🇮🇹 Italian Government Scholarships 2026–2027 (MAECI) — No IELTS Needed
🧠 What Are They?
The Italian Government Scholarships, often called MAECI Scholarships, are fully funded grants offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to international students and Italian citizens living abroad. They’re designed to foster academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and global engagement with Italian universities.
✔ They do not require IELTS if you can provide alternative proof of language ability (e.g., a Medium of Instruction certificate or prior degree in English) — especially for English-taught programs.
🎓 Eligible Degrees (2026–2027 Cycle)
The MAECI scholarship typically supports:
- Master’s (Laurea Magistrale)
- PhD & Research Programs
- Academic training or research under supervision
- Italian language & culture courses
📌 Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) is usually not covered by the main MAECI call — but many Italian universities still offer Bachelor’s Scholarships without IELTS; see below.
💰 Financial Coverage
Once awarded, the scholarship includes:
📍 Stipend
- €900 per month (~€10,800/year), typically paid quarterly into an Italian bank account.
📍 Tuition
- Potential tuition fee waiver at the university (varies by institution).
📍 Health Insurance
- Medical/health insurance for the duration of the scholarship.
📅 Expected Timeline (2026–2027)
Based on previous cycles, the Italian Government Scholarship schedule usually runs like this:
- Application Open: February – May 2026 (precise dates published on the official portal)
- Application Deadline: mid-May 2026 (approx.)
- Announcement of Results: Summer 2026
- Academic Year Starts: Fall 2026
⚠️ Exact deadlines for 2026–27 will be published on the official portal once the call is released.
🏆 Key Benefits (2026–27)
| Benefit | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ~€900 per month (~€10,800/year) |
| Tuition Fees | Possible exemption (depends on university policy) |
| Health Insurance | Covered for the scholarship period |
| Program Coverage | Master’s, PhD, research courses, language/culture courses |
📍 Eligibility Criteria (General)
To qualify for the MAECI scholarship:
✅ You must be a non-EU international student living abroad at the time of application.
✅ Hold the required degree for the chosen program (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD).
✅ Provide all required documents (transcripts, CV, letters, etc.).
✅ Language proof: IELTS not mandatory — you can use a certificate or institutional proof of English proficiency if the program is in English.
👉 Language requirements vary by university; double-check before applying.
🧾 Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Monitor Official MAECI Call
Visit the Study in Italy portal — the official website where MAECI scholarships are announced and applications are submitted:
👉 Study in Italy Portal: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/
2. Register & Create an Account
- Create a profile on the Study in Italy portal.
- Upload personal details.
- Prepare documents including passport, academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of language ability (if needed).
3. Choose Program & Universities
- Select your preferred Italian universities.
- Ensure your course starts in the 2026–27 academic year.
- Confirm whether the program is taught in English or Italian.
4. Submit Application Online
- Upload all required documents.
- Complete the scholarship form before the deadline (usually mid-May, exact date to be confirmed when the 2026–27 call is live).
5. Wait for Selection
- A commission evaluates applications based on academic merit and documentation.
- Shortlisted candidates may receive further communication from the Italian Embassy or the Study in Italy portal.
6. Receive Award Notification
- Winners get formal award letters.
- You’ll receive scholarship confirmation and may begin university enrollment procedures.
🎓 Application Links (Official)
👇 The official Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) portal where calls and applications are published:
👉 Official Scholarships Page (MAECI): https://www.esteri.it/en/opportunita/borse-di-studio/per-cittadini-stranieri/borsestudio_stranieri/
👉 Apply via Study in Italy Portal: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/
📌 Other Scholarships in Italy Without IELTS
While the MAECI program is the main government scholarship, many Italian universities also offer scholarship awards that don’t require IELTS, such as:
✔ University of Milan Excellence Scholarships
✔ University of Padua International Excellence
✔ University of Bologna Unibo Action Scholarships
✔ Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships
✔ University of Pisa Merit Awards
✔ Regional DSU scholarships in Tuscany, Lazio, Piedmont
✔ Sapienza University & University of Florence aid options
These can complement or combine with MAECI funding depending on the university’s rules.
🛂 Italy Student Visa Process (Non-EU Students)
🇮🇹 Student Visa (Type D) Required
International students seeking long-term study (Master’s or PhD) need a Type D Italian Student Visa.
📍 Visa Application Steps
- Secure Admission + Scholarship Offer
– Must have acceptance from an Italian university before applying for the visa. - Schedule a Visa Appointment
– Make an appointment at the Italian Embassy/Consulate in your country. - Prepare Required Documents
– Passport (valid ≥ 6 months)
– University admission letter
– MAECI scholarship award letter
– Proof of financial means (often covered by the scholarship)
– Health insurance (if required for visa)
– Accommodation proof
– Visa application form + fee receipt - Attend Visa Interview
– Bring all original documents to the consulate interview. - Receive Visa
– Once approved, visa stamp is placed in your passport.
🧠 Final Recommendations
✅ Start Early (Nov 2025–Feb 2026): Prepare documents ahead of the official call.
✅ Have Strong Academic Records: Scholarships are competitive.
✅ Use MOI or Alternative Proof: If you don’t have IELTS, use a medium-of-instruction letter.
✅ Check University Requirements: Some programs may ask for Italian or English proficiency documentation.
✅ Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Combine MAECI with university and regional awards to maximize funding.
