Do you have any plans to study in Italy in 2025? The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is offering fully funded scholarships for international students and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) for the academic year 2025–2026. The MAECI Scholarships 2025-26 opens doors for students to pursue Master’s, PhD, AFAM programs, research projects, and Italian language and culture courses at top Italian institutions — all while promoting international cooperation, culture, and education.

The application deadline is May 16, 2025, so you have time to prepare and apply for this incredible opportunity!

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)

The MAECI Scholarship is offered by the Italian government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It aims to enhance Italy’s global cultural, scientific, and technological ties while promoting the Italian language and supporting economic relations worldwide. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates who wish to study onsite at public or accredited private universities across Italy.

Why You Should Apply for MAECI Scholarships

Italy offers high-quality education with a friendly culture. MAECI Scholarships make it financially accessible for international students to benefit from prestigious universities, world-renowned research institutions, and the opportunity to immerse in Italian life. If you meet the eligibility criteria, these fully funded scholarships in Italy are your golden chance to shape your academic!

MAECI Scholarships 2025-26 Overview 

Details	Information
Scholarship Name	MAECI Scholarships 2025-2026
Host Country	Italy
Host Institutions	Public and legally recognized Italian educational institutions
Degree Levels	Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, AFAM programs, Research projects
Eligible Applicants	Foreign students abroad and Italian citizens abroad (IRE)
Application Deadline	May 16, 2025
Study Mode	Onsite attendance in Italy

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly allowance for living expenses
• Health and medical insurance
• Possible renewal based on academic performance

Types of Grants Available

• Master’s Degree Programs (Laurea Magistrale, 2° ciclo)
• Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) Programs
• PhD Programs
• Research Projects Under Academic Supervision
• Advanced Italian Language and Culture Courses
• Bachelor’s Degree or Single-Cycle Degree Programs

Each grant is generally awarded for 9 months, except the Italian language course grant, which is awarded for 3 months.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the MAECI scholarships in Italy 2025, requirements include the following:

1. Academic Qualification

• Must hold the required academic qualification for admission into the selected Italian institution.
• For Bachelor’s programs, a high school diploma is needed.
• For Master’s programs, a Bachelor’s degree is needed.
• For PhD programs, a Master’s degree and an admission letter are required.

2. Age Limits

• Master’s Degree, AFAM programs, and Italian language courses: Not older than 28 years (born after May 16, 1996).
• PhD programs: Not older than 30 years (born after May 16, 1994).
• Research projects: Not older than 40 years (born after May 16, 1984).
• Bachelor’s Degree or Single Cycle Degree programs: Not older than 23 years (born after May 16, 2002).

3. Language Proficiency

• For Italian-taught programs: Minimum Italian language proficiency level of B2 (CEFR).
• For English-taught programs: Minimum English language proficiency level of B2 (CEFR).
• For Italian language and culture courses: You need at least Italian proficiency of A2 (CEFR).
• PhD and Research programs: No language certificate required.

4. Nationality

• Open to foreign students residing outside Italy.
• Open to Italian citizens living abroad (IRE).

Application Process

For the MAECI scholarships in Italy 2025, apply online by these steps:

• Visit the Study in Italy official portal.
• 1st make your account and then fill out the online application form.
• Upload a valid passport or identity document.
• Upload academic qualifications and language proficiency certificates.
• If applying for a PhD or Research project, attach the admission letter or research project proposal.

Important:
All applications must be submitted before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Funding Period

• Grants for degree programs, AFAM programs, PhDs, and research projects: November 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026.
• Grants for Italian language and culture courses: January 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026.

Selection Process

• A selection committee established by the relevant Italian Diplomatic Mission will evaluate all applications.
• Scholarships will be awarded based on academic merit, CV evaluation, and program requirements.
• In case of qualification, you’ll get notification through the Study in Italy portal, and the ranking will be published on the Diplomatic Mission’s website.

Comparing MAECI Scholarship 2025 with others 

Scholarship Name	Host Country	Funding Coverage	Eligible Degrees	Application Deadline (Typical)	Special Features
MAECI Scholarship	Italy	Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (~900€), health insurance	Master’s, PhD, research projects	Usually June	Offered by Italian Ministry; preference to foreign students
DAAD Scholarships	Germany	Full tuition, monthly stipend (~850€–1,200€), travel allowance, health insurance	Master’s, PhD	Fall (September–October)	Focus on development-related fields; highly prestigious
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)	Europe (multiple countries)	Full tuition, travel grant, installation allowance, monthly stipend (~1,000€)	Joint Master’s programs	Varies by program (Dec–Mar)	Study in at least two European countries

FAQs about MAECI Scholarships 2025

1. Can I apply for multiple types of grants at once?
   No, applicants may only apply for one type of grant per academic year.
2. Is IELTS or TOEFL compulsory for English-taught programs?
   No, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency at the B2 level. IELTS or TOEFL are accepted, but equivalent certificates are also valid.
3. Can I work part-time during my scholarship in Italy?
   Yes, students may work part-time, but they must comply with Italian visa regulations and any associated restrictions.
4. Are renewals automatic if I receive the MAECI scholarship in Italy?
   No, recipients must reapply each year and maintain the required academic performance for renewal.
5. What are AFAM programs?
   AFAM means  Fine Arts, Music, and Dance offered by accredited Italian institutions.
6. Is health insurance included in the scholarship?
   Yes, the MAECI scholarship provides coverage for essential health and medical insurance throughout the study period.
7. Can PhD students apply without an admission letter?
   No, PhD applicants must submit a valid admission letter from their host institution.
8. Will university accept the language certificates older than two years?
   It’s better to have updated certificates of less than 2 years old. Applicants should verify current guidelines with their local Italian diplomatic mission.

Start preparing your documents and APPLY NOW through the Study in Italy Portal at the MAECI scholarship official website before May 16, 2025. Don’t miss these fully funded Italian Government Scholarships to pursue your dreams in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!