As an international student, you can study in Italian universities for free through the special grants initiative of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
This means international students from eligible countries can apply online at the official portal for the 2025-2026 session until 16.05.2025. The opportunities are available for a range of educational routes such as PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree programs. Students interested in research, training language programs can also benefit from grants.
To be eligible, the candidates must apply within the allowed date window, have the required qualification, language proficiency, and the allowed age limit. The application procedure is online.
How to Apply?
- Register and apply on the Study in Italy portal
- Deadline: May 16, 2025, at 14:00 (Italian time)
- Don’t wait till the last day—late applications won’t be accepted
Selection and Results
Applications are reviewed by your local Italian Embassy/Consulate based on qualifications and the CV provided. The selected winners will be notified through the Study in Italy portal. This simply means if you’re not listed among the winners or reserves, you weren’t selected. The successful candidates must follow up with visa and enrollment procedures.
Tuition Fees
Some universities don’t charge tuition to grantees, but this varies. You must still pay regional fees. Don’t forget that the Italian language course fees are not waived.
Health Insurance
You get free health insurance (only during the grant period). But this doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions or dental care. Furthermore, the EU students should bring their EHIC card.
Types of Grants & Their Details
The list of eligible educational levels included in grants is:
| Type of Grant | Duration | Who Can Apply | Key Requirements | Renewable? |
| Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale) | 9 months | Bachelor’s holders | Admission to a 2nd-cycle Italian Master’s program | Yes |
| AFAM (Art, Music, Dance) | 9 months | Suitable degree holders | Admission to the AFAM institution | Yes |
| PhD Programs | 9 months | Master’s holders | Admission + supporting documents | Yes |
| Research Projects | 9 months | Postgrads with a research proposal | Project details + supervisor info + admission letter | Yes |
| Italian Language & Culture Courses | 3 months | With A2-level Italian skills | Language certificate (A2 minimum) | No |
| Bachelor’s / Single Cycle Degrees | 9 months | Students from eligible Italian schools abroad | Final year attendance certificate | Yes |
Grant Payment Breakdown
The payment grant is only possible when the applicant arrives in Italy. It is provided in installments as follows:
| Program Type | Total Amount | Installments & Timing |
| 9-month grants (Master’s, AFAM, PhD, etc.) | €9,000 | – €4,500 after arrival + enrollment – €2,500 after attendance check (Feb) – €2,000 after progress check (June, 25 CFU or tutor report) |
| 3-month Italian language courses | €3,000 | Single payment after arrival + enrollment |
Funding Periods
The funding periods have been divided as follows:
| Grant Type | Start Date | End Date |
| Most Programs (9 months) | November 1, 2025 | July 31, 2026 |
| Italian Language & Culture Courses | January 1, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
Age Limits (As of May 16, 2025)
| Program Type | Max Age |
| Master’s, AFAM, Italian Language Course | 28 |
| PhD Programs | 30 |
| Research Projects | 40 |
| Bachelor’s / Single Cycle Degree | 23 |
Special Grants
| Grant Name | Who’s Eligible | Details |
| “Attanasio” Grants | From Morocco, Nigeria, the D.R. Congo | For Master’s in international development, diplomacy, etc. (LM-52, LM-81…) |
| “Costruiamo il Futuro” | Final-year students in 4 African Italian schools | For Bachelor’s or single-cycle Master’s in tech, health, and economics |
| WikiAfrica Participation | African MAECI grantees | Optional: Write Wikipedia articles in African languages about Africa |
Application kit and sources
Please use the following link to learn about eligible countries, university admission portals, and the official registration website:
Application link for Italian universities