Italy MAECI Scholarships 2026–27 for Pakistanis

Italy Announces Fully‑Funded MAECI Scholarships With €900 Monthly Stipend for Pakistani Students

Italy has officially unveiled its MAECI Scholarship Programme for the 2026–27 academic year, offering fully funded study opportunities for Pakistani students across Masters, PhD, and research levels. This initiative, launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), aims to strengthen academic collaboration between Italy and countries around the world while promoting Italy’s cultural and educational heritage.

With rising demand for international education opportunities, this scholarship provides a significant boost for Pakistani learners seeking world‑class higher education in Europe. The programme is designed not only to support academic excellence but also to make living and studying in Italy affordable and accessible.

Comprehensive Financial Support: What the Scholarship Covers

One of the most appealing aspects of the MAECI scholarships is the comprehensive financial coverage offered to successful applicants. Selected students will receive a monthly stipend of €900, which is intended to help cover living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation while studying in Italy. This stipend is especially valuable given the cost of living in major Italian cities.

In addition to the monthly allowance, the scholarship also includes:

Full exemption from tuition and enrolment fees at public Italian universities (applicants may need to pay very minor regional or administrative charges).
Health and accident insurance for the entire duration of the award, ensuring students are covered for medical care while abroad.

The duration of the scholarships can vary from three, six, or nine months, with opportunities to extend support for students enrolled in longer degree programmes such as full Master’s or PhD courses.

Participating Universities and Academic Opportunities

Pakistanis who win the MAECI scholarship will have the chance to pursue higher education at some of Italy’s most respected and oldest institutions. These universities include:

University of Bologna – one of the world’s oldest universities & leading research institution.
Sapienza University of Rome – internationally recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings and research excellence.
Politecnico di Milano – Italy’s top technical university, known especially for engineering and architecture programmes.

Beyond these, eligible applicants may be able to study at other public universities in Italy that participate in the MAECI programme, offering a wide range of fields including engineering, sciences, humanities, business, and the arts.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

To be considered for the MAECI Scholarship 2026–27, Pakistani applicants must meet age and academic qualification requirements that vary by level of study. According to official guidelines:

Master’s degree applicants must be under 28 years of age & hold relevant bachelor’s degree.
PhD applicants must be under 30 years old, hold a master’s degree, and have an acceptance or admission letter from an Italian university.
Research project candidates must be under 40 years of age and possess the necessary academic and research credentials relevant to their proposed supervision topic.

Applicants should also meet language proficiency requirements, which typically involve providing evidence of English or Italian language skills, depending on the language of instruction for their chosen programme.

Application Process: Step‑by‑Step

The entire application process for the MAECI scholarship is conducted online through the official “Study in Italy” portal. Prospective students must first create an account on the platform before selecting an eligible programme at a recognised Italian university.

As part of the online application, candidates will need to upload a set of required documents, which typically include:

A valid passport copy.
A Curriculum Vitae (CV), preferably in the Europass format.
Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
A motivation letter explaining academic goals and reasons for applying.
Language proficiency certificates (English or Italian).
For Master’s and PhD candidates, a current admission or pre‑acceptance letter from an Italian institution.
For research applicants, a detailed research proposal.

Applicants should carefully prepare these documents well before the deadline to ensure a smooth submission process.

Application Deadline and Timeline

The application window for the MAECI Scholarship 2026–27 is expected to remain open until mid‑June 2026. Students are strongly advised to submit their applications early, as last‑minute submissions can lead to avoidable errors and disqualification.

Once applications are submitted, the selection process includes evaluation of academic qualifications, motivation letters, and other supporting documents. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted by Italian diplomatic missions for further steps.

Why This Scholarship Matters for Pakistani Students

This fully funded MAECI Scholarship represents a major opportunity for Pakistani students to pursue internationally recognised education in Italy without the heavy financial burden often associated with studying abroad. With tuition fees waived and generous monthly allowances, students can focus entirely on their studies and research.

Beyond financial support, the programme also offers cultural exposure, language development, and the chance to build international academic networks — all valuable aspects for students who plan to pursue global careers in academia, industry, or research.

As competition remains fierce for such scholarships, aspiring applicants should start preparing early, gathering documents, securing academic transcripts, and ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

Italy’s announcement of fully funded MAECI Scholarships with a €900 monthly stipend opens a gateway for Pakistani students to access world‑class education, immerse themselves in a vibrant European culture, and advance their academic careers without financial constraints. With a clear application process, solid financial coverage, and prestigious partner universities, this scholarship is among the most attractive international education opportunities available for 2026–27.