Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027: Fully Funded Study Opportunities in Italy
Studying in Italy just got more exciting with fully funded opportunities on the table. The Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027 open doors for international students as the deadline nears on March 26, 2026. These scholarships come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and target foreign students plus Italians living abroad (IRE). The goal is to build ties in culture, science, and technology while spreading Italian language and ideas worldwide.
This article covers the basics, who can apply, the different scholarship types, what you gain, and how to submit your application.
Overview of the Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027
The Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027 support study, training, and research for the 2026-2027 school year. They go only to programs held in person at public or approved private schools in Italy. Options include bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, research stays, and Italian language classes.
These scholarships push several main goals:
- Boost cooperation in culture, science, and technology.
- Help Italy’s economy reach global markets.
- Spread knowledge of Italian language and culture.
Eligibility Requirements
Selection starts with citizenship. You can apply for just one country. Italians living abroad (IRE) get special spots, but only if they hold sole Italian citizenship and live in places like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Peru, United Kingdom, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, Uruguay, or Venezuela.
Key rules include:
- Dual citizens (Italian plus foreign) apply as foreigners, listing their non-Italian citizenship on the portal.
- People with multiple foreign citizenships pick one beneficiary country and list that citizenship.
- IRE scholarships stay exclusive to those listed countries for residents.
Types of Scholarships Available
Master’s Degree Programmes (Laurea Magistrale, 2nd Cycle)
These cover 9 months of study and can renew. You need a bachelor’s degree or equal to start a master’s in Italy.
Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM) Programmes (1st and 2nd Cycle)
Scholarships last 9 months and can renew. You must meet the entry rules set by the school for AFAM programs.
PhD Programmes
Awards run 9 months and can renew. Applicants need the right qualifications and must pass an entry exam.
Research Projects
These fund 9 months under school guidance at universities, research centers, museums, or archives. They do not renew.
“Italofonia” Scholarships for Intensive Italian Language and Culture Courses
Courses last 3 months. You need at least A2 level Italian from the CEFR scale.
WikiAfrica Education – Higher Education Initiative
African winners who speak African languages can join this extra program. It partners with groups like Aurora Foundation to add Africa info online via Wikimedia.
| Type | Duration | Renewability | Key Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 9 months | Yes | Bachelor’s equivalent |
| AFAM Programmes | 9 months | Yes | School-specific qualifications |
| PhD | 9 months | Yes | Qualifications + admission test |
| Research Projects | 9 months | No | Academic supervision |
| Italofonia | 3 months | N/A | A2 Italian level |
| WikiAfrica | Varies | N/A | African grantee speaking African languages |
Benefits of the Scholarships
Winners enjoy real perks that ease the path to Italy. Some schools waive tuition and enrollment fees, but check with your pick—rules vary by school. You always pay regional fees yourself.
€10,800 total scholarship payment, split into three parts to your Italian bank account.
A group health plan from MAECI covers illness or accidents during your stay. African students may also tap the WikiAfrica program for extra impact.
Other gains include:
- Tuition breaks at many universities.
- Full health coverage for the scholarship time.
- Steady funds for living costs.
How to Apply for the Scholarships
Apply only online through the Study in Italy portal. Pick an email you check often for updates.
Follow these steps:
- Register on the portal.
- Upload your application and all documents.
- Hit submit by 14:00 Italian time on March 26, 2026.
Portal entries count as the only valid ones. For full details, check the official webpage. Act fast—the Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027 wait for no one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Italian Government Scholarships 2026/2027?
Foreign students and Italians living abroad (IRE) from specific countries can apply, but you must pick one citizenship and meet program requirements.
What types of programs do these scholarships cover?
They support master’s degrees, AFAM programs, PhDs, research projects, intensive Italian courses, and the WikiAfrica initiative.
What benefits do winners receive?
You get €10,800 total funding, health insurance, and tuition waivers at many schools, though regional fees are your responsibility.
How do I apply for these scholarships?
Register on the Study in Italy portal, upload documents, and submit by March 26, 2026, at 14:00 Italian time.