The Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) programme is an Italian Government initiative that has been running since 2005 to build bridges between Italy and a select group of partner countries. It funds international students to pursue Master’s and postgraduate study at Italian universities, and it deliberately ties classroom learning to real workplace experience.
For African applicants from Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana and Tunisia, this is a rare chance to study at top Italian institutions in fields with strong career demand — Engineering and Advanced Technologies, Economics and Management, and Architecture and Design. Courses are taught entirely in English, so you don’t need to be fluent in Italian before you arrive, though you will study the language and culture as part of the programme.
What sets IYT apart is the mandatory internship in an Italian company or trade body. You don’t just earn a degree; you gain hands-on exposure to Italian industry, which can be a serious advantage when you return home or build an international career.
Scholarship benefits
- A scholarship worth €9,000, paid as €1,000 per month over 9 months.
- Exemption from tuition fees at the host Italian university.
- Access to over 250 English-taught Master’s courses at leading Italian universities.
- Italian language and culture study built into your programme.
- A mandatory internship with an Italian company or trade association.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You are a national of one of the eligible countries, which include Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana and Tunisia (the full list also covers Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Paraguay, Peru, China, Turkey, Uruguay and Vietnam).
- ✔ You hold a qualification that allows enrolment in a Master’s or postgraduate course at your chosen institution.
- ✔ You are a foreign student — undergraduates are not eligible.
- ✔ You are not currently studying at an Italian university and have not already obtained an Italian university qualification.
- ✔ You have submitted a pre-admission application to one of the IYT courses, following each university’s procedures, and apply for only one course (a second choice appears automatically for limited-enrolment courses).
- ✔ You meet the age limit set in the current Call for Applications (note: this varies by edition; renewal candidates are exempt).
- ✔ You can prove English proficiency from CEFR level B2 upward — a university degree taught in English may be accepted as proof of C1 level.
- ✔ You provide a certificate of Italian language knowledge or a signed commitment to study Italian before departure.
Application tips for African students
- Sort your English certificate early. You need proof from CEFR B2 upward. If you sit IELTS or TOEFL, book the test weeks ahead so your score arrives before the 11 May deadline. If your degree was taught in English, request the official university letter that confirms this.
- Apply for university admission first. The scholarship depends on being admitted to your chosen course, so submit your pre-admission application to the university promptly and follow that institution’s specific instructions.
- Choose one course strategically. You may apply for only one programme, so research the 250+ options carefully and pick the one that fits your background and career goals.
- Get transcripts and certificates certified and translated. Have your academic documents legalised and, where required, officially translated well in advance — embassy and notary queues in many African countries can be slow.
- Show your commitment to Italian. Even a simple declaration that you will study Italian before departure is required, so prepare this document and consider starting a beginner course to demonstrate genuine interest.
- Prepare for the visa and proof-of-funds stage. Once admitted, start gathering passport, financial and accommodation documents early so your Italian study visa is processed in time for the AY 2026/2027 start.
- Don’t wait for the last week. Online portals get congested near deadlines; submit your IYT platform application with days to spare.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official IYT platform, and you must also complete a pre-admission application to your chosen course at the relevant university. The scholarship deadline is 11 May 2026 (annual), with courses starting in academic year 2026/2027. Always read the current Call for Applications for full instructions and confirm details on the official page: Official Scholarship Website.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship?
Foreign nationals from the listed eligible countries — which include Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana and Tunisia — who hold a qualification valid for Master’s or postgraduate enrolment. Undergraduates, current Italian university students, and holders of an Italian university qualification are not eligible.
What does the scholarship cover?
It is worth €9,000, paid as €1,000 per month over nine months, and includes exemption from tuition fees at the host university.
Do I need to speak Italian?
Courses are taught entirely in English, so you need English proficiency from CEFR B2 upward. However, you must also provide a certificate of Italian knowledge or commit in writing to study Italian before you leave for Italy.
What fields of study are available?
You can choose from over 250 Master’s courses across three areas: Engineering and Advanced Technologies, Management and Economics, and Design and Architecture.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is 11 May 2026, for studies beginning in academic year 2026/2027. Note that applications were closed at the time this page was last updated, so check the official site for the open application window.
Is there an internship?
Yes. Every IYT student completes a mandatory internship with an Italian company or trade association representative of the region, alongside the study of Italian language and culture.