Thinking about studying in Europe but worried about the cost?
The MAECI Italian Government Scholarship could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to international students who want to pursue higher education in Italy. It’s a great opportunity to study in a country known for its academic excellence, rich culture, and globally recognized universities—without carrying the full financial burden.
Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way so you know exactly what to expect.
What is the MAECI Scholarship?
The MAECI scholarship is a government-funded program designed to support international students in studying in Italy.
Its main goals are to:
- Strengthen cultural and academic exchange
- Support talented students financially
- Promote Italian language, research, and higher education
While it doesn’t cover absolutely everything, it significantly reduces your expenses and makes studying in Italy much more affordable.
What Can You Study?
The scholarship supports multiple study options, depending on your academic background:
| Program | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale) | Up to 2 years |
| PhD Programs | 3–4 years |
| AFAM (Arts, Music, Dance) | Varies |
| Research Projects | 3–9 months |
| Italian Language Courses | 3–9 months |
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Financial Support – What You Actually Get
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what the scholarship offers:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Around Euro 900 |
| Total Funding | Euro 2,700 – Euro 8,100 |
| Payment | Paid in installments |
| Tuition Fees | May be waived (depends on university) |
| Health Insurance | Included (medical + accident) |
Small Costs You Should Expect
- Regional tax: ~€140
- Administrative stamp: ~€16
So, while it’s not “fully funded” in the strictest sense, it covers the major expenses and makes studying abroad financially manageable.
Who Can Apply?
Age Limits (General Guidelines)
| Program | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Master’s | 28 years |
| PhD | 30 years |
| Research | 40 years |
Age is calculated on the application deadline date.
Academic Requirements
| Program | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Master’s | Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) |
| PhD | Master’s degree (18 years of education) |
| Research | Relevant academic background |
A strong academic record will definitely help your application stand out.
Language Requirements
| Program Language | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | B2 level (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent) |
| Italian | B2 level (CILS/CELI) |
Some universities may accept alternative proof of English proficiency, so it’s always worth checking directly with them.
Documents You’ll Need
Before you start applying, prepare these:
- [ ] Valid passport
- [ ] Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- [ ] CV (Europass format is commonly used)
- [ ] Motivation letter
- [ ] 1–2 recommendation letters
- [ ] Language certificate (if required)
- [ ] University admission letter (recommended)
Important: University Admission vs Scholarship
This is where many students get confused.
👉 The scholarship and university admission are separate processes.
- You apply to universities independently
- You apply for the scholarship through the MAECI portal
💡 Admission is not always mandatory at the time of application, but having it:
- Strengthens your profile
- May be required by some universities
- Increases your chances of selection
Many applicants miss this step and regret it later—so it’s smart to apply early.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official portal:
👉 https://studyinitaly.esteri.it - Create your account
- Fill out your application carefully
- Upload all required documents
- Submit before the official deadline
Application Deadline – Don’t Miss It
Deadline: May, 2026 (2:00 PM Italian Time)
Always double-check the official portal before applying. Deadlines can change slightly each year.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Your application is evaluated based on:
- Academic performance (CGPA)
- Quality of your motivation letter
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Language proficiency
- Interview (in some cases)
A clear and genuine motivation letter can make a big difference here.
Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Login / Register | https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/Auth/Login |
| Main Portal | https://studyinitaly.esteri.it |
| MAECI Official Announcements | https://www.esteri.it/en/opportunita/borse-di-studio/ |
| FAQs / Help | https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/Static/FAQ |
Tips That Actually Help
- Start your university applications early
- Apply to more than one university
- Keep your documents ready in advance
- Write a specific, honest motivation letter
- Double-check every detail before submission
- Submit at least 3–4 days before the deadline
Final Thoughts
Studying in Italy is more than just earning a degree—it’s an experience that combines education, culture, and global exposure.The MAECI scholarship won’t cover everything, but it removes a huge part of the financial pressure. If you’re serious about studying abroad, this is definitely worth applying for.
Take your time, prepare properly, and apply with confidence.
Deadline: May, 2026 (2:00 PM Italian Time)
Don’t wait until the last day. Start your university admission process today.
Good luck! Italy is waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply without IELTS?
Sometimes yes—if your previous education was in English, but it depends on the university. Check with your target university first.
Q2: Is there an application fee?
No, the scholarship application is completely free.
Q3: Can I apply for multiple programs?
Yes, but you must choose one program in your final application.
Q4: When do results come out?
Typically 4–6 months after the deadline.
Q5: Can I work while studying?
Yes, international students can usually work part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
Q6: Do I need to know Italian?
Not if you apply for an English-taught program. But learning basic Italian will make your daily life easier.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below. Share this post with a friend who also wants to study in Italy!
