Deadline: 26-Mar-2026
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is offering scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year for foreign students and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE). The scholarships support Master’s degrees, AFAM programmes, PhDs, research projects, and Italian language & culture courses, with funding of €10,800 for study programmes and €3,600 for language and culture courses.
About the Opportunity
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has launched its 2026–2027 scholarship programme for international students and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE).
The scholarships aim to:
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Strengthen cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation
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Support Italy’s international economic engagement
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Promote the Italian language and culture
Scholarship Categories
The programme supports the following study pathways:
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Master’s Degree programmes (Laurea Magistrale – 2nd cycle)
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AFAM programmes (Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music and Dance)
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First cycle
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Second cycle
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PhD programmes
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Research projects under academic supervision
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“Italofonia” scholarships for intensive Italian language and culture courses
Funding Information
For study programmes (Master’s, AFAM, PhD, Research)
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Total scholarship amount: €10,800
This is paid in 3 instalments into an Italian bank account in the student’s name:
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1st instalment: €5,500 after arrival in Italy and confirmation of enrolment
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2nd instalment: €2,300 from February 2027, subject to continued enrolment
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3rd instalment: €3,000 from June 2027, subject to satisfactory academic progress
For Italian language and culture courses
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Scholarship amount: €3,600
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Paid in one instalment at the end of the funding period
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Foreign students
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Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE)
Applicants must meet the academic and admission requirements of the specific programme they are applying to.
Academic Requirements by Category
Master’s Degree Programmes
Applicants must:
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Have completed a first cycle degree
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Hold a qualification equivalent to an Italian Bachelor’s Degree
Additional requirements may include:
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Entrance examinations
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Pre-enrolment through the Universitaly portal
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Institution-specific admission procedures
AFAM Programmes
Applicants must:
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Meet the academic requirements of the selected institution
They may also need to complete:
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Admission tests
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Pre-enrolment procedures
PhD Programmes
Applicants must:
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Hold the required academic qualifications
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Successfully pass the admission test for the selected PhD programme
Research Project Scholarships
Applicants must submit:
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A research proposal
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An invitation letter from the academic supervisor
Why This Scholarship Matters
This is a strong opportunity for students and researchers who want to pursue higher education or research in Italy while receiving official government support.
It is especially valuable because it supports multiple academic routes, including:
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Graduate study
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Arts and music education
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Doctoral research
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Supervised academic research
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Italian language and culture immersion
What Makes a Strong Application?
Strong applications are likely to show:
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Clear alignment with the chosen academic programme
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Strong academic background
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Complete and accurate admission documentation
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Proof of meeting programme-specific entry requirements
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For research applicants, a strong research proposal and supervisor invitation
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Genuine interest in studying in Italy and engaging with Italian academic or cultural life
How to Apply
While the provided text does not include the deadline or direct application link, applicants should prepare:
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Degree equivalency documents (if required)
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Passport or identity documents
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Admission or pre-enrolment documents
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Proof of language proficiency (if required by institution)
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Research proposal (for research category)
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Supervisor invitation letter (for research category)
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Application through the relevant scholarship and/or university systems
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Italian bank account details later for payment disbursement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without meeting the academic level requirements
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Ignoring pre-enrolment or Universitaly procedures
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Missing programme-specific entrance exams
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Submitting a weak or incomplete research proposal
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Not preparing for the requirement of an Italian bank account
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Assuming admission to the scholarship automatically means admission to the university programme
FAQs
What is the MAECI Scholarship 2026–2027?
It is an Italian government scholarship programme for foreign students and Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE) for study and research in Italy.
How much funding is provided?
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€10,800 for study programmes (paid in 3 instalments)
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€3,600 for Italian language and culture courses (paid in 1 instalment)
What programmes are covered?
The scholarship supports:
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Master’s degrees
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AFAM programmes
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PhD programmes
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Research projects
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Italian language and culture courses
Do I need admission to the academic programme?
Yes, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the chosen institution or programme, which may include entrance exams, pre-enrolment, or institutional procedures.
What is required for research project scholarships?
Applicants must submit:
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A research proposal
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An invitation letter from their academic supervisor
Conclusion
The MAECI Scholarships 2026–2027 are an excellent opportunity for international students and Italian citizens abroad seeking funded study or research in Italy.
With support of €10,800 for degree and research pathways and €3,600 for language and culture courses, the programme is ideal for applicants pursuing Master’s, AFAM, PhD, research, or Italian language studies with a strong academic plan and readiness for Italy’s admission process.
For more information, visit Italian Embassy in Pretoria.