Are you dreaming of a fully funded education in Italy? The heart of Europe, a land rich with unparalleled history, art, and academic prestige, is calling your name.
The Italian Government Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year, offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), are now open for applications. This is your golden ticket to pursue Master's, Ph.D., and AFAM programs (Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance) at Italy's world-renowned public universities—with no IELTS test required.
This prestigious initiative aims to promote international cooperation and cultural exchange. If you're an international student seeking a life-changing academic experience, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The MAECI scholarship is a comprehensive, fully-funded grant designed to cover all essential expenses, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and cultural immersion.
Host Country: Italy
Scholarships Offered By: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
Scholarships Coverage: Fully Funded
Degree Level: Master's, Ph.D., and AFAM programs.Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy
Eligible Universities: All public Italian Universities and recognized AFAM Institutes.
Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Complete coverage of your tuition fees at any public Italian university.
Generous Monthly Stipend: Receive €900 per month to cover living costs, accommodation, and food.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Full medical and accident insurance for the entire scholarship duration.
Flight Ticket Reimbursement: A one-time round-trip economy class ticket from your home country to Italy.
Free Italian Language Courses: Access to pre-course Italian language and culture training in Italy.
The MAECI scholarship is valid for enrollment at all public Italian universities and recognized AFAM institutes. This includes every prestigious institution, such as:
University of Bologna (World's oldest university)
Sapienza University of Rome
Politecnico di Milano (Top for Engineering & Design)
University of Padua
Politecnico di Torino
University of Milan
University of Pisa
You can find scholarships for a vast array of programs, including:
Engineering (All specializations)
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Medicine and Surgery (Note: Requires IMAT 2025 score for English-taught programs)
Economics and Finance
Architecture and Design
Biotechnology
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Heritage
Environmental Science
AFAM Programs (Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Design)
To be eligible for this Italian Government scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Nationality: Must be a non-Italian citizen and not residing in Italy.
Age Limit:
Master's/AFAM programs: Under 28 years old by the application deadline.
Ph.D. programs: Under 30 years old by the application deadline.
Academic Qualifications:
Master's/AFAM: Hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Ph.D.: Hold a Master's degree or equivalent.
Language Proficiency (Key Advantage):
For Italian-taught courses: B2 level proficiency in Italian.
For English-taught courses: Sufficient proficiency in English. An IELTS is NOT mandatory. A Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate from your previous university is accepted as proof.
Prepare these documents for your application:
Duly completed online application form.
Academic Transcripts and Diploma (notarized copies, translated into English/Italian).
Updated CV (European Format is recommended).
Compelling Motivation Letter.
At least two Recommendation Letters.
Study Plan or Research Proposal.
Proof of Language Proficiency (MOI Certificate for English).
Valid Passport Scan.
Medical Certificate of good health.
The application is exclusively through the official online portal. Do not apply through universities for this specific scholarship.
Research & Choose Programs: Select one or two courses from eligible Italian universities.
Prepare Documents: Gather and scan all required documents as per the specifications.
Complete the Online Form: Fill in the application on the official 'Study in Italy' portal accurately.
Upload Documents: Attach all files (usually in PDF format).
Submit Application: Review everything and submit before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email.
While the MAECI application is centralized, you must also check the specific admission requirements and deadlines for your chosen university programs. You need to secure an offer of admission separately. Due to high competition, many universities use a first-come, first-served policy. Aim to obtain your Offer Letter by February 2026.
The application deadline for the MAECI Scholarships is typically in June 2026. However, this is confirmed yearly. Bookmark the official 'Study in Italy' portal to check the exact date when the call opens.
For Medicine and Surgery programs taught in English, you must take the IMAT test in 2025 for enrollment in the 2026-2027 academic year. Your MAECI application will be conditional on your IMAT score and subsequent university admission. Start preparing now!
Ready to embark on your Italian academic adventure? Start preparing your application today for this incredible, fully-funded opportunity!
