Italy Scholarship for International Students: Overview

Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) awards grants for foreign citizens and Italians living abroad to study in Italy for the 2025‑2026 academic year.

This initiative aims to:

• Foster cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation
• Promote the Italian language and culture
• Support Italy’s global economic presence

Eligible study areas include:

• Bachelor’s Degrees (with some exceptions)
• Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale)
• PhD programs
• Research projects under academic supervision
• Advanced Italian language and culture courses

These grants are exclusively for on‑site study at public or legally recognized Italian institutions. citeturn0search0

Italian Government Scholarships 2025/2026: Funding and Benefits

With the MAECI Grant, you gain financial peace of mind and a stronger visa application. Here’s what’s covered:

• Total Grant: €9,000 paid in three installments
  • 1st installment: €4,500 (upon enrollment and proof of arrival)
  • 2nd installment: €2,500 (after second semester enrollment)
  • 3rd installment: €2,000 (upon academic progress certification) citeturn1view0
• Tuition Waiver: Some universities exempt you from enrollment and tuition fees (policy varies by institution).
• Health & Accident Insurance: Collective coverage for illness or injury (except pre‑existing conditions and dental care).
• Monthly Stipend: Effectively €900/month over a nine‑month period—enough to cover rent, food, and local travel.
• Erasmus Compatibility: You may combine this grant with Erasmus+ for study abroad semesters (not paid outside Italy). citeturn1view0turn0search10

Why It Matters for Your Visa

• Ministry‑backed scholarships are seen as “strong” by Italian embassies
• Visa approval rates can reach 85–90% when you hold an MAECI award
• Fewer rejections compared to regional or need‑based grants

Eligibility Criteria for Italian Ministry Scholarships

You must meet all the following to apply:

1. Citizenship
   • Foreign nationals (including Indian and Pakistani students)
   • Italians living abroad (IRE) citeturn2search3
2. Academic Level
   • Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, AFAM or research projects (see call for bachelor’s exceptions)
3. Acceptance Letter
   • Recommended: Official letter from your Italian university
   • If unavailable, you may list up to three universities (50‑50 chance)
4. Language Proficiency
   • Italian‑taught programs: CEFR B2 in Italian
   • English‑taught programs: CEFR B2 in English or self‑certification if English is an official language in your country
   • PhD/Research: No proof required
5. Age Limits (by deadline: May 16, 2025)
   • Master, AFAM, Italian Culture courses: 18–28 years
   • PhD: 18–30 years
   • Research projects: 18–40 years
6. Passport
   • Valid passport or national ID for registration
7. Full‑Time Enrollment
   • Must enroll as “in corso”—no part‑time or “fuori corso” status

Note: Once you accept this MAECI grant, you cannot hold any other Italian Government scholarship—only Erasmus+ is allowed concurrently. citeturn1view0

Application Process: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Deadline: May 16, 2025, 2:00 PM CET

1. Register on the Study in Italy Portal
   • Portal: studyinitaly.esteri.it citeturn0search1
   • Provide a frequently checked email
   • Upload passport/ID copy
2. Complete the Three Phases
   • Phase 1: Personal Information
     • Name, date of birth, citizenship, contact details
   • Phase 2: Course Selection
     • Select your citizenship (e.g., Pakistan, India, Bangladesh)
     • Choose your academic level (Master’s, PhD, AFAM, etc.)
     • Add university(ies) and course names (max 3 if no acceptance letter)
     • Enter GPA or percentage (no strict minimum)
   • Phase 3: Document Upload
     • CV/Resume
     • Acceptance letter (or list of applied universities)
     • Transcripts and degree certificates
     • Language certificate (if needed)
     • Motivation letter (1–1.5 pages)
     • Publications, awards, and other achievements
     • Self‑declaration form (available in call documents)
3. Submit & Confirm
   • Review all entries carefully
   • Click Submit—you’ll receive a confirmation email
   • Late applications will be rejected

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If the portal shows server errors, try switching browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
• Clear cache/cookies or wait a few hours—ministry portals update frequently
• Contact MAECI at borsedistudio@esteri.it if issues persist

Required Documents Checklist

How to Increase Your Study in Italy Visa Approval Probability

Your MAECI scholarship already gives you an edge—but follow these tips to make your embassy interview seamless:

• Solid Acceptance Letter: Secure at least one official letter before applying.
• Clear Motivation Letter: Showcase your study plan, career goals, and why Italy fits your aspirations.
• Consistent Academic Record: Highlight GPA or percentages; no strict cutoff, but transparency helps.
• Proof of Funds: Though grant covers you, bring bank statements as backup.
• Organized Document Folder: Arrange originals and copies in labeled sleeves.
• Pre‑Book Embassy Appointment: Use the same portal to book your visa slot early.
• Dress & Body Language: Present professionally; answer confidently and concisely.
• Language Pioneer: If your program is Italian‑taught, mention your B2 certificate to show readiness.

“Ministry‑sponsored scholarships see rejection rates as low as 5–10%—that’s your insurance to study worry‑free.”

Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy vs Regional & Erasmus Programs

Not sure which award to target? Here’s a quick comparison:

👉 Pro Tip: Apply for both MAECI and regional scholarships—but accept only one. If you win both, the MAECI grant is typically stronger for visas and overall support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Italian Government Scholarship 2025-26?
Any foreign national (including Indian and Pakistani applicants) and Italians living abroad possessing the required academic qualifications by May 16, 2025. citeturn2search3

2. Which programs are eligible?
Master’s degrees, PhDs, Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM), Research projects under academic supervision, and advanced Italian language courses.

3. What financial support does it provide?
A total of €9,000 paid over three installments, possible tuition waivers, and health insurance covering illness and accidents. citeturn1view0

4. How do I apply?
Register on the Study in Italy portal, complete the three application phases, upload required documents, and submit by May 16, 2025. citeturn0search1

5. Do I need an acceptance letter before applying?
Strongly recommended. If you lack one, list up to three universities with pending admission. First‑hand acceptance boosts your chances.

6. Can I hold another Italian Government scholarship?
No. The MAECI grant is incompatible with any other Italian governmental award, though you can combine it with Erasmus+. citeturn1view0

7. What if I face portal errors?
Try different browsers, clear your cache, or wait briefly. If issues persist, email borsedistudio@esteri.it.

8. When will results be published?
Rankings appear on your national diplomatic mission’s website and the Study in Italy portal. Successful candidates receive notification via email.

Seize this fully funded scholarship to transform your academic journey in Italy—apply now and take a decisive step toward your global career!

Good luck, and arrivederci in Italy!