Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Foreign citizens from the countries listed in each year's call (you apply under one citizenship only), for a master's (laurea magistrale), AFAM, PhD or a research project at an Italian university. Born on or after 27 Mar 1997 for master's, 1995 for PhD; B2 language level for master's; no Italian degree already. Not for people who are part-time or beyond the normal length of study.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Italian government's main scholarship for foreign students. You apply through the Study in Italy portal, and the exact list of countries and number of places changes each year.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Foreign citizens from the countries listed in each year's call (you apply under one citizenship only), for a master's (laurea magistrale), AFAM, PhD or a research project at an Italian university. Born on or after 27 Mar 1997 for master's, 1995 for PhD; B2 language level for master's; no Italian degree already. Not for people who are part-time or beyond the normal length of study.
2. Note the deadline. Feb – Mar (annual; the 2026/27 call closed on 26 Mar 2026 at 14:00 Italian time - the 2027/28 call is expected to open in Feb 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or ID; Degree certificates and transcripts; Language certificate (B2 for master's); Online application on Study in Italy.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

MAECI assessment under the annual call

Profile of past winners

Varies by country and category

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Use the new annual call and eligible-country list; previous year deadlines and amounts may change
2. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
3. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
7. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students?

Foreign citizens from the countries listed in each year's call (you apply under one citizenship only), for a master's (laurea magistrale), AFAM, PhD or a research project at an Italian university. Born on or after 27 Mar 1997 for master's, 1995 for PhD; B2 language level for master's; no Italian degree already. Not for people who are part-time or beyond the normal length of study.

What does Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students cover?

EUR 10,800 for a 9-month stay (about EUR 1,200 a month, paid in three instalments) plus health insurance; some universities also waive tuition for recipients, but regional fees are always payable

When is the deadline for Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students?

Feb – Mar (annual; the 2026/27 call closed on 26 Mar 2026 at 14:00 Italian time - the 2027/28 call is expected to open in Feb 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students?

Host countries: Italy.

What documents do I need for Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students?

Passport or ID; Degree certificates and transcripts; Language certificate (B2 for master's); Online application on Study in Italy.

How are applicants selected for Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students?

MAECI assessment under the annual call

How much work is the Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students application?

High