Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027( Funded Study in Italy)
If studying in Italy has ever crossed your mind, the culture, the language, the world-class universities—this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Applications are now officially open for the 2026/2027 Italian Government Scholarships, a program offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). These scholarships are designed for foreign students as well as Italians living abroad (IRE) who want to pursue study, research, or training programs in Italy.
The initiative is part of Italy’s broader effort to strengthen international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological fields, while also promoting the Italian language, culture, and economic system worldwide.
For many students, the program provides a gateway to studying in Italy while receiving financial support during their academic journey.
But if you’re planning to apply, keep one important date in mind:
The application deadline is March 26, 2026.
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Who Can Apply for the Scholarships?
The selection process for the Italian Government Scholarships is based primarily on citizenship.
Applicants are allowed to submit only one application linked to one country.
There are also special categories reserved for Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE). However, these are only available to students who hold Italian citizenship exclusively and live in certain countries.
The eligible countries for these IRE scholarships include:
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Argentina
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Australia
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Brazil
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Chile
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Colombia
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Egypt
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Ethiopia
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France
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Germany
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Kenya
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Lebanon
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Morocco
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Peru
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United Kingdom
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Senegal
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Spain
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South Africa
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Tunisia
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Uruguay
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Venezuela
Applicants must be residents of one of these countries to qualify under the IRE category.
Rules for Dual and Multiple Citizenship Applicants
The scholarship program also has specific rules regarding dual or multiple citizenships.
Applicants who hold both Italian and foreign citizenship must apply through the foreign beneficiary country selection process. When submitting the application through the Study in Italy portal, they must indicate their foreign citizenship in the “Citizenship” section.
Meanwhile, applicants who hold multiple foreign citizenships must choose only one country from the list of beneficiary countries and apply through that single selection process.
This rule ensures each candidate is evaluated within a clearly defined application category.
Types of Italian Government Scholarships Available
Master’s Degree Programmes (Laurea Magistrale)
Scholarships for Master’s Degree programmes are offered for a nine-month study period.
These scholarships may also be renewable, depending on the student’s academic progress.
To enroll in a Master’s programme in Italy—known as Laurea Magistrale (2nd cycle) students must already hold a first-cycle degree equivalent to an Italian Bachelor’s degree (Laurea triennale).
Master’s Degree Programmes (Laurea Magistrale)
Scholarships for Master’s Degree programmes are offered for a nine-month study period.
These scholarships may also be renewable, depending on the student’s academic progress.
To enroll in a Master’s programme in Italy—known as Laurea Magistrale (2nd cycle)—students must already hold a first-cycle degree equivalent to an Italian Bachelor’s degree (Laurea triennale).
Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM)
Students interested in creative disciplines can apply for AFAM programmes, which cover studies in:
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Fine Arts
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Music
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Dance
These scholarships are also awarded for nine months, with the possibility of renewal.
Applicants must possess the academic qualifications required by the institution offering the program before enrollment.
Research Projects Under Academic Supervision
The scholarship program also supports research projects conducted in Italy.
These research scholarships allow students or researchers to work under academic supervision, including collaborative arrangements such as co-tutorships.
The duration of this scholarship category is nine months, but unlike some other programs, it cannot be renewed.
Research can be carried out at:
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Public Italian universities
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Recognized private universities
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Public Italian research institutions
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Museums
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Archives
Scholarship Payment
Students who receive the scholarship will receive a total financial award of €10,800.
The payment is issued through an Italian bank account opened in the student’s name.
The amount is distributed in three separate instalments throughout the scholarship period.
How to Apply for the Italian Government Scholarships
The application process for the MAECI scholarships is conducted entirely online.
Applicants must submit their applications through the Study in Italy portal.
Before applying, candidates must first register an account on the portal.
During registration, applicants are strongly advised to use an email address that they check frequently, since all official communication regarding the application will be sent to that email.
Once registered, applicants can complete the online application form and upload the required documents directly through the platform.
