Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarships for Foreign Students

A total of EUR 10,800 for a 9-month grant, paid in three instalments (EUR 5,500, 2,300 and 3,000), plus collective health insurance. Italian language courses pay EUR 3,600 for 3 months. Tuition is exempt only at some universities.

Fields: Any field

Citizens of 6 listed countries

Eligible country codes: NG, MA, CD, ET, DJ, SS

• Selection is by citizenship and you may apply for one country only. The full list of eligible countries is on the Study in Italy portal, and only Nigeria, Morocco, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Djibouti and South Sudan were confirmed from official texts, so check the list for other African countries.
• Age on the deadline: up to 28 for master's, up to 30 for PhD, up to 40 for research projects.
• You need the qualification required to enrol, a valid passport and at least B2 in Italian or English, depending on the course language. PhD applicants need an admission letter, not a pre-admission.
• The grant is paid only for study on site in Italy and is not compatible with other Italian public scholarships.
• Three reserved 'Attanasio' grants exist for applicants from Morocco, Nigeria and DR Congo in international relations, cooperation for development, humanitarian and human rights law.

The 2026/27 call closed at 14:00 Italian time on 26 March 2026. The 2027/28 call has not been published yet. Expect it in early 2027 and check the Study in Italy portal.

Deadlines move a little every year and some close early. Confirm the date on the official page before you plan around it.

• Valid passport or ID copy
• Academic qualification certificate
• Language certificate in Italian or English
• PhD admission letter, or supervisor invitation letter for PhD and research applicants
• Research project and supervisor's invitation letter for research grants

1. 1

   Step 1: Pick a programme and check entry rules

   Choose a master's, PhD or research project at an Italian institution. Check admission tests or pre-enrolment on the university site and on Universitaly.
2. 2

   Step 2: Register on Study in Italy

   Apply only through the Study in Italy portal, using an email address you check often.
3. 3

   Step 3: Submit before the deadline

   Upload your documents and submit by the deadline. Late documents are not accepted unless the portal asks for them.
4. 4

   Step 4: Embassy evaluation and interview

   An Italian embassy committee reviews files and interviews shortlisted candidates, then publishes a ranking.
5. 5

   Step 5: Accept, enrol and get your visa

   Accept the award, enrol at the institution and apply for the tax code and study visa.

• Payment depends on arriving in Italy (full amount if present by 15 November) and on enrolment and progress. For master's, the last instalment needs 27 credits that academic year.
• You must tell MAECI if you are away from Italy for more than 15 consecutive days.

• Plan for extra funds. EUR 10,800 over nine months does not cover all living costs, and tuition is waived only at some universities.
• Check Italian admission tests and pre-enrolment well before the deadline, because a missing admission can block the award.
• Arrive in Italy by 15 November so you are not paid a reduced amount.
• Prepare an Italian or English certificate early. The portal lets you add some documents later only if you are in the merit ranking.

Winning the award does not include the visa. Plan your application with our guide for the host country.

• Italy student visa

Checked against these official pages on 17 Oct 2026.

• MAECI call 2026/27 (English text, via Italian embassy) (opens in a new tab)
• Italian Embassy Addis Ababa notice (opens in a new tab)
• Study in Italy call list (opens in a new tab)