What Is the MAECI Scholarship and How Do You Apply?

Italy’s best-known government scholarship, MAECI, offers a living allowance, a fee exemption and health insurance at master’s and doctoral level. In this post we explain what the MAECI scholarship is and how to apply step by step.

What is the MAECI scholarship?

MAECI is the government scholarship the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offers to international students. It is given at master’s, doctoral, AFAM (art/music) and language-course level; it is not given at bachelor’s level. The scholarship offers a comprehensive package: a monthly living allowance, an exemption from the tuition fee, and health insurance. It is a merit-based scholarship; that is, it looks mainly at your academic file and motivation, and income is not decisive.

Who can apply?

Academically strong students from the target countries (including Turkey), resident outside Italy, can apply for the MAECI scholarship. A suitable bachelor’s degree is needed for a master’s, a master’s for a doctorate. Also, an upper age limit and a language condition (Italian or English) are set each year in the bando. It is important to check the eligibility conditions from the current call before applying.

Where do you apply?

The MAECI application is made through the Study in Italy portal. On the portal you create an account, enter your personal and academic details, select your programme preferences and upload the required documents. The application window opens and closes in a certain period each year; not missing this calendar is critical. For detail on the portal and the process, see our Study in Italy portal page.

The required documents

The MAECI application usually wants these documents: the diploma and transcript (apostilled and sworn-translated), a language certificate (CILS/CELI or IELTS/TOEFL), a motivation letter, a CV and, if needed, references. A CIMEA report or a DoV may be needed for your degree’s recognition. As document preparation takes time, you must complete it before the application window. For your diploma-transcript translation you can take a free quote.

Assessment and the motivation letter

The MAECI assessment rests mainly on academic achievement, the consistency of the application and the motivation letter. When two candidates’ files are similar, the motivation letter often makes the difference. A good letter sets out concretely why you chose this programme, why Italy, and your goals. It is important to tailor the letter to each programme and not leave it to the last minute. For detail, see our motivation letter page.

What does the scholarship provide?

The MAECI scholarship typically includes a monthly living allowance (a certain total amount per year), a fee exemption and health insurance. But housing is usually not a direct component of the scholarship; so it is useful to research the regional DSU hall options too. If the conditions align, MAECI and the DSU can be taken together and provide near-full funding in Italy.

Tips for Turkish students

Plan the application early, prepare your documents on time and take care over your motivation letter. Obtain your language certificate at a valid date. Consider MAECI in parallel with the universities’ funded doctoral posts (for a doctorate). For the general framework, see our MAECI overview page.

Who is the MAECI scholarship ideal for?

MAECI is ideal for students with a strong academic file, a clear field of study and motivation. As it is not income-based, it is a valuable door for successful students whose family income is above the DSU threshold. Also, students aiming at an Italian- or English-taught master’s/doctorate who can plan the process early are the group that benefits most from MAECI’s achievement-focused assessment. For those in art or music, the AFAM scope offers a separate opportunity too.

Can MAECI and the DSU be used together?

Yes; as MAECI comes from the central government and the DSU from the region, if the conditions align the two can be taken together. When MAECI covers the living allowance and fee exemption and the DSU adds the hall and canteen, near-full funding is provided in Italy. But as some regions may add the MAECI allowance to the income calculation, you must confirm this combination with the regional agency. For a comparison of the two channels, see our MAECI or DSU page.

The process after applying

After you submit your application through the portal, the assessment period begins; the results are usually announced in the summer months. If you win the scholarship, you can use it as proof of funds in your visa application and plan your enrolment accordingly. Even if you do not win, the DSU and university scholarships are still on the table; so it is wise to keep the other channels open while waiting for the MAECI result. For the process steps, see our guide library.

Frequently asked questions

Is MAECI available for a bachelor’s?

No; MAECI is for the master’s, doctorate, AFAM and language course. For a bachelor’s, turn to the DSU and university scholarships.

Is the MAECI application paid for?

The application is made through the official portal; your main cost is document preparation (apostille, translation, recognition).

Can you get MAECI without Italian?

If you are applying to an English-taught programme, an English certificate may be enough.