With just days remaining until the March 26, 2026, deadline, the Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027 offer a prime chance for foreign students to study in Italy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) funds these scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. They aim to build ties in culture, science, and technology while spreading Italian language and knowledge. Students from nations like Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia often qualify. This guide covers eligibility rules, scholarship options, benefits, how to apply, and extras like WikiAfrica. It draws from official sources so you can move forward with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Applications close on March 26, 2026, at 14:00 Italian time via the Study in Italy portal.
- Eligibility requires citizenship from specific countries or IRE status in listed nations, plus matching academic qualifications.
- Scholarships offer 10,800 euros in installments, health insurance, and tuition exemptions at some universities.
- Options include Master’s, PhD, AFAM, research projects, and 3-month Italofonia courses for language learners.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027
Applications for the Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027 opened recently for the 2026-2027 academic year. All programs require onsite study at Italian institutions.
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026, at 14:00 Italian time.
Submit via the Study in Italy portal.
This tight timeline means quick action is key. Check the portal often for updates.
Eligibility Requirements
Selection for these scholarships rests on citizenship. Foreign students and Italians Residing Abroad (IRE) from set countries can apply. IRE scholarships go only to those with sole Italian citizenship living in places like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Peru, United Kingdom, Senegal, Spain, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay, or Venezuela.
Dual citizens with Italian and one foreign passport must apply through the foreign country’s process. They list their foreign citizenship on the portal. Those with multiple foreign passports pick one beneficiary country and note that citizenship.
Here is a quick checklist of main criteria:
- Citizenship from a beneficiary country (foreign) or listed residency for IRE.
- Academic qualifications match the program (e.g., Bachelor’s equivalent for Master’s).
- For PhD or AFAM, pass any needed admission tests.
- Italian A2 level or higher for Italofonia courses.
- Apply for only one country.
| Criterion | Details | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be from beneficiary country; IRE need sole Italian citizenship and residency in listed nations | Foreign/IRE |
| Dual Citizenship | Apply via foreign country process; list foreign citizenship | Foreign/IRE |
| Academic Quals | Bachelor’s equiv. for Master’s; institution-specific for PhD/AFAM | Foreign |
| Language for Italofonia | At least A2 CEFR level in Italian | Foreign |
| Residency for IRE | Must live in one of 21 listed countries | IRE only |
This table helps you check your fit fast.
Types of Scholarships Available
Master’s Degree Programmes (Laurea Magistrale, 2nd Cycle)
These scholarships last 9 months and can renew. Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent to start a Master’s in Italy.
Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM) Programmes (1st and 2nd Cycle)
AFAM scholarships run 9 months and may renew. You need the qualifications set by the institution.
PhD Programmes
PhD awards cover 9 months and can renew. Holders must meet institution rules and pass an admission test.
Research Projects
Research scholarships last 9 months and do not renew. They support work at universities, research centers, museums, or archives under supervision.
“Italofonia” Scholarships for Intensive Italian Language and Culture Courses
These 3-month courses suit those with at least A2 Italian proficiency.
African countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia see strong focus here.
| Scholarship Type | Duration | Renewability | Key Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s (Laurea Magistrale) | 9 months | Yes | Bachelor’s equivalent | Degree seekers post-Bachelor’s |
| AFAM (1st/2nd cycle) | 9 months | Yes | Institution-specific quals | Arts, music, dance students |
| PhD | 9 months | Yes | Admission test + quals | Doctoral researchers |
| Research Projects | 9 months | No | Supervision at Italian site | Short-term academic projects |
| Italofonia | 3 months | N/A | A2 Italian level | Language and culture learners |
This setup lets you compare options side by side.
Benefits of the Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027
Scholarship holders gain solid support for study in Italy. Key perks include:
- Tuition exemptions at some universities, based on their rules (always confirm with the school; not all apply).
- Health insurance from MAECI covers illness or accidents during the scholarship term.
- Total payment of 10,800 euros, split into three installments to your Italian bank account.
Total Scholarship Value: 10,800 euros
Students pay regional fees themselves. These bring no refunds from MAECI.
How to Apply for the Scholarships
Follow these steps to apply right. The process stays online only.
- Register on the Study in Italy portal using an email you check daily. All notices go there.
- Fill out the application form and upload documents before the deadline. Portal submissions alone count.
- Submit by March 26, 2026, 14:00 Italian time.
For full details, see the official MAECI webpage. Imagine the portal screen: a simple login page leads to a form for personal info, citizenship choice, program selection, and document upload spots for transcripts and tests. A progress bar tracks your steps, with a submit button that locks after deadline.
Additional Initiatives: WikiAfrica Education
MAECI teams up with groups for the WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative. It targets African grantees who speak African languages. The goal is to add expert Africa content online through student edits.
Key partners and perks:
- Aurora Foundation: Leads collaboration.
- Moleskine Foundation: Builds the program.
- Wikimedia Foundation: Hosts Wikipedia edits.
Grantees from places like Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia gain skills in digital sharing. This boosts their networks and impact.
The Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027 provide great opportunities for foreign students to study in Italy with funding, insurance, and more. With the March 26 deadline approaching, check your eligibility and gather your documents now. Apply through the Study in Italy portal today to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027?
Foreign students from beneficiary countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Tunisia qualify, along with IRE from specific nations who hold sole Italian citizenship.
What benefits do the scholarships provide?
You get 10,800 euros paid in three parts, health insurance for illness or accidents, and tuition waivers at some universities.
How do I apply for these scholarships?
Register on the Study in Italy portal, fill out the form, upload documents, and submit by the deadline.
What types of programs are available?
Choices include 9-month Master’s, PhD, AFAM, and research scholarships that may renew, plus 3-month Italofonia courses.
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