The Italian Government Scholarship 2027, also known as the MAECI Scholarship, is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The scholarship supports international students who wish to pursue Master’s degrees, PhD programs, research projects, AFAM (Arts, Music and Dance) programs, and Italian language courses at recognised institutions in Italy.
Italy is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe because of its high-quality universities, affordable cost of living compared to many Western European countries, rich cultural heritage, and growing number of English-taught degree programs.

Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Name | Italian Government Scholarship 2027 |
| Host country | Italy |
| Funded by | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) |
| Degree level | Master’s, PhD, Research, AFAM Programs |
| Scholarship coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible students | International Students |
| Application portal | Study in Italy |
| Duration | 3 to 9 Months (depending on program) |
| Deadline | Usually, March each year |
Scholarship Benefits
Selected students may receive:
- Tuition fee exemption at participating institutions
- Monthly financial stipend
- Health and medical insurance coverage
- Support for study and research activities in Italy
- Opportunity to study at top Italian universities
- Access to international academic and research networks
Eligible Programs
The scholarship generally supports:
- Master’s Degree Programs
- PhD Programs
- Research Projects under Academic Supervision
- Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance (AFAM)
- Advanced Italian Language and Culture Courses
The official MAECI call specifically lists Master’s degrees, AFAM programs, PhD programs, research projects, and language programs among eligible categories.
Available Study Fields
Students can apply in many academic areas, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Psychology
- Economics and Business
- International Relations
- Architecture
- Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
Programs may be offered in English or Italian, depending on the university.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants generally must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Meet academic requirements of the chosen institution
- Hold a bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs
- Hold a master’s degree for PhD programs
- Meet English or Italian language requirements
- Apply through the official Study in Italy portal
The official MAECI scholarship call states that applications must be submitted through the Study in Italy platform,latform and eligibility depends on the list of approved countries and program requirements.
Required Documents
Applicants usually need:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Passport copy
- Updated CV/Resume
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Language proficiency certificate
- Research proposal (for PhD or research applicants)
Universities may request additional documents depending on the selected program.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose a Program
Select an eligible Master’s, PhD, AFAM, or research program in Italy.
Step 2: Register on the Study in Italy Portal
Create an account on the official Study in Italy platform.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application
Fill in academic information and upload required documents.
Step 4: Submit Before Deadline
Applications must be submitted before the official deadline announced by MAECI.
Step 5: Interview and Selection
Some applicants may be shortlisted for interviews conducted through Italian embassies or cultural institutes.
Application Timeline
For the 2026–2027 cycle:
- Applications opened in March. The deadline was 26 March 2026 at 2:00 PM Italian time
- Interviews and selection followed in later months
Students planning for the 2027 intake should monitor official announcements in early 2027.
Student Experiences and Community Advice
Many applicants on Reddit recommend seeing university admissions and contacting potential supervisors early, especially for PhD applications. Some students mention that obtaining a supervisor’s approval can take several months.
Other applicants report that interview invitations may arrive weeks after the application deadline and advise students to remain patient during the selection process.
Students also frequently discuss combining MAECI with regional scholarships such as DSU or EDISU for additional financial support.
Why Study in Italy?
Italy offers many advantages for international students:
- Internationally recognized universities
- Affordable education compared to many Western countries
- Rich cultural and historical environment
- Strong research opportunities
- Access to the European education system
- English-taught degree programs in many fields
The MAECI scholarship was created to strengthen international cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation while promoting Italian language and culture worldwide.
Official Websites
Students from Pakistan are encouraged to begin preparing documents, language certificates, CVs, and motivation letters early because the Italian Government Scholarship is highly competitive and attracts applicants from many countries worldwide.
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