The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2025/26 offers an exceptional opportunity for international students and Italian citizens residing abroad to pursue higher education in Italy. Administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), this fully funded scholarship aims to foster international cooperation, promote the Italian language and culture, and support Italy’s global academic outreach.
Overview of the MAECI Scholarship
The MAECI Scholarship is designed to support students enrolling in various academic programs at Italian higher education institutions. These include:
- Master’s Degree Programs (Laurea Magistrale)
- Ph.D. Programs
- Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)
- Research Projects under Academic Supervision
- Advanced Courses in the Italian Language and Culture
The scholarship is awarded for a period of three, six, or nine months, depending on the type and duration of the chosen program. Recipients may apply for renewal if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria and academic requirements.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The MAECI Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants, ensuring they can focus entirely on their studies without financial burdens. The benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: A grant of €900 per month is provided to cover living expenses.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Depending on the policies of the host institution, grantees may be exempt from tuition and enrollment fees.
- Health and Medical Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses and accidents is provided for the entire duration of the scholarship.
- Visa Support: Holding a MAECI scholarship can strengthen visa applications, with approval rates reaching up to 85–90% for recipients.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MAECI Scholarship 2025/26, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Open to foreign nationals and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE).
- Academic Qualifications:
- For Master’s Degree Programs: Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
- For Ph.D. Programs: Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree.
- Age Limits:
- Master’s Degree and AFAM Programs: Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old by the application deadline.
- Ph.D. Programs: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Research Projects: Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old.
- Language Proficiency:
- For courses taught in English: Proof of proficiency in English (minimum B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required.
- For courses taught in Italian: Proof of proficiency in Italian (minimum B2 level) is required.
- Applicants from countries where English is an official language may provide self-certification for English proficiency.
Application Process
Applicants must follow a structured process to apply for the MAECI Scholarship:
- Registration: Create an account on the official Study in Italy portal.
- Application Form: Complete the online application form, providing personal details, academic background, and information about the chosen program.
- Document Submission: Upload the required documents, including:
- Valid passport or identity document
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Language proficiency certificates
- Letter of motivation
- Two letters of recommendation
- Acceptance letter from an Italian university (if available)
- Submission: Review all information and submit the application through the portal.
Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by May 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM CET.
Relate:
- University of Saskatchewan Scholarships 2025 In Canada
- Orange Tulip Scholarship 2025 In Netherlands
- University of Montreal Scholarships 2025 In Canada
Selection Process
The selection process involves the following steps:
- Evaluation: Applications are assessed based on academic merit, relevance of the chosen program, and the applicant’s motivation and potential to contribute to their home country’s development.
- Notification: Successful candidates will be notified via email and the results will be published on the Study in Italy portal and the websites of the respective Italian diplomatic missions.
Important Considerations
- Concurrent Scholarships: Recipients of the MAECI Scholarship cannot hold any other Italian Government scholarship simultaneously. However, combining it with an Erasmus+ grant is permitted.
- Renewals: Scholarship renewals are subject to satisfactory academic progress and the legal duration of the program.
- University Admission: While an acceptance letter from an Italian university strengthens the application, it is not mandatory at the time of application. Applicants can list up to three preferred institutions.
Conclusion
The Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2025/26 is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for students worldwide to pursue higher education in Italy. With comprehensive financial support, including a monthly stipend, tuition fee waivers, and health insurance, the scholarship enables recipients to immerse themselves in Italy’s rich academic and cultural environment.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications meticulously and submit them before the deadline to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to study in one of Europe’s most vibrant educational landscapes.