Italy’s Fully Funded MAECI Scholarships: If you have ever dreamed about studying in Italy without worrying about tuition fees or living expenses, then the Italy’s Fully Funded MAECI Scholarships for 2025–2026 might be your perfect opportunity. Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), these scholarships aim to support talented international students and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) to study at prestigious Italian institutions. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the MAECI scholarships, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, benefits, and tips for a successful application. Whether you are a high school graduate, master’s aspirant, researcher, or artist, Italy could soon be your next academic home.
Italy’s Fully Funded MAECI Scholarships
The Italy’s Fully Funded MAECI Scholarships for 2025–2026 present a fantastic opportunity for international students to study in Italy, covering tuition, living expenses, and insurance. With a straightforward application process and excellent benefits, there has never been a better time to consider studying in Italy. Remember, the application deadline is May 16, 2025. Prepare carefully, apply on time, and you could soon find yourself living and learning in the beautiful cities of Italy!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | MAECI Scholarships 2025–2026 |
| Offered By | Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) |
| Eligible Applicants | Foreign students and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE) |
| Programs Covered | Master’s Degrees, PhDs, AFAM (Arts, Music, and Dance), Research Projects, Italian Language and Culture Courses |
| Scholarship Benefits | €900 monthly stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance |
| Application Deadline | May 16, 2025, 2:00 PM CET |
| Application Portal | Study in Italy Portal |
| Eligible Countries | 141 countries |
| Language Requirement | B2 level (Italian or English depending on program) |
| Special Grants | “Attanasio” and “Costruiamo il Futuro” |
| Official Call | MAECI Call for Applications 2025-2026 (PDF) |
What Are MAECI Scholarships?
The MAECI Scholarships are part of Italy’s global educational diplomacy efforts. They are designed to promote international cultural cooperation, scientific research, and technological development, while also enhancing the visibility of Italian universities abroad.
Students from across the world are encouraged to participate, contributing to a rich, multicultural academic environment in Italy.
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is not just the land of pasta, art, and Renaissance architecture; it is also home to some of the world’s oldest and most respected universities. Studying in Italy offers:
- Access to world-class education in disciplines like engineering, arts, humanities, and sciences.
- A chance to immerse yourself in Italian culture, language, and lifestyle.
- Networking opportunities with international professionals and scholars.
- An affordable cost of living compared to other European countries.
- Strategic location to explore the rest of Europe easily.
According to UNESCO, Italy hosts over 32,000 international students annually, making it one of the top destinations for global education.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be a foreign citizen residing abroad or an Italian citizen living abroad (IRE).
- Age:
- Master’s Degree/AFAM/Language Courses: under 28 years old
- PhD Programs: under 30 years old
- Research Projects: under 40 years old
- Academic Qualifications: Meet the entry requirements for the intended Italian program.
- Language Proficiency:
- Italian-taught programs: B2 level Italian (CEFR standard)
- English-taught programs: B2 level English
- Language and Culture courses: minimum A2 level in Italian
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The MAECI Scholarship is a fully funded program offering:
- Monthly Allowance: €900 per month for nine months (total €9,000 for most programs)
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Exemption from paying tuition and enrollment fees
- Health and Medical Insurance: Comprehensive insurance during your stay
- Special Grant for Language Courses: Additional €3,000 for three-month language and culture courses
Additionally, MAECI scholars can apply for the special grants: “Attanasio” for students from Morocco, Nigeria, and Congo, and “Costruiamo il Futuro” for students from African Italian schools.
Popular Universities for MAECI Scholars
Here are some prestigious Italian universities that often accept MAECI scholars:
- University of Bologna (the oldest university in the world)
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Milan
- University of Padua
- Politecnico di Milano
- University of Florence
Each of these universities offers programs taught in English and/or Italian across a wide range of disciplines.
How to Apply for Italy’s Fully Funded MAECI Scholarships?
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the Study in Italy Portal: Access studyinitaly.esteri.it and create an account.
- Fill Out Your Application: Provide personal details, academic history, and your chosen program(s).
- Upload Required Documents:
- Valid Passport
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificates
- Language Proficiency Certificates
- Admission Letters (for PhD applicants)
- Research Proposal (for research grants)
- Submit Your Application before May 16, 2025, 2:00 PM CET.
- Wait for Evaluation: Applications will be assessed based on merit, academic performance, and relevance of study plans.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early and gather all documents well in advance.
- Make sure your language certificates are valid and meet the required level.
- Craft a compelling motivation letter explaining why you chose Italy and your future goals.
- Get strong recommendation letters from professors or employers.
- Double-check all documents before submission to avoid errors.
Sample Timeline for MAECI Applicants
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| March-April 2025 | Research universities, prepare documents |
| April 2025 | Register and fill out the application |
| May 16, 2025 | Submit application |
| June-July 2025 | Wait for selection results |
| August-September 2025 | Apply for Italian visa and prepare for departure |
| November 1, 2025 | Scholarship program begins |
Career Opportunities After Studying in Italy
Graduates of Italian universities often enjoy strong career prospects both within Italy and internationally. Fields like fashion, engineering, architecture, international business, and cultural studies are especially rewarding.
Italy’s membership in the European Union also means that graduates can seek employment in other EU countries, leveraging the value of an Italian degree.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for more than one program at once?
Yes, you can apply for different programs, but you need to submit separate applications.
What if I already have another scholarship?
The MAECI scholarship cannot be combined with other Italian government grants or similar benefits.
Is knowledge of the Italian language mandatory?
For Italian-taught programs, yes (B2 level). For English-taught programs, only English proficiency is needed.
Is the scholarship renewable?
It can be renewed for Master’s, Ph.D., and AFAM students depending on academic performance.
When will the results be announced?
Typically, results are published by late July or August on the Study in Italy portal.
