Government of Italy Scholarships for Indian Students 2025-2026: The Ultimate Guide

For Indian students dreaming of pursuing higher education in a country celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and academic excellence, Italy presents a remarkable opportunity. The Italian Government, committed to fostering global talent, offers a range of prestigious scholarships specifically for international students. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details for Indian applicants targeting the 2025-2026 academic year.

We will explore the flagship scholarship programs, eligibility criteria, financial benefits, and a clear, step-by-step application process tailored for students from India.

Why Pursue Higher Education with Government of Italy Scholarships for Indian Students?

Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest and most respected universities, including the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, and Sapienza University of Rome. These institutions are at the forefront of research and innovation in fields ranging from engineering and architecture to economics and humanities. Beyond academics, studying in Italy offers an unparalleled cultural immersion, a chance to learn a new language, and access to the wider European Union.

For Indian students, the combination of high-quality, affordable education and generous government-funded scholarships makes Italy an increasingly attractive destination.

An Overview of the Government of Italy Scholarship Programs 2025-2026

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is the primary body responsible for awarding grants to international students. The main objective is to promote academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation worldwide. For Indian students, two scholarship programs stand out as the most significant opportunities for Master’s and PhD studies.

1. The MAECI Government Scholarship: A comprehensive grant for Master’s, PhD, and research projects.
2. Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT): A unique program combining postgraduate studies with hands-on training within Italian companies.

These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden on students by covering tuition fees and living costs, allowing them to focus entirely on their academic journey.

The MAECI Government of Italy Scholarship

The most well-known Italian Government grant is the MAECI Scholarship. It is offered to pursue Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale), courses in Higher Education in Art, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD programs, and research projects under academic supervision.

MAECI Scholarship: Financial Benefits and Monthly Stipend

Successful applicants receive a highly competitive financial package designed to cover their expenses in Italy. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the benefits typically include:

• Tuition Fee Exemption: Scholarship holders are generally exempt from paying university tuition fees, although some institutions may require a small regional tax.
• Monthly Stipend: A grant of approximately €900 per month (roughly ₹80,000 INR, subject to exchange rate fluctuations) is provided. This amount is disbursed quarterly to the student’s Italian bank account.
• Health and Accident Insurance: Recipients are covered by a health and medical insurance policy for the entire duration of their scholarship.

Government of Italy Scholarship: MAECI Eligibility for Indian Students

While the official call for applications provides the final details, the general eligibility criteria for Indian students are as follows:

• Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree to apply for a Master’s program and a Master’s degree to apply for a PhD program. The qualification must be from a recognised Indian university.
• Age Limit: For Master’s degree courses, applicants generally must not be over 28 years old by the application deadline. For PhD programs, the age limit is typically 30 years.
• Language Proficiency: For courses taught in English, a B2 level certificate (like IELTS or TOEFL) is required. For courses taught in Italian, a corresponding B2 level in Italian is necessary. Some universities may waive this requirement if your previous degree was taught entirely in English.

MAECI Scholarship Application Deadlines for 2026

The call for applications for the MAECI scholarship is usually announced in late spring. For the 2025-2026 intake, the application window is expected to open around May 2026 and close in mid-June 2026. Indian students must monitor the official “Study in Italy” portal and the website of the Italian Embassy in New Delhi for the exact dates.

The “Invest Your Talent in Italy” (IYT) Scholarship Program

The “Invest Your Talent in Italy” (IYT) program is a specialised initiative supported by the Italian Government and the Italian Trade Agency. It is designed for talented students from specific countries, including India, who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in strategic fields and gain practical work experience.

What Makes the IYT Scholarship Unique?

The standout feature of the IYT program is its mandatory internship component. All scholarship recipients undertake a compulsory three-month internship at a leading Italian company, providing invaluable industry exposure and a strong start to a global career. This program perfectly bridges the gap between academia and the professional world.

The program focuses on Master’s courses in areas like Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics, and Management.

IYT Scholarship Financial Package and Benefits

The IYT scholarship also offers a generous financial package, which includes:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver at participating universities.
• A monthly stipend of €1000 (approximately ₹89,000 INR) for a duration of 9 months.

IYT Government of Italy Scholarship: Eligibility for Indians

Indian citizens applying for the IYT program must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.
• Be applying for one of the eligible Master’s courses listed in the IYT program.
• Typically born on or after January 1st, 1999 (for the 2025-26 call).
• Provide a recognised English language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL).

The application window for IYT is usually earlier than MAECI, often from January to February 2025.

How to Apply for the Government of Italy Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the application process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it straightforward.

Step 1: Pre-application – Choosing Your Course and University

Before the scholarship application opens, research Italian universities and the Master’s or PhD programs that align with your academic and career goals. It is highly recommended to pre-select 2-3 courses.

Step 2: Finding the Official Call for Applications

Once released, the official announcement (“bando” in Italian) will be available on the Study in Italy portal (<a href=”https:

Step 3: Registering on the ‘Study in Italy’ Portal

All applications must be submitted online through the Study in Italy portal. You will need to create a user account to begin your application. This single portal is used for both the MAECI and IYT scholarships.

Step 4: Preparing Your Documents (List of Documents for Indians)

Gather all the necessary documents well in advance. While the specific list can vary, Indian applicants typically need:

• A valid Indian Passport.
• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Europass format.
• Motivation Letter explaining your reasons for choosing Italy and the specific course.
• Letters of Recommendation from professors or employers.
• English or Italian Language Proficiency Certificate.
• An admission letter from the Italian university (if you already have one, this strengthens your application).

Step 5: Submitting Your Application and Awaiting Results

Complete the online application form carefully, upload all required documents, and submit it before the official deadline. Results are usually communicated via the portal or by email in the following months.

Other Scholarship Opportunities in Italy Beyond Government Grants

If you are not selected for a government grant, do not be discouraged. Italy offers several other funding options.

Exploring Regional (DSU) Scholarships in Italy

Many Italian regions offer “Right to Study” (Diritto allo Studio Universitario – DSU) scholarships based on family income and academic merit. These grants can cover tuition fees and provide for accommodation and meals. They require a separate application directly to the regional body (e.g., DSU Toscana, Laziodisco).

University-Specific Scholarships

Leading Italian universities like the University of Padua, the University of Bologna, and Politecnico di Torino offer their merit-based scholarships for international students. These are often awarded automatically during the admission process or require a separate application on the university’s website.

Your Checklist for Success in 2025-2026

• Start Early: Begin your university and course research by late 2024.
• Monitor Official Websites: Regularly check the Study in Italy portal and the Italian Embassy in India’s website for the 2025-2026 announcements.
• Prepare Documents: Gather your transcripts, write a compelling motivation letter, and take your language proficiency test.
• Apply to Multiple Universities: Increase your chances of admission by applying to a few different programs.
• Respect Deadlines: Italian application deadlines are strict. Ensure you submit everything well in advance.

Embarking on your study abroad journey in Italy can be a life-changing experience, a

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)