MAECI Italy Scholarship 2025 | Fully Funded Study

MAECI Italy Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Study

The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2025/26 offers an exceptional opportunity for international students and Italian citizens living abroad to pursue advanced academic studies at prestigious Italian public universities. Administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), this scholarship aims to strengthen international academic cooperation, support global cultural exchange, and foster development through high-quality education.

The program is fully funded and caters to applicants seeking to enroll in Master’s degree programs, PhD courses, AFAM (Arts, Music, and Dance) programs, or academic research projects under supervision. With a generous funding structure and a simplified application process, the MAECI Scholarship stands out as one of the most accessible and prestigious European government scholarships for the academic year 2025–2026.

Key Facts About MAECI Scholarship 2025/26

Host Country: Italy
Offered By: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, AFAM (Higher Education in Arts, Music, Dance), and supervised Research
Type of Funding: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: Citizens from 141 countries and Italian citizens abroad
Application Mode: Online via Study in Italy portal
Deadline to Apply:16th May 2025

Objectives of the MAECI Scholarship

The primary goals of the MAECI Scholarship include:

Enhancing cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation between Italy and foreign countries.
Promoting the Italian language and culture globally.
Supporting the internationalization of Italy’s higher education institutions.
Offering financial assistance to students who lack the means to pursue studies in Italy.

What Does the MAECI Scholarship Cover?

The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage that ensures successful applicants can pursue their studies without economic burden. Below is a breakdown of the funding package:

1. Tuition and Enrollment Fee Exemption

All selected scholars are exempt from tuition and enrollment fees at Italian public universities. Some programs may charge minimal administrative fees, but the scholarship generally covers academic expenses.

2. Monthly Financial Grant

Students will receive a total financial award of €9,000, distributed in three installments:

First Installment: €4,500
Second Installment: €2,500
Third Installment: €2,000

3. Health and Medical Insurance

The scholarship also covers health and accident insurance, valid throughout the duration of the stay in Italy. This includes:

Emergency medical services
Routine and specialist consultations
Hospitalization coverage

This ensures that students are protected and receive quality medical care during their academic journey in Italy.

Available Study Programs

The MAECI Scholarship supports study in the following academic formats:

1. Master’s Degree Programs (Laurea Magistrale)

For students seeking to pursue 2-year postgraduate degrees across disciplines such as:

Engineering
Architecture
International Relations
Economics and Management
Science and Technology
Humanities

2. PhD Programs

Offered at public universities and research centers, this stream supports doctoral-level research across a broad array of fields, provided the applicant meets the academic and admission criteria set by individual universities.

3. AFAM Programs

AFAM stands for Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica and includes higher education in:

Music
Fine Arts
Dance
Design
Performing Arts

4. Research Projects Under Supervision

This stream is available for postgraduate-level candidates intending to carry out research at Italian universities or research institutions, with academic supervision and in collaboration with local faculties.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS (Apply Now)

Who is Eligible for the MAECI Scholarship?

The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2025/26 is open to applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Nationality

Applicants must be from one of the 141 eligible countries or be Italian citizens living abroad (IRE).

2. Academic Background

Master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
PhD applicants must fulfill the entry requirements set by the chosen Italian university.

3. Age Limit

Master’s/AFAM/Research: Maximum age is 28 years at the time of application (born after 16th May 1997).
PhD applicants: Maximum age is 30 years (born after 16th May 1995).

4. Language Proficiency

English or Italian language proficiency isrequired, proven by:
- IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent certification.
- University-issued proof of English as the medium of instruction (MOI).

Note: Some programs taught in Italian may require Italian language certification (e.g., CILS, CELI, PLIDA).

List of Eligible Countries (Partial Sample)

The MAECI Scholarship is inclusive of a wide range of nations across continents. Below is a sample of eligible countries:

Afghanistan
Argentina
Bangladesh
Brazil
China
Egypt
France
Germany
India
Indonesia
Kenya
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines
Russia
South Korea
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Venezuela
Vietnam

To view the full list of 141 countries, visit the official MAECI website.

How to Apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2025/26

The MAECI application process is entirely online and does not require prior admission into an Italian university. Follow the steps below to ensure a successful submission:

Step 1: Create an Account

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

The following documents are typically required:

Valid Passport or ID
Academic Certificates and Transcripts
Proof of Language Proficiency
Research Proposal (for PhD/Research applicants)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Step 3: Submit Online Application

Complete all sections of the application form and upload required documents. Be sure to select your preferred study level and university type.

Step 4: Wait for Results

Applicants will be notified of the outcome via email or through their Study in Italy portal accounts.

Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships For International Students In Canada

Where Can You Study with the MAECI Scholarship?

All Italian public universities and recognized higher education institutions, including AFAM institutes, accept MAECI scholars. Notable universities include:

University of Bologna
Sapienza University of Rome
University of Milan
Politecnico di Milano
University of Padua
University of Pisa
University of Florence
University of Naples Federico II

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is 16th May 2026, at 2:00 PM (CET). Late applications will not be considered.

Why Choose to Study in Italy?

Italy offers a blend of academic excellence, rich culture, and world-class infrastructure. Some key advantages include:

Home to some of the world’s oldest universities.
Affordable living costs compared to other EU countries.
Rich heritage in art, architecture, music, and cuisine.
Diverse international student communities.
Opportunities for post-study work and networking in Europe.

Quick Links

🔗 Official MAECI Scholarship Portal
📌 Deadline: 16 May 2026
📚 Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, AFAM, Research
🌍 Open to: 141 countries + Italian citizens abroad

Italian government scholarship 2025 Study in Italy free

MAECI Italy Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Study