Study in Italy for Free on a Fully Funded MAECI Scholarship

Want to study in Italy through a scholarship? Study in Italy for free on a fully funded MAECI scholarship.

Italy is a country known for its world-class art, culture, and academic excellence, is opening its doors to international students once again through the prestigious Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarship. 

Administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), this scholarship program is an exceptional opportunity for foreign students and Italian citizens residing abroad to pursue postgraduate studies at Italian public or legally recognized universities.

The MAECI Scholarship for the 2025/26 academic session is aimed at supporting deserving students who otherwise lack the financial means to study in Italy. 

It covers Master’s degree programs, Higher Education Courses in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD programs, and research under academic supervision.

With no application fee and a simplified application process, it provides a direct pathway to a world-class education in Italy without the requirement for IELTS.

Overview of the MAECI Scholarship

• Host Country: Italy
• Scholarship Name: MAECI (Study in Italy)
• Organized By: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
• Eligible Degrees: Master’s, PhD, AFAM Courses, and Research Projects
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Language Requirement: No IELTS required (English proficiency proof accepted)

How the MAECI Scholarship Works

The MAECI Scholarship is designed for students who wish to study in Italy but are constrained by financial limitations. Successful applicants are provided with substantial support throughout their academic journey:

• Applicants may apply to any Italian public university or legally recognized institution.
• Once selected for the MAECI scholarship, applicants must proceed to secure admission at an Italian institution.
• The MAECI scholarship operates independently of university admission; however, recipients must enroll in an eligible institution to receive funding.
• Most Italian public universities support this initiative and accept MAECI scholars.

Financial Benefits of the MAECI Scholarship

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, which includes:

• Tuition and Enrollment Fees: Waived for recipients at most public universities.
• Health and Accident Insurance: Full coverage during the scholarship duration.
• Monthly Stipend: A total of €9000, disbursed in three installments:
  • First installment: €4500
  • Second installment: €2500
  • Third installment: €2000

This funding structure ensures students can focus fully on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered for the MAECI scholarship:

• Be a citizen of one of the 141 eligible countries.
• For Master’s degree applicants:
  • Must possess a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Be 28 years old or younger at the time of application.
• For PhD applicants:
  • Must possess a relevant Master’s degree.
  • Be 30 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Language Requirement:
  • No IELTS required.
  • Proof of English language proficiency accepted (e.g., certificate of English-medium instruction, other equivalent documentation).

List of Eligible Countries

Citizens from the following countries and territories are eligible for the MAECI Scholarship:

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Benin
Belarus
Bolivia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina-Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Chad
Chile
China
Cyprus
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo
South Korea
Ivory Coast
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
The Russian Federation
the Philippines
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Japan
Djibouti
Jordan
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Equatorial Guinea
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kyrgyzstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Laos
Lesotho
Latvia
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Lithuania
North Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Morocco
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
United Kingdom
Czech Republic
Central African Republic
Dominican Republic
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
São Tomé and Príncipe
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Syria
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
Sri Lanka
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Switzerland
Eswatini
Tajikistan
Taiwan
Tanzania
Palestinian Territories
Thailand
East Timor
Togo
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uganda
Hungary
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Explore Academic Programs

Begin by identifying the Master’s or PhD program you are interested in at any Italian public or legally recognized university. Make sure the course is eligible for MAECI scholarship support.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents, which typically include:

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter
• Language proficiency proof (or English-taught program certification)
• Research proposal (for PhD or research projects)

3. Apply Online

Visit the official MAECI scholarship portal and complete the application form. There is no application fee.

4. Await Selection

Applications are reviewed by relevant Italian diplomatic missions and selection committees. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further assessment.

5. Secure University Admission

Once awarded the scholarship, proceed to enroll in your chosen Italian university. Admission procedures vary by institution, so be sure to comply with their requirements.

MAECI Scholarship Participating Universities

The MAECI scholarship can be used at any Italian public or legally recognized higher education institution. This includes universities offering courses in English and institutions specializing in arts, music, and design.

Examples of prominent participating universities include:

• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Milan
• Politecnico di Milano
• University of Padua
• University of Florence
• Politecnico di Torino
• Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
• University of Naples Federico II
• University of Trento

No IELTS Required: Understanding Language Proficiency Requirements

One of the standout benefits of the MAECI Scholarship is that IELTS is not a mandatory requirement. Instead, applicants can fulfill the language requirement through alternative means:

• If your previous education was conducted in English, you can submit a certificate of instruction in English from your university.
• Alternatively, an English proficiency certificate issued by your academic institution or a recognized authority is also acceptable.
• For programs taught in Italian, a B2 level certificate in the Italian language is required.

This flexibility in language requirements opens doors to a broader pool of applicants, especially those from countries where IELTS testing is not easily accessible.

Why Study in Italy with MAECI Scholarship?

Studying in Italy provides a unique blend of academic rigor, cultural exposure, and historical richness. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Globally Recognized Degrees: Italian universities consistently rank among the best in Europe.
• English-Taught Programs: Many programs at the Master’s and PhD levels are offered in English.
• Vibrant Student Life: Italy is known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to connect with international peers.
• Affordable Living: Compared to other European nations, Italy offers a relatively low cost of living.
• Access to Europe: As a Schengen Area country, Italy provides access to 26 European countries with a student visa.

Final Thoughts on Fully Funded MAECI Scholarship

The Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarship is more than just financial assistance.

With no application fees, no IELTS requirement, and a wide range of eligible programs and institutions, this opportunity is ideal for students from diverse backgrounds who aspire to study in one of the most historically and academically rich countries in the world.

Take your time to explore the options, prepare your documents thoroughly, and begin your journey toward a fully funded education in Italy. For full details and to begin your application, visit the official portal.