Italian Government MAECI Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)

Description

Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships 2025–2026 for Foreign Students and Italians Living AbroadThe Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Grants for Foreign Students and Italian Citizens Living Abroad (IRE) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

This opportunity offers full financial support for students aiming to pursue advanced education, research, and training at public or legally recognized Italian universities.

The initiative promotes cultural diplomacy, scientific cooperation, and the global promotion of Italian language and culture.

Degree Level

MAECI offers grants for a wide range of programs:

Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale – 2nd cycle)

1. 9 months of financial support; renewable
2. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to an Italian Laurea Triennale.

Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)

1. 9 months of support for both 1st and 2nd cycle studies; renewable.

PhD Programs

1. 9 months of funding; renewable upon positive academic performance.

Research Projects under Academic Supervision

1. 9 months for research in collaboration with Italian universities, institutes, or museums.

Advanced Courses in Italian Language and Culture

1. 3 months of funding for students with at least A2 level proficiency in Italian.

Bachelor’s Degree or Single Cycle Degree Programs

1. 9 months of support exclusively for students graduating from specified Italian high schools abroad.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

Benefits

1. Master’s, AFAM, PhD, Research Projects, Bachelor’s Programs: €9,000 total (paid in three installments)
2. Italian Language and Culture Courses: €3,000 (paid in one installment)
3. Health insurance coverage during the stay
4. Potential tuition fee exemption depending on the institution (regional fees still apply)
5. Full participation in Italy’s academic and cultural life

Special Initiatives

1. “Attanasio” Grants: Reserved for students from Morocco, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo pursuing studies in international relations, development cooperation, and human rights.
2. “Costruiamo il Futuro” Grants: Reserved for students attending Italian high schools in Ethiopia, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia pursuing engineering, economics, computer science, agriculture, or health sciences.
3. WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative: Open to African MAECI grantees to promote specialized knowledge on Africa through Wikipedia collaborations.

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Apply through the official Study in Italy portal: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it
2. Hold academic qualifications required for admission into Italian institutions.
3. Meet the following age limits by May 16, 2025:
4. Master’s/AFAM/Italian Language Courses: ≤ 28 years old
5. PhD Programs: ≤ 30 years old
6. Research Projects: ≤ 40 years old
7. Bachelor’s/Single Cycle Programs: ≤ 23 years old
8. Meet language proficiency requirements:
9. Italian-taught programs: Italian B2 level
10. English-taught programs: English B2 level
11. PhD and Research Projects: no language proof required (unless the host institution requests it).

Application Procedure

Scholarship Timeline

1. Application Deadline: May 16, 2025 (14:00 CET)
2. Funding Period:
3. Most grants: November 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026
4. Italian Language Courses: January 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
5. Installments Payment Timeline:
6. 1st Installment (€4,500): Starting November 2025
7. 2nd Installment (€2,500): Starting February 2026
8. 3rd Installment (€2,000): Starting June 2026

How to Apply

1. Register and complete the online application on the portal:
2. Study in Italy Portal
3. Prepare all required documents including academic certificates and proof of language proficiency.
4. Submit the complete application before the deadline.

Tip: Apply early to avoid website traffic delays close to the deadline!

Important Notes

1. Grants are only for full-time onsite study in Italy.
2. Grants are incompatible with other Italian public institution scholarships.
3. Applicants must be ready to enroll at the chosen institution and, if required, secure a visa promptly.
4. Presence in Italy is mandatory; absence of over 15 consecutive days may result in a reduction of the grant.