Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Single Cycle Degree, Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD Program, Research under academic supervision, Italian Language and Culture Courses.Fully Funded: Tuition fee exemption (dependant on university policy, not for Italian language courses), health/medical/accident insurance, financial grant of 9,000 euros (3 installments) or 3,000 euros (single installment for Italian language courses).

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers grants to foreign citizens not residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) for study, training, and/or research programs at Italian Higher Education Institutes. The scholarships aim to foster international cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, promote Italian language and culture, and support Italy’s economic system. Grants cover tuition fees (with some exceptions), provide health/medical/accident insurance, and include a financial grant. Eligibility includes academic qualifications, specific age limits for different study levels, and language proficiency requirements. Applications are online and were due by March 26, 2026, for the academic year 2026-2027.

Provider: Scholars4Dev (Africa)
Host country: Italy
Deadline: Not available — check official website

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students is open to African students applying to study in Italy at the Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Single Cycle Degree, Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD Program, Research under academic supervision, Italian Language and Culture Courses. level, with fully funded: tuition fee exemption (dependant on university policy, not for italian language courses), health/medical/accident insurance, financial grant of 9,000 euros (3 installments) or 3,000 euros (single installment for italian language courses). funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Single Cycle Degree, Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD Program, Research under academic supervision, Italian Language and Culture Courses. · applicants for Italy
Funding: Fully Funded: Tuition fee exemption (dependant on university policy, not for Italian language courses), health/medical/accident insurance, financial grant of 9,000 euros (3 installments) or 3,000 euros (single installment for Italian language courses).
Study level: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Single Cycle Degree, Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD Program, Research under academic supervision, Italian Language and Culture Courses.
Deadline: Not available — check official website

Key eligibility criteria

Foreign citizens not residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE). Academic qualifications required for enrollment in Italian Higher Education Institutes. Age limits: under 28 for Master's/AFAM/Italian Language and Culture courses, under 30 for PhD, under 40 for Research projects, under 23 for Bachelor's. Language proficiency in Italian (B2 CEFR for Italian-taught, A2 CEFR for Italian Language and Culture) or English (B2 CEFR for English-taught) required, with exceptions for PhD/research and certain English-speaking candidates.

What the fully funded: tuition fee exemption (dependant on university policy, not for italian language courses), health/medical/accident insurance, financial grant of 9,000 euros (3 installments) or 3,000 euros (single installment for italian language courses). award covers

Full tuition

About the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students (2026)

## Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students This brief provides comprehensive information on the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). These grants are designed to foster international cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, promote the Italian language and culture, and support Italy’s economic system globally. The scholarships support study, training, and/or research programs at Italian Higher Education Institutes, both public and legally recognized. ## Overview The Italian Government Scholarships are offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) to non-resident foreign citizens and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE). The primary objective of these scholarships is to enhance international cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation, propagate the Italian language and culture, and bolster Italy's economic influence worldwide. These grants are specifically for the academic year 2026-2027 and are available for various levels of study, including Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and research programs, as well as Italian language and culture courses. The host institutions are Italian Higher Education Institutes. The scholarship aims to attract talented individuals globally to study and conduct research in Italy, thereby contributing to mutual understanding and collaboration. ## Benefits Recipients of the Italian Government Scholarships enjoy several financial and logistical benefits. These include potential exemption from enrollment and tuition fees, though this depends on the individual university's policy; exemption is not granted for Italian language and culture courses, which incur enrollment fees. Grantees are also covered by a health and medical/accident insurance policy contracted by MAECI for the entire duration of the grant, excluding pre-existing conditions. A significant financial grant is provided, amounting to 9,000 euros for most programs, disbursed in three installments into an Italian bank account. For Italian language and culture courses, the grant is 3,000 euros, paid in a single installment. The scholarship duration ranges from 3 to 9 months, contingent on the chosen course, with renewals possible for those demonstrating satisfactory academic progress. ## Eligibility To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be foreign students not residing in Italy or Italian citizens living abroad (IRE). A crucial requirement is holding an appropriate academic qualification necessary for enrollment in an Italian University/Institute. Age limits are strictly enforced: for Master’s, AFAM, or Italian Language and Culture advanced courses, applicants must be under 28 by the application deadline (born after May 16, 1996). PhD program applicants must be under 30 (born after May 16, 1994). For research projects under academic supervision, the age limit is 40 (born after May 16, 1984). Bachelor's degree applicants must be under 23 (born after May 16, 2002). Language proficiency is also a key criterion. For Italian-taught courses, a minimum B2 CEFR level in Italian is required. For English-taught courses, a B2 CEFR level in English is necessary. For Italian language and culture courses, an A2 CEFR level in Italian is sufficient. No proof of language proficiency is required for PhD programs and Research projects under academic supervision. ## Required Documents The application process primarily involves an online form. While the prompt does not list explicit "Required Documents" as a separate section with specific items like transcripts or recommendation letters, it is imperative that applicants possess the academic qualifications necessary for enrollment in their chosen Italian University/Institute. Furthermore, depending on the language of instruction, applicants will need to provide official language proficiency certificates (Italian or English) at the specified CEFR levels. Candidates for Italian-taught courses may submit a language certification issued by a language teacher from an Italian university department if they were previously enrolled. For English-taught courses, a self-certification of English proficiency might be accepted for candidates from English-speaking countries. It is crucial to consult the 2026/2027 Call for Applications and the official website for a detailed and exhaustive list of all necessary supporting documents, as this information is often provided within the application portal or official guidelines. ## How to Apply Applications for the Italian Government Scholarships are currently closed, but prospective applicants should prepare for future cycles. The application process requires applicants to complete and submit an online application form. This form is made available upon registration on the official website. The deadline for submission for the academic year 2026-2027 was 2:00 PM (Central European Time) on March 26, 2026. It is highly recommended that applicants thoroughly read the 2026/2027 Call for Applications, which provides detailed instructions and additional information on the application procedure. Visiting the official website is essential to access the online application form and to gather comprehensive details on all steps for a successful application. Prospective applicants should regularly check the official scholarship website for updates regarding the opening of the next application cycle and any changes to the application process or required documentation. ## Key Dates While applications for the current cycle are closed, the following key dates were relevant for the 2026-2027 academic year: the deadline for submitting applications was 2:00 PM (Central European Time) on March 26, 2026. The courses are scheduled to start in the Academic Year 2026/2027. It is important to note that this scholarship is offered annually, so future deadlines will likely fall around the same period in subsequent years. Applicants interested in applying for future academic years should monitor the official scholarship website for announcements regarding the opening of the next application cycle and updated deadlines. The "Last updated" date on the source page was March 18, 2026, which indicates the timeliness of the information regarding the past application cycle. ## Selection Criteria While the source document does not explicitly outline a separate section titled "Selection Criteria," the eligibility requirements implicitly serve as the primary criteria for selection. Applicants must fulfill all academic qualifications necessary to enroll in their chosen Italian Higher Education Institute. Adherence to the specified age limits for each level of study (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Research, Italian Language and Culture courses) is strictly enforced. Furthermore, demonstrating the required language proficiency in Italian or English, depending on the course's language of instruction, is a critical factor. Academic merit, as inferred by the "appropriate academic qualification" requirement, will likely play a significant role. For renewals, satisfactory academic progress is a prerequisite. Although not explicitly stated, the stated goals of the scholarship, such as fostering international cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation and promoting Italian language and culture, suggest that an applicant's potential to contribute to these objectives might also be considered during the selection process. Therefore, a strong academic record and clear alignment with the scholarship's aims would be beneficial. ## Tips For prospective applicants, several tips can enhance the chances of a successful application. Firstly, meticulously review the 2026/2027 Call for Applications and the official scholarship website. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of all requirements, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. Secondly, begin preparing all necessary academic qualifications and language proficiency certificates well in advance of the application deadline. Given the strict age limits, confirm your eligibility beforehand. If applying for Italian-taught courses, aim for a B2 CEFR level in Italian; for English-taught courses, a B2 CEFR level in English is required. For Italian language and culture courses, an A2 CEFR level in Italian is sufficient. Thirdly, ensure that the online application form is completed accurately and submitted before the specified deadline, paying close attention to the time zone. Finally, align your application as much as possible with the scholarship's objectives of fostering international cooperation and promoting Italian culture, as this may subtly influence the selection process. ## Official Source For the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information regarding the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, applicants must refer directly to the official scholarship website. The official website is: [https://www.esteri.it/en/opportunita/borse-di-studio/per-cittadini-stranieri/borsestudio_stranieri/](https://www.esteri.it/en/opportunita/borse-di-studio/per-cittadini-stranieri/borsestudio_stranieri/). This official source will contain the latest Call for Applications, the online application form, detailed eligibility criteria, required documents, and any updates or changes to the scholarship program. Relying solely on third-party websites, such as Scholars4Dev, for critical application information is not advisable, as information may change without notice. Always cross-reference details with the official government portal to ensure accuracy and to avoid missing crucial updates or requirements. The official website is also the primary platform for application submission and inquiries regarding the scholarship.

What the Fully Funded: Tuition fee exemption (dependant on university policy, not for Italian language courses), health/medical/accident insurance, financial grant of 9,000 euros (3 installments) or 3,000 euros (single installment for Italian language courses). Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students eligibility for Italy applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Foreign citizens not residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE). Academic qualifications required for enrollment in Italian Higher Education Institutes. Age limits: under 28 for Master's/AFAM/Italian Language and Culture courses, under 30 for PhD, under 40 for Research projects, under 23 for Bachelor's. Language proficiency in Italian (B2 CEFR for Italian-taught, A2 CEFR for Italian Language and Culture) or English (B2 CEFR for English-taught) required, with exceptions for PhD/research and certain English-speaking candidates.

Documents required for the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.scholars4dev.com/3282/italian-government-scholarships-for-international-students/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Foreign citizens not residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE). Academic qualifications required for enrollment in Italian Higher Education Institutes. Age limits: under 28 for Master's/AFAM/Italian Lang…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many Scholars4Dev (Africa) awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.scholars4dev.com/3282/italian-government-scholarships-for-international-students/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Not available — check official website (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Scholars4Dev (Africa) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Editorial verification note

AI returned past date "26 March 2026 (annual)". The listed deadline is in the past compared to today's date of 2026-05-18, implying the next cycle will open for 2027/2028 applications around March 202

Last checked 5/18/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Single Cycle Degree, Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD Program, Research under academic supervision, Italian Language and Culture Courses. level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Scholars4Dev (Africa), and be able to relocate to Italy for the duration of the programme.

Is the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded: Tuition fee exemption (dependant on university policy, not for Italian language courses), health/medical/accident insurance, financial grant of 9,000 euros (3 installments) or 3,000 euros (single installment for Italian language courses).. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Not available — check official website. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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