Italian Government MAECI Scholarships

• No. of Scholarships - The exact number varies annually
• Host Country - Italy
• Level of Study - Master's, PhD, AFAM, Language
• Courses - Any field of study
• Benefits - Fully Funded
• Application Window - April to May/June Annually

Italy is famous for its history, culture, and education, making it a great place for international students, including those from Pakistan, to study. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to help students pursue higher education. These scholarships encourage cooperation between countries and promote the Italian language and culture.

The MAECI Scholarships are fully financed grants awarded annually by the Italian government to overseas students and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) who seek to study a variety of academic programmes in Italy. These scholarships demonstrate Italy's dedication to cultural exchange and scholarly collaboration. For Pakistani students, this provides a fantastic opportunity to pursue quality education in a variety of subjects at reputable Italian colleges and institutions.

 

Benefits

The MAECI Scholarship is a widely sought-after opportunity since it provides comprehensive financial support, making studying in Italy substantially more attainable. Key benefits include:

• Tuition Fee Exemption: Grantees are normally excused from paying university tuition and enrollment fees. However, a regional tax (about €140) and a duty stamp (approximately €16) may still be applicable, and enrollment expenses for Italian language and culture courses are often not reimbursed.
• Monthly Stipend: A generous monthly allowance, typically around €900, is offered to cover living expenses such as housing, meals, and transportation. This is normally paid into your Italian bank account in quarterly installments.
• Health and Medical Insurance: Recipients are covered by MAECI-contracted health and medical/accident insurance for the period of the award, providing peace of mind in terms of health.
• Support for Visa and Residence: While not a direct financial advantage, the scholarship makes the visa application process and acquiring residence permits easier, reducing administrative difficulties for overseas students.
• Cultural Immersion: In addition to financial support, the scholarship provides an intensive cultural experience that allows students to engage with Italy's rich heritage, art, and culture.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Pakistani citizen, not residing in Italy.
• Academic Qualifications: Relevant Bachelor's for Master's; relevant Master's for PhD; specific requirements for AFAM, Language & Culture, and Research Projects.
• Age Limits: Generally, under 28 for Master's/AFAM/Language & Culture; under 30 for PhD; under 40 for Research Projects. Under 23 for specific Bachelor's.
• Language Proficiency: B2 CEFR for English or Italian-taught programs (IELTS/TOEFL for English; CILS/CELI for Italian). A2 may suffice for Italian language courses.
• Admission/Pre-enrollment: Often required for PhD/Research. Recommended for Master's/AFAM, though may not be strictly required before scholarship application.
• Academic Merit: Strong academic record preferred.