Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇮🇹 Italy · Offered by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇮🇹 Italy
Provider: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Grant paid in instalments, health insurance and tuition exemption at many universities.
Deadline: 2026–27 call closed in spring/June 2026. The 2027–28 call is expected around Feb–Mar 2027 with a deadline in late Mar 2027 (estimate).
Expected opening: Expected Feb–Mar 2027
Duration: 9 months per academic year, renewable for the length of the programme.
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website

About the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)

For foreign students for master's, PhD, research and Italian language courses in Italy. Apply only through the Study in Italy portal in the yearly call; check that Pakistan is on the eligible country list.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Foreign citizens including Pakistanis (Master's applicants usually under 28, PhD under 30 in recent calls).

Academic requirements

Bachelor's (for Master's) or Master's (for PhD) and admission/pre-enrolment to an Italian programme.

Language requirements

English or Italian depending on the programme.

What the scholarship covers

Grant paid in instalments, health insurance and tuition exemption at many universities.

Tuition: Tuition exemption at most Italian universities (regional tax may still apply).
Stipend and benefits: EUR 900/month (EUR 10,800 for 9 months, paid in 3 instalments).
Duration: 9 months per academic year, renewable for the length of the programme.

Deadline and opening date

2026–27 call closed in spring/June 2026. The 2027–28 call is expected around Feb–Mar 2027 with a deadline in late Mar 2027 (estimate).

Expected opening: Expected Feb–Mar 2027.

Required documents

Online application on studyinitaly.esteri.it
Passport
Degree and transcripts
Admission or pre-enrolment proof
Language certificate
Study plan

How to apply

Apply online on the Study in Italy portal during the annual call, after choosing an Italian programme.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)?

Foreign citizens including Pakistanis (Master's applicants usually under 28, PhD under 30 in recent calls). Bachelor's (for Master's) or Master's (for PhD) and admission/pre-enrolment to an Italian programme.

What does the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) cover?

Grant paid in instalments, health insurance and tuition exemption at many universities. EUR 900/month (EUR 10,800 for 9 months, paid in 3 instalments).

What is the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) deadline?

2026–27 call closed in spring/June 2026. The 2027–28 call is expected around Feb–Mar 2027 with a deadline in late Mar 2027 (estimate). Expected opening: Expected Feb–Mar 2027.

Is IELTS required for the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)?

English or Italian depending on the programme.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)?