The MAECI Scholarship is one of Italy’s most respected government-funded scholarships for international students, including students from India. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offers this scholarship to support higher education, research, and selected training programs at public or officially recognized institutions across Italy. In recent years, the scholarship has covered many major categories, including master’s degree programs, AFAM (Arts and Music) courses, PhD programs, supervised research projects, and Italian language and culture courses. Many students receive funding for up to 9 months. In recent scholarship cycles, students have typically received around EUR 900 per month, which amounts to approximately INR 80,000- 85,000 depending on exchange rates. Although the MAECI Scholarship is highly competitive, it can reduce your total study costs in Italy significantly if you select your university carefully and manage your expenses well. For Indian students, success generally depends on submitting strong application documents, checking the eligibility criteria carefully, and applying before the deadline.
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MAECI Scholarship in Italy: Highlights
| Features | Notes |
|---|---|
Name of Scholarship |
MAECI Scholarship ( Italian Government Scholarship Program) |
Offered By |
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation |
Destination Country |
Italy |
Main Purpose |
Help international students to pursue higher education, research, and cultural exchange opportunities |
Commonly Eligible Programs |
|
Usual Scholarship Duration |
Commonly awarded for up to 9 months ( varies by category) |
Estimated Monthly Grant |
Usually around EUR 900 every month ( approximately INR 80,000- 85,000 depending on the exchange rates |
Scholarship Application Portal |
Official Study in Italy government portal |
Selection Process |
Based on merit, applicant profile, eligibility criteria, and correct document submission compliance |
Language Requirements |
Depends on the language of the course and the rules mentioned under the annual scholarship call |
Renewal Option |
Available for certain multi-year categories, subject to specific conditions. |
Level of Competition |
High |
Ideally Suited For |
Indian students with a strong academic profile and a clear study goal. |
Master’s ProgramsMAECI Scholarship for Indian Students in Italy
- MAECI is one of Italy’s leading government scholarships for international students.
- Indian students can apply if the annual scholarship call includes India among its eligible countries.
- This scholarship is highly competitive and mainly supports students with strong academic records.
- MAECI works especially well for students planning to pursue Master’s degrees, PhD programs, or research-based studies in Italy.
- This scholarship can reduce your monthly living expenses in Italy, making studying here more affordable.
- Applicants should read the official scholarship call carefully and upload all the required documents properly on the official scholarship portal.
- Students should not wait until the last date because the portal may become slow due to high traffic as the deadline approaches.
MAECI Scholarship in Italy: Key Objectives
- Promote cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation between Italy and countries worldwide.
- Help international students pursue higher education and research opportunities in Italy.
- Strengthen Italy’s academic and cultural connections with partner countries worldwide.
- Spread awareness of the Italian language and culture across international communities.
- Attract talented students to universities and institutions in Italy.
- Encourage international collaboration and academic mobility.
- Support research tasks and specialized training in eligible areas.
- Build long-lasting academic relationships with partner nations, including India.
- Improve the global visibility of higher education institutes in Italy.
Advantages of the MAECI Scholarship to Indian Students
- Financial support helps students to manage their living costs in Italy every month.
- Reduces a student’s dependency on large educational loans.
- Boosts the affordability of students studying in top universities in Italy.
- Since it is a government-funded scholarship, it adds strong value to your academic profile.
- It helps students studying in high-cost cities when combined with proper budgeting.
- The scholarship supports research and advanced study pathways in Italy.
- It provides Indian students with the opportunity to explore quality public and other recognized institutions.
- It can be a strong funding option for students doing their Master’s and PhD tracks.
- Helps students to focus more on academics and less on financial pressure.
Eligibility Criteria
Note: The eligibility criteria for the MAECI scholarship change slightly each year, so you should always check the current call before submitting your application.
| Eligibility Criteria | Standard Requirements |
|---|---|
Applicant Nationality |
You should be on the list of eligible nations for the annual call. India is often included on this list, but you should verify it every year |
Home/ Residence |
Generally, for international students who live abroad and are in the eligible categories that have been specified in the call |
Program/Category |
Must submit applications under an eligible category, for e.g., Master’s, PhD, AFAM, research, etc |
Type of Institution |
Public or legally recognized educational institution in Italy |
Academic Requirements |
Should have the required prior qualification for the selected course, for e.g. Bachelor’s for a Master’s |
Status of Admission |
Usually, it needs admission or eligibility for admission, depending on the program or category stage. |
Language Requirements |
As needed by the scholarship call and course. English or Italian, depending on the program. |
Identification Documents |
A valid passport or an ID copy is generally mandatory during registration |
Mode of Application |
Online submission via the official Study in Italy portal |
Compliance for Deadline |
Late application submissions are generally not accepted |
Renewal Options, if applicable |
As per the call
Same program/ institution + conditions for academic progress |
Application Timeline
| Phase | Standard Time Window | Recommended Tasks |
|---|---|---|
Shortlisting of Course and University |
January – March |
Choose eligible universities in Italy and programs that are suitable for MAECI |
Check eligibility |
February – April |
Review the eligibility criteria for the country, category, age, and language in the present call |
Preparation of documents |
March – May |
Prepare documents for academic identity, language, and application submission. |
Opening of the MAECI Call |
Generally in Spring |
Carefully read the official call and do not depend on summaries |
Online Submission of Application |
Generally, in Spring, it is deadline-based |
Fill the form on the official portal and upload all the required documents |
Day of the Deadline |
Fixed time (CET) and date |
You should submit before the cutoff to avoid submission at the last minute |
Shortlisting and Evaluation |
After the deadline |
Check the official updates and email notifications |
Communication of Award |
After the review period is over |
Check the result and instructions from the relevant authority or mission |
University Enrolment and the Visa Process |
After you get the award, and according to the admission cycle |
You must complete all the steps for your admission, pre-enrollment, and visa process. |
Activation of the Scholarship |
It depends on the award letter and the beginning of the academic session |
You should follow the instructions for banking, enrollment, and compliance |
Timeline of the MAECI Scholarship: Action Planner for Students
| Month | Primary MAECI Action Steps |
|---|---|
January |
Begin researching for your course and university in Italy |
February |
Review your eligibility for the academic course and probable category for your scholarship |
March |
Prepare your Passport, CV, Statement of Purpose, and academic transcripts |
April |
Finalize your language proof and supporting documents |
May |
Before the deadline, submit your MAECI application, for example, recent calls closed in May |
June |
In this step, track your email and portal for notifications |
July |
Follow up on your admission and pre-enrollment planning procedures |
August |
At this stage, prepare your documentation for finances and your visa |
September |
Complete all the pending university formalities |
October |
If your intake timing requires, prepare for your travel to Italy, and enrolment |
November onward |
Follow instructions for your grant, bank setup, and study compliance |
Application Process: MAECI Scholarship
Step 1: Shortlist Your Course and University in Italy
Select a program according to your eligibility that matches the categories of MAECI, such as Master’s, PhD, AFAM, or research.
Step 2: Check the official MAECI
call for the present academic year and verify the rules for language, eligibility, and the deadline timeframe (CET).
Step 3: Prepare your documentation
including your passport, educational transcripts, CV, language proof, and any category-specific documents.
Step 4: Create your account on the official Study
in Italy scholarship portal and carefully complete your registration.
Step 5: Fill the MAECI application form as instructed
field by field. Make sure that the program, institution, and personal details match your documents.
Step 6: Upload all required files
in the correct format and ensure they are high quality for clear reading.
Step 7: Check your form
thoroughly and submit it before the deadline.
Step 8: Track your results and follow
further instructions for your enrollment, visa, and grant activation if you are selected.
Mandatory Documents For The MAECI Scholarship
- A clear copy of your passport with validity
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate(s) for the relevant program level
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation, if it is required, or strongly recommended
- Certificate of Italian or English language proficiency as required by the call or course
- Depending on your category, proof of your admission/ application letter
- For research-based categories, if it is applicable, your research proposal
- Letters of recommendation, if needed by the category or institution
- Personal details and identity documents should match your passport details
- If needed in the call year, any self-declaration or affidavit
- Receipt of the application form you have submitted, or a screenshot for your records
Courses List: MAECI Scholarship
MAECI is based on category, and it is not a single-course scholarship. The courses eligible under this scholarship depend on the annual call and rules laid down by the institution.
| MAECI Category / Type of Study | Standard Compatibility |
|---|---|
Master’s Degree Courses |
Generally supported in the MAECI scholarship calls |
AFAM (Arts, Music, Dance) Programs |
Generally supported (1st/2nd cycle according to the call) |
PhD Courses |
Generally supported |
Research Projects under Academic Supervision |
Generally supported |
Italian Language and Culture Advanced Programs |
Supported in several callsSpecific category rules apply |
Bachelor’s or Single-cycle Courses |
Limited or category-specific in some calls
You should carefully check the current call notice |
English-Taught Courses |
Usually eligible if in an approved institution or category |
Italian-Taught Courses |
Eligible, but depends on the language requirements and the rules of the category |
MAECI Scholarship for Bachelor’s Programs
- The MAECI Scholarship focuses less on the standard Bachelor’s routes than on the Master’s, PhD, and research categories.
- Carefully read the current notice, as some calls may include specific exceptions or reserved categories.
- If you are applying to a Bachelor’s program in Italy, don’t rely solely on MAECI; keep your options open to regional and university scholarships as well.
- If you’re applying after Class 12, check the program's entry requirements and pre-enrolment steps early.
- Language requirements are a major criterion for Bachelor’s programs.
- Use the MAECI scholarship as a potential opportunity, but build a backup plan for your funding.
- For affordable undergraduate studies in Italy, opt for the stronger combination of public universities plus regional scholarships.
MAECI Scholarship for Master’s Programs
- The MAECI scholarship is one of the strongest funding options for Indian students applying for a master’s program in Italy.
- Several calls clearly support master’s degree programs, with an organized funding period.
- Ideally suited for students with complete documents, clear goals, and strong academics.
- Suitable for fields such as the humanities, economics, engineering, the arts, the sciences, and international studies, depending on the institution and course.
- You should, in parallel, prepare both your scholarship and admission documents.
- Check whether the program requires you to appear for a pre-enrollment or admission test.
- You can make a major difference with a strong SOP, accurate form filling, and timely submission.
- In case you’re not selected, keep your backup funding options ready.
MAECI Scholarship: Coverage
- You’ll receive a monthly scholarly allowance, generally cited as EUR 900 in recent calls.
- Its approximate value in Indian rupees is around INR 80,000-85,000 per month, depending on the current exchange rate.
- The funding duration is often up to 9 months for several categories, but you should check the annual call carefully.
- The MAECI scholarship has been designed to support your living and study-related costs during the funded period.
- This funding does not mean you will automatically get full tuition at every institution.
- The final duration, as well as the start and the end dates, are communicated in the award process.
- Scholarship renewal may be possible for eligible multi-year categories under certain conditions.
- You’ll get the best results when you combine MAECI with smart budget and city planning.
Strengthen Your MAECI Scholarship Application: Pro Tips
- Read the current MAECI Scholarship call in detail before you start filling in the form.
- Select a course that clearly matches your educational objectives and background.
- When writing your motivation statement, avoid generic lines; make it strong and specific.
- Ensure your CV is clean and focused on your academics and achievements.
- Upload high-quality, readable file scans only.
- Match your name, dates, and details exactly with your certificates and passport.
- Submit your application early to avoid portal issues on the final day.
- Double-check the language requirements for the program you have selected.
- Keep a screenshot or PDF of your final submission.
- Track your email and portal notifications regularly after you have submitted the form.
How Study Korea by Standyou help you get the MAECI Scholarship?
Study Korea by Standyou helps Indian students approach the MAECI scholarship application process in a professional and systematic manner. Since the scholarship is highly competitive, you will benefit from better planning, a stronger documentation presentation, and form-filling without errors. The experts here will provide you with support on shortlisting your university and program, matching your scholarship category, giving you a personalized timeline, helping you prepare a document checklist, and reviewing your scholarship form before you submit it. You’ll also get guidance on aligning your university admission to meet the deadline for MAECI, organizing your language proof, academic records, and avoiding general mistakes that will reduce your chances of getting the scholarship. If you’re a first-time applicant, the above structure guidance can boost clarity, confidence, and the accuracy of your application.
Salient Points for Application Documents, Exam/ Interview Preparation, and Scholarship Form Filling
A. Application Documents
- You should make a master folder for your Passport, academic documents, CV, SOP, language proof, admission documents, and MAECI form.
- Use clear names for files, for example, Passport_Name.pdf, Bachelors_Transcript.pdf
- Keep both printed and PDF scan copies
- Ensure all your documents exactly match the spelling on your passport
- Keep a backup of all your documentation on cloud storage and a local drive
B. Exam Preparations, if applicable
- MAECI isn’t an examination in itself, but your program may require entry or language tests
- If required, prepare for your IELTS, TOEFL, and Italian language certification early
- Check whether your university program requires a subject test, GRE, or a portfolio
- Keep your official scorecards ready before submitting your form and admission deadlines
C. Interview Preparation, if applicable
- MAECI may not need a standard interview, but institutions or a related process may
- Practice your answer for academic goals, career plan, and “why Italy”?
- You should be ready to explain why your selected course and university fit your profile
- Keep the details of your application handy for consistency during any interview call
D. Scholarship Filing, if applicable
- Fill in the scholarship form only after reading the official call completely
- Enter your academic details exactly as on your transcripts and certificates
- Choose the right category: Master’s/PhD/AFAM/ Research, etc
- Upload all your documents in the correct size and format
- Review every section of the form before submission
- Immediately save your confirmation receipt and submission proof
Immediately save your confirmation receipt and submission proof
Refer to Universitaly- the official portal for studying in Italy, programs, pre-enrollment, and student guidance: https://www.universitaly.it/
MAECI Scholarship in Italy: Top 15 FAQs
MAECI is an Italian scholarship for foreign students and categories of eligible applicants, designed to support their studies, research, and cultural exchange programs at recognized institutions in Italy.
Yes, students from India can apply for the MAECI scholarship in Italy if India is included in the list of eligible countries for that academic year’s call and they successfully meet the category requirements.
MAECI provides strong financial support, but for it to be fully funded, it depends on your city, tuition, and personal costs. It primarily provides you with a monthly grant and category-based funding support.
Recent scholarship calls mention that you’ll get EUR 900 every month, which is approximately INR 80,000 – 85, 000 every month, depending on the current exchange rate.
In recent calls, for many categories, the duration of the grant is generally up to 9 months, but this often varies by your award letter and category.
MAECI is generally popular for master’s, PhD, research, and AFAM programs. The coverage for the bachelor’s program is generally more limited and depends on the yearly call.
It relies on the institution and category, as in several cases, you need to highlight the course and institution details, and you may subsequently need confirmation of your admission to progress further.
MAECI abides by language requirements linked to the call and course. If your program is taught in English, you may be required to provide proof of your English proficiency. You should always verify the current call and the university’s rules.
Yes, in many cases, but you should always check the compatibility rules of the scholarship. Applying to backup scholarships is a prudent strategy.
The MAECI supports your study at public or legally recognized educational institutions in Italy, based on the call and category.
The MAECI scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship, so strong academics, a clear study plan, and submitting the correct documents boost your chances.
Common mistakes students make in their MAECI applications include late submissions, incorrect category selections, missing documentation, weak motivation statements, and inconsistent or mismatched personal details.
The MAECI scholarship does not always cover tuition fees. It provides financial support, but tuition coverage may vary by institution and category, so check your university’s rules carefully.
Some multi-year categories under the MAECI scholarship system may allow renewal under certain conditions, such as academic progress and continued enrollment in the same institution or program.
You should begin at least 4-6 months before the expected application window for preparing your documents, admissions, language proof, and form details without haste.
Final Advice for Students: Filling the MAECI Scholarship Form
MAECI is a prestigious scholarship opportunity for you, but it requires careful preparation. You should treat your application like a professional document by selecting the correct category, matching every detail with your documents, writing a focused motivation, and submitting it before the deadline. Many applicants lose their chances because they make mistakes that could have been avoided, and not because they are weak candidates. If you prepare in advance and complete the form carefully, your MAECI scholarship application can be a strong path to affordable higher education in Italy.
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