The fully funded Italian Government Scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a €900 monthly allowance (paid quarterly) to international and refugee students accepted into Master’s or PhD programs at Italian public universities. You MUST first apply and get accepted into your chosen program at an Italian university, then contact the university to confirm scholarship eligibility. Eligible fields include Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics, and Management. The application deadline is expected around July each year – contact your target university immediately and monitor official channels (like CRUI) for updates.
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Details about the Italian Government Scholarship
All the details regarding Italian Government Scholarship are given below. Just read the whole article so you may not miss any important information about this scholarship.
What Is the Italian Government Scholarship?
The Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI scholarship) is a fully funded program for international or refugee students who want to study a Master’s, PhD, research project, Italian language & culture course, or AFAM (arts/music/dance) in Italy.
- You get €900 per month, paid quarterly to your Italian bank account.
- You may also be exempted from tuition and enrollment fees, depending on the university’s rules.
- Health and accident insurance is included through MAECI for the whole scholarship duration.
Who Can Apply?
- International students from eligible countries, plus Italian citizens living abroad.
- Must meet age limits: under 28 for Master’s/AFAM, under 30 for PhD, under 40 for research projects.
- Must already have the required academic credentials and an offer letter (for PhD/research) from an Italian institution.
- You may need language certificates: B2 in English or Italian for taught programs, A2 for basic Italian language courses (some research programs may not need certificates).
What It Covers
- Monthly allowance: €900 → €2700 per quarter.
- Tuition and enrollment fees may be waived, but check with your chosen university. Language courses usually are excluded.
- Health insurance provided by MAECI during the entire grant.
Courses & Duration
- Available for Master’s, PhD, research projects, AFAM, and Italian language/culture courses.
- Duration usually 6–9 months, sometimes shorter (language courses 3 months, research grants).
Application Steps
- Register and complete the online form on the official Study in Italy portal.
- Upload certified transcripts, valid passport/ID, language certificates (if needed), admission or research proposal, CV, and motivation letter.
- Submit before May every year.
When Does It Start?
- Scholarships begin in November each year, running through mid‑2026 depending on your program length.
Quick Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | International / Italian abroad |
| What | Master’s, PhD, research, AFAM, language |
| Money | €900/month, quarterly; tuition waiver; insurance |
| Age limit | Under 28 (Masters), 30 (PhD), 40 (Research) |
| Duration | 6–9 months (language shorter) |
| Deadline | May each year |
| Apply at | Study in Italy portal |
Comparison: Italian Government Scholarship vs 5 Other Major Scholarships in Italy
Here’s how this scholarship stacks up against five top fully funded Italian scholarships for international students:
1. University of Bologna – Alma Mater Scholarships
- Offers 30 merit-based scholarships for international Master’s students.
- Covers full tuition fee waiver, but not stipend.
- Requires GRE and financial documentation.
- Age limit usually under 30.
- Only for Bologna University, not open call nationwide.
VS Italian Government: MAECI gives both stipend and tuition waiver, and is open nationwide rather than a single university.
2. University of Padua – International Excellence Scholarships
- Provides 62 fully funded scholarships covering tuition and a grant for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
- English‑taught programs only, merit only, limited quota.
- No standard monthly stipend is mentioned.
VS Italian Government: MAECI includes a fixed monthly allowance and broader program support across Italy.
3. Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
- University‑level funding for Bachelors, Masters, PhD for international students; details vary by department.
- Tuition rebates or full waivers possible depending on GPA; stipend not guaranteed.
VS Italian Government: MAECI is fully funded with stipend plus fee waiver. Polimi scholarships are merit‑based and may not include living support.
4. University of Camerino Scholarships
- Offers fully funded Master’s and One‑Tier Master scholarships for international students—no IELTS required.
- Covers tuition and living stipend; quantity and amounts vary.
University of Camerino VS Italian Government: MAECI is nationwide, includes structured monthly stipend and health insurance; Camerino is university‑specific.
5. Regional Scholarships (e.g., LazioDiSCo, DSU Toscana, EDISU, ALISEO)
- Government scholarships given by regional public bodies in regions like Lazio, Tuscany, Sicily.
- Amounts vary: e.g., LazioDiSCo pays up to €8,500/year and includes free meals, housing, books.
- Based on income need, not academic merit.
VS Italian Government: Regional grants vary by region and don’t require competition portal; MAECI is merit/eligibility based, same amount for all, available nationwide.
Why This Italian Government Scholarship Stands Out
- Easy access: anyone from an eligible country can apply, through one portal.
- Equal support everywhere: same €900 stipend and coverage, no select universities only.
- Full insurance coverage: protects during your stay.
- Wide field of study: beyond STEM and business, includes arts, research, language.
- Transparent timeline: clear opening and closing dates, public rules.
Step‑by‑Step How To Apply (Simple)
- Check eligibility: age, nationality, academic credentials.
- Contact your Italian university first – confirm they accept scholarship holders.
- Register at the “Study in Italy” portal.
- Gather documents: passport/ID, transcripts, diploma, language certificates if needed, admission letter or tutor letter, CV, motivation letter.
- Submit before May 16, 2025 (2 PM CET).
- If accepted, open an Italian bank account to receive stipends.
- Enroll in your course and arrive by November each year.
- Keep your attendance and exam results up to date to keep the funding Scholarship Union.
Also Read: 300 Gates Foundation Scholarship In USA 2026 (Fully Funded)
Turkish Government Scholarship 2026 – Study in Turkey for Free (Fully Funded!)
Final Thoughts
The Italian Government Scholarship is one of the most inclusive and support‑rich scholarship options for students worldwide. With a €900 monthly stipend, tuition waivers, and health insurance, it lets you focus fully on your studies in Italy. When compared to university‑only scholarships or regional grants, MAECI offers broader access and standardized benefits.
If you want to study in engineering, design, economics, research, arts, or even learn Italian, and meet the age and academic rules, this scholarship is an excellent route. Just apply early at the Study in Italy portal before May or June each year, and start your Italian journey in November each year.
Need help picking universities or preparing your application? I’d be happy to help!
