February 2027
€900/month
Master's & PhD Candidates
Late March 2027
Table of Contents
Want to study in Italy for free? The MAECI Italian Government Scholarship 2027–2028 helps international students cover their tuition and living costs at top Italian universities. This simple guide explains everything you need to know—including monthly stipends, age limits, required documents, and easy steps to apply.
Applications for 2027–2028 will open in February 2027 and close in late March 2027. Since getting university admission takes time, starting your preparation today gives you a big advantage over other applicants.
What Is the MAECI Italian Government Scholarship?
MAECI stands for Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale).
Each year, it funds international students and Italian citizens living abroad to study at Italian universities and higher education institutions, aiming to build cultural and scientific ties between Italy and the rest of the world and to promote the Italian language.
It’s one of the broadest government scholarships covered on this site, open to students from a long list of eligible countries, across five distinct categories of study, not just one degree type.
Eligible Degree Programs & Study Fields for MAECI Scholarship 2027
MAECI covers five separate categories, each with its own specific rules:
- Master’s degrees at Italian universities
- PhD and doctoral research at Italian higher education institutions
- AFAM programs — Italy’s specialized arts, music, and dance conservatories and academies
- Research projects, for those already holding an advanced degree
- Italian language and culture courses, for shorter-term study
Each category has its own eligibility details, so the first real decision is confirming which of these five actually fits your academic plan.
MAECI Scholarship Eligibility Criteria & Age Limits
MAECI is open to citizens of a specific, published list of eligible countries and territories, which is released alongside the official Call for Applications each cycle.
To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet four simple conditions:
Eligible Country: You must be a citizen of an approved country. Always check the official list each year when applications open, as the country list can change slightly.
University Admission: You need an acceptance letter (or an active application) from an Italian university.
Language Proof: A B2 level language certificate (in Italian or English, depending on what language your degree is taught in).
Online Application: You must fill out and submit your form on the official Study in Italy portal before the deadline.
Age Requirements for Italy MAECI Government Scholarship 2027
MAECI has clear age limits depending on the degree you pick:
Master’s, AFAM, & Language Courses: You must be 28 years old or younger when you apply.
PhD Programs: You must be 30 years old or younger.
Research Projects: You can be up to 40 years old.
Are Tuition Fees Really Free?
Winning this scholarship does not automatically guarantee free tuition.
While MAECI gives you a living allowance, every Italian university sets its own rules for tuition fees:
- Some universities waive fees completely for MAECI winners.
- Other universities still ask you to pay tuition out of pocket.
Some universities offer tuition for MAECI scholarship holders. Don’t assume it’s automatic just because you’ve been awarded the scholarship itself.
MAECI Scholarship Benefits & Duration
| Benefit | What You Get |
| Total Allowance | €10,800 total (Paid in 3 separate payments to your Italian bank account) |
| Scholarship Duration | 9 months for regular degrees; 3 months for short language courses |
| Health Insurance | 100% Free (Covers medical care and accidents while in Italy) |
| Tuition Fees | Depends on your university (Not automatically guaranteed by MAECI) |
Over a 9-month course, this award adds up to around €1,200 per month. In most Italian student cities, this is enough money to cover basic room rent, groceries, and daily travel expenses.
However, big cities like Milan or Rome are much more expensive to live in. If you choose a university in these cities, you should plan your monthly spending carefully.
How Long Is the Scholarship Funded?
The grant duration depends on what course you take:
- Master’s & AFAM Degrees: 9 months (covers one full school year).
- Italian Language Courses: 3 months.
- PhD & Research Projects: Varies by university—check directly with your host school for exact funding months.
Application Timeline for MAECI Italy Government Scholarship 2027
Based on the consistent annual pattern of the Maeci Italy Government Scholarship:
- Call for Applications and eligible country list published: expected early to mid-February 2027
- Application deadline: expected late March 2027, at 2:00 p.m. Central European Time (based on the 2026 cycle’s March 26 deadline)
- Results: typically communicated by summer 2027
Since university admission needs to happen before or alongside your MAECI application, the real preparation window starts now, not when the portal opens.
Application Process
The MAECI Italian Government Scholarship 2027 application process is online.
How to Apply for the MAECI Italian Government MAECI Scholarship 2027
- Confirm your country is on the current eligible list, published with each new Call for Applications.
- Secure admission to an Italian institution first: a Letter of Acceptance for Master’s/AFAM programs, or a confirmed research supervision agreement for PhD/research applicants. This needs to be in place before, or very early in, your MAECI application.
- Ask your target institution directly whether they waive tuition for MAECI scholars; don’t assume this by default.
- Prepare your language proficiency proof, matching your specific program’s requirement.
- Watch for the official Call for Applications, expected around February 2027, published on the Study in Italy portal.
- Complete your application online through studyinitaly. esteri.This is the only accepted application channel.
- Submit before the deadline, generally in late March, at 2:00 p.m. CET.
- Wait for results, typically communicated by summer.
Required Documents Checklist for MAECI Application 2027
- Completed online application through the Study in Italy portal
- Letter of Acceptance from your Italian institution, or a confirmed research supervision agreement
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of language proficiency (Italian B2, or your program’s specific requirement)
- A recent passport-style photograph meeting Italian visa photo standards
- Passport copy
Exact document requirements can vary slightly by category; check the official Call for Applications for your specific program type once it’s published.
Renewal Rules for Second-Year Students
If you already hold a MAECI scholarship, you may be eligible to renew it for a second year, provided you’re continuing the same full-time program at the same institution. Renewal applicants are also exempt from the age cap that applies to first-time Master’s, AFAM, and language-course applicants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming tuition is automatically covered. Confirm this directly with your specific institution before committing.
- Waiting for the portal to open before starting anything. University admission and language proficiency both take real time to arrange; start now.
- Missing the age cap for Master’s, AFAM, or language-course applications, without checking whether the renewal exception applies to you.
- Applying without confirmed university admission or a research agreement in place. This needs to be secured before, or very early in, your application.
- Confusing MAECI with other Italian scholarship systems, like DSU (Italy’s regional, need-based system) or Invest Your Talent; these are separate programs with separate rules and deadlines.
- Assuming your country is automatically eligible. The eligible country list is published fresh each cycle ,always check the current one.
Confusing MAECI with other Italian scholarship systems, like the DSU Scholarship in Italy (Italy’s regional, need-based system). These are separate programs with completely different rules, family income criteria, and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much money do you get from the MAECI scholarship?
You receive a total grant of €10,800 (paid in 3 installments) for a standard 9-month program, along with 100% free health insurance.
Is IELTS mandatory for the MAECI scholarship?
Not always. If your target degree is taught in English, an English Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous university or a B2 English certificate is usually accepted.
Can I work part-time while holding a MAECI scholarship in Italy?
Yes! International students in Italy on a student visa are legally allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week.
Does the MAECI scholarship cover tuition fees automatically?
No. MAECI pays for your living allowance, but tuition fee waivers depend on your specific university’s policy. Most public universities waive fees for winners, but you must ask them directly.
What is the age limit for the MAECI scholarship 2027–2028?
You must be 28 years old or younger for Master’s/AFAM degrees, 30 or younger for PhD programs, and 40 or younger for research projects.
What is the main difference between MAECI and DSU scholarships?
MAECI is a central merit-based scholarship run by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with one national deadline. DSU is a regional need-based scholarship based on family income, managed separately by each Italian region.
Do I need a university acceptance letter before applying for MAECI?
Yes. You need an active admission application or a formal acceptance letter from an Italian university before submitting your MAECI application.
Official Links
Scholarship Researcher and Writer