Italian Government Bilateral Scholarship (MAECI)
The Italian Government Bilateral Scholarship — known as MAECI after the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation — is the most accessible route for Sri Lankan students seeking funded study in Italy. The award pays €900/month for up to 9 months per academic year, plus a tuition waiver at participating state-recognised institutions and Italian state health insurance enrolment. Sri Lanka is on the eligible-countries list; selection is administered by the Italian Embassy in Colombo (which covers Sri Lanka and the Maldives). Awards cover Master's, PhD, AFAM arts/music conservatory programmes, and intensive Italian-language courses. Strong fit for applicants targeting design, architecture, fashion, classical music, art history, or specialised Italian-taught humanities.
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Monthly Stipend
€900/month for up to 9 months
Tuition
Waived at state-recognised institutions
Annual Awards (Sri Lanka)
Small Quota — Verify with Italian Embassy Colombo
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Sri Lankan Citizenship
Reserved for Sri Lankan citizens residing in Sri Lanka. Dual citizens may be eligible — confirm with the Italian Embassy in Colombo before applying.
Programme Type
Master's degrees (Laurea Magistrale), PhD programmes, AFAM higher arts/music/dance programmes, intensive Italian-language courses, and certain Specialisation Schools at Italian state-recognised institutions are all eligible.
Age Limits
Master's applicants: typically under 28; PhD applicants: under 30; AFAM and Italian-language course applicants: under 28. Some flexibility for professionals — check the year's specific call.
Italian B2 (or English for English-Taught Programmes)
For Italian-taught programmes: B2 Italian (CILS/CELI/PLIDA certificate) is required at award time. For English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent. PhD candidates may have language requirements waived by the host PhD school.
account_tree Application Process
Identify your target programme
Browse the official Universitaly.it directory for state-recognised Master's, PhD, and AFAM programmes. Many are taught in English, especially at Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza, and Padova. Bookmark 1-3 programmes that fit your profile.
Apply via the Study in Italy portal
When the year's call opens (typically February), register and apply via studyinitaly.esteri.it. Upload CV, motivation letter, transcripts, language certificate, and the specific programme you wish to attend. The portal closes around mid-June.
Embassy review + selection
The Italian Embassy in Colombo reviews Sri Lankan applications and shortlists candidates. You may be invited for an interview at the embassy. Final selection happens in Rome at the MAECI level — outcomes are typically published in July.
Acceptance + visa
Selected candidates accept the scholarship and pursue admission to their target Italian institution. Apply for the long-stay Type D student visa via VFS Italy (Colombo). The scholarship is paid monthly across the 9-month award period.
Why MAECI?
MAECI is one of the few Italian government scholarships explicitly open to Sri Lankan citizens, and it stacks with Italy's already-low public-university tuition (Bocconi excluded). The €900/month stipend covers comfortable living costs in most Italian cities outside Milan / Rome. Italy also offers a 12-month post-study residence permit for job-seeking after graduation.
Open to SL
Verified Country Eligibility
12 mo
Post-Study Job-Search Permit
Annual
Italian Embassy Colombo Call
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