Overview
The Italian Government Scholarship supports international students who wish to pursue higher education or research programs in Italy. The program is designed to encourage academic exchange and international collaboration.
Recipients can enroll in various academic programs offered by Italian universities, including master’s degrees, doctoral studies, research projects, and specialized courses in Italian language and culture.
The scholarship typically covers a study period of around nine months, with the possibility of extension depending on academic progress and program requirements.
About the Organization
The scholarship is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy and is commonly known as the MAECI Scholarship.
This initiative supports international academic exchange and strengthens cooperation between Italian universities and educational institutions around the world. It also promotes Italian culture, language, and research collaboration with global partners.
The program is administered through the official Study in Italy platform, where applicants submit their scholarship applications online.
Scholarship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | MAECI Italian Government Scholarship 2026 |
| Host Country | Italy |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree, PhD |
| Funding Type | Partially Funded |
| Scholarship Value | €9,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | International students |
| Application Deadline | May 26, 2026 |
| Scholarship Period | November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027 |
Financial Coverage
The Italian Government Scholarship provides financial support that helps students manage their academic and living expenses while studying in Italy.
The scholarship benefits include:
- Exemption from tuition and enrollment fees at participating universities
- Health and accident insurance coverage
- Total financial grant of €9,000
The grant is paid in three installments:
- First installment: €4,500
- Second installment: €2,500
- Final installment: €2,000
This financial assistance helps students cover accommodation, daily living expenses, and study-related costs during their program.
Available Fields of Study
The scholarship supports a wide range of academic programs offered by Italian universities.
Available areas of study may include:
- Engineering and Technology
- Architecture and Design
- Economics and Business
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Arts and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- International Relations
Applicants can choose from many programs depending on the universities participating in the scholarship program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the Italian Government Scholarship 2026.
General requirements include:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree to apply for a master’s program
- Candidates applying for a master’s degree must be 28 years old or younger
- Applicants for PhD programs must be under 30 years old
- Candidates must demonstrate English or Italian language proficiency
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the selected Italian university
Language proficiency may be demonstrated through standardized tests such as IELTS or other recognized certificates.
Apply Also:
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare several documents as part of the scholarship application.
Required documents include:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Signed application or permit form
- Academic degree certificates and transcripts
- Letter of intent or motivation letter
- Passport-size photograph
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of language proficiency in English or Italian
All documents must be uploaded through the official scholarship portal during the application process.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Italian Government Scholarship 2026 is:
May 26, 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline to ensure they are considered for the scholarship.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through the official scholarship platform.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Study in Italy scholarship portal.
- Create a personal account on the application platform.
- Complete the scholarship application form with your personal and academic information.
- Upload the required documents including CV, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Select the MAECI Scholarship during the application process.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applicants should carefully review their information before submission to avoid errors.
Apply now for the scholarship
Conclusion
The Italian Government Scholarship 2026 provides an opportunity for international students to study at universities across Italy with financial support. The program supports master’s and doctoral studies while encouraging international academic collaboration.
In addition to financial assistance, scholars benefit from exposure to Italy’s educational system, cultural environment, and international academic community. This experience can help students expand their academic knowledge and develop professional networks.
Students who wish to pursue higher education in Europe should consider applying for the MAECI Scholarship before the May 2026 deadline.
