Complete Guide to the Italy
MAECI Scholarship 2026

Studying in Italy is a dream for many international students. Beyond the unparalleled art, historic architecture, and world-renowned cuisine, Italy boasts some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. If you are looking for a way to fund this dream, the MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) Scholarship is your golden ticket.

This highly sought-after, fully-funded initiative by the Italian government is designed to support international students in pursuing higher education in Italy while fostering global cultural and scientific cooperation. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the MAECI Scholarship 2026, from the financial benefits to a step-by-step application guide.

What is the MAECI Scholarship?

The MAECI Scholarship is the flagship international scholarship program offered by the Italian Government. Its primary goal is to promote international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological fields, to project Italy’s economic system into the world, and to disseminate the knowledge of the Italian language and culture.

Unlike regional scholarships in Italy (such as DSU, EDISU, or ERGO) which are entirely need-based (depending on your family's income), the MAECI Scholarship is highly merit-based. The selection committees at the Italian Embassies worldwide look for academic excellence, strong motivation, and potential for future bilateral cooperation between Italy and the applicant's home country.

Financial Benefits & Cost of Living

One of the most attractive aspects of the MAECI scholarship is its comprehensive coverage. The Italian government aims to ensure you have a comfortable study period so you can focus entirely on your academics and research.

In addition to the stipend, the scholarship provides:

• Tuition Fee Exemption: You are exempt from paying university enrollment and tuition fees. (Note: You are still required to pay the regional tax for the right to higher education, which is around €140, and a €16 stamp duty).
• Health Insurance: The MAECI contracts an insurance policy covering health, medical expenses, and accidents for the entire duration of the grant, completely free of charge.

Is €9,000 enough to survive in Italy? Absolutely. While living costs vary greatly depending on whether you live in the industrial North (Milan, Turin, Bologna) or the more affordable South (Naples, Bari, Sicily), €1,000 a month is generous. Average monthly student expenses range between €600 and €850, covering accommodation (€300-€500), groceries (€150-€200), and transport (€35).

Eligibility Criteria & Age Limits

Before applying, it is crucial to ensure you meet all the strict eligibility requirements set by the Ministry. The scholarship is open to 139 eligible countries. Major eligible countries often include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Vietnam, Turkey, and many countries across Latin America and Eastern Europe.

1. Academic Qualifications

You must possess an appropriate academic qualification required to enroll in an Italian university or Institute. For a Master’s degree, you need a valid Bachelor’s degree. For a PhD, you need a Master’s degree. Ensure your degree is recognized in Italy (you may eventually need a CIMEA certificate or a Declaration of Value).

2. Language Proficiency

Language requirements depend entirely on the medium of instruction of your chosen course:

• English-taught courses: You must provide proof of English proficiency equivalent to at least CEFR Level B2 (IELTS 5.5-6.0, TOEFL, etc.). Pro-tip: If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your university is highly accepted!
• Italian-taught courses: You must submit a certificate of Italian language proficiency at the CEFR B2 level (CILS, CELI, PLIDA, etc.).

3. Age Limits

Age limits are strictly calculated based on the exact application deadline date:

• Master's Degrees (MSc/MA) & AFAM: Maximum age of 28 years and 364 days.
• PhD Programs: Maximum age of 30 years and 364 days.
• Research under Supervision: Maximum age of 40 years and 364 days.

Eligible Degree Programs

The MAECI scholarship does NOT cover Bachelor's degrees (Laurea Triennale). It is strictly for advanced higher education. You can apply the scholarship toward:

• Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale): 2-year programs at public or legally recognized universities.
• Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM): Ideal for students applying to Conservatories or Fine Arts Academies.
• PhD Programs (Dottorato di Ricerca): You must have already secured an admission letter from the host university before applying for the MAECI grant.
• Research Projects under Academic Supervision (Progetti in co-tutela): For researchers who want to conduct studies at Italian research institutions (CNR, ISS, etc.).
• Italian Language and Culture Advanced Courses: Specifically for students who are already studying Italian at university level in their home country (usually a 3-month grant).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application window typically opens in April and closes around mid-June. The process requires careful planning. Here is the chronological path you should take:

1. Step 1: Secure University Admission (January - May)
   Do not wait for the MAECI portal to open. Start applying to Italian universities as early as November of the previous year. Most Italian universities require you to apply through their internal portals and pay an application fee (€10-€30). Having an admission letter drastically increases your chances of securing the MAECI grant.
2. Step 2: Pre-Enroll on Universitaly
   Universitaly is the official portal for international students to register their intent to study in Italy. Once you get a university offer, initiate your pre-enrollment here. Your university will validate it, and it will be sent to the Italian Embassy in your country.
3. Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
   Gather your Passport, updated Europass CV, academic transcripts, language certificates (or MOI), and a powerful Motivation Letter. Also, ask two professors or employers for Recommendation Letters.
4. Step 4: Register on the 'Study in Italy' Portal
   Once the scholarship opens, create an account on the official MAECI Study in Italy portal.
5. Step 5: Fill the Application Form
   The portal will ask for your personal details, academic background, and language skills. You will also need to input the universities and courses you have applied to. You can list up to three course choices.
6. Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
   Do not wait for the last 24 hours. The portal frequently crashes due to heavy global traffic. Submit early and save the PDF confirmation.

Tips for a Winning Application

Because the MAECI scholarship is evaluated by the Italian Embassy in your respective country, your Motivation Letter (Statement of Purpose) and your Curriculum Vitae are your strongest weapons. The evaluators read hundreds of applications; yours needs to stand out.

"Your Motivation Letter shouldn't just explain why you want to go to Italy to eat pizza. It must clearly outline how studying your specific degree in Italy will benefit your career, and more importantly, how you plan to foster relations between Italy and your home country upon your return."

• Use the Europass CV Format: Italian institutions heavily favor the standard European CV format. It is clean, structured, and easy for them to read. Use our Free Europass CV Maker to get yours ready in minutes.
• Structure your SOP effectively: Break your SOP into clear paragraphs: Introduction, Academic Background, Professional Experience, Why Italy/This University, and Future Goals. If you struggle with structure, try our SOP Outliner Tool.
• Prepare for the Interview: If you are shortlisted, the Embassy will invite you for a short interview (often via Skype or Zoom). They will test your motivation, ask about your chosen course, and verify your language skills. Stay confident, and brush up on basic facts about Italy!

Post-Selection: Visas & Arrival

Congratulations, you won the scholarship! What happens next?

First, you will need to sign the scholarship acceptance forms sent by the Embassy. Being a MAECI scholar drastically simplifies your Student Visa (Type D) process. The embassy prioritizes MAECI scholars, and you are exempt from showing the usual €6,000+ financial proof required for the visa, as the scholarship itself acts as your financial guarantee.

Upon arriving in Italy, you have 8 days to apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) at the local Post Office (Poste Italiane). You will also need to acquire a Codice Fiscale (Tax Code) from the Agenzia delle Entrate, which is mandatory to open the Italian bank account where you will receive your €9,000 stipend.