Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027: Funded Bachelors, Masters & PhD Study in Italy

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Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027: Funded Bachelors, Masters & PhD Study in Italy.

The Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027 are now accepting applications. Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), these scholarships provide funded opportunities for international students and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE) to pursue study, training, and research programmes in Italy.

This prestigious programme aims to foster international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological fields, promote Italy’s economic system globally, and spread knowledge of the Italian language and culture.

Scholarship Overview

Host Country: Italy
Host Institutions: Public or legally recognised private Italian institutions (universities, research institutions, museums, archives, fine arts academies, music conservatories)
Programme Levels: Bachelors, Masters, PhD, Research, and Italian Language Courses
Duration: 3 months (language courses) or 9 months (degree programmes and research)
Financial Coverage: €10,800 total stipend + health insurance + possible tuition fee exemption
Application Deadline: 26 March 2026, 14:00 (Italian time)

Types of Scholarships Available

1. Master’s Degree Programmes (Laurea Magistrale)

Duration: 9 months (potentially renewable)
Level: Second cycle programmes
Requirement: Applicants must have completed a first cycle programme equivalent to an Italian Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea triennale)

2. AFAM Programmes (Higher Education in Fine Arts, Music, and Dance)

Duration: 9 months (potentially renewable)
Levels: First and second cycle
Requirement: Applicants must possess the academic qualifications required by the chosen AFAM institution

3. PhD Programmes

Duration: 9 months (potentially renewable)
Requirement: Applicants must possess required academic qualifications and pass the institution’s admission test

4. Research Projects

Duration: 9 months (non-renewable)
Supervision: Under academic supervision, including co-tutorships
Locations: Public universities, legally recognised private universities, public research institutions, recognised museums and archives

5. “Italofonia” Italian Language and Culture Courses

Duration: 3 months
Language Requirement: Minimum Italian proficiency level A2 (CEFR)
Focus: Intensive Italian language and culture studies

Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship Criteria

Selection is strictly based on citizenship. Each applicant may apply for only one country.

For International Applicants

Must be citizens of a foreign country (non-Italian)
Holders of dual citizenship (Italian and foreign) must apply through the foreign beneficiary country selection process and indicate their foreign citizenship in the application

For Italian Citizens Residing Abroad (IRE)

Reserved exclusively for students holding only Italian citizenship
Must be resident in one of the following countries:
- Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Peru, United Kingdom, Senegal, Spain, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay, Venezuela

For Multiple Citizenship Holders

May apply for only one selection process
Must choose one beneficiary country of which they are citizens
Must indicate the chosen citizenship in the application portal

General Academic Requirements

Possess the academic qualifications required by the chosen Italian institution
Meet specific programme prerequisites (Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applications, etc.)
Fulfill admission requirements of the host institution

Scholarship Benefits

Financial Support

Total Amount: €10,800 (ten thousand eight hundred euros)
Payment Structure: Disbursed in three instalments to an Italian current account in the recipient’s name

Tuition Fees

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
MAECI does not refund any tuition fees that may apply

Health Insurance

Collective health insurance policy contracted by MAECI
Coverage for expenses due to illness or accident
Valid exclusively for the duration of the scholarship

Additional Opportunity: WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative

In collaboration with the Aurora Foundation, MAECI grantees from Africa who speak African languages may participate in the WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative. This programme:

Promotes active student participation in making specialised information on Africa available online
Developed by Moleskine Foundation in partnership with Wikimedia Foundation and Aurora Foundation
Enhances the scholarship experience with digital and cultural engagement

How to Apply

Application Method

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the Study in Italy portal:

Portal URL: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it

Registration Instructions

Register on the Study in Italy portal
Use an email address that you check regularly (all communications will be sent to this address)
Complete the online application form
Upload all required documents
Submit before the deadline

Important Notes

Only applications and documents submitted through the Study in Italy portal will be considered valid
Applications submitted by email or other means will not be accepted
Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission

Application Deadline

26 March 2026, 14:00 (Italian time)

Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed based on citizenship criteria
Academic qualifications and merit are evaluated
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional information
Final selections are made by MAECI in collaboration with Italian diplomatic missions

Tips for a Successful Application

Verify Eligibility Carefully: Confirm your citizenship status and ensure you apply through the correct country selection process
Prepare Documents in Advance: Gather all academic transcripts, degree certificates, and language certifications
Research Your Chosen Institution: Understand specific admission requirements for your target programme
Meet Language Requirements: For Italian-taught programmes, ensure you have the necessary proficiency
Apply Early: Avoid last-minute technical issues by submitting well before the deadline
Use a Professional Email: Choose a reliable email address and check it regularly for updates

Why Study in Italy?

Italy offers world-class education combined with rich cultural heritage:

Home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities
Diverse academic programmes across all disciplines
Affordable living costs compared to other Western European countries
Rich history, art, and cultural experiences
Strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean
Gateway to European and international career opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one scholarship type?
No, applicants must choose one type of scholarship and one beneficiary country only.

Do I need to know Italian to apply?
For Italian-taught programmes, yes. For English-taught programmes, English proficiency may be accepted. Language course scholarships require minimum A2 Italian.

Is the scholarship renewable?
Master’s, PhD, and AFAM scholarships are potentially renewable. Research and language course scholarships are not renewable.

What expenses are not covered?
Regional fees, any applicable tuition fees not waived by the institution, and personal living expenses beyond the scholarship stipend.