Introduction
Italy has long been a magnet for students of art, design, culture, humanities, and social sciences — thanks to its rich history, vibrant artistic communities, affordable public university fees, and cultural prestige. To further strengthen international academic collaboration, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers government scholarships (borse di studio) to foreign students and Italians living abroad (IRE) to study, train, or research at Italian universities.
What makes these scholarships especially attractive for students from Africa, Asia, or elsewhere is that they tend to be fully funded (tuition waivers, monthly stipend, health insurance) and that in certain situations, language test (IELTS / TOEFL) requirements may be waived for English-taught programs or under institutional policies. That is not universal, but possible.
In this guide, we’ll:
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Explore what the Italian government scholarships cover
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Compare conditions and caveats
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Present a table summarizing features
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Provide a step-by-step guide to applying (especially as a beginner)
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Offer key insights and real examples
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Suggest a proposal / narrative structure
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List common mistakes and FAQs
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Conclude with advice and a call to action
By the end, you should have a well-rounded understanding of how to approach Italy’s scholarships in 2026, especially if your interest is in art, design or social science fields.
What the Official Italy / MAECI Scholarships Offer
MAECI Grants for Foreign Students & IRE (Italian citizens abroad)
The Italian government, through MAECI, issues annual grants / scholarships for foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad to enroll in academic courses in Italy (public or legally recognized institutions). These are not tied to one university — they are open via the national “Study in Italy” platform. (esteri.it)
Key features in recent calls:
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Monthly stipend: In 2025/26, the grants are worth €1,000 per month (for most courses) as support during the study period. This was publicly announced in Italy’s scholarship call notices. (ambdhaka.esteri.it)
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Tuition / enrollment / fee waivers: The scholarship generally allows recipients to have exemption from tuition or enrollment fees, depending on the policy of each chosen university.
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Health / medical insurance: Coverage for the duration of the grant is included under those scholarships.
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Eligible courses: Master’s (Lauree Magistrali, 2nd cycle), Courses in Arts, Music, Dance (AFAM), PhD, research projects under supervision, and language & culture courses. (scholars4dev.com)
- Duration: Scholarships may last 3 to 9 months depending on the program type (for language courses shorter). Renewals are possible if academic progress meets criteria. (scholars4dev.com)
- Language requirements: For Italian-taught programs, proficiency in Italian (level B2) is required; for English-taught programs, B2 English or equivalent is often required. For research/PhD programs, often no mandatory language certificate is required. (scholars4dev.com)
- No IELTS in some cases: The official call allows that “self-certification may be accepted for candidates from countries where English is an official language, applying to English-taught programs” — effectively waiving IELTS for some. (scholars4dev.com)
Thus, for students in art, design, social sciences (areas often taught in English), the possibility of no IELTS requirement exists, but it’s conditional.
Comparison: Ideal vs Typical Conditions & Things to Watch Out For
To help you calibrate expectations, here is a comparison between the “ideal scholarship” you desire and what the current Italian MAECI scholarship system offers (and where the gaps may be):
| Feature | Ideal | Italian Government / MAECI Scholarship | Notes / Caveats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full tuition + fees | Yes, all costs paid | Tuition / enrollment waivers are typical, though full exemptions depend on university autonomy | Some universities may still charge lab fees, materials, or other incidental costs |
| Monthly stipend | Adequate living stipend | €1,000/month in recent calls | Enough for modest living, but cost of living in some cities may stretch it |
| Duration | Entire length of program (2+ years) | 3–9 months or tied to program duration (often for Master’s or PhD) | Renewal depends on performance; longer-term funding uncertain |
| Health / insurance | Full coverage | Included | Typically covered under the scholarship package |
| No IELTS / English test | Waiver for all | Conditional waiver for English-taught programs or self-certification in some countries | You must confirm for your specific host university / program |
| Eligible fields | Art, design, social sciences included | MAECI explicitly lists AFAM (Arts, Music, Dance) and general study / research | Good alignment for your interest |
| Language requirement | No barrier | Italian for Italian-taught; English for English-taught; research often no language test | You may need B2 Italian or English if required by program |
| Application process | Unified national + university | Application via “Study in Italy” platform; separate admission may be required | You must satisfy both the MAECI grant and university admission |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Italy Government Scholarships 2026 (Beginner Version)
Let’s walk through a practical “from zero” roadmap:
Step 1: Prepare your eligibility & academic documents in advance
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Ensure your bachelor’s degree, transcripts, or prior qualifications are ready.
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Prepare a CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation.
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Gather a copy of your passport or ID.
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If you have any language certificates (English, Italian), keep them ready (though some waiver may apply).
Step 2: Monitor the official call (MAECI) & register on “Study in Italy” portal
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The official Italy government scholarship call is published on MAECI’s portal (Esteri) under “Borse di studio per cittadini stranieri.” (esteri.it)
- In 2025, the deadline was 16 May 2025 at 14:00 CET. (esteri.it)
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Usually, for 2026 you can expect a similar time window (spring months). Keep an eye on the “Study in Italy” platform and MAECI announcements.
Step 3: Select your preferred programs / universities
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Find Italian universities or AFAM (arts/music) institutions offering programs you’re interested in.
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Check if the program is English-taught or Italian-taught; this affects language eligibility.
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Also check whether that university generally accepts MAECI grants (some do, some may not).
Step 4: Submit grant application & concurrently apply to the university program (if required)
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On the Study in Italy platform, fill the MAECI grant application: personal data, program choices, academic records, motivation essay, etc.
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In parallel, apply to the Italian university / program — many require acceptance or enrollment documents.
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Upload all supporting documents (transcripts, certificates, language proof if needed, letters).
Step 5: Wait for evaluation / ranking
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The scholarship is evaluated via diplomatic missions (embassies / consulates) and the MAECI office.
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Applicants are ranked based on merit, country quotas, and field priorities.
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Results are published via embassies or via the Italian Scholarship portal.
Step 6: Confirm registration, visa, and arrival logistics
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If awarded, accept the grant, register at the university, apply for a student visa (to Italy), arrange accommodation, health and travel plans.
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Ensure you maintain academic progress to renew or continue stipend payments.
Step 7: Maintain performance & report
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Renew the grant in following semesters if regulations allow — usually requires a good GPA or credit completion.
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Follow grant terms: attendance, reporting, degree completion timelines.
Key Insights & Real Examples
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In recent calls, the MAECI scholarships included courses of higher education in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM) as eligible programs — meaning your interest in art & design is directly in scope. (ambdhaka.esteri.it)
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The stipend of €1,000 monthly is relatively generous for many cities, especially smaller towns or campuses outside major urban centers.
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Some scholarship listings (e.g. Scholarships 2025-26 Italy) claim “no IELTS required” for some programs, especially English-taught ones. (opportunitiesinfo.com). That aligns with the self-certification language in the official MAECI framework.
- At the University of Turin, separate scholarships for international students offer €11,000 gross per year support for first-year entrants. (en.unito.it)
- Universities like Ca’ Foscari provide merit-based scholarships (~€10,000/year) and sometimes waive language test requirements or accept internal proofs of English. (unive.it)
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These real examples suggest that while competition is stiff, combining a MAECI grant with a strong university scholarship strengthens your funding package.
Your Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter — Simple, Strong Structure
Your statement of purpose (SOP) will often set you apart. Here’s a good structure tailored to Italy scholarships:
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Introduction / hook
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A short story or insight from your background in art, social sciences, design — what inspired this path
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Your vision of what you want to do (why Italy, why this discipline)
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Academic & professional background
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Degrees, projects, exhibitions, publications, social work — relevant experience
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Key achievements in art, design, social science initiatives
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Why Italy & why this program
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Italy’s legacy in art, design, culture
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Why this particular university / institute
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How your goals align with Italian cultural, scientific collaboration
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What you’ll do with the scholarship
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How funds will support your study, project, integration
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Your research, design proposal or creative project outline
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Impact you plan to make: in your home country, in society, in culture
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Language readiness & waiver
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If you don’t have IELTS, explain your proof of English (prior studies, curriculum)
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Willingness to learn Italian or show B2 level
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For research / PhD programs, note that sometimes no language certificate is required
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Future vision & reciprocity
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How you’ll contribute back (teaching, exhibitions, partnerships, cultural exchange)
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Long term plans, networks, sustainability
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Conclusion
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Reaffirm readiness, gratitude, energy
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Invitation to partner with you
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Make your narrative personal, concrete, and avoid generic statements. Use examples, show your passion, but also your capacity.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Harms | How to Avoid / Mitigate |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming no IELTS everywhere | Each university may require language proof | Check program language requirements, provide alternate proof (transcript, MOI letter) |
| Not applying to multiple programs | If one program rejects, you lose everything | List multiple preferred universities in your application |
| Weak project / creative proposal | You won’t stand out in a competitive pool | Sharpen your concept, add sketches, sample work, references |
| Late or incomplete application | Disqualified automatically | Apply well before the deadline, double-check uploaded documents |
| Ignoring renewal conditions | Funding may stop if performance drops | Understand renewal criteria (GPA, credits) before accepting |
| Poor budgeting & planning | You may be stranded mid-study | Estimate cost of living, rent, travel and include buffer in your plans |
| Not engaging Italian language | Difficulty in daily life or integration if Italian proficiency is poor | Start learning Italian early, even if program is English-taught |
FAQs (Concise but Useful)
Q1: Are these scholarships truly “fully funded”?
A: Mostly yes — MAECI grants cover tuition / enrollment waivers, monthly stipend, and health insurance. But the exact coverage depends on the university’s policy (some fees may be excluded).
Q2: Can I apply without IELTS / TOEFL?
A: Yes, in some situations. The official call allows self-certification for English proficiency in English-taught programs from countries where English is an official language. But individual universities may still require language proof.
Q3: Are art, design, and social sciences eligible fields?
A: Yes — the MAECI scholarship calls explicitly include AFAM (Arts, Music, Dance) and general courses, research and social science fields.
Q4: What is the monthly stipend amount?
A: In the 2025 call, the stipend was €1,000/month.
Q5: How long is the scholarship duration?
A: Usually from 3 to 9 months depending on the program; for full degree courses, it may align with semester durations and allow renewals.
Q6: Can I apply as a beginner / recent graduate?
A: Yes, provided you meet the academic qualification and age limits for the program.
Q7: Do I need to be admitted to an Italian university before applying for the grant?
A: Not always — the scholarship application can be independent; but acceptance/enrollment is often required before finalizing the grant.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The Italian government scholarships (MAECI) offer one of the most promising, generous, and culturally rich paths for international students — especially in art, design, humanities and social sciences. With full funding, a generous stipend, fee waivers and the possibility (in some cases) of no IELTS requirement, they closely mirror your ideal scholarship.
If you’re seriously planning for 2026:
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Start now by building your portfolio, refining your creative/academic project, and gathering documents.
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Follow announcements on the Study in Italy portal and on the MAECI website.
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Select several English-taught or Italian-taught programs that are compatible with your skills.
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Draft your statement of purpose early using the structure above, and prepare alternate proofs of English proficiency.
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Once the official call is open, apply early and ensure completeness.
“Art, design and social ideas find new wings when financial barriers fall away; let Italy be the canvas for your next masterpiece.”
