Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship supporting international students for master's, PhD, research, arts, or Italian language intensive study in Italy, with a €1,200/month stipend.
Am I eligible?At a glance
Study level
Master’s, PhD, Research
Destination
Italy
Funding
€1,200 per month stipend for 9 months (master's, PhD, research, AFAM) or 3 months (intensive Italian language courses). Does not explicitly cover tuition — Italian public university tuition is usually waived for scholarship holders but confirm with the host institution.
Eligible applicants
Citizens of eligible countries (listed per call) or Italian citizens resident abroad; bachelor's or master's degree for respective levels
Photo: Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) is offered by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Master’s, PhD, Research study in Italy. Confirm the current cycle on the official page before applying.
What this scholarship covers
€1,200/month stipend (9 months for master's/PhD/research)
Included
€1,200/month stipend (3 months for Italian language courses)
May be included
€1,200 per month stipend for 9 months (master's, PhD, research, AFAM) or 3 months (intensive Italian language courses). Does not explicitly cover tuition — Italian public university tuition is usually waived for scholarship holders but confirm with the host institution. Award components, amounts, and exclusions can change by intake, programme, nationality, or host institution, so confirm them on the official provider page.
Are you eligible?
Eligibility review
Based on the provider’s published information
International students
See official criteria
Domestic students
See official criteria
Scholarship scope
Government scholarship
Last eligibility check
October 12, 2026
Who can apply
- Citizenship
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country as listed in the current call, OR an Italian citizen resident abroad (IRE) in a listed country
- International eligibility
- Eligible nationalities are set by the provider; see the official criteria for the current list.
Academic requirements
- Academic recordRequired
- Must hold the academic qualifications required for the chosen study cycle (bachelor's equivalent for master's, master's equivalent for PhD)
- Minimum grades / GPANot published
- No fixed minimum grade is listed for this scholarship. Check the provider’s current call for academic requirements.
Study restrictions and coverage
- Countries
- Italy
Official eligibility summary
Open to: Citizens of eligible countries (listed per call) or Italian citizens resident abroad; bachelor's or master's degree for respective levels. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also sets academic, admission, and any nationality or residence rules on its official page.
Applicant profile
- Citizens of eligible countries (listed per call) or Italian citizens resident abroad; bachelor's or master's degree for respective levels
Study route
- Master’s, PhD, Research study in Italy
Current-cycle criteria
- Open to: Citizens of eligible countries (listed per call) or Italian citizens resident abroad; bachelor's or master's degree for respective levels. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also sets academic, admission, and any nationality or residence rules on its official page.
What to confirm for this cycle
Scholarship details can change from one application cycle to the next. Check these points on the official page before you apply.
- Current eligibility rules
- Current funding and benefits
- Current deadline and application route
Required documents
- Study in Italy online application form
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Passport copy
- Research proposal (for research/PhD track)
- Italian language proficiency proof (min A2 for language track)
How to apply
- 1
Check studyinitaly.esteri.it/ListaBandi for the current open call and your country's eligibility
- 2
Register and apply exclusively through the Study in Italy portal by 14:00 CET on the deadline
- 3
Submit all required documents online; some embassies hold additional preselection interviews
Application timeline
Application cycle
2026/27 closed March 26, 2026. 2027/28 call expected January–March 2027. Applications through studyinitaly.esteri.it only.
The listed deadline is March 26, 2026. Confirm it on the provider’s official page.
Always confirm the latest deadline on the official provider website.
Official source
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Official scholarship source
Last checked October 12, 2026
Your next steps
- 01Read the official programme guidance.
- 02Confirm eligibility, funding, and the deadline.
- 03Check the current application cycle.
- 04Apply through the official provider.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next deadline?
The listed deadline is March 26, 2026. Confirm that it remains current on the official provider page.
Why do some details vary?
Scholarship conditions can differ by intake, study programme, nationality, and host institution. The official provider page is the source of the current rules.