Dreaming of studying under the Tuscan sun or perfecting your thesis while sipping espresso in a Roman café? Well, hold onto your travel-sized dictionaries because Italy is rolling out a golden opportunity. The MAECI Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year is not just a ticket to Italy — it’s a fully funded ride. Designed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), this prestigious scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and even your medical needs. Translation: You can focus on soaking in knowledge and culture, without stressing over your bank account.
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What Is the MAECI Scholarship and Why Should You Apply?
Let’s break it down. The MAECI Scholarship isn’t just a nice perk — it’s a serious career and life upgrade. Apart from the glamour of studying in Italy (hello, Renaissance art and unbeatable pizza), recipients get full financial backing: tuition fee waivers (depending on your university), a handsome stipend, and health and medical insurance. Plus, being an MAECI scholar isn’t just impressive for your Instagram feed — it’s a credential that’ll shine bright on your résumé. Italy isn’t handing out free rides just for fun; this initiative aims to foster international cooperation, promote Italian culture, and strengthen global ties. So if you’re dreaming big, this scholarship might just be your first-class ticket.
Who Can Apply for the MAECI Scholarship in 2025?
Here’s the deal: not everyone can pack their bags just yet. You need to check off a few boxes first. The scholarships are open to foreign nationals residing outside Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (the IREs — Italians Resident Abroad, fancy name and all). Age matters too — you must be under 28 if you’re applying for Master’s or AFAM programs, under 30 for PhDs, and 40 for research grants. Oh, and you’ll need the proper academic chops, holding relevant degrees that align with the program you’re aiming for. It’s Btaly’s way of saying, “We love guests, but we’re inviting the ones who’ve done their homework.”
What Academic Programs Are Covered Under the MAECI Scholarship?
MAECI is not playing small. The scholarships cover a mouthwatering menu of options: Master’s degrees (Laurea Magistrale), PhDs, research projects under academic supervision, AFAM courses (that’s arts, music, and dance for the uninitiated), and even Italian language and culture courses. Whether you’re planning to engineer the next quantum computer or compose the next operatic masterpiece, chances are you’ll find a program that fits like a well-tailored Italian suit.
What Are the Language Requirements for Applicants?
Think you can just waltz into a lecture hall and nod your way through? Not quite. If your program is taught in Italian, you’ll need at least a B2 level in Italian. If it’s an English-taught program, you’ll need a B2 level in English. For those aiming to dive into Italian language courses, a modest A2 level in Italian will do. Good news, though — if you’re from an English-speaking country or graduated from an Italian-taught school abroad, you might skip the formal language certification drama altogether. Molto bene!
Also Read: Is a €5,000 Salary Now Mandatory to Bring Your Family to Belgium?
How Much Financial Support Does the Scholarship Provide?
Now, let’s talk numbers — because what’s a scholarship without the sweet sound of fully funded living? The MAECI Scholarship offers €9,000 for nine-month programs, split neatly into three installments: €4,500 upon your stylish Italian arrival and enrollment, €2,500 mid-academic year after they confirm you’re showing up to class, and €2,000 after some solid academic performance. For those doing the three-month Italian language courses, a tidy €3,000 is on the table. Plus, health and medical insurance are covered, saving you from late-night Google searches on “best ways to treat a cold in Florence.” Some universities even waive tuition altogether — but that’s at their discretion, so fingers crossed.
How Can You Apply for the MAECI Scholarship?
Applying for this golden ticket is refreshingly modern: it’s all online through the Study in Italy portal. The paperwork isn’t outrageous, but you’ll need to bring your A-game. Essentials include a valid passport or ID, academic transcripts, proof of your language skills, a motivation letter that doesn’t sound like you wrote it in five minutes, and a solid CV. Think of it as building your case for why Italy just has to have you. Pro tip: make sure your documents are neat, complete, and in the right format — no one wants to be that candidate whose application gets tossed over a missing page.
When Is the Deadline and How Are Candidates Selected?
Circle May 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM CET in red on your calendar (and maybe set a few alarms too). That’s the final cut-off. After that, your application will be evaluated based on merit and curriculum evaluation. No lotteries, no reality show drama — just a clean, old-school review by Italy’s local diplomatic missions. They’re looking for the brightest and best who’ll make Italy proud, and hopefully not just spend their days taking selfies at the Colosseum.
Are There Any Special Scholarship Categories?
Oh, you bet there are. Italy has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. For instance, the Attanasio Grants target students from Morocco, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo who want to study international relations, development, or human rights. Meanwhile, the Costruiamo il Futuro Grants are specially reserved for students from Italian high schools in Africa looking to dive into STEM fields, economics, or healthcare degrees. These special grants are Italy’s way of doubling down on talent where it’s most needed — and giving an extra boost to future changemakers.
Conclusion
In short, the MAECI Scholarship isn’t just a study abroad program; it’s a passport to academic excellence, cultural immersion, and a serious professional glow-up. Whether you’re eyeing a cutting-edge Master’s program, a deep-dive research project, or just craving an authentic Italian education experience, this is your shot. So polish that CV, perfect that motivation letter, and get your application in — because la dolce vita is calling and fully funded.
For more information and to apply, visit the official Study in Italy portal.
