Invest Your Talent in Italy 2026

Overview

Invest Your Talent in Italy is an internationalisation programme run by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), together with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and Uni-Italia, with support from the Ministry of University and Research. It pairs high-achieving international graduates with selected Italian universities and companies, combining a postgraduate master's degree with a structured internship in an Italian firm. The point is to strengthen academic and professional ties between Italy and partner countries while giving students hands-on exposure to Italian business and innovation.

This is the eleventh edition, for the 2026/2027 academic year. The programme is built around three themes that reflect Italy's industrial and creative strengths: Engineering and High Technologies, Architecture and Design, and Economics and Management. Students take taught master's programmes delivered partly or fully in English at participating universities, then complete an internship that ties their studies to real workplace experience. Because it is government-backed and industry-linked, the programme is competitive and well regarded among employers in Italy.

This guide explains who can apply, what the scholarship covers, how the application works through the participating universities and the official MAECI portal, and how to build a strong application. Confirm the exact figures, eligible countries, and deadlines against the official Invest Your Talent in Italy portal before you apply, as details can change between editions.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Programme: Invest Your Talent in Italy 2026/2027 (11th edition)
• Promoted by: MAECI, ICE (Italian Trade Agency) and Uni-Italia
• Host country: Italy
• Level of study: Master's degree / postgraduate master programmes
• Fields: Engineering and High Technologies, Architecture and Design, Economics and Management (including ICT)
• Scholarship value: Monthly maintenance grant (around 900 euros per month, paid as an annual grant) plus tuition fee exemption
• Internship: Structured internship in an Italian company (typically a minimum of three months)
• Language: Master's programmes generally taught in English
• Eligibility: Citizens permanently resident in one of the eligible partner countries
• Application portal: Official Invest Your Talent in Italy application platform via esteri.it

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is aimed at international graduates who want a master's degree in Italy plus professional experience. Eligibility hinges on nationality, residence, and academic background, and the official call sets the binding requirements each year.

• Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of one of the programme's eligible partner countries. Past lists have included Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Peru, the People's Republic of China, Tunisia, Turkey and Vietnam, among others.
• Candidates should hold a qualifying undergraduate degree that gives access to a master's in one of the three themes, or be close to finishing it.
• A good academic record is expected, since selection is merit-based and competitive.
• Applicants must meet the admission and language requirements of the master's programme they choose, usually proof of English proficiency.
• Age and other formal limits may apply depending on the edition and the host university.

Scholarship Benefits

The programme pairs financial support with a guaranteed placement, which is what separates it from a plain tuition scholarship.

• Maintenance grant: A monthly living allowance, generally around 900 euros per month, paid out as an annual grant to help with living costs during studies.
• Tuition exemption: Exemption from university tuition fees, though students may still owe minor administrative charges such as the regional tax for the right to study and stamp duty.
• Company internship: A structured internship in an Italian company, arranged through the host university, giving direct experience in the student's field.
• Career and network value: Access to a government and industry-backed network linking graduates with Italian employers and the wider Made in Italy ecosystem.
• Academic quality: Enrolment in master's programmes at established Italian universities, generally taught in English.

The exact amounts, number of installments, and internship length depend on the official call and the host university, so confirm them before applying.

How to Apply

You apply online through the official MAECI platform, and to selected master's programmes at participating universities. The process generally runs like this.

• Review the list of participating universities and master's programmes in your chosen theme and check their admission requirements.
• Register on the official Invest Your Talent in Italy portal hosted on esteri.it.
• Complete the online application form, selecting up to the allowed number of programme preferences.
• Upload all required documents in the formats the portal asks for.
• Submit before the published deadline and keep your confirmation.
• Participating universities evaluate selected candidates and handle admission and, with MAECI, scholarship allocation.

The portal, the number of allowed preferences, and the supporting steps can change each year, so follow the current official call carefully.

Required Documents

The exact set is defined by the official call and each host university, but applications usually need:

• A valid passport or recognised identity document.
• Your most recent academic qualifications, including transcripts and, where available, your degree certificate.
• A curriculum vitae setting out your education and any work or research experience.
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the programme and your chosen field.
• Proof of English language proficiency, where the master's programme requires it.
• Reference or recommendation letters, if requested.
• Any programme-specific documents listed by the host university.

If your documents are not in English or Italian, prepare official translations or legalisations in advance, as these can take time.

Important Dates & Deadlines

The programme runs on an annual cycle, with applications usually opening in the first months of the year and closing in spring for enrolment the following autumn. For the 2026/2027 edition the application window has been reported to close in May 2026, with classes beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year.

• Application opens: Early in the calendar year (check the official call).
• Application deadline: Reported in May 2026 for the 2026/2027 edition; confirm the exact date and time (Italian time) on the official portal.
• Selection and admission results: Communicated by the host universities after the deadline.
• Programme start: 2026/2027 academic year.

Deadlines are strict and stated in Italian time, so apply well ahead and verify the current date on the official site.

Tips for a Strong Application

Selection is competitive, so a focused, well-evidenced application makes a real difference.

• Choose programmes that genuinely match your background and career goals, and explain that fit clearly in your motivation letter.
• Point to measurable achievements, projects, and any professional or research experience relevant to your theme.
• Connect your goals to Italy's strengths in your field and to the value of the company internship.
• Make sure your documents are complete, correctly translated, and uploaded in the right format.
• Meet the language requirements early and have proof of English proficiency ready before the deadline.
• Submit ahead of time so a last-minute portal issue doesn't sink you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who funds Invest Your Talent in Italy?

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), with ICE (the Italian Trade Agency) and Uni-Italia, and support from the Ministry of University and Research.

Q: What level of study does it cover?

Master's degree and postgraduate master programmes in Engineering and High Technologies, Architecture and Design, and Economics and Management.

Q: Does the scholarship include an internship?

Yes. A structured internship in an Italian company, arranged through the host university, is a defining feature; it typically lasts at least three months.

Q: How much is the grant?

A maintenance grant, generally around 900 euros per month paid as an annual grant, plus tuition fee exemption. Confirm the exact figure in the official call.

Q: Are the courses taught in English?

Master's programmes here are generally delivered in English, but check the specific course requirements.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

Citizens permanently resident in one of the eligible partner countries who meet the academic and language requirements of their chosen master's programme.

Related Scholarships

If you are looking at funded study in Italy and Europe, consider these alongside Invest Your Talent in Italy.

• Italian Government Bilateral Scholarships (MAECI) for foreign students and Italians living abroad.
• Regional right-to-study scholarships offered by Italian regions and individual universities.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarships for study across European universities.
• University-specific merit scholarships and tuition waivers at participating Italian universities.