Application Deadline: 26 March 2026, 2:00 PM (Italian time)
About the Scholarships
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to foreign students and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE) for the 2026–2027 academic year. These scholarships aim to promote cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, enhance the global projection of Italy’s economic system, and foster the dissemination of Italian language and culture. This initiative is established under Law 288/55 and its subsequent amendments. Scholarships are offered for study, training, and/or research programs at public or legally recognized Italian educational institutions. They are awarded exclusively for on-site attendance of academic courses on Italian territory.
Scholarship Types and Duration
The program offers two main types of scholarships:
9-Month Scholarships (Standard)
- Duration: 1 November 2026 to 31 July 2027
- Available for:
- Master’s Degree programmes (Laurea Magistrale, 2nd cycle)
- Higher Education in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM) courses (1st and 2nd cycle)
- PhD programmes
- Research projects under academic supervision
- Potentially renewable for multi-year programs subject to requirements
3-Month Scholarships (Italofonia)
- Duration: 1 January 2027 to 30 September 2027
- Exclusively for intensive Italian language and culture courses
- Applicants must have at least an A2 level of Italian proficiency
Scholarship Benefits
Financial Support
- Total amount: €10,800 (ten thousand eight hundred euros)
- Disbursed in 3 instalments to an Italian current account in the recipient’s name
Tuition and Enrollment
- Some universities exempt scholarship recipients from enrolment and tuition fees
- Recipients must inquire with their chosen institution regarding any applicable fees
- Regional fees are not covered and must be paid by the student
Health Insurance
- Collective health insurance contracted by MAECI covering illness or accident expenses
- Coverage exclusively for the duration of the scholarship
Additional Opportunity
- WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative: MAECI grantees from Africa speaking African languages may participate in this initiative promoting online access to specialized information on Africa
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
- Citizenship: Selection is based on citizenship; applicants may apply for one country only
- Academic Qualifications: Must possess the academic qualifications required by the chosen institution
- Admission Tests: Required for PhD programmes and some other programs
Age Limits
- Up to 28 years: Master’s programs, AFAM programs, intensive Italian courses
- Up to 30 years: PhD programs
- Up to 40 years: Research projects
Language Proficiency
- Italian-taught programs: Minimum B2 level of Italian
- English-taught programs: Minimum B2 level of English
- Intensive Italian language courses: Minimum A2 level of Italian
Special Provisions for Dual Citizens
- Holders of dual citizenship (Italian and foreign) may apply only through the selection process of the foreign beneficiary country, indicating their foreign citizenship in the “Citizenship” field
- Holders of multiple foreign citizenships may apply for only one selection process, choosing one beneficiary country of which they are citizens
IRE (Italians Residing Abroad) Specific Requirements
Scholarships reserved for Italians Residing Abroad (IRE) are specifically designed for Italian citizens who live outside Italy and hold only Italian citizenship. These scholarships are limited to applicants residing in selected countries across different regions of the world. In the Americas, eligible countries include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. In Europe, the eligible countries are France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Within Africa, the scholarship applies to residents of Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. Additionally, applicants residing in other regions such as Australia and Lebanon are also eligible. These country-specific restrictions ensure that the IRE scholarships target Italian citizens living abroad in designated locations, as outlined by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Application Process
Method of Application
- Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the Study in Italy portal
- Prior registration on the portal is required
- Use an email address that you check regularly, as all subsequent communications will be sent to that address
Application Portal
Required Documents (for shortlisted candidates)
The official call specifies that candidates may need to submit:
- Valid passport or identification document
- Academic qualifications required for the selected program
- For PhD programs: Admission letter or invitation letter from academic advisor
- For research projects: Work plan and tutor’s letter
- Language certification (may be submitted later in some categories, except for intensive Italian courses where all documentation must be submitted from the beginning)
Application Deadline: 26 March 2026, 2:00 PM (Italian time). Late applications will not be accepted. It is strongly recommended not to wait until the last days to submit your application to avoid technical difficulties related to system overload.
Important Notes
- Scholarships are compatible exclusively with on-site attendance of academic courses on Italian territory
- The scholarship does not cover studies or courses outside of Italy
- Some language certificates may be submitted later in certain categories, if the system allows it this option does not apply to intensive Italian courses
- Regional fees are due in any case, must be paid by the student, and are not refundable by MAECI
Click here to apply
For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Italian Government Scholarships
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