The MAECI Scholarship 2026 in Italy at the University of Padua is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students who want to pursue higher education in Italy. This scholarship is offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to support students in studying master’s, PhD, or research programs.
This scholarship aims to promote international cooperation, strengthen cultural exchange, and support talented students worldwide to study in Italy.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Italy
- University: University of Padua
- Funded By: Italian Government (MAECI)
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD, Research
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Duration: 6 to 9 months (renewable depending on performance)
Financial Benefits (Fully Funded)
The MAECI Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly stipend of €900
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Support for living expenses
- Medical and health insurance
- Opportunity to study in a top-ranked European university
The scholarship is paid quarterly and helps students manage their stay in Italy comfortably.
Available Programs
Students can apply for:
- Master’s Degree Programs
- PhD Programs
- Research Projects under academic supervision
These programs are offered in various fields including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be an international student
- Must apply for an eligible program at the University of Padua
- Age limit:
- Master’s: under 28 years
- PhD: under 30 years
- Research: under 40 years
- Language requirements:
- English-taught programs: English proficiency (B2 level)
- Italian-taught programs: Italian proficiency (B2 level)
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, offering:
- World-class universities
- Rich cultural heritage
- Affordable living compared to other European countries
- Global networking opportunities
The University of Padua is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, known for academic excellence and research innovation.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Choose your desired program at the University of Padua
- Apply for admission to the university
- Submit your scholarship application through the official MAECI portal
- Wait for selection and interview (if required)
Applications are typically submitted online via the official “Study in Italy” portal.
Application Deadline
- Applications usually open in May and close in June each year
- Exact dates may vary for 2026 intake
- Official Application Link
Nabeel Akhter is an international education advocate and scholarship mentor dedicated to helping students access global academic opportunities. He studied in the United States at the University of Massachusetts Amherst through the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Inspired by this journey, Nabeel now actively mentors and guides students in finding and applying for scholarships, exchange programs, and global learning opportunities, helping them navigate pathways to study and grow internationally.