Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is inviting applications for its 2025-2026 scholarship programme

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is inviting applications for its 2025-2026 scholarship programme, designed to promote cultural exchange, scientific collaboration, and technological advancement.

These grants are open to foreign nationals living outside Italy, as well as Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE)*, and aim to strengthen global ties and elevate the global presence of Italian language, culture, and academic excellence.

Where and What You Can Study

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to study, train, or conduct research at recognised public and legally accredited Italian institutions of higher education. The programme supports a wide range of academic paths, including:

  • Bachelor’s Degrees (Laurea Triennale or Single Cycle Laurea Magistrale)
  • Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale)
  • Doctoral (PhD) Programs
  • Courses in Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM institutions)
  • Research projects with academic supervision
  • Courses in Italian Language and Culture

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be foreign nationals from designated countries, including:
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Italian citizens living abroad in these countries may also apply.

Scholarship Coverage

The benefits of this scholarship include:

  • Tuition Fees: Depending on each institution’s policy, students may be exempt from paying tuition and enrolment fees (excluding language and culture courses).
  • Health Insurance: All grantees receive medical and accident insurance, excluding pre-existing health conditions.
  • Financial Support: Each recipient will be awarded €9,000, disbursed in three instalments during the grant period. For Italian language and culture courses, a single payment of €3,000 is offered.

Scholarships typically last between 3 to 9 months, based on the chosen course or program. Renewals may be granted based on satisfactory academic performance.

Who Can Apply?

Academic Requirements:

Applicants must hold the necessary qualifications for admission into an Italian higher education programme.

Age Limits:

  • Bachelor’s & Single-Cycle Degrees: Must be 23 years old or younger (born after 16 May 2002).
  • Master’s, AFAM & Language Courses: Up to 28 years old (born after 16 May 1996)
  • PhD Programs: Up to 30 years old (born after 16 May 1994)
  • Research Projects: Up to 40 years old (born after 16 May 1984)

Language Requirements:

  • Courses in Italian: Proficiency in Italian at B2 level (CEFR) required.
  • Courses in English: Proficiency in English at B2 level (CEFR) required; self-certification may be accepted if English is the applicant’s official national language.
  • Language and Culture Courses: Italian proficiency at minimum A2 level required.
  • PhD & Research Projects: No formal language certification required.

How to Apply

Applications must be completed and submitted online through the official MAECI portal. The deadline is 16 May 2025 at 14:00 (CET). Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the full Call for Applications for detailed eligibility criteria and submission guidelines.