead of writing:

I am an excellent student who wants to study in Italy.

Explain:

I graduated among the highest-performing students in my programme and completed a final research project on renewable energy integration, which led me to pursue advanced study in sustainable engineering.

Avoid spending too many words on financial need unless the application specifically asks for it.

The selection process is primarily merit-based, so the letter should emphasise academic preparation, programme fit, goals, and potential.

Research Proposal and Invitation Letter

Research applicants must present a proposal of no more than 1,000 words.

A useful structure includes:

  1. Project title
  2. Background
  3. Research problem
  4. Research question
  5. Objectives
  6. Methodology
  7. Sources or data
  8. Work to be completed in Italy
  9. Timeline
  10. Expected results
  11. Value of the host institution
  12. Future academic contribution

The proposal should be realistic for a nine-month period.

The host supervisor’s invitation letter should confirm:

  1. The institution
  2. The supervisor’s identity
  3. The research topic
  4. The proposed supervision
  5. Willingness to report on progress
  6. Availability of suitable academic support

How to Get the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship

Understanding how to get the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship begins with separating eligibility from competitiveness.

Eligibility means that you satisfy the nationality, age, academic, language, and programme requirements.

Competitiveness means that your application is stronger than other eligible applications submitted through the same country selection process.

A competitive applicant should focus on six areas.

1. Choose the Correct Programme Category

Confirm that your course is an eligible Laurea Magistrale, AFAM programme, PhD, research project, or language course.

Do not confuse an Italian Master Universitario with an eligible second-cycle Master’s degree.

2. Build a Strong Academic Case

Provide clear evidence of:

  1. High grades
  2. Relevant subjects
  3. Class ranking
  4. Research
  5. Awards
  6. Publications
  7. Professional preparation

3. Match the Programme to Your Background

Your previous degree, proposed Italian programme, and future career should form one logical academic path.

4. Prepare a Specific Motivation Letter

Explain why the exact programme and institution are important for your goals.

5. Meet the Language Requirement Early

Do not leave Italian or English certification until the final weeks.

6. Prepare for the Interview

Applicants who pass the initial comparative evaluation may be invited to an interview.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Country’s Eligibility

Confirm that your citizenship appears on the official country list for the relevant year.

Step 2: Choose an Eligible Programme

Search for a suitable course at a public or legally recognised private Italian institution.

Step 3: Confirm the Degree Type

Verify that the qualification belongs to an eligible MAECI category.

Step 4: Check University Admission Requirements

Review:

  1. Academic background
  2. Required degree
  3. Language score
  4. Admission tests
  5. Deadlines
  6. Pre-enrolment
  7. Universitaly requirements

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents

Collect your passport, degree, transcript, language evidence, CV, motivation letter, and programme-specific documents.

Step 6: Create a Study in Italy Account

Register using an email address that you check regularly because subsequent communication is sent through the portal and email.

Step 7: Complete the Course Section

Applicants may list up to three course options, but all options must belong to the same scholarship type.

Step 8: Upload the Required PDFs

Confirm that every file:

  1. Is in PDF format
  2. Is readable
  3. Is under 2 MB
  4. Contains the complete document
  5. Is uploaded to the correct field

Step 9: Declare Missing Supplementary Documents

Master’s, AFAM, and PhD applicants who expect to obtain certain qualifications or certificates later must indicate this correctly in the application.

Only authorised applicants appearing in the merit process can later upload approved supplementary documents.

Step 10: Submit Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the final hours.

MAECI states that heavy portal traffic is not accepted as a reason for missing the deadline.

Step 11: Monitor the Diplomatic Representation’s Website

The relevant embassy or diplomatic representation publishes the merit ranking.

Step 12: Complete Admission, Visa and Enrolment

Scholarship winners must complete separate university enrolment, tax-code, banking, and visa procedures before the scholarship starts.

How Applicants Are Selected

The selection process is conducted by a committee established by the relevant Italian diplomatic representation.

The main stages are:

  1. Comparative evaluation of applications
  2. Review of eligibility and academic merit
  3. Interview of shortlisted applicants
  4. Publication of winners and reserve candidates
  5. Submission of authorised supplementary documents where required
  6. Acceptance or rejection of the offer
  7. Issuance and acceptance of the official scholarship letter

Only winners are notified directly through the Study in Italy portal.

Applicants whose name or protocol number does not appear in the published winners or reserve list should consider the application unsuccessful.

Interview Preparation

The call confirms that shortlisted applicants may be interviewed, but the exact format and questions can differ by diplomatic representation.

Applicants should be prepared to explain:

  1. Why they selected Italy
  2. Why they selected the programme
  3. How their previous education prepared them
  4. Their academic achievements
  5. Their career plan
  6. How the scholarship supports international cooperation
  7. Their language preparation
  8. Their financial plan
  9. Their research methodology, where relevant
  10. What they will do after completing the programme

Keep answers consistent with the submitted application.

Do not introduce a completely different career plan during the interview.

Scholarship Payment Schedule

The nine-month award totals €10,800 and is paid in three instalments to an Italian bank account in the recipient’s name.

First Instalment

€5,500, paid from November 2026 after verification of:

  1. Presence in Italy
  2. Enrolment
  3. Institutional confirmation

Second Instalment

€2,300, paid from February 2027 after confirmation that the recipient remains regularly enrolled.

Third Instalment

€3,000, paid from June 2027 after satisfactory academic progress is confirmed.

For Master’s and AFAM students, satisfactory progress for the final instalment required 27 Italian university credits during the academic year.

PhD and research recipients needed a satisfactory statement from their supervisor.

Recipients arriving late may receive a proportionally reduced award.

Italian Bank Account and Tax Code

Payments are made to an Italian current account with an Italian IBAN.

Recipients must obtain:

  1. Italian tax identification number, or codice fiscale
  2. Italian bank account
  3. Italian IBAN
  4. Enrolment confirmation
  5. Evidence of entry into Italy

Online bank accounts and prepaid accounts may be acceptable if they provide a valid Italian IBAN beginning with “IT.”

Applicants should carry enough funds for their initial expenses because payment begins only after the required checks and administrative procedures.

Scholarship Renewal

Renewals may be available for:

  1. Master’s degrees
  2. AFAM programmes
  3. PhD programmes
  4. Certain previously authorised Bachelor’s or single-cycle awards

Renewal is not available for research projects or intensive Italian language courses.

Recipients applying for renewal must continue the same programme at the same institution and remain within the programme’s normal duration.

Priority is given to students who can demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.

For the 2026 to 2027 renewal application, students generally needed evidence of at least 15 university credits when applying. PhD students needed a positive supervisor evaluation.

A renewal is a new competitive application and is not automatic.

Can the Scholarship Be Deferred?

No.

The nine-month scholarship period is fixed and cannot be transferred to the next academic year.

Applicants who cannot begin the programme during the period stated in the official awarding letter should contact the relevant authority, but they should not assume the scholarship can be postponed.

Compatibility With Other Scholarships

The MAECI Scholarship cannot be combined with another scholarship funded by the Italian government or another Italian public institution, including regional right-to-study cash scholarships.

It may be compatible with:

  1. Erasmus
  2. Erasmus+
  3. Internships abroad
  4. Funding from international institutions

However, MAECI payments are suspended during study, research, or internship periods spent outside Italy.

University accommodation may be compatible when the student does not receive additional money from an Italian public body.

Application Deadlines

For the 2026 to 2027 cycle:

Application deadline: March 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Italian time

Supplementary document deadline: July 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Italian time, only for authorised applicants

Nine-month scholarship period: November 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027

Three-month language scholarship: An approved quarter beginning from January 1, 2027 and ending no later than September 30, 2027

The 2027 to 2028 dates have not yet been announced.

Common Application Mistakes

Applying From an Ineligible Country

Check the official list for the current year.

Applying for the Wrong Type of Master’s

A Laurea Magistrale is eligible. A Master Universitario is generally not.

Applying for a Bachelor’s Degree

New Bachelor’s applications are not normally accepted.

Choosing an Online Programme

MAECI requires in-person study in Italy.

Missing the Age Limit

The cutoff is strict and changes annually.

Submitting the Wrong Language Evidence

Use documents that clearly state the CEFR level.

Writing a Generic Motivation Letter

Explain your programme, preparation, goals, and reasons for choosing Italy.

Exceeding the Word Limit

The motivation letter is limited to 500 words.

The research proposal is limited to 1,000 words.

Uploading Unreadable Documents

Scans should be complete and clear.

Uploading Files Larger Than 2 MB

Each upload has a size limit.

Assuming Admission Is Automatic

University admission and MAECI selection are separate.

Depending on a Tuition Exemption

Confirm fees directly with the institution.

Assuming Airfare and Accommodation Are Included

Prepare additional funds.

Missing the Interview

Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview.

Waiting Until the Final Day

Portal traffic does not excuse a late submission.

Applying for Several Citizenship Processes

Applicants with several nationalities can use only one country selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship?

It is a scholarship offered by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for eligible international students, researchers, artists, and Italian citizens living abroad.

How to get the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship?

Choose an eligible programme, confirm that your citizenship is included, satisfy the age and language conditions, prepare a strong academic application, submit through Study in Italy, and perform well during the comparative evaluation and interview.

Is the MAECI Scholarship open for 2027?

The 2026 to 2027 application period is closed. The 2027 to 2028 call has not yet been published.

How much is the MAECI Scholarship?

The nine-month award for 2026 to 2027 totals €10,800. The three-month Italian language award totals €3,600.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

It provides a substantial living contribution and health insurance, but tuition, regional fees, airfare, accommodation, and other expenses may remain payable.

Does MAECI cover tuition?

Some universities waive tuition for recipients, while others do not. Regional fees remain payable in all cases.

Does the scholarship cover airfare?

Airfare is not listed as a standard benefit.

Does it provide free accommodation?

No. Applicants must arrange accommodation themselves.

Does it include health insurance?

Yes. MAECI provides collective insurance for eligible illness and accident costs during the scholarship period. Pre-existing conditions and dental care are excluded.

Can international students apply?

Yes, provided their citizenship appears on the official eligible-country list.

Are applicants from South and Central Asia eligible?

Several countries from these regions appeared on the 2026 to 2027 list, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Can applicants from Africa apply?

Yes. Many African countries were included in the official list.

Can European applicants apply?

Applicants from several European countries were included in the 2026 to 2027 call.

Is there one worldwide selection?

No. Selection is organised according to citizenship through the relevant Italian diplomatic representation.

Can I apply with two citizenships?

You can apply through only one eligible country selection process.

Does MAECI fund Bachelor’s degrees?

Not as an ordinary new application category. The Bachelor’s route in the 2026 to 2027 call was reserved for renewals under a special programme.

Does it fund Master’s degrees?

Yes, eligible second-cycle Laurea Magistrale programmes are supported.

Does it fund one-year postgraduate Master programmes?

No. Italian Master Universitari and one-year university programmes are ineligible under the ordinary call.

Does it fund PhD programmes?

Yes.

Does it fund research?

Yes. Eligible supervised research projects receive nine-month, non-renewable scholarships.

Does it fund Italian language courses?

Yes. Advanced Italian language and culture courses can receive three-month funding.

Can I study online?

No. Courses must be attended in person in Italy.

Can part-time students apply?

No.

What is the age limit for Master’s applicants?

For 2026 to 2027, the maximum age was 28 by the deadline.

What is the age limit for PhD applicants?

For 2026 to 2027, the maximum age was 30.

What is the age limit for research applicants?

For 2026 to 2027, the maximum age was 40.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Not necessarily. Applicants need accepted evidence of B2 English for an English-taught Master’s or AFAM programme. The university may impose its own test requirements.

Is Italian compulsory?

B2 Italian is required for Italian-taught Master’s and AFAM programmes. Italian is not required centrally for programmes taught completely in English.

Can Duolingo be used?

The official FAQ states that Duolingo certificates are accepted only for English.

Do I need admission before applying?

It depends on the programme.

A Master’s admission letter can strengthen the application but is not listed as a universal compulsory upload. PhD applicants need formal admission or must follow the approved supplementary-document process.

Can I choose several universities?

The portal allows up to three programme options, including programmes at different institutions, but all must belong to the same scholarship category.

Is there an interview?

Yes. Applicants who pass the comparative evaluation may be invited to an interview.

How are results announced?

The relevant diplomatic representation publishes a list of winners and reserves. Only winners are directly notified through Study in Italy.

Can the scholarship be renewed?

Master’s, AFAM and PhD awards may potentially be renewed. Renewal is competitive and depends on academic progress.

Can research scholarships be renewed?

No.

Can language scholarships be renewed?

No.

Can the scholarship be deferred?

No. The funding period is fixed.

Can I hold a regional Italian scholarship with MAECI?

The MAECI Scholarship is incompatible with cash scholarships from Italian public institutions, including regional right-to-study awards.

When is the next deadline?

The next deadline has not yet been officially announced.

Final Thoughts

The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship offers valuable financial support for eligible international students and researchers studying in Italy.

The standard nine-month scholarship provides €10,800, health insurance, and possible university fee exemptions. However, applicants should still budget for regional charges, accommodation, travel, visa-related expenses, and any tuition not waived by the institution.

A competitive applicant should:

  1. Confirm that their citizenship is eligible
  2. Select the correct programme category
  3. Check the age limit
  4. Meet the language requirement
  5. Prepare strong academic documents
  6. Write a focused 500-word motivation letter
  7. Complete university admission separately
  8. Prepare for the selection interview
  9. Verify tuition and living costs
  10. Submit well before the deadline

The central answer to how to get the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship is to create a coherent application.

Your academic background, chosen Italian programme, motivation, future goals, language preparation, and interview answers should all support the same clear study or research plan.

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