Baza natječaja

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

GRANTS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS LIVING ABROAD AND ITALIAN CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD (IRE)
AWARDED BY THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR

DEADLINE MAY 16th 2025

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers grants in favour of foreign students living abroad and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE)* for the 2025-2026 academic year in order to foster cooperation in the cultural, scientific and technological fields, to support Italy’s economic system in the world and to promote the Italian language and culture (according to the Italian law 288/55 and its subsequent amendments and additions).

Grants are offered to complete study, research and/or training programmes at public or legally recognized Italian educational institutions.

Grants are compatible exclusively with the onsite attendance of academic courses on the Italian territory.

The list of eligible countries can be found on the website Study in Italy: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/.

Art. 1
TYPES OF GRANTS

1.1  Master’s Degree programmes (Laurea Magistrale, 2° ciclo)
Grants for Master’s Degree programmes are awarded for a period of study of 9 (nine) months and are potentially renewable.
To enroll in the first year of a Master’s Degree programme (Laurea Magistrale – 2° ciclo) in Italy, applicants must have completed a 1st cycle programme, equivalent to an Italian Bachelor’s Degree
(Laurea triennale).
Please note: for some Master’s Degree programmes, enrollment is subject to passing admission tests and/or completing a pre-enrollment procedure. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the
necessary checks in the Universitaly portal: https://www.universitaly.it/.

1.2 Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) programmes
Grants for programmes of Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), for both 1st and 2nd cycle, are awarded for a period of study of 9 (nine) months and are potentially renewable. To enroll in an AFAM programme in Italy, applicants must possess the academic qualifications required by the chosen institution.
Please note: for some programmes at AFAM institutions, enrollment is subject to passing admission tests and/or completing a pre-enrollment procedure. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the
necessary checks in the Universitaly portal: https://www.universitaly.it/.

1.3  PhD programmes
Grants for PhD programmes are awarded for a period of study of 9 (nine) months and are potentially renewable. To enroll in a PhD programme in Italy, applicants must possess the academic
qualifications required by the chosen institution and must have passed an admission test. When applying for the MAECI grant for a PhD programme in Italy, applicants must attach the aforementioned required academic qualifications as well as the admission letter.
Please note: applicants are encouraged to verify whether a pre-enrollment procedure is required through the Universitaly portal: https://www.universitaly.it/.

1.4 Research projects under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela)
Grants for Research projects under academic supervision are awarded for a period of study of 9 (nine) months.
This type of grants can be awarded for research projects carried out in Italy at both public and legally recognized Italian universities, Italian Research Institutions (i.e. Italian Research Council – CNR,
Italian National Institute of Health – ISS, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics – INFN, Italian National Institute for Astrophysics – INAF, The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research – ISPRA, and others), museums and archives. When applying for the MAECI grant for a Research project under academic supervision, applicants must attach a research project, with the name and contacts (e-mail address) of their supervisor, as well as the invitation/admission letter from the host university/institution.

1.5 Italian language and culture advanced courses
Grants for Italian language and culture courses are awarded for a period of study of 3 (three) months. This type of grants can be awarded to applicants with basic skills in Italian. When applying
for the MAECI grant for Italian language and culture advanced courses, applicants must attache 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):
https://europa.eu/europass/en/common-european-framework-reference.

1.6 Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea Triennale, 1° ciclo) or Single Cycle Degree (Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico) programmes
Grants for Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea Triennale, 1° ciclo) or Single Cycle Degree (Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico) programmes are awarded for a period of study of 9 (nine) months and are potentially
renewable. This type of grants can be awarded exclusively to students who will obtain their high school diploma (Diploma di maturità) at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year from the Italian
high schools mentioned in Article 7.

Art. 2
ELIGIBILITY

Applications must be sent exclusively through the Study in Italy portal (https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/) by May 16th 2025 at 14.00 (CET). Applicants must be in possession of a valid passport or identity document and they must upload a legible copy of this document at the time of registration, under penalty of exclusion.
Furthermore, applicants must satisfy the following requirements by the deadline of this Call:

2.1 Academic qualifications
Applications can only be submitted by foreign students living abroad and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE)* holding 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 grant, students who will take their Esame di Stato at the Italian high schools mentioned in Article 7 must only certify their attendance of the final year of upper secondary school; they will have to submit their high school diploma (Diploma di maturità) when applying for their visa at the relevant Italian diplomatic mission.

2.2 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).

2.3 Language proficiency
2.3.1 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 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.
Please note: depending on the chosen institution, additional certificates may be required. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the necessary checks.

2.3.2 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 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.
Please note: depending on the chosen institution, additional certificates may be required. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the necessary checks.

2.3.3 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.

2.3.4 PhD programmes and Research projects under academic supervision
No proof of language proficiency is required for PhD programmes and Research projects under academic supervision.
Please note: depending on the chosen institution, additional certificates may be required. Applicants are encouraged to carry out the necessary checks.

Art. 3
RENEWALS

Applicants who were awarded a MAECI grant in the 2024-2025 academic year may apply for a grant renewal for continuing or completing a multi-year full-time study programme in the 2025-2026
academic year, provided that the legal duration of the programme is not exceeded. The renewal application must be for the same study programme attended in the 2024-2025 academic year and
at the same institution.
Only those applying for a grant renewal are not necessarily required to reside abroad.
Grant renewals are prioritized for apllicants who are regularly enrolled and who can prove a good academic progress with at least 15 University Credits (CFU). Those who have not achieved 15 CFU
in the first year can still submit their application.
For PhD programmes, a positive evaluation letter from the tutor is required.
The renewal application must be submitted through the Study in Italy portal following the standard procedure.
Grants for Research projects under academic supervision and Advanced Italian language and culture courses are not renewable. For Research projects under academic supervision, new applications for new projects can still be submitted.

Art. 4
FUNDING PERIOD

Grants mentioned in points 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 of this Call are effective starting from November 1st, 2025 and ending by July 31st 2026.
Grants mentioned in point 1.5 of this Call are effective starting from January 1st, 2026 and ending by September 30th 2026.
The number of assigned months, the grant exact starting and ending dates, the chosen study programme and institution will be communicated via the awarding letter (Dichiarazione di
assegnazione di borsa di studio) by the relevant Italian diplomatic mission. This document serves as the official act awarding the grant and, as such, it cannot be modified.

Art. 5
INELIGIBILITY

Grants cannot be awared to Italian Public Administration employees and their children.
Grants cannot be awarded when attending:
-  Bachelor’s Degree programmes (first cycle or “Lauree triennali"), except for AFAM programmes and without prejudice to articles 1.6 and 7;
-  Single Cycle Degree Programmes (“Lauree magistrali a ciclo unico”), without prejudice to articles 1.6 and 7;
-  First-level and Second-level Postgraduate programmes (“Master Universitari”); single courses or one-year university and specialization programmes.
Grants cannot be awarded when attending programmes at foreign Institutions, based both in Italy and abroad, nor when attending programmes at private institutes, research centres or laboratories
which are not recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
Grants cannot be awarded for part-time enrollment or for enrollment exceeding the legal duration of the programme (it: “fuori corso”).
Applications not meeting the eligibility requirements will not be valid.

Art. 6
“ATTANASIO” GRANTS

In memory of Ambassador Luca Attanasio and his entourage, the chosen Carabiniere Vittorio Iacovacci and the driver Mustapha Milambo, a reserve of three 9-month grants will be offered, also
for the 2025-2026 adademic year, to applicants from Morocco, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo enrolling or pursuing their studies in the fields of international relations, cooperation for
development, international humanitarian and human rights law, with a preference for the following Master’s Degrees: LM-38 (Modern languages for communication and cooperation), LM-52 (International relations), LM-62 (Political sciences), LM-81 (Cooperation for development sciences), LM-87 (Social service and social policies).

Art. 7
“COSTRUIAMO IL FUTURO” GRANTS

In order to connect students from Italian schools in Africa to the Italian university education system, for the 2025-2026 academic year, a reserve of twelve 9-month grants will be offered to students
who are attending the final year of upper secondary school during the 2024-2025 academic year at the following Italian schools:
- Istituto Italiano Omnicomprensivo “G. Galilei” in Addis Ababa (reserve of 3 grants)
- Scuole Italiane Paritarie “E. Mattei” in Casablanca (reserve of 3 grants)
- Istituto Salesiano “Don Bosco” in Cairo (reserve of 3 grants)
- Istituto Scolastico Italiano “G.B. Hodierna” in Tunisi (reserve of 3 grants)
Grants are awarded for enrollment in Bachelor’s Degree programmes (Laurea triennale) or Singlecycle Master’s Degree programmes (Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico). In line with the priorities of Piano Mattei, priority in the selection process will be given to applicants enrolling in engineering, computer science, economics, agriculture or medical-health programmes.

Art. 8
WIKIAFRICA EDUCATION – HIGHER EDUCATION INITIATIVE

In collaboration with Aurora Foundation, MAECI grantees from Africa and speaking African languages are offered the opportunity to take part in the WikiAfrica Higher Education Initiative, promoting the active participation of students with the aim of making specialized information on Africa available online. The initiative is developed by Moleskine Foundation in partnership with Wikimedia Foundation and Aurora Foundation.

Art. 9
HOW TO APPLY

After registering, applicants must submit their application exclusively through the online Study in Italy portal:

https://studyinitaly.esteri.it

When registering to the portal, it is highly recommended to use a frequently used email address, as further communications will be sent to that address.
Online applications must be received at the latest on May 16th 2025, at 14.00 (Italian time).
Applications received after this deadline will not be valid.
Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last days to submit their application. Any portal slowdowns due to high traffic volume will not be valid reasons for failing to submit the
application.
All the necessary information to correctly register to the portal and to submit the application can
be found at the following links:
-  Website guidelines: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/Static/GuidaAlSito
-  FAQ: https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/Static/FAQ

Art. 10
SELECTION AND AWARDING OF GRANTS

10.1 Selection of applicants
Applications will be evaluated by a Committee established by the relevant Italian Diplomatic Mission.

10.2 Awarding procedures
Grants will be awarded based on a comparative evaluation of applications, fulfillment of the requirements and other merit-related criteria based on the applicant’s CV.

10.3 Publication of the merit ranking
The relevant Italian Diplomatic Mission will publish the ranking of winners and any reserves on its website. The ranking is unquestionable. Only winners will be notified via the Study in Italy portal. The absence of an applicant’s name from the list of winners and reserves published by the Diplomatic Mission implies that the applicant has not been awarded the grant. If the ranking cannot
be published for privacy and/or security reasons, winners will be notified individually.

10.4 Enrollment and visa procedures
Grantees must take all necessary steps to enroll at the chosen institution. If required, the visa application must be submitted to the relevant Italian Diplomatic Mission before the grant’s starting date and, in any case, in such a way as to ensure the timely issuing of the visa. As mentioned in Article 2.1, applicants for the "Costruiamo il futuro" grants must submit their high school diploma (Diploma di Maturità) when applying for the visa.

Art. 11
TUITION FEES

Some universities exempt grantees from the payment of enrollment and tuition fees according to the regulations on the autonomy of academic institutions (Italian legislative decree dated 29 March
2012, number 68). Grantees are required to contact their chosen institution to ascertain whether they can be exempted. Regional fees are always due.
Exemption does not apply to Italian language and culture advanced courses, for which the payment of enrollment and tuition fees is required.

Art. 12
HEALTH INSURANCE

Grantees will be covered by a collective health insurance, contracted by MAECI, in case of expenses due to illness or accident, exclusively for the duration of the grant.
Illness depending on pre-existing physical or pathological conditions as well as dental care is excluded from the insurance coverage. Grantees from EU countries are advised to bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Art. 13
PAYMENT OF THE GRANT

The winner of a MAECI grant mentioned in points 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6 of this Call will receive a total amount of 9,000 (nine thousand) euros, which will be disbursed to the Italian bank account in their name in three installments:
-  The first installment of 4,500 euros, intended to support grantees during their arrival and settlement phase in Italy, will be paid starting from November 2025 upon verification of the grantee’s presence on the Italian territory and confirmation of their enrollment, which will
be certified to MAECI directly by the chosen institution.
-  The second installment of 2,500 euros will be paid starting from February 2026 upon verification of attendance, which will be certified to MAECI directly by the chosen institution.
-  The third and final installment of 2,000 euros will be paid starting from June 2026 upon confirmation of a satisfactory academic progress through a university certificate stating the exams taken or through a statement by the chosen institution. A satisfactory progress is achieved by obtaining 25 university credits (CFU) for the following programmes: Bachelor’s degree (Laurea triennale), Single-cycle Master’s degree (Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico),
Master’s degree (Laurea magistrale) and Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance programmes (AFAM). As far as PhD programmes and Research projects under academic supervision are concerned, a satisfactory progress is verified through a statement by the tutor.
The same amounts and timelines mentioned above apply also to renewals.

For Research projects under academic supervision, the start date of the research activities will be certified by the tutor.

The winner of a MAECI grant as mentioned in point 1.5 of this Call will receive a total amount of 3,000 (three thousand) euros, disbursed to the Italian bank account in their name in a single
installment. The grant will be paid only upon verification of the grantee’s presence on the Italian territory, confirmation of their enrollment and attendance.
The grant will be paid, in line with the necessary administrative timelines, exclusively upon verification of enrollment at the chosen institution specified in the Awarding letter (Dichiarazione di Assegnazione) and submission of the required documents (Italian tax code and IBAN number) by the recipient.

Art. 14
INCOMPATIBILITY

The grant is incompatible with any other grant offered by the Italian Government or any other Italian public institution including grants provided by regional authorities for the right to university
education.
The grant is compatible with Erasmus and Erasmus+ programmes as well as with other programmes funded by international institutions, but it will not be paid during periods of study outside of Italy. In the event of absence from the Italian territory exceeding 15 consecutive days, the grantee must notify the relevant office of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, providing an adequate reason. The Office reserves the right to proportionally reduce the grant upon evaluation of the reason provided.

NOTES
* Grants for Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) are exclusively offered to the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay and Venezuela.