The Italian Government is now accepting applications for the fully funded scholarship program supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) for the academic year 2024-2025. This program is available to both foreign citizens residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad, aiming to foster international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological domains, as well as promote Italian language and culture. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen Italy’s economic and cultural influence globally.
In honor of Ambassador Luca Attanasio and his team members, Vittorio Iacovacci and Mustapha Milambo, a special provision allocates three reserved scholarships to candidates from Morocco, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These awards target students pursuing studies in fields such as international relations, development cooperation, international humanitarian law, and human rights, with a preference for certain Master’s programs classified under codes like LM-38 (Modern Languages for Communication and Cooperation), LM-52 (International Relations), LM-62 (Political Science), LM-81 (Development Cooperation Sciences), and LM-87 (Social Services and Social Policies).
This prestigious scholarship enables recipients to pursue studies, research, or training programs at Italian public or legally recognized institutions within Italy. Only students attending institutions on Italian soil are eligible, and applications are reviewed by a committee set up by the Italian Diplomatic Mission in the applicant’s home country.
Moreover, MAECI grantees from Africa who speak African languages may participate in the WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative. This program, organized by the Moleskine Foundation in collaboration with the Wikimedia Foundation and the Aurora Foundation, aims to enhance the online presence of specialized information about Africa through the active involvement of these students.
Program Details
- Host Institutions: Public and legally recognized educational institutions in Italy.
- Eligible Programs: Open to training, Master’s, PhD, and research programs.
- Number of Awards: Not specified.
- Duration: Covers the regular duration of the chosen program; renewable based on satisfactory academic progress.
- Target Group: Open to foreign citizens and Italian citizens living abroad.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of this scholarship enjoy the following benefits:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Scholarship holders may be exempted from enrollment and tuition fees depending on the university’s policy, although regional fees must still be paid. For advanced Italian language and culture courses, however, registration fees are required.
- Health Insurance: Recipients are covered by medical and accident insurance provided by MAECI for the full duration of the scholarship. This covers general health issues but excludes pre-existing conditions and dental care. EU grantees are encouraged to bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Financial Assistance: Each recipient will receive a total stipend of 9,000 euros, paid in three installments directly to an Italian bank account opened in their name. An initial payment of 4,500 euros is issued upon verification of the recipient’s arrival in Italy and completion of enrollment at their chosen institution.For those selected for Italian culture and language courses, the grant amount is 3,000 euros, disbursed in a single payment following similar verification procedures.
Eligible Countries for MAECI Scholarships
This scholarship is available to Italian citizens residing abroad (IRE) and foreign citizens residing in Italy. Eligible countries include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Russia, Philippines, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Japan, Jordan, Greece, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Syria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Sudan, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Hungary, Uruguay, and more.
Note: Italian citizens residing abroad may also apply if they are from specific countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Types of Programs Covered by the Scholarship
- Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo): Scholarships cover a 9-month study period for those holding a Bachelor’s degree. Admission to the second year is granted based on satisfactory progress in the first year.
- Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM): Scholarships for AFAM programs last nine months. Admission is determined by each institution’s entry requirements.
- PhD Programs: Funding is provided for 9-month study periods. Applicants must meet university requirements and provide an admission letter from an Italian institution.
- Research Projects under Academic Supervision: Scholarships also support 9-month research projects conducted at recognized Italian research institutions. Applicants must provide a project proposal and an invitation or acceptance letter from the host institution.
- Italian Language and Culture Courses: Three-month scholarships are available for students attending an Italian course at a university or an Italian Cultural Institute. A proficiency certificate in Italian (minimum A2 level) is required for eligibility.
Note: Some programs may require pre-enrollment on the Universitaly platform or passing admission tests. Applicants should check requirements with their chosen institution.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must have the necessary academic qualifications to enroll in their chosen Italian institution.
- Age Requirements:
- Master’s Degree, AFAM, and Italian Language/Culture Courses: Applicants should be at least 18 years old and under 28 years of age (born after June 14, 1995).
- PhD Programs: Applicants must be under 30 years old (born after June 14, 1993).
- Research Projects: Applicants should be under 40 years old (born after June 14, 1983).
- Language Proficiency:
- For Italian-taught courses, applicants must have a B2 level proficiency in Italian.
- For English-taught courses, applicants must have a B2 level proficiency in English, or a certificate proving an English-taught Bachelor’s degree.
- For Italian language and culture courses, applicants need at least an A2 level in Italian.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates should register on the Study in Italy portal, ensuring they have a valid passport or ID document. All applications must be submitted exclusively through the portal.
Important Notes
- Renewals: Scholarships may be renewed annually based on satisfactory academic progress (minimum 15 University Credits (CFU) per year). PhD students must also provide a positive evaluation from their academic advisor.
- Incompatibility: The scholarship cannot be combined with other grants from the Italian Government or public institutions. However, it is compatible with European programs like Erasmus.
Applicants are advised to use a frequently checked email for registration to stay updated with further communication.
This Italian Government Scholarship presents an exceptional opportunity for foreign nationals and Italian citizens abroad to advance their studies in Italy, gaining valuable skills while contributing to cultural and academic exchange. By seizing this chance, students can position themselves within Italy’s robust academic community, benefiting from both education and cultural immersion.