Here’s a comprehensive, up-to-date list of fully funded research-focused Scholarships and funding opportunities in Italy for the 2026–2027 academic year — including PhD, research Fellowships, government grants, and institutional support. These opportunities are ideal if you’re looking to pursue advanced research, doctoral studies, or structured research programs with financial coverage for international students.
🇮🇹 Fully Funded Research Scholarships in Italy — 2026–2027
1. 🇮🇹 Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships – Fully Funded
Levels: Master’s research, PhD, supervised research programs
Coverage:
- Full tuition fee waiver (varies by university)
- Monthly stipend (~€900/month)
- Health insurance
Expected 2026–27 Call: February–May 2026 (based on prior cycles)
Apply (official portal):
👉 Study in Italy Scholarships — https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/
Notes: MAECI scholarships support research and academic cooperation across disciplines and are among Italy’s most recognized fully funded awards.
2. 🎓 PhD Scholarships at Italian Universities (Cycle XLI / 2026–27)
In Italy, the majority of public universities open PhD calls with fully funded scholarships each year. These include:
📌 University of Naples “L’Orientale” — PhD Scholarships
- Research cycles with funded positions
- Scholarship amount ~€16,243/year
- Full tuition waiver + research participation
- Deadline: Typically a month after official publication (2025 calls)
Apply (university portal): typically via the university’s PhD admissions website.
📌 Politecnico di Milano — Merit & Research Scholarships
- Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD options (research intensive)
- Full tuition coverage + stipends for top candidates
- Deadline: Many scholarships align with admissions deadlines (e.g., ~29 Jan 2026 for 2025/26 cycle)
Apply: Through the Politecnico di Milano admissions & scholarship portal.
📌 PhD Programs Across Italian Public Universities
Many departments open fully funded PhD positions covering stipend, tuition, and research funds — including fields such as engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Examples include:
- University of Pisa (joint PhD scholarships)
- University of Ferrara (cycle scholarships)
- University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria (PhD funding)
Tips for PhD scholarships:
✔ Prepare a strong research proposal
✔ Contact potential supervisors early
✔ Check the university PhD portal for the official call and deadlines
3. 🌍 Scuola Normale Superiore – Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
One of Italy’s elite research institutions offers prestigious, fully funded PhD scholarships covering:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation & research funding
Status: Scholarships typically open annually for new cycles.
Apply: Via the Scuola Normale Superiore admissions portal when the call for 2026–27 opens (generally early in the year).
4. 🧪 TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Program
- A fully funded research cooperation visit program supporting researchers (not degree track).
- Ideal for short-term visits, research collaborations, or exchange.
- Apply: Check the SISSA/Lincei call when published.
5. 🏛️ Research Fellowships & Postdoctoral Programs
📌 AAAS-TWAS Course on Science Diplomacy
- Fully funded training and research-related course for scientists.
- Covers travel, accommodation, and stipends.
- Apply: Through the AAAS/TWAS program portal when applications open.
📌 Arturo Falaschi PhD/Postdoctoral Fellowships (ICGEB)
- Fully funded research Fellowships for life sciences and biomedical researchers.
- Competitive stipend and research budget.
- Apply: Through the ICGEB official fellowships page.
6. 🎓 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Research-oriented)
While not Italy-only, several fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programmes include Italian universities as partners:
- EMAI – Artificial Intelligence
- META – Manufacturing 4.0
- NeuroData EMJM
Each offers full EU scholarship coverage (tuition, travel, living costs) with research and mobility focus.
Apply: Directly via the Erasmus Mundus programme websites.
📍 Tips for Applying to Fully Funded Research Scholarships
✔ Start Early (Dec–Feb)
Many calls, especially for PhD and MAECI, open months before the academic year begins.
✔ Prepare a Strong Research Proposal
Critical for PhD and research fellowships — tailor it to your chosen Italian research group.
✔ Contact Potential Supervisors
Especially useful for PhD applications to improve your chances.
✔ Check Language Requirements
Many research programs in Italy are offered in English — IELTS may not be required but verify per programme.
✔ Organize Documents
Typical requirements:
- CV & academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of degree and academic fit
📌 Common Funding Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| MAECI Scholarship | Tuition + €900/month stipend + insurance |
| Italian University PhD | Stipend (~€16,000/year or more), tuition waiver |
| Scuola Normale Superiore | Full tuition + stipend + research support |
| Erasmus Mundus | Tuition, travel, living allowance (EU standard) |
| Research Fellowships (ICGEB, TWAS) | Research stipend & project support |
📍 Official & Apply Links
| Programme | Official Apply / Info Link |
|---|---|
| Study in Italy (MAECI Scholarships) | https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/ |
| Scuola Normale Superiore (PhD) | Visit SNS website (search SNS PhD Scholarships Italy) |
| ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Fellowships | ICGEB official fellowships pages |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Erasmus Mundus programme portals |
| University PhD Calls | Check individual university portals (e.g., Politecnico di Milano, Naples, Pisa) |
🧠 Final Recommendations
📌 Monitor Official Portals Regularly:
Scholarship calls for 2026–27 — especially the MAECI and university PhD cycles — are typically published from Jan through May 2026.
📌 Prepare Ahead:
Gather your transcripts, CV, research statement, and letters of recommendation early.
📌 Align With Research Groups:
Connecting with faculty in Italian universities can help tailor your proposal to active research areas.
📌 Use Centralized Platforms:
Portals like Study in Italy, university PhD pages, and Erasmus Mundus listings are critical for current calls.
