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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is offering scholarships for the academic year 2023-24 to foreign and Italian citizens living abroad. The grants aim to foster international cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological fields, promote the Italian language and culture, and support Italy’s economic system worldwide, according to Law 288/55 and its subsequent changes and additions. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential details about the MAECI scholarship 2023, including its eligibility criteria, grant opportunities, and application process.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MAECI Scholarship 2023, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
The scholarships are open to foreign citizens and Italian citizens living abroad holding an appropriate academic qualification required to enroll in Italian universities/institutes. Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree to enroll in the first year of a master’s degree program. For PhD programs, applicants must fulfill the entry requirements and academic qualifications established by the University.
2. Age Requirements
The age requirement varies according to the grant opportunities. For Master’s Degree, Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) Programmes, and Italian Language and Culture Advanced Courses, applicants must have attained the age of majority and should not exceed 28 years of age by the deadline of the call (born after June 9th, 1994), with the sole exception of renewals. For PhD programs, applicants must have attained the age of majority and should not exceed 30 years of age by the deadline of the call (born after June 9th, 1992), with the sole exception of renewals. For Research Projects under Academic Supervision, applicants must have attained the age of majority and should not exceed 40 years of age by the deadline of the call (born after June 9th, 1982).
3. Language Proficiency
Applicants must provide certification of their proficiency in the Italian language. The minimum level required is A2 within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Grant Opportunities
The MAECI scholarship offers five grant opportunities for foreign and Italian citizens living abroad. They are as follows:
1. Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° Ciclo)
Grants for Master’s Degree courses are awarded for a period of study of 6 (six) or 9 (nine) months. Admission to the first year of a Master’s Degree course in Italy requires the completion of a Bachelor’s degree, and admission to the second year is granted to applicants who can prove satisfactory academic progress with their first-year exams.
Please Note: For some Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale) courses, enrollment is possible only after passing admission tests. Applicants are urged to verify this or other requirements with the University of their choice. Pre-enrollment through the portal https://www.universitaly.it/ might also be mandatory.
2. Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)
Grants for Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) are awarded for a period of study of 6 (six) or 9 (nine) months. To be admitted to an Italian AFAM Institute, applicants need to meet the entry requirements and academic qualifications established by the relevant Institute.
Please Note: For some AFAM courses, enrollment is possible only after passing admission tests. Applicants are urged to verify this or other requirements with the AFAM Institute of their choice. Pre-enrollment through the portal https://www.universitaly.it/ might also be mandatory.
3. PhD Program
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Study in Italy portal (https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/en/call-for-procedure).
Applicants are required to complete the online form and upload the following documents:
- A valid passport or identity card;
- A certificate indicating the possession of the required academic qualification;
- Curriculum Vitae in Italian or English;
- A letter of motivation in Italian or English, explaining the reasons why the applicant wishes to attend the chosen course or program;
- An Italian language proficiency certificate (for Italian language and culture advanced courses only);
- Research project (for research projects under academic supervision only);
- An acceptance/invitation letter from the Italian University or Institute.
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of June 9th, 2023, 2:00 pm CET. Late applications will not be considered.
Selection Procedure
The selection process will be based on the evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications and motivations, as well as the quality and relevance of the proposed research project, if applicable.
The selection will be carried out by a Commission of experts appointed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Commission’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
The results of the selection will be communicated by e-mail to the applicants by the end of October 2023.
Grants Amount and Conditions
The grants awarded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation cover the following expenses:
- Tuition fees;
- Health insurance;
- A monthly allowance of 900 Euros for the entire duration of the grant;
- A lump sum of 500 Euros for travel expenses.
The grants do not cover:
- Accommodation expenses;
- Any other expenses not expressly indicated above.
The duration of the grants is 6 or 9 months, depending on the program or course of study.
Renewals
Grant renewals for the academic year 2023-24 are possible for the following categories:
- Master’s Degree courses (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo): renewals are possible for the second year of the course only;
- Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM): renewals are possible for the second year of the course only;
- PhD programs: renewals are possible for the second and third year of the program only;
- Research projects under academic supervision: renewals are possible for a maximum of two consecutive terms of 6 or 9 months each.
The renewal request must be submitted through the Study in Italy portal by the deadline of October 20th, 2023, 2:00 pm CET.
Conclusion
The MAECI scholarship 2023 is a great opportunity for foreign and Italian citizens living abroad who wish to pursue their academic and research interests in Italy. The grants cover tuition fees, health insurance, and provide a monthly allowance and a lump sum for travel expenses.
The selection process is rigorous, and applicants must meet certain requirements and provide all the necessary documentation. However, the effort is worth it, as the benefits of studying in Italy are numerous, ranging from a high-quality education system to the opportunity to learn a new language and immerse oneself in a new culture.
If you are eligible for the MAECI scholarship 2023, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to further your education and broaden your horizons.
