The Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) scholarship is a government-funded programme that supports international students pursuing Master’s degrees in Italy. It combines academic study, Italian language training, and a mandatory internship in an Italian company, making it one of the structured study-and-work opportunities in Europe for postgraduate students.
The 2026–2027 cycle continues to target high-achieving students from selected countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
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- Scholarship Name: Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)
- Level: Master’s and postgraduate
- Funding: €10,800 per year + tuition exemption
- Deadline: 11 May 2026
- Start Date: October 2026
- Duration: 9 months (renewable)
- Language: English-taught programmes + Italian training
- Internship: Mandatory in Italian companies
- Eligible Countries: Selected countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America
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What is the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship?
The Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship is a merit-based funding programme designed to attract international students to Italian universities for postgraduate study.
It integrates three key components:
- Master’s degree or postgraduate study at Italian universities
- Italian language and cultural training
- Mandatory internship in an Italian company or organisation
The programme is designed to connect higher education with Italy’s industrial ecosystem while promoting international academic cooperation.
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Fields of Study Covered
The programme focuses on career-oriented disciplines aligned with Italy’s economic sectors. All courses are taught in English, with Italian language learning included as part of the programme. Here is the list of eligible courses at different Italian Universities.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates receive a structured financial and academic package:
- Annual scholarship of €10,800
- Paid in quarterly instalments
- Full or partial tuition fee exemption at participating universities
- Mandatory internship placement in Italy
- Italian language and cultural training
Additional costs such as travel, accommodation, and insurance are not included.
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Eligibility Criteria of Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic requirement
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is required for admission to a master’s program in Italy
Language requirement
- English proficiency at a minimum B2 level (CEFR)
- Italian language knowledge or commitment to learn before departure
Additional conditions
- Age limit: born on or after 1 January 2000 (for current cycle rules)
- Must apply to only one eligible programme
- Pre-admission to an Italian university is required
Students already enrolled in Italian universities are not eligible.
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Eligible Countries
Students from these countries are eligible for the Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship:
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Brasile
- Chile
- Colombia
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Paraguay
- Peru
- People’s Republic of China
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
Required Documents
Applicants must submit all documents online:
- Academic transcripts and a degree certificate
- English language certificate (minimum B2 level)
- Italian language certificate or declaration of commitment
- Curriculum vitae (one page)
- Valid passport copy
- Short motivation video (maximum 59 seconds)
Incomplete applications are not accepted.
Application Deadline and Timeline 2026–2027
- Application opening: 20 April 2026
- Deadline: 11 May 2026 (6:00 PM Italian time)
- Selection results: Summer 2026
- Programme start: October 2026
The scholarship duration is 9 months for the first academic year, with possible renewal for a second year based on academic performance.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a technical committee involving:
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
- Italian Trade Agency
- Uni-Italia
Selection is based on:
- Academic merit
- Language proficiency
- Motivation and study plan
- Course eligibility and country quota allocation
Internship Requirement
A mandatory internship is a core part of the programme. Students are placed in Italian companies or professional organisations relevant to their field of study. This component is designed to improve employability and provide practical industry exposure during the degree.
Renewal Conditions
To continue into the second year, students must:
- Complete at least 30 ECTS credits
- Maintain attendance in Italian language courses
- Submit required academic and internship documentation
Failure to meet requirements may result in loss of renewal eligibility.
Incompatibility Rule
The scholarship cannot be combined with other Italian government or public scholarships, including Erasmus+ and regional funding schemes. Applicants must choose a single funding option if multiple awards are offered.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Invest Your Talent in Italy programme is structured to combine higher education with real industry exposure. Unlike traditional scholarships, it links academic learning with internships in Italian companies, making it relevant for students aiming for international careers in Europe and beyond.
Conclusion
The Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship 2026–2027 remains a competitive opportunity for international students seeking fully supported Master’s studies in Italy. With its combination of funding, academic training, and industry placement, it continues to attract applicants from around the world.
The next application cycle opens in April 2026, with a short submission window and strict eligibility requirements.
