Italian Government MAECI Scholarships 2025 (Full Funding)

Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for International Students and Italians Abroad, 2025–2026. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is currently taking applications for its esteemed Grants for Foreign Students and Italian Citizens Living Abroad (IRE).

Students who want to pursue higher education, research, and training at publicly or legally recognized Italian universities can take advantage of this opportunity, which provides full financial support.

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The program encourages scientific collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and the internationalization of Italian language and culture.

Level of Degree

MAECI provides funding for a variety of initiatives:

Master’s degree (second cycle of Laurea Magistrale)

• Financial assistance for nine months, renewable
• A bachelor’s degree that is comparable to an Italian Laurea Triennale is required of applicants.

Fine Arts, Music, and Dance Higher Education (AFAM)

Support for the first and second cycle studies lasts for nine months and is renewable.

Doctoral Programs

Funding for nine months, renewable based on good academic achievement.

Research Initiatives Under Academic Guidance

Nine months to conduct research in association with Italian museums, institutes, or universities.

Advanced Italian Language and Culture Courses

Students who are proficient in Italian at least at the A2 level will receive funding for three months.

Single-cycle degree programs or bachelor’s degrees

Support for nine months is only available to students who are graduating from specific Italian high schools overseas.

Subjects Available

The following subjects can be studied through this scholarship program.

• Every Subject

Benefits

• Research Projects, Master’s, AFAM, PhD, and Bachelor’s Programs: €9,000 in total (paid in three installments)
• Courses in Italian language and culture cost €3,000, which must be paid in full.
• During the visit, health insurance coverage
• Depending on the institution, there may be a tuition fee exemption (regional fees still apply).
• Complete involvement in the academic and cultural life of Italy.

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Particular Projects

1. “Attanasio” Grants: Only available to students studying international relations, development cooperation, and human rights who are from Morocco, Nigeria, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
2. The “Costruiamo il Futuro” grants are intended for students pursuing engineering, economics, computer science, agriculture, or health sciences at Italian high schools in Ethiopia, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.
3. WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative: This initiative allows African MAECI grantees to collaborate on Wikipedia to advance specialized knowledge about Africa.

All nationalities are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Qualifications for Eligibility

Applicants must

• Apply through the official Study in Italy portal: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it
• possess the academic credentials needed to be admitted to Italian universities.
• Reach the age restrictions listed below by May 16, 2025:
• Italian language courses, AFAM, and master’s degrees: ≤ 28 years old
• PhD programs for those under 30
• Research Initiatives: Under 40
• Programs for Bachelor’s or Single Cycle: ≤ 23 years old
• Fulfill the requirements for language proficiency:
• Programs taught in Italy: Italian B2 level
• Programs taught in English: B2 level
• Language proof is not necessary for PhD and research projects, unless specifically requested by the host institution.

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Application Process

Timeline for Scholarships

• Deadline to apply: May 16, 2025, at 14:00 CET
• Period of Funding:
• November 1, 2025–July 31, 2026 is when most grants occur.
• Courses in Italian: January 1, 2026–September 30, 2026
• Payment Schedule for Installments:
• Initial Payment (€4,500): Commencing in November 2025
• Beginning in February 2026, the second installment (€2,500)
• Third Payment (€2,000): Commencing in June 2026

How to Apply

1. Register and complete the online application on the portal:
2. Study in Italy Portal
3. Assemble the necessary paperwork, such as academic credentials and evidence of language ability.
4. Before the deadline, submit the entire application.

Advice: To prevent delays in website traffic near the deadline, apply as soon as possible!

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Important Information

• Only full-time on-site study in Italy is eligible for grants.
• Grants cannot be combined with scholarships from other Italian public institutions.
• Candidates must be prepared to start classes at the selected university and, if necessary, obtain a visa as soon as possible.
• Being in Italy is required; if you are absent for more than 15 days in a row, your grant may be reduced.