Italy announces fully funded scholarships, Check eligibility criteria

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani students who want to study in Europe can now submit their applications for the 2026-27 academic year to Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) Scholarships, which provide complete funding for their studies at leading Italian universities.

Italy has officially launched the MAECI Scholarship program to promote international academic cooperation and support the study of Italian language and culture. Successful applicants can enrol at prestigious institutions such as the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano.

The MAECI scholarship provides funding for most educational costs through its monthly payment of €900 and its complete coverage of tuition and enrollment fees at public universities, which only requires payment of small regional fees, and its provision of health and accident insurance for students.

The program offers scholarships that last three, six, or nine months, and students can extend their scholarships for their extended degree programs.

Read More: MAECI Scholarship 2026 Pakistan: Fully Funded Study in Italy

Eligibility Criteria

Pakistani students are eligible under the following conditions:

• Master’s degree: Under 28 years of age with a relevant bachelor’s degree
• PhD programs: Under 30 years, a master’s degree, and a university acceptance letter
• Research projects: Under 40 years of age
• Applicants must submit their applications through the official Study in Italy portal, which requires them to create an account and choose a qualifying course while submitting their necessary documents.

Required documents include

• Passport copy
• CV (Europass format recommended)
• Academic transcripts and degrees
• Motivation letter
• Language proficiency certificate (English or Italian)
• Admission or pre-acceptance letter (for Master’s and PhD)
• Research proposal (for PhD and research applicants)

Application Deadline

The expected deadline is mid-June 2026 for the 2026–27 academic year.

The MAECI Scholarship provides Pakistani students with a valuable opportunity to gain a world-class education in Italy while benefiting from comprehensive financial support.