Author: Michael | Published: July 17, 2026
About the Scholarship
The MAECI Scholarship is one of Italy’s most prestigious funding opportunities for international students. It offers full financial support to pursue Master’s degrees, PhD programs, and AFAM (Art, Music, Dance) courses at leading Italian universities. Successful applicants receive a €10,800 annual allowance, complete tuition fee waivers, and comprehensive health insurance coverage during their studies.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Italy |
| Funded By | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) |
| Degree Levels | Master’s Degrees, PhD Programs, AFAM (Art, Music, Dance) |
| Financial Value | €10,800 stipend, tuition waivers, and health insurance |
| Application Mode | Online via the official portal |
| Duration | 3, 6, or 9 months (depending on the course type) |
What to Expect
- Study at public universities without paying registration fees.
- Stipends are transferred directly into your Italian bank account in installments.
- Courses are taught in person across Italy’s historic cities.
- Full accident and health insurance provided by the government.
Responsibilities of Scholarship Holders
- Attend all classes physically in Italy.
- Maintain strong academic performance and complete exams on time.
- Provide transcripts showing at least 27 CFUs (credits) by mid-term evaluation.
- Respect Italian visa regulations and university codes of conduct.
Benefits
- Global Cooperation
- Stipends
- Tuition Waivers
- Medical Protection
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limits:
- Master’s/AFAM: under 28 years
- PhD: under 30 years
- Research: under 40 years
- Language Skills: B2 level in English (for English-taught programs) or Italian (for Italian-taught programs).
- Residency: Must be a foreign national living outside Italy or an Italian citizen permanently abroad.
- Academic Requirements: Hold a valid degree that meets entry criteria for your chosen program.
Safety Measures
- Apply only through the official Study in Italy portal.
- Never pay external agencies claiming to guarantee scholarships.
- Keep personal savings ready for initial expenses, as the first stipend installment is processed after enrollment.
Who Can Apply
- International students from the eligible countries.
- Italian citizens residing abroad.
- Recent graduates seeking Master’s programs or researchers aiming for advanced doctoral studies.
Required Documents
- Motivation letter or research plan.
- Valid passport (scanned copy).
- Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Official translations in English or Italian if needed.
- Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or Italian exam).
- Admission/acceptance letter from an Italian institution (mandatory for PhD).
Helpful Tips for This Scholarship
- Apply early
- Secure university admission separately from the scholarship.
- Upload documents in clear PDF format with small file sizes.
- Prepare extra copies of all documents for your visa appointment.
Application Timeline
- Deadline: March 26, 2027, at 2:00 PM CET.
- Interviews: April–June 2027, conducted online (Teams/Zoom) or at local Italian embassies.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Study in Italy portal.
- Create a new applicant profile.
- Fill in personal and academic details accurately.
- Upload passport, transcripts, and language certificates.
- Review and submit your application before the deadline.
- Check your email regularly for interview invitations.Monitor your email inbox regularly for updates regarding your interview shortlisting status.
Where to Apply
- Visit Study in Italy, the Official Government Scholarship Submission Webpage.
- Visit Universitaly Admission Portal, the Official Pre-Enrolment Webpage.
- Visit Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) for Official Updates.
You can also see Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, Humphrey Fellowship and University of Melbourne Summer research Internship detailed guides for other opportunities.
In Conclusion
The MAECI Scholarship is more than financial aid, it’s a gateway to world-class education, cultural immersion, and international collaboration. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this chance to study in Italy and take your academic journey to the next level.
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