Applications are now open for the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity for international students who want to study in Italy. The scholarship is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) to support talented students from around the world.
The program is open to international students and Italian citizens living abroad who wish to pursue Master’s degrees, PhD programs, AFAM courses (Arts, Music, and Dance), or research programs at Italian public or legally recognized universities.
Students from 141 countries are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The aim of the program is to promote international cooperation in education and support students who may not have the financial resources to study in Italy. Selected applicants will receive financial support, health insurance, and a stipend during their studies.
There is no application fee, and the scholarship covers several academic programs offered by Italian universities.
Below are the full details of the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship.
Details of the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2026
- Host Country: Italy
- Scholarship Provider: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
- Program Name: Study in Italy Scholarship
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree, PhD, AFAM Courses, Research Programs
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 26 May 2026
How the MAECI Scholarship Works
The MAECI scholarship is designed for students who wish to study in Italy but may not have the financial resources to fund their education.
Here is how the program works:
- If selected, the MAECI Scholarship will cover major study expenses while studying in Italy.
- Many Italian public universities participate in the MAECI scholarship program.
- When applying to universities, applicants can indicate their interest in the MAECI scholarship funding option.
It is important to note that scholarship applications and university admissions are separate processes.
Financial Benefits
The MAECI Scholarship provides financial support that includes:
- Full exemption from tuition and enrollment fees
- Health and medical/accident insurance
- Total grant of €10,800
The stipend is paid in three installments:
- €5,500 – First installment
- €2,300 – Second installment
- €3,000 – Final installment
This financial support helps cover living expenses during the study period in Italy.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the 141 eligible countries.
- Students applying for a Master’s degree must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Applicants for a Master’s program must be 28 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Applicants for a PhD program must be under 30 years old at the time of application.
- Candidates must provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or another accepted language certificate.
Applicants should also ensure they meet any additional requirements set by their chosen university or academic program.
How to Apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2026
Interested applicants must submit their application online through the official Study in Italy portal.
Important points to note:
- Applicants do not need to secure university admission before applying for the scholarship.
- The MAECI scholarship application and university admission process are separate.
Application process:
- Apply online for the MAECI Scholarship through the official platform.
- If selected for the scholarship, you will then need to apply and secure admission to an Italian university.
- Once admitted, you can begin your studies in Italy with MAECI financial support.
Participating Universities
The MAECI Scholarship can be used at Italian public universities and legally recognized higher education institutions across Italy. Most public universities in Italy participate in this scholarship program.
How to Apply
To apply and read the official scholarship call, visit the official portal below:
APPLY THROUGH THE STUDY IN ITALY PORTAL FOR THE MAECI SCHOLARSHIP.
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