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Are you dreaming of a Master’s or PhD in Europe with a €900 monthly stipend and zero tuition fees? The Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarship 2026 is officially the most prestigious way to fund your studies.
While many students focus on regional grants, the MAECI scholarship is a merit-based “Golden Ticket.” However, to win it, you need more than just good grades—you need a perfect application strategy. This guide breaks down how to win the award and how it fits into your broader Italian journey.
1. What does the MAECI Scholarship 2026 Cover?
The MAECI scholarship isn’t just a fancy title—it’s designed to take the “financial weight” off your shoulders so you can actually focus on your books. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of these spots for the 2026 session, here is exactly what your life in Italy will look like:
- A Monthly Stipend of €900: Think of this as your monthly “survival salary.” It’s usually paid out in three installments throughout the year. It’s enough to cover a decent room and your groceries, but you’ll still need to budget wisely!
- The “Zero Tuition” Perk: This is the big one. Most public universities in Italy will completely wipe away your enrollment and tuition fees if you have the MAECI grant. You might just have to pay a small regional tax (usually around €140), but that’s it.
- Full Health Insurance: Moving to a new country is scary, but at least your health is covered. You get a comprehensive medical and accident policy for the entire time you’re on the grant. No surprise hospital bills here.
- The 9-Month Safety Net: These grants are typically awarded for 9 months. If you’re in a multi-year program, don’t sweat it—you can usually apply to renew it as long as your grades stay up.
But here’s the real talk: MAECI is highly competitive. If things don’t go your way, do not panic. Most of the international students you’ll meet in Italy are actually on the DSU Scholarship. That’s our “Plan B,” and honestly, it’s a lifesaver because it’s based on your family’s income, not just your GPA.
2. Degree Levels & Eligibility Criteria
The MAECI scholarship is not open to everyone. You must meet specific age and academic requirements as of the 2026 deadline.
Degree Levels Offered:
- Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo): For those with a Bachelor’s degree.
- PhD Programs: For those with a Master’s degree.
- Research Projects (Progetti in co-tutela): Under academic supervision.
- AFAM Courses: Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance.
- Italian Language Courses: Advanced 3-month courses.
Age Limits (Crucial for 2026):
- Under 28? You’re good for Master’s degrees, AFAM, and Language courses.
- Under 30? This is the limit for PhD seekers.
- Under 40? Only for those doing specific Research Projects.
3. Top Universities & The “No IELTS” Secret
You cannot get a scholarship without a university seat. Italy has an incredible network of 7 Public Universities in Italy that are highly welcoming to international students.
If you are looking for specific excellence, consider these three powerhouses:
- University of Milan: Located in the fashion and finance capital, offering high-tier research facilities.
- University of Turin Scholarships: Known for being one of the most affordable yet prestigious options in Northern Italy.
- University of Trento Scholarships: Perfect for students looking for a high quality of life with generous funding.
Can I Apply Without IELTS?
Yes. For the MAECI 2026 session, many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. To see if your dream school allows this, read our detailed guide: Study in Italy without IELTS.
4. Required Documents for 2026
Let’s be honest: gathering documents is the most annoying part of any scholarship. But for MAECI 2026, if one scan is blurry or one paper is missing, your application is basically a paperweight. Here’s your checklist:
- Your Passport: Make sure it’s valid! Don’t use a scan where the edges are cut off.
- Transcripts & Degrees: You need proof of your previous studies. If you’re still in your final year, you can usually upload your most recent transcripts.
- A “Human” CV (Europass): While it needs to be in Europass format, don’t make it a dry list. Highlight your projects and achievements.
- The Motivation Letter: This is where you win or lose. Don’t let AI write this for you. Talk about why Italy specifically fits your career. Mention a specific professor or a lab you admire.
- Admission Letter: You need to show that an Italian university actually wants you. If you haven’t used the Universitaly Pre-Enrolment Guide yet, do that first.
- Language Proof: If you have IELTS (B2), great. If not, get that MOI Certificate from your university. It’s a total lifesaver for students without a formal test.
5. How to Apply (Without Losing Your Mind)
The “Study in Italy” portal can be a bit of a nightmare when it’s busy. Here is the real-world flow you should follow:
- Get In Early: Head to and create your account the moment applications open in February.
- Choose Wisely: You can pick up to three courses. My advice? Make sure they are all in the same field. If you apply for Fashion in Milan and Engineering in Turin, the committee will think you’re not serious.
- The “Final Save” Rule: The portal is famous for crashing on May 15th. I’m not kidding. Aim to have everything uploaded and submitted by May 10th. You’ll sleep much better.
- Watch Your Email: Once you submit, the ball is in the Embassy’s court. They might call you for a quick interview—usually over Zoom—to check your “vibe” and your English.
6. Important Deadlines for 2026
- Applications Open: Mid-February to March 2026.
- Application Deadline: May 16, 2026 (Expected, based on previous cycles).
- Evaluation Period: June – July 2026.
- Scholarship Start Date: November 1, 2026.
7. Budgeting and Living in Italy
Even with a €900 stipend, you need to be smart. The Cost of Living in Italy varies—Milan is expensive, while the South is cheaper. To save money, many students use the ISEE Parificato to get cheaper meals.
If you need more funds, remember that you can legally work Part-Time Jobs in Italy for 20 hours per week.
8. Visa and Arrival
Once you win, you must apply for the Italy Student Visa. After the visa is stamped, it’s time to fly! Don’t get overwhelmed—follow our guide on The First 8 Days in Italy to handle your residency permit and local bank account smoothly.
9. Italy MAECI Scholarship 2026: Top 3 FAQs
1. Can I hold the MAECI scholarship and a Regional (DSU) scholarship at the same time?
No, you cannot. MAECI is strictly incompatible with any other grant offered by the Italian Government or public institutions. If you win both, you must choose one. Most students choose MAECI because the €900 stipend is often higher and easier to manage than regional “in-kind” services.
2. Do I need to be in Italy to apply for the MAECI grant?
No. In fact, you must be residing outside of Italy to be eligible as a foreign student. If you are already in Italy on a student visa for another program, you cannot apply for a new MAECI grant, though you can apply for a “Renewal” if you were already a MAECI holder in 2025.
3. Is the scholarship amount enough to cover the Italy student visa bank statement?
Winning the MAECI scholarship greatly reduces the amount of money you need to show in your bank account for the visa. Instead of showing the full €6,000–€7,000, your scholarship award letter acts as financial proof. However, we still recommend keeping a small “buffer” balance of €1,500–€2,000 to show you can cover initial arrival costs before the first stipend installment arrives in November.
