Italy Announces Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Italy has opened applications for its 2026–27 MAECI scholarships, offering funded study and research opportunities to international candidates. 

The application deadline is 26 March 2026. The programme, run by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, provides financial support, medical insurance, and in some cases tuition waivers. It aims to support foreign students and researchers pursuing higher education or academic work in Italy.

Applicants may apply for Master’s degrees, programmes in the arts, music and dance (AFAM institutions), doctoral studies, or research projects. Short-term Italian language courses are also available to candidates with at least A2-level proficiency. Age limits apply: applicants for Master’s and AFAM programmes must be under 28, doctoral candidates under 30, and research applicants under 40. 

Language certification is required for courses taught in Italian or English, although doctoral and research candidates are exempt, subject to university requirements.

Financial support is paid in instalments. Master’s, AFAM, PhD and research recipients receive €10,800 in three payments between November 2026 and June 2027, subject to enrolment and academic progress. 

Participants in language courses receive €3,600 in a single payment at the end of the three-month course. Late arrival after mid-November reduces the total grant. Payments require an Italian bank account and tax code.

The scholarship includes medical insurance covering illness and accidents during the study period, excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care. Tuition arrangements vary by institution; some universities waive fees for scholarship holders, while others charge standard rates. Applicants must confirm details with their chosen institution.

Applications are submitted through the Study in Italy portal. Candidates must upload identification, academic certificates, and language qualifications by the March deadline. A grace period until 1 July 2026 is allowed for pending documents. Italian embassies and consulates assess applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews. 

Final rankings are published on embassy websites, and selected applicants are notified through the portal. Successful candidates must arrange their own university enrolment, visa, and tax code before the programme begins on 1 November 2026.