Italian Government (MAECI) Offers Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students

The Golden Opportunity for 2026-2027

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has officially opened the call for its prestigious scholarship program for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative is designed to foster international cooperation and promote the Italian language and culture by providing Pakistani students with the financial means to study at world-class Italian institutions.

For Pakistani students, this is more than just a scholarship; it is a fully funded pathway to a degree from some of the oldest and most respected universities in the world, such as the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano.

What the Scholarship Covers

The MAECI scholarship is highly sought after because of its comprehensive coverage, which effectively eliminates the financial barriers to studying abroad.

• Monthly Stipend: Grantees receive a monthly allowance of €900 (approximately Rs. 275,000+) to cover living expenses.

• Tuition Fee Waiver: Full exemption from university enrollment and tuition fees (though small regional taxes may apply).

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and accident insurance for the entire duration of the grant.

• Duration: Grants are typically awarded for 3, 6, or 9 months, with the possibility of renewal for multi-year programs.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants

To be eligible, students must meet specific age and academic requirements as of the application deadline:

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is entirely online via the “Study in Italy” portal.

1. Register: Create an account on the official Study in Italy website.

2. Select Your Course: Choose a program at a recognized Italian university.

3. Prepare Documents: You will need your Passport, CV (Europass format), Academic Transcripts, and a Letter of Motivation.

4. Submit: The deadline for the 2026 cycle is expected to be in mid-June 2026, but students are advised to start their university pre-enrollment much earlier.

Why Choose Italy?

Beyond the financial benefits, Italy offers a unique academic environment. It is a hub for Engineering, Fashion, Architecture, and Humanities. Furthermore, a degree from Italy allows Pakistani students to travel across the Schengen Area, providing a truly international experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Italian Government (MAECI) Scholarship?
The MAECI Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It enables international students, including those from Pakistan, to pursue higher education (Master’s, PhD, Research, etc.) at Italian public universities.

2. What does “fully funded” mean for this scholarship?
“Fully funded” means the scholarship covers the majority of your expenses. This includes:

• A monthly stipend of €900 for living costs.

• Full tuition fee exemption at Italian public universities.

• Health and accident insurance for the duration of your stay.

3. What programs can Pakistani students apply for?

Pakistani students can apply for:

• Master’s Degree Programs (Laurea Magistrale)

• PhD Programs

• Research Projects under academic supervision

• Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)

• Italian Language and Culture Courses (for specific cases)

4. What are the main eligibility criteria for Pakistani applicants?
Key criteria include:

• Nationality: Must be a Pakistani citizen.

• Age Limit: Generally, under 28 for Master’s, under 30 for PhD, and under 40 for Research Projects (as of the application deadline).

• Academic Qualification: Must possess the relevant previous degree (e.g., Bachelor’s for Master’s programs, Master’s for PhD).

• Language Proficiency: B2 level for English-taught programs (IELTS/TOEFL) or A2/B2 for Italian-taught programs.

5. Is there an age limit for this scholarship?
Yes, there are age limits that vary by program type:

• Master’s Degrees: You must be under 28 years old by the application deadline.

• PhD Programs: You must be under 30 years old by the application deadline.

• Research Projects: You must be under 40 years old by the application deadline.

6. What is the application deadline for the 2026-2027 cycle?
While the exact date can vary slightly each year, the deadline for the 2026-2027 cycle is typically around mid-June 2026. It is crucial to monitor the official “Study in Italy” website for the precise date.

7. Do I need to get admission to an Italian university before applying for the scholarship?
Yes, for Master’s and PhD programs, you generally need to have pre-enrolled or secured an admission letter from an Italian university for your chosen program before or concurrently with your scholarship application. This is a critical step.

8. What documents are required for the application?
Commonly required documents include:

• Passport copy

• Curriculum Vitae (Europass format is recommended)

• Academic Transcripts and Degrees

• Letter of Motivation

• Language Proficiency Certificate (English or Italian)

• Acceptance letter/pre-admission from an Italian university (for Master’s/PhD)

• Research Proposal (for PhD/Research)

9. Where can I apply for the MAECI Scholarship?
All applications must be submitted online through the official “Study in Italy” portal (https://studyinitaly.esteri.it).

10. Can I apply if I don’t have an Italian language certificate?
If your chosen program is taught entirely in English, you will need an English proficiency certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL B2 level). If the program is in Italian, an Italian language certificate (A2 or B2, depending on the program) is usually required. Some universities might accept a statement from your previous university confirming English as the medium of instruction.

11. What are the chances of getting this scholarship for Pakistani students?
The scholarship is highly competitive due to the attractive benefits. Success depends on the strength of your academic record, your motivation letter, the relevance of your chosen program, and fulfilling all eligibility and documentation requirements perfectly.

12. What happens after I submit my application?
Your application will be reviewed by a committee. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview. The final selection is usually announced a few months after the application deadline.