Italy is calling! If you’re a foreign student or an Italian citizen living abroad with aspirations of studying or conducting research in Italy, the MAECI Scholarship 2025–2026 could be your gateway to one of Europe’s most vibrant academic environments.
Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), this fully funded scholarship supports international students who wish to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, research, or language and culture programs at accredited institutions in Italy. The program aims to strengthen cultural and scientific collaboration, promote the Italian language, and boost Italy’s global academic presence.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity—from eligibility and benefits to the application process and deadlines.
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MAECI Scholarship 2025 Overview
- Host Country: Italy
- Funded By: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
- Eligible Institutions: Public universities, AFAM institutes (arts, music, and dance), and accredited research centers
- Programs Covered:
- Bachelor’s Degrees (only for specific students)
- Master’s Degrees
- PhD Programs
- Research Projects
- AFAM (Arts, Music, and Dance)
- Italian Language and Culture Courses
- Eligible Applicants:
- Foreign citizens
- Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE)
- Deadline: May 16, 2025 (2:00 PM CET)
- Program Start Date: From November 1, 2025 (Language courses begin January 1, 2026)
MAECI Scholarship 2025 Benefits
Successful applicants will receive the following support:
- €9,000 Total Grant for 9-month programs
- Disbursed in three installments
- €4,500 upon arrival and enrollment
- €2,500 in February 2026
- €2,000 in June 2026 (after earning 25 CFU or equivalent)
- Disbursed in three installments
- €3,000 Grant for 3-month language and culture courses
- Health Insurance for the entire duration of the scholarship
- Tuition Fee Waivers, depending on the host institution’s policy
- Academic and Cultural Exposure in top Italian universities and institutions
Who Can Apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2025?
1. Academic Requirements
Applicants must possess the required academic qualifications for the chosen program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.).
2. Age Limits
- Bachelor’s/Single-Cycle Degrees: Max 23 years
- Master’s/AFAM/Language Courses: Max 28 years
- PhD: Max 30 years
- Research Projects: Max 40 years
3. Language Proficiency
- Italian-taught programs: B2 level in Italian (CEFR)
- English-taught programs: B2 level in English (CEFR or equivalent)
4. Exclusions
- Employees of Italian public administration and their children are not eligible.
- Part-time or non-accredited programs are not accepted.
- Cannot be combined with other Italian government scholarships.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
To apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2025–2026, follow these steps:
Step 1: Register
Visit the official Study in Italy portal and create an account.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Fill in your academic and personal information carefully.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic certificates
- Language proficiency certificates
- Program-specific documents:
- Admission letter for PhD or AFAM programs
- Research proposal and invitation letter (for research projects)
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Deadline: May 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM (Italian time)
Step 5: Wait for Evaluation
Italian diplomatic missions in each country will evaluate applications based on academic merit and personal CVs.
Step 6: Check Results
Successful applicants will be notified through the portal and via email. Official rankings will also be published by respective embassies.
Academic Programs Covered
The scholarship applies to the following program categories:
1. Master’s Degree Programs (Laurea Magistrale)
For those with a recognized bachelor’s degree. Must meet the university’s admission and language requirements.
2. Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)
Available for 1st and 2nd cycle AFAM courses. Admission requirements are determined by each institute.
3. PhD Programs
Only open to candidates already admitted to a recognized PhD program in Italy.
4. Research Projects
Candidates must have an invitation from a host professor and submit a detailed research proposal. Projects must be supervised and conducted at public institutions.
5. Italian Language and Culture Courses
Three-month advanced courses for students with at least A2-level proficiency in Italian. Courses begin in January 2026.
6. Bachelor’s and Single-Cycle Programs
Reserved for students from Italian schools abroad (Article 7 institutions).
Special Initiatives
1. Attanasio Grants
For students from Morocco, Nigeria, and DR Congo pursuing degrees in international relations, human rights, or development.
2. Costruiamo il Futuro Grants
For African students from Italian high schools abroad, especially those studying STEM, economics, or healthcare.
3. WikiAfrica Education
Selected African grantees can contribute to African knowledge platforms via Wikimedia.
FAQs
1. Do I need admission to an Italian university before applying?
Not for all categories. Only PhD and research applicants must have prior admission or an invitation. Others can apply simultaneously.
2. Can I apply if I already have another scholarship?
No, this scholarship is not compatible with other Italian government-funded programs.
3. Are tuition fees completely waived?
In most cases, yes. But it depends on the university, as waivers are at their discretion.
4. What’s the value of the language course scholarship?
€3,000 lump sum for the full 3-month course plus health insurance.
5. Can I apply for more than one program?
Yes, you can select more than one study path, but you must meet the eligibility requirements for each.
Final Thoughts
The MAECI Scholarship 2025–2026 is more than just financial support—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in one of Europe’s richest cultures while advancing your education or research. Whether you’re into arts, science, language, or international policy, Italy offers a dynamic environment where academic excellence meets global opportunity.
If you’re eligible and passionate about studying in Italy, don’t wait—start gathering your documents and get ready to apply before May 16, 2025.
Click Here to Access the Official Call and Apply
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