Italy Government Scholarship 2026–27 | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Programs

Italy Government Scholarship 2026–27: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Opportunities for International Students

The Italy Government Scholarship 2026–27, officially administered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), is expected to open applications for international students seeking fully funded Master’s, PhD, and research programs at top Italian universities. Known globally as the MAECI Scholarship, this prestigious funding opportunity supports outstanding students from around the world and Italian citizens living abroad who wish to study in Italy.

With generous financial coverage, access to world-class institutions, and the chance to experience Italy’s rich academic and cultural heritage, the MAECI Scholarship remains one of Europe’s most attractive government-funded programs. Students planning to study in the 2026–27 academic year are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early and closely monitor official announcements.

Overview of the Italy Government (MAECI) Scholarship

The MAECI Scholarship is funded by the Government of Italy to promote international cooperation in education, research, and culture. Each year, the scholarship supports hundreds of international students enrolling in Italian universities and research institutions.

For the 2026–27 intake, applications are expected to open between February and May 2026, based on previous cycles. Final dates and eligibility rules will be confirmed through the official MAECI call for applications published on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Scholarship Levels and Study Programs

The Italy Government Scholarship 2026–27 is primarily available for advanced academic programs, including:

• Master’s Degree Programs
• PhD Programs
• Research and Advanced Training Programs

Undergraduate programs are generally not covered under MAECI, making this scholarship particularly suitable for graduates and researchers aiming to advance their academic careers in Europe.

Students can apply to a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, architecture, economics, international relations, sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Financial Benefits of the MAECI Scholarship

The Italy Government Scholarship is fully funded, significantly reducing the financial burden of studying abroad. Key benefits include:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver (depending on university)
• Monthly Stipend of approximately €900, paid directly to the student
• Comprehensive Health and Medical Insurance for the duration of the scholarship

The stipend is designed to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation, making Italy an affordable study destination for international scholars.

Who Can Apply?

The MAECI Scholarship is open to:

• International students from eligible countries
• Italian citizens living abroad (IRE)

While exact eligibility criteria vary by program and university, applicants are generally expected to demonstrate strong academic performance and clear academic or research goals.

General Eligibility Requirements

Although official requirements for the 2026–27 cycle will be confirmed in the MAECI call, applicants typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Strong academic record (high GPA or equivalent)
• Relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs
• Relevant Master’s degree for PhD programs
• Motivation letter explaining academic and career goals
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of language proficiency, either English or Italian, depending on the program

Some universities may also require research proposals, especially for PhD and research-track applicants.

Where Can Students Study in Italy?

Italy is home to many internationally ranked universities and research institutions. MAECI scholars can study at:

• Politecnico di Milano
• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Turin
• University of Padua
• Politecnico di Torino, among many others

In addition to MAECI funding, many universities offer their own scholarships, which can sometimes be combined with government support.

Application Process for Italy Government Scholarship 2026–27

The application process is competitive and typically conducted online. Key steps include:

1. Monitor the Official MAECI Website
   Applicants should regularly check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the official call for applications.
2. Prepare Academic Documents Early
   Transcripts, degrees, CVs, and recommendation letters should be ready well before the deadline.
3. Apply Through the MAECI Portal
   Once applications open, candidates must submit their applications through the official online system.
4. University Applications
   In many cases, applicants must also apply separately to their chosen Italian university.

Key Dates to Watch for 2026–27

While final dates will be announced officially, students should expect the following timeline based on previous years:

• Applications Open: February – May 2026
• Evaluation Period: Late spring to early summer 2026
• Results Announcement: Summer 2026
• Academic Year Begins: Fall 2026

Because deadlines are strict, late applications are not accepted.

Why Study in Italy?

Italy combines academic excellence with cultural richness. Students benefit from globally respected degrees, modern research facilities, affordable tuition, and the opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most historically and culturally significant countries.

Studying in Italy also provides international networking opportunities and career advantages, particularly in research, innovation, arts, design, and international relations.

Final Thoughts

The Italy Government Scholarship (MAECI) 2026–27 is a golden opportunity for international students seeking fully funded Master’s or PhD education in Europe. With monthly stipends, tuition support, and health insurance, the scholarship removes financial barriers and opens doors to top Italian universities.

Prospective applicants should begin monitoring official announcements now, strengthen their academic profiles, and prepare required documents early to stay competitive once the 2026–27 call is officially released.