20 Master’s Scholarships in Sports by the Italian Government for International Students

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The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), in agreement with the University of Rome “Foro Italico”, is launching the second edition of the “Italy Runs Toward the Future” (L’Italia corre verso il futuro) scholarship program for the 2026-2027 academic year. The program offers 20 Master’s scholarships to young African student-athletes wishing to pursue, in Italian, one of two degree courses: “Scienza e Tecnica dello Sport” (Sport Science and Technique) or “Management dello Sport” (Sport Management). The application period runs from 3 June to 30 June 2026 (12:00 noon, Italian time CET).

Each scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,000 paid quarterly, a waiver of university enrollment fees, health insurance covered by MAECI, and the opportunity to complete internships with Italian sports institutions and federations. The scholarship lasts 9 months starting 1 October 2026 and may be renewed for a second year of study.

The program aims to promote cultural exchange between Italy and several countries of the African continent, to support intercultural dialogue, and to build skills in the fields of movement science and sport disciplines. Its goal is to train students in Italy who, upon returning to their home countries, will be able to contribute to the development of the sports sector and to the training of young African athletes.

About the “Italy Runs Toward the Future” Program (2nd Edition)

• LEVEL: Master’s (Laurea Magistrale), 2 years, renewable
• SCHOLARSHIP DURATION: 9 months, starting 1 October 2026 (renewable)
• APPLICATION: from 3 June to 30 June 2026 (12:00 noon CET)
• FUNDING: €1,000/month + fee waiver + health insurance
• TARGET GROUP: student-athletes from 10 African countries
• UNIVERSITY: University of Rome “Foro Italico”
• NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS: 20
• RESULTS: by 31 August 2026 at the latest

Eligible Countries

The scholarships are reserved for nationals of the following ten African countries, who must be stable residents there:

• South Africa
• Angola
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• Uganda
• Senegal
• Tanzania

Available Study Programs

1. Scienza e Tecnica dello Sport (LM-68) – Sport Science and Technique: Study plan
2. Management dello Sport (LM-47) – Sport Management: Study plan

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: hold a qualification valid for enrollment in the chosen Master’s program. For the Master’s in Sport Science and Technique (LM-68), a foreign undergraduate university degree in the field of movement and sport sciences (or an equivalent Italian qualification) is required.
• Pre-admission: have submitted a pre-admission request for one of the two Master’s programs. Eligibility for the scholarship is contingent upon admission to the course chosen by the University.
• Age: be no older than 30 years as of the closing date of the call.
• Language: demonstrate knowledge of the Italian language at a minimum of B2 level (CEFR). A secondary school or university diploma earned through a course of study taught in Italian may be accepted as proof, with certification from the institution.
• Interview: candidates deemed eligible by the University will be invited to an individual remote interview with the University’s language officer (details communicated by email before 8 July 2026).

Required Documents

The application file must include:

• A transcript of examinations (“final transcript”) obtained for the degree valid for enrollment in the Master’s program, including the final grade. If the candidate has completed their course of study but has not yet received the diploma, they may apply by attaching an official certificate from the University attesting to completion of the program.
• A certificate of Italian language proficiency (B2 level).
• A curriculum vitae.
• A motivation letter of no more than one page.
• A valid passport.

The documents must be written in Italian, English, French, or Portuguese (otherwise, translated by an official translator). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Multiple applications submitted through different email addresses will be rejected.

Application Procedure

Applications must be sent exclusively by electronic means, via an email containing all the required documents and indicating the chosen Master’s program, to the address of the University of Rome “Foro Italico”: [email protected]. Files may be submitted from 3 June to 30 June 2026, until 12:00 noon (Italian time CET).

Selection Process

1. Pre-admission: the University reviews each complete application and forwards only the compliant and eligible files to MAECI’s Office VII DGCE, then to the selection committees.
2. Evaluation: a committee established by the Diplomatic Mission responsible for the candidate’s country of origin, including a member appointed by the University, evaluates applications on the basis of the access requirements, the curriculum vitae et studiorum, and the motivation letter.
3. Award: the scholarships, distributed in quotas defined by country, are awarded according to a merit list drawn up by each committee. The committee’s decision is final.
4. Results: the University informs the recipients by 31 August 2026 at the latest.

Duration, Renewal, and Payment of the Scholarship

The scholarship lasts 9 months and begins on 1 October 2026. If enrollment takes place after 15 October 2026, the monthly installments not attended will not be recognized. The allowance amounts to €1,000 per month, paid quarterly into an Italian bank account in the recipient’s name. The first payment is made only after enrollment and submission of the required documents.

Recipients of the 2nd edition (2026-2027) wishing to continue in 2027-2028 may request a renewal of the scholarship, provided they have earned at least 36 university credits (CFU) before 30 September 2027. An internship project will be requested when applying for renewal.

Fees, Insurance, and Specific Conditions

Recipients benefit from a waiver of enrollment fees and university contributions, with the exception of amounts required by law (regional tax for the right to study and stamp duty). MAECI covers a collective health and accident insurance policy for the duration of the scholarship. However, the scholarship covers neither travel costs nor accommodation.

The scholarship covers only attendance at courses on Italian territory: it is not possible to take part in international mobility programs, complete an internship abroad, or conduct thesis research there. It is also incompatible with any other scholarship or financial assistance from the Italian government or Italian public bodies.

FAQ – “Italy Runs Toward the Future” Scholarships 2026-2027

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