Hey future global scholars! Ever dreamed of studying in Italy, soaking up incredible culture, and boosting your career? Well, buckle up, because the Italian Government Bursary 2025 could make that dream a reality for South African students and other eligible foreign citizens! This amazing opportunity, offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), is designed to help international students like you pursue various study, training, and research programs at top public and legally recognized Italian Higher Education Institutes.
It’s a fantastic chance to gain world-class education, immerse yourself in a new culture, and truly globalize your academic journey. Ready to discover how?
Who Can Apply?
This incredible bursary is for foreign citizens not residing in Italy, including South African students, and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) from specific countries. To be eligible, you generally need to:
- Hold the appropriate academic qualification required for your chosen program at an Italian University/Institute. You can find more info on the application procedures here: Study in Italy Application Procedures.
- Be within the specified age limits for your chosen level of study:
- Master’s Degree (2nd cycle), AFAM, or advanced Italian Language & Culture Courses: Must be under 28 years old by 16 May 1996 (born after May 16, 1996).
- PhD Programmes: Must be under 30 years old by 16 May 1994 (born after May 16, 1994).
- Research Projects under academic supervision: Must be under 40 years old by 16 May 1984 (born after May 16, 1984).
- Bachelor’s Degree (1st cycle) or Single Cycle Degree: Must be under 23 years old by 16 May 2002 (born after May 16, 2002).
- Meet the language proficiency requirements:
- Italian-taught courses: Minimum B2 level in Italian (CEFR).
- English-taught courses: Minimum B2 level in English (CEFR). If English is an official language in your home country and your course is entirely in English, a self-certification might be accepted. No Italian proficiency is required for fully English-taught courses.
- Italian Language and Culture courses: Minimum A2 level in Italian (CEFR).
- PhD programs and Research projects: No language proficiency proof is generally required.
Check the full list of eligible countries and specific criteria in the official Call for Applications document to ensure you qualify: Eligible Countries List.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is designed to give you significant support for your studies in Italy! Here’s what it typically includes:
- Tuition Fees: You might be exempt from paying university enrollment and tuition fees, depending on the specific university’s policy. Note that enrollment fees are usually still due for Italian language and culture courses.
- Health and Medical Insurance: You’ll be covered by health and medical/accident insurance provided by MAECI for the entire duration of your bursary.
- Financial Grant: A generous monthly allowance!
- For most programs (Masters, PhDs, etc.): You’ll receive 9,000 euros, paid in three installments.
- For Italian Language and Culture courses: You’ll receive 3,000 euros, paid in a single installment.
The bursary duration typically ranges from 3 to 9 months, depending on your chosen course. If you show great academic progress, renewals might be possible too!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Here’s what you need to do:
- Read the Call for Applications: This is super important! Make sure you go through the official 2025/2026 Call for Applications document for all the fine print and detailed instructions: 2025/2026 Call for Applications PDF.
- Complete the Online Application: You need to register and submit your application form directly on the official Study in Italy website.
- Submit on Time: The deadline is strict! Make sure your application is submitted by 2:00 PM (Central European Time) on 16 May 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute!
All the magic happens on the official bursary website, so make sure to bookmark it and get started!
Official Bursary Website: https://www.esteri.it/en/opportunita/borse-di-studio/per-cittadini-stranieri/borsestudio_stranieri/
If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore more bursaries on Bursaries Room! Your Italian adventure awaits!