MAECI Scholarships 2025–2026: Study in Italy with a Fully Funded Grant from the Italian Government

If you're an aspiring student or researcher from outside Italy looking to pursue higher education, advanced training, or research in Italy, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has officially opened applications for its fully funded scholarship program for the academic year 2025–2026. These prestigious scholarships are designed to strengthen cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, promote the Italian language and culture, and support Italy’s global role in education and diplomacy.

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🗒️ MAECI Scholarship 2025 Summary

• Location: Italy

• Host Institutions: Italian public universities, AFAM institutes, and accredited research centers

• Study Levels: Bachelor's, Master’s, PhD, AFAM, Research projects, and Language & Culture courses

• Target Group: Foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) from eligible countries

• Fields of Focus: Wide range including humanities, science, engineering, arts, music, design, social sciences, international relations, and more

- Grant Value and Coverage:

- Total amount: €9,000 for most programs

- €3,000 for 3-month Italian language and culture courses

- Tuition fee exemption (varies by institution)

- Health insurance for the duration of the scholarship

- Grant Duration:

- 9 months for most degree programs

- 3 months for language and culture courses

• Application Deadline: May 16, 2025, 2:00 PM (CET)

• Start Date: From November 1, 2025 (except for language courses, which begin January 1, 2026)

• Eligible To: Foreign citizens and IRE from eligible countries listed on this document

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🎓MAECI Scholarship Overview

The MAECI scholarships cover several academic opportunities in Italy:

1. Master’s Degree Programs (Laurea Magistrale, 2nd Cycle)

• For holders of a Bachelor's degree equivalent to the Italian Laurea Triennale.

• Requires B2 Italian or English proficiency depending on the program language.

2. Higher Education in Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)

• Available for both 1st and 2nd cycle programs.

• Applicants must meet institutional admission requirements.

3. PhD Programs

• Requires prior admission to an Italian PhD program.

• Applicants must submit an admission letter.

4. Research Projects under Academic Supervision

• Hosted by public universities or recognized research institutions (e.g., CNR, INAF, ISS).

• Requires a research proposal and supervisor's invitation letter.

5. Italian Language and Culture Advanced Courses

• 3-month courses for students with at least A2-level Italian proficiency.

• Ideal for those seeking cultural and linguistic immersion.

6. Bachelor’s and Single-Cycle Degree Programs

• Only for students graduating from Italian schools abroad (Article 7 institutions).

• Emphasis on disciplines aligned with Italy’s development cooperation goals.

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🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Stipend of €9,000 for 9-month programs, disbursed in three installments:

• €4,500 upon arrival and enrollment

• €2,500 in February 2026 (upon verification of attendance)

• €2,000 in June 2026 (upon proof of academic progress—minimum 25 CFU)

• €3,000 lump sum for 3-month language courses

- Health insurance coverage

- Potential tuition fee waivers (subject to institutional autonomy)

- Cultural and academic immersion through top-tier Italian institutions

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic Requirements:

• Appropriate degree for the selected program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.)

2. Age Limits:

• Bachelor’s/Single-cycle: 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 Italian CEFR

• English-taught programs: B2 English CEFR or equivalent

⚠️ Exclusions:

• Not open to Italian public administration employees and their children

• Not valid for part-time or non-accredited institutions/programs

• Incompatible with other Italian government scholarships

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📝 Application Procedure

1. Register and apply via the official [Study in Italy Portal]

2. Submit required documents, including:

• Valid passport or ID

• Proof of academic qualification

• Language proficiency certificate

• Program-specific documents (e.g., admission letters, research proposals)

3. Deadline: May 16, 2025 at 14:00 (Italian time)

4. Selection: Managed by local Italian diplomatic missions, based on merit and CV evaluation

5. Result Notification: Winners will be informed via the portal, and rankings published by respective embassies

ℹ️ Special Initiatives

• Attanasio Grants: Reserved for students from Morocco, Nigeria, and DR Congo pursuing degrees in international relations, development, or human rights

• Costruiamo il Futuro Grants: Reserved for students from Italian high schools in Africa pursuing STEM, economics, or healthcare degrees

• WikiAfrica Education: Opportunity for African grantees to contribute to online African knowledge platforms through Wikimedia

📂 Resources

For a list of useful documents including the call for applications PDF document, visit this webpage.

🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK

MAECI scholarships to study in Italy for the academic year 2025-2026

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