Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students 2025 | Apply Now

June 3, 2025 A.M Scholarship Editorial I International Scholarships, Scholarship Programs 0
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

The Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students support international students pursuing higher education in Italy, promoting cultural exchange and academic cooperation across various fields of study.

Learn what is needed in this guide, including eligibility, required documents, benefits, deadlines, and the application process.

About the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students:

The Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students are offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) to support international students pursuing study, research, or training programs in Italy. Aimed at promoting cultural exchange and international cooperation, the scholarships provide financial assistance, tuition fee exemptions, and health insurance coverage for eligible candidates enrolling in Italian universities or institutions.

Types of Grants:

The Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students offer various types of grants tailored to different study programs and research opportunities.

  • Master’s Degree Programmes (Laurea Magistrale, 2° ciclo)
    Grants for 9 months, renewable. Requires completion of a Bachelor’s Degree (1st cycle). Admission tests or pre-enrollment may apply.
    • Note: Some Master’s Degree programmes require passing admission tests and/or completing a pre-enrollment procedure. Applicants should check the Universitaly portal: https://www.universitaly.it/
  • Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) Programmes
    Grants for 9 months, renewable. Academic qualifications required. Some programs require admission tests or pre-enrollment.
    • Note: Some AFAM programmes require passing admission tests and/or completing pre-enrollment. Applicants should check the Universitaly portal: https://www.universitaly.it/.
  • PhD Programmes
    Grants for 9 months, renewable. Requires academic qualifications, admission test, and official admission letter.
  • Research Projects under Academic Supervision
    Grants for Research projects under academic supervision are awarded for 9 months. These support research at public or recognized Italian universities, research institutions (e.g., CNR, ISS, INFN, INAF, ISPRA), museums, and archives. Applicants must submit a research project, supervisor’s contact details, and an invitation or admission letter from the host institution.
  • Italian Language and Culture Advanced Courses
    Grants for Italian language and culture courses last 3 months and are for applicants with basic Italian skills. Applicants must attach a certificate proving at least A2 level proficiency (CEFR).
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Single Cycle Degree Programmes
    Grants for 9 months, renewable. Only for students graduating from certain Italian high schools in 2024-2025.

Note: For more details about the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, visit the official website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students Call for Application.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, applicants must fulfill the following criteria.

Academic qualifications

  • Applications can only be submitted by:
    • Foreign students living abroad
    • Italian citizens living abroad (IRE: Italian Residents Abroad).
  • Applicants must hold the academic qualification required for enrollment at the chosen Italian university/institution
    (For more information: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/Static/ProcedureIscrizione)
  • When applying for the MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) grant, students who will take their Esame di Stato (State Exam) at the Italian high schools mentioned in Article 7:
    • Must only certify their attendance of the final year of upper secondary school
    • Must submit their high school diploma (Diploma di maturità: Italian high school diploma) when applying for their visa at the relevant Italian diplomatic mission

Age requirements

  • Applicants for Master’s Degree programmes, Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) programmes or Italian Language and Culture advanced courses:
    • Must be of age and shall not exceed the age of 28 by the deadline of this Call (born after May 16th 1996), with the sole exception of renewals
  • Applicants for PhD programmes:
    • Must be of age and shall not exceed the age of 30 by the deadline of this Call (born after May 16th 1994), with the sole exception of renewals
  • Applicants for Research projects under academic supervision:
    • Must be of age and shall not exceed the age of 40 by the deadline of this Call (born after May 16th 1984)
  • Applicants for Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea Triennale, 1° ciclo) or Single Cycle Degree (Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico) programmes:
    • Must be of age by the deadline of this Call and shall not exceed the age of 23 (born after May 16th 2002)

Language proficiency

  • Italian-Taught Bachelor’s Degree Programmes, Master’s Degree Programmes, Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) Programmes
    • When applying for a MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) grant to enroll in an Italian-taught programme, applicants must attach a certificate proving their proficiency in the Italian language
    • The minimum level required is B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
    • Alternatively, applicants who were enrolled in a university-level Italian-taught programme or Italian language course may attach a language certificate, issued by the person responsible for the above mentioned courses, proving the required level of proficiency in Italian
    • Applicants who will take their Esame di Stato at the Italian high schools mentioned in Article 7 are exempted from providing certificates of their Italian language proficiency
    • Note: depending on the chosen institution, additional certificates may be required. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the necessary checks
  • English-Taught Bachelor’s Degree programmes, Master’s Degree programmes, Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) programmes
    • When applying for a MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) grant to enroll in an English-taught programme, applicants must attach a certificate proving their proficiency in the English language
    • The minimum level required is B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
    • Applicants from countries where English is an official language can attach a self-certification stating at least a B2 proficiency level in English
    • Applicants in possession of an entirely English-taught Bachelor’s degree may attach a certificate stating that the study programme of their Bachelor’s degree was entirely held in English
    • No proof of proficiency in the Italian language is required for programmes entirely taught in English
    • Note: depending on the chosen institution, additional certificates may be required. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the necessary checks
  • Italian language and culture advanced courses
    • When applying for a MAECI grant to enroll in an Italian language and culture advanced course, applicants must attach a certificate proving their proficiency in the Italian language
    • The minimum level required is A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
    • Applicants who were enrolled in an Italian language course or in an Italian-taught course at university or at an Italian Cultural Institute may attach a language certificate issued by the person responsible for the above mentioned courses, proving the required level of proficiency in Italian
  • PhD programmes and Research projects under academic supervision
    • No proof of language proficiency is required for PhD programmes and Research projects under academic supervision
    • Note: depending on the chosen institution, additional certificates may be required. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the necessary checks.

Note: Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Study in Italy portal (https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/) by May 16th, 2025, at 14:00 (CET). Applicants must have a valid passport or identity document and upload a clear copy during registration, or they will be excluded. For more information about the eligibility criteria, visit the website of the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students Call for Application or the official website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students.

Benefits:

The Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students offers recipients financial support, tuition fee exemptions, and health insurance coverage through the following benefits:

  • Tuition Fees
    Grantees may be exempted from paying enrollment and tuition fees depending on the policy of each university, based on the autonomy regulations (Italian Legislative Decree No. 68/2012). Exemption is not granted for Italian language and culture advanced courses, for which enrollment and tuition fees are due. Regional fees are always payable.
  • Health and Medical Insurance
    Grantees will be covered by a collective health and accident insurance contracted by MAECI for the entire duration of the grant. Coverage excludes illnesses related to pre-existing physical or pathological conditions and dental care. Grantees from EU countries are advised to bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Financial Grant
    The grant amounts to 9,000 euros, paid in three separate installments to the grantee’s personal current account opened in their name at an Italian banking institution. For Italian language and culture courses, the grant is 3,000 euros paid in a single installment.
    The scholarship duration can range from 3 to 9 months depending on the course type. Renewals are granted only to applicants who demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.

Note: For more detailed information of the benefits, visit the official website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students Call for Application.

Application Deadline:

To apply for the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, submissions must be made by the deadline indicated below.

Deadline: May 16th, 2025

Note: For most up-to-date information, visit the website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students Call for Application or the official website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students.

Requirements:

To complete the application for the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, applicants must submit specific documents depending on the type of course. Below is a list of the documents required for each type of course.

Master’s Degree

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Qualification for enrollment: Bachelor’s Degree Diploma or equivalent qualification, with graduation grade (if present).
  • If studies have been completed but the Diploma not yet received, upload a Certificate from the University/Institution certifying the completion of studies.
  • Transcript of Records: list of exams taken in the Bachelor’s Degree Course, with the grades (if present).
  • For those already enrolled in a Master’s Degree Course in Italy applying for a grant to attend the second year, the list of exams taken in the first year must also be uploaded.
  • Language certification: see the FAQ What language certifications are required?
  • Motivation Letter: see the FAQ What should be written in the Motivation Letter?
  • Other Documents: any useful elements that can be positively evaluated.
  • If a Letter of Admission to the chosen Course or a Letter of Recommendation has been received, it can be uploaded here.

Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM)

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Qualification for enrollment: Upper Secondary School Diploma or equivalent qualification for access to a three-year First Cycle Course or three-year First Cycle diploma or equivalent qualification for access to a two-year Second Cycle Course, with vote (if present).
  • If studies have been completed but the Diploma not yet received, upload a Certificate from the University/Institution certifying the completion of studies.
  • Transcript of Records: Records of the Upper Secondary School Course or the list of exams taken in the First Cycle Three-Year Course, with the grades (if present).
  • For those already enrolled in an AFAM course in Italy applying for a grant to attend a year following the first, the list of exams taken in previous years must also be uploaded.
  • Language certification: see the FAQ What language certifications are required?
  • Motivation Letter: see the FAQ What should be written in the Motivation Letter?
  • Other Documents: any useful elements that can be positively evaluated.
  • If a Letter of Admission to the chosen Course or a Letter of Recommendation has been received, it can be uploaded here.

PhD

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Qualification for enrollment: Letter of Admission to the PhD – Doctorate.
  • Transcript of Records: list of exams taken in the Master’s Degree Course, with the grades (if present).
  • For those already enrolled in a PhD – Doctorate in Italy applying for a grant to attend a year following the first, an Enrollment Certificate to the PhD – Doctorate must also be uploaded.
  • Tutor’s Declaration: a Declaration from the Tutor or Supervisor of the Doctoral Thesis stating awareness of the application and willingness, if the grant is awarded, to send reports on the academic progress upon request. This must be printed on official University or Institution headed paper and signed by the Tutor.
  • Motivation Letter: see the FAQ What should be written in the Motivation Letter?
  • Other Documents: any useful elements that can be positively evaluated.
  • If a Letter of Admission to the chosen Course or a Letter of Recommendation has been received, it can be uploaded here.

Research project under academic supervision

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Project: a brief description of the project for which the grant is requested. It can be written on plain paper and must not exceed 1000 words.
  • Transcript of Records: list of exams taken in the most recent Course.
  • Invitation Letter: a Letter of Invitation from the University or Institution hosting the research activity. The Letter must indicate the name of a Tutor or Supervisor willing, if the scholarship is awarded, to send reports on research progress upon request. It must be printed on official University or Institution headed paper and signed by the Tutor or Head Department.
  • Motivation Letter: see the FAQ What should be written in the Motivation Letter?
  • Other Documents: any useful elements that can be positively evaluated.
  • If a Letter of Admission to the chosen Course or a Letter of Recommendation has been received, it can be uploaded here.

Advanced course in Italian language and culture

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Language certification: see the FAQ What language certifications are required?
  • Motivation Letter: see the FAQ What should be written in the Motivation Letter?
  • Other Documents: any useful elements that can be positively evaluated.
  • If a Letter of Admission to the chosen Course or a Letter of Recommendation has been received, it can be uploaded here.

Bachelor’s Degree/Single-cycle Master’s Degree

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Language certification: see the FAQ What language certifications are required?
  • Diploma/Certificate of attendance of the last year of Italian school
  • Motivation Letter: see the FAQ What should be written in the Motivation Letter?
  • Other Documents: any useful elements that can be positively evaluated.
  • If a Letter of Admission to the chosen Course or a Letter of Recommendation has been received, it can be uploaded here.

Note: Documents must be uploaded exclusively in PDF format. Only one file can be uploaded per entry, but multiple documents can be merged into a single file if necessary. Each file must not exceed 1 MB in size. For more details, visit the website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students FAQ or Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students Call for Application and the official website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students.

How to Apply: Step-by-step

To apply for the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, follow the steps outlined below to complete and submit the application accurately.

Step 1: Prepare Application
Gather all required documents in PDF format. Each entry must have one file only (max 1 MB). Multiple documents can be merged if needed.

Step 2: Registration and Application Submission
Register and submit the application through the Study in Italy portal: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it. A frequently used email address is recommended for registration to ensure important communication is received.

Step 3: Send the Application
Submit the completed application by the deadline of May 16th, 2025, at 14:00 (CET). Late submissions or technical issues due to last-minute traffic will not be considered.

Note: Avoid waiting until the last days to submit the application. Portal slowdowns due to high traffic will not be accepted as reasons for late submission. For more detailed information, visit the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students Call for Application on the official website of Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students.

Contact Details:

For any questions or further inquiries regarding the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, refer to the address and contact information provided below.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Piazzale della Farnesina, 1
00135 Rome, Italy

OFFICES AND MISSIONS ABROAD

Note: These contact details are based on the information available on the official Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students. Verify through their contact page for the most up-to-date information.

Final Thoughts:

The Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students offer excellent support to pursue higher education, combining financial aid, tuition fee exemptions, and health coverage to foster academic success and cultural exchange.

Make sure to review all eligibility criteria and application requirements carefully, as the Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students offer a valuable opportunity to advance academic goals.

Don’t forget to explore other scholarships that may assist in funding your education, whether they are local, National, or international.

Check out the scholarship guides on this website for additional options.

Reference:

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About A.M Scholarship Editorial I 60 Articles
Arvie is a dedicated Content Specialist at scholarship.com.ph, a platform focused on helping Filipino students find scholarships to achieve their educational goals.

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