The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) scholarship for 2026 is considered one of the most important educational opportunities available to international students wishing to pursue higher education in Europe. The scholarship is open for Master's and PhD levels, as well as courses in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), providing comprehensive funding that covers tuition fees and health insurance. Accepted students will receive a gross annual stipend of 10,800 Euros, ensuring full coverage of living costs during their studies at Italy's most prestigious universities.
The importance of this scholarship lies not only in providing financial support but also in opening broad horizons for personal and academic growth within a rich cultural and historical environment. Through this program, the Italian government aims to foster international cooperation and develop scientific and linguistic skills for ambitious young people from various countries worldwide. In this guide, we always emphasize the necessity of carefully reading all details and academic requirements before beginning the application process to ensure the selection of the correct study path and to maximize the benefits of this unique educational experience.
Scholarship Location
Italy offers an outstanding study environment distributed across its major cities, which host the most prestigious educational institutions:
- Country: Italy.
- City: Various Italian cities (depending on the university location).
- University: All Italian public universities and recognized institutions.
- Duration of Study: 9 months (renewable based on the study program).
- Funding Type: Full funding (full scholarship).
- Start Date: Academic year 2026-2027.
Granting Authority
The scholarship is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). Through these scholarships, this official body aims to encourage cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, support the Italian language and culture worldwide, and enhance the Italian economic system by attracting international talents and training them in an advanced academic environment.
Scholarship Explanation
The scholarship targets students from 141 different countries, with special priority given to developing countries and academically outstanding students.
Scholarship and Study Nature
The scholarship covers Master's and PhD programs, as well as higher education courses in Arts, Music, and Dance. Financial support is granted for a study period of 9 months, starting after completing the registration procedures at the chosen university. The scholarship also includes Italian language courses to help students integrate into the academic and social community.
Benefits and Funding
- Fee Exemption: Full or partial exemption from registration and tuition fees (university payment).
- Annual Stipend: A gross amount of 10,800 Euros disbursed in three installments (three payments).
- First Installment: 5,500 Euros at the start of the program.
- Second Installment: 2,300 Euros as an intermediate payment.
- Third Installment: 3,000 Euros as a final payment.
- Health Insurance: Full and comprehensive health coverage (health insurance) throughout the stay in Italy.
- Language Course: Provision of free specialized Italian language courses.
Who Can Apply for the Italian Government Scholarship?
The scholarship targets outstanding students from a long list of 141 countries, with a special focus on enhancing cooperation with the Arab region and Africa:
- Maghreb Countries: Priority for students from Morocco (Moroccan students), Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania.
- Levant and Gulf Countries: The list includes Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, in addition to GCC countries.
- Students Residing Abroad: Italian students residing in other countries (IRE) can apply under specific conditions to strengthen cultural ties.
- Academic Background: Applicants must be already enrolled or planning to enroll in a recognized Italian public university.
Qualifications and Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet specific conditions to ensure their applications are accepted for the MAECI scholarship for 2026:
- Educational Level: Bachelor's degree (Licence) for Master's applicants, and Master's degree (Master's) for PhD applicants.
- Age for Master's: Applicant must not exceed 28 years of age at the time of application.
- Age for PhD: Applicant must not exceed 30 years of age at the time of application.
- Language Proficiency: Submission of a certificate proving proficiency in English (English) or Italian.
- Academic Record: An excellent academic record (good grades) reflecting the student's ability to succeed in Italian universities.
- Nationality: Applicant must be from one of the countries eligible for the scholarship.
Required Documents
The application process requires preparing an accurate electronic file (complete dossier) that includes the following documents:
- Valid passport (Passport).
- Translated academic certificates and transcripts (Diplomas and Transcripts).
- Language proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL or equivalent).
- Motivation Letter explaining study objectives.
- Academic recommendation letters (letters of recommendation) from former professors.
- Proof of financial status, if needed, to strengthen the financial need profile.
Application Conditions
Applicants must have already received preliminary admission or met the admission requirements of an Italian public university. It is important to note that applying for the scholarship is entirely separate from applying to the university; therefore, the student must contact the desired university to ensure they meet the academic department's conditions, while the funding application (scholarship application) is submitted through the official scholarship portal.
Official Application Method
Applications are submitted exclusively through the "Study in Italy" online portal of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Applicants must create an official account, accurately fill out the data form, and upload all required documents in digital format. To avoid rejection, it is advisable to start the application process early and ensure that the chosen specialization is compatible with the list of specializations supported by the Ministry for this year.
Application Deadline
The deadline for receiving applications for the Italian Government Scholarship for 2026 is:
26 March 2026.
Applications must be submitted before this date, as the electronic system will not consider any applications received after the specified deadline (submit before the deadline).