Government of Italy MAECI Scholarships 2026-27 in Italy (Fully Funded)

Introduction

The Government of Italy, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), has officially announced the opening of the **MAECI Scholarship 2026-27** for international students. This prestigious, fully funded award is designed to foster international cooperation in the fields of culture, science, and technology, promoting the Italian language and culture across the globe.

Italy is not only a land of breathtaking art and history but also a global hub for high-quality higher education and research. For students aiming to pursue a Master's degree (Laurea Magistrale), courses in higher education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), or PhD programs, the MAECI scholarship represents the gold standard of financial support. It eliminates the financial barriers associated with studying abroad by providing a complete tuition waiver, a generous monthly stipend, and comprehensive health insurance.

As the 2026-27 academic cycle approaches, competition is expected to be fierce. Thousands of students from eligible countries apply each year, drawn by Italy's world-class universities in cities like Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Turin. This guide provides an exhaustive roadmap to securing the MAECI scholarship, covering everything from eligibility hacks to a step-by-step application walkthrough.

About the MAECI Scholarship Program

The MAECI scholarship program is a strategic initiative by the Italian government to strengthen international relations. By hosting talented international students, Italy aims to create a network of "ambassadors" of Italian excellence. Unlike many other scholarships that focus purely on low-income countries, MAECI is open to a surprisingly wide range of nations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

The program doesn't just fund your studies; it integrates you into the Italian academic ecosystem. Students often find themselves participating in high-level seminars, networking events at the Ministry, and cultural excursions that provide a holistic understanding of the Mediterranean way of life.

Financial Benefits: What's Included?

The MAECI scholarship is designed to cover almost all expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their academic performance.

• Tuition Fee Waiver: Most public universities in Italy exempt MAECI scholars from enrollment and tuition fees. (Please note that some regional taxes of approximately €140–€160 may still apply).
• Monthly Stipend: An allowance of **€900 per month** is deposited directly into the student's Italian bank account. This is usually sufficient to cover shared accommodation, groceries, and local transport in most Italian cities.
• Health & Medical Insurance: MAECI provides a collective insurance policy for the entire duration of the grant, covering accidents and illnesses.
• Travel Grant (Selected Cases): In very specific bilateral agreements, a return airfare may be provided, though this is rare for the general open call.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026-27

To ensure your application isn't discarded at the screening stage, you must strictly meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Requirements

You must possess a qualification that allows entry into your chosen course in Italy. For a Master's degree, you need a valid Bachelor's degree. For a PhD, you need a Master's degree. Your previous degree must be recognized by the Italian authorities (Declaration of Value or CIMEA certificate).

2. Age Limits

Italy imposes strict age limits for scholarship applicants:

• Master's Degree/AFAM/Language Courses: Applicants must not have reached **28 years** of age by the deadline.
• PhD Programs: Applicants must not have reached **30 years** of age.
• Research Grants: Applicants must not have reached **40 years** of age.

3. Language Proficiency

• English-Taught Courses: If your chosen course is in English, you must provide a proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or a letter from your university stating the medium of instruction was English). A minimum B2 level is required.
• Italian-Taught Courses: You must provide a certificate of Italian proficiency (CILS, CELI, PLIDA, or IT Roma Tre) at a minimum **B2 level**.

Fields of Study & Available Programs

The MAECI scholarship covers almost all academic disciplines available at Italian State Universities. Popular choices include:

• Engineering & Architecture: Automotive Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sustainable Design.
• Economics & Management: Global MBA, International Business, Fashion Management.
• Humanities & Arts: Cultural Heritage, Archaeology, Renaissance Studies.
• Science & Technology: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Biotechnology.

Required Documents Checklist

Prepare these digital scans in PDF format (maximum 2MB per file):

1. Valid Passport: Ensure it is valid for at least 18 months from the date of application.
2. Final Transcripts & Degree: All academic records from your previous degree.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Europass format is highly recommended for Italian applications.
4. Motivation Letter: A one-page essay explaining why you chose Italy and how this scholarship aligns with your career goals.
5. Language Certificate: Proof of B2 proficiency in English or Italian.
6. University Admission Letter: While not always mandatory at the time of application, having a pre-acceptance letter from an Italian university significantly boosts your chances.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The MAECI application is handled exclusively via the **Study in Italy** portal. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Registration: Visit the official [Study in Italy Portal](https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/) and create an account.
2. Profile Completion: Fill in your personal details, academic history, and contact information.
3. Choosing the Program: Select the university and the specific course you wish to apply for. **Important:** You must apply for the scholarship and the university admission separately.
4. Uploading Documents: Upload all the required documents listed in the checklist above.
5. Video Introduction: Some cycles require a short 1-minute video introduction. If requested, keep it professional and focus on your research interests.
6. Submission: Review everything and hit submit before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation PDF in your email.

Selection & Interview Process

After the deadline, the Italian Embassy or Cultural Institute in your home country will screen applications. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an **interview** (usually via Zoom or in person).

What they look for: They assess your academic potential, your motivation for choosing Italy, and your ability to adapt to a foreign cultural environment. Be ready to discuss your research thesis or your future professional plans.

Tips to Increase Your Selection Chances

• Get Pre-Admission: Don't wait for the scholarship result to apply to universities. Most Italian universities open their portals in February. Attach your university acceptance letter to the MAECI portal; it acts as a "seal of approval."
• Europass CV: Use the standard European CV format. It's what Italian selection committees are used to reading.
• Specific Motivation: Don't just say "I like pizza and pasta." Speak about specific Italian researchers, labs, or historical ties between your country and Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Verdict

The **Government of Italy MAECI Scholarship** is more than just financial aid; it's a gateway to European research and culture. If you meet the age and academic requirements, there is no reason not to apply. The ROI in terms of career growth, international networking, and cultural enrichment is unparalleled.

For more updates on European scholarships, visit our [Scholarships Hub](https://internshipshub.in/guides). Good luck with your application!