Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 Opens: Fully Funded MAECI Grant Offers €9,000, Tuition Waiver and Health Insurance – Apply Now
Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 (MAECI) opens globally
International students seeking a fully funded scholarship in Europe now have a major opportunity as the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 (MAECI) officially opens for applications.
The scholarship, offered by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), provides financial support for foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad who want to pursue Master’s degrees, PhD programmes, research, AFAM courses, and Italian language and culture studies in Italy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, successful applicants will receive a €9,000 grant, along with tuition fee exemptions and health/medical insurance coverage, making it one of the most attractive government-funded scholarships currently available in Europe.
With the application deadline set for March 26, 2026, eligible candidates are being encouraged to apply early through the official Study in Italy portal.
What Is the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 (MAECI)?
The Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27, commonly known as the MAECI Scholarship, is a prestigious funding program established by the Italian government to promote international cooperation in education, science, technology, language, and culture.
The scholarship is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and supports students who wish to study or conduct research in public or legally recognized educational institutions across Italy.
According to the program description, the scholarship is intended to strengthen Italy’s international academic ties while supporting the spread of Italian language and culture globally.
Because it covers multiple postgraduate and academic pathways, the MAECI scholarship remains one of the most searched scholarship opportunities for international students planning to study in Europe in 2026.
Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 Benefits: What Winners Will Receive
The MAECI Scholarship 2026/27 offers a generous funding package designed to reduce the financial burden of studying in Italy.
Selected candidates will receive:
- A total grant of €9,000
- Monthly support of €900 (based on grant duration and award conditions)
- Exemption from enrolment and tuition fees (where applicable)
- Health and medical/accident insurance contracted by MAECI
The €9,000 scholarship grant is distributed in three instalments:
- First instalment: €4,500
- Second instalment: €2,500
- Third instalment: €2,000
This structured payment system ensures that students receive ongoing support during their academic stay in Italy.
Courses Covered Under the Italian Government Scholarship
The Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 supports several academic and training pathways.
Eligible study options include:
- Master’s Degree programmes
- PhD programmes
- Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)
- Research projects under academic supervision
- Advanced courses in Italian language and culture
This broad scope makes the scholarship appealing to students from diverse academic backgrounds who want to pursue postgraduate education or research in Italy.
Who Can Apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2026/27?
The scholarship is open to:
- Foreign students from all countries
- Italian citizens living abroad
Applicants must:
- Submit their application exclusively through the Study in Italy portal
- Hold a valid passport or identity card
- Upload a clear and legible copy of their identification document
- Possess the academic qualification required for admission into the selected Italian university or institution
The scholarship is specifically intended for students applying to recognized public or legally accredited institutions in Italy.
READ ALSO
Age Limit for Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27
The MAECI Scholarship has category-specific age limits.
Applicants for:
- Master’s Degree / AFAM / Italian Language and Culture advanced courses must be of legal age and not older than 28 years by the application deadline (except renewals).
- PhD programmes must be of legal age and not older than 30 years by the deadline (except renewals).
- Research projects under academic supervision must be of legal age and not older than 40 years by the deadline.
These age limits are important and should be checked carefully before applying.
How to Apply for the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27
Interested applicants should follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Study in Italy portal.
- Create an account using a frequently used email address.
- Complete the online scholarship application form.
- Upload the required documents, including a valid passport or identity card.
- Submit the application before March 26, 2026.
Applicants should note that late applications will be rejected, so early submission is strongly advised.
Why the MAECI Scholarship Is a Top Study-in-Europe Opportunity
The Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 stands out because it combines government-backed funding, tuition support, health insurance, and access to prestigious Italian institutions.
For many international students, this scholarship offers more than just financial aid. It provides:
- A pathway to study in Italy without IELTS
- Access to European postgraduate education
- Opportunities to build international academic and professional networks
- A chance to experience Italian culture, language, and innovation
As demand for fully funded scholarships in Europe for 2026/27 continues to grow, the MAECI scholarship is expected to attract strong global interest.
FAQ
What is the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 (MAECI)?
The Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27, also known as the MAECI Scholarship, is a government-funded scholarship offered by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support international students and Italian citizens living abroad.
Is the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship is widely regarded as fully funded because it offers a €9,000 grant, tuition fee exemption, and health/medical insurance coverage.
How much is the Italian Government Scholarship grant?
Successful applicants receive €9,000 in total, usually paid in three installments: €4,500, €2,500, and €2,000.
Who can apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2026/27?
The scholarship is open to foreign students from all countries and Italian citizens living abroad, provided they meet academic and age requirements.
What courses are covered by the Italian Government Scholarship?
The scholarship supports:
- Master’s degree programmes
- PhD programmes
- AFAM programmes
- Research projects under academic supervision
- Italian language and culture advanced courses
Is IELTS required for the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27?
No. Based on the scholarship summary provided, IELTS is not required for this scholarship. However, applicants should still check the language requirements of their chosen university or program.
What is the age limit for the Italian Government Scholarship?
- Master’s / AFAM / Italian language courses: up to 28 years
- PhD programmes: up to 30 years
- Research projects: up to 40 years
What documents are needed for the Italian Government Scholarship application?
Applicants typically need:
- A valid passport or identity card
- A legible copy of the identification document
- Academic qualifications required by the selected institution
- Other documents requested on the Study in Italy portal
When is the deadline for the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27?
The application deadline is March 26, 2026.
How do I apply for the Italian Government Scholarship 2026/27?
Applicants must submit their application online through the official Study in Italy portal, create an account, upload the required documents, and submit before the deadline.
Can Nigerian students apply for the Italian Government Scholarship?
Yes. Since the scholarship is open to all countries, Nigerian students are eligible to apply if they meet the academic and age requirements.
Why is the MAECI Scholarship popular among international students?
The scholarship is popular because it offers financial support, tuition relief, health insurance, and the chance to study in Italy, one of Europe’s top destinations for postgraduate education.