Guide for International Students on 2025–26 in Italy Scholarships from CICOPS

Through the CICOPS Scholarship program, Italy invites academics from developing nations to visit, work, and interact with their academics every year. It could be the ideal option for you if you are a researcher or professor from a developing nation seeking a fully funded opportunity in Europe.

From eligibility and benefits to application instructions, deadlines, and contact information, this manual will provide you with everything you need to know about the CICOPS Scholarships for 2025–26.

Offered by the University of Pavia in Italy, the CICOPS Scholarship is a brief research opportunity.

Committee for International Cooperation and Development (CICOPS). The program is not for students; this initiative was designed for researchers, professors, and academic staff from developing countries who wish to work on research with the University of Pavia faculty.

It provides an opportunity for international collaboration and facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge with Italian colleagues.

Who offers the CICOPS Scholarship?

In partnership with EDiSU (Institute for the Right to University Study), the University of Pavia provides the scholarship. It falls under the supervision of the university’s CICOPS Committee.

For what sort of course is this?

Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees are examples of full-time academic courses that this scholarship excludes. It is specifically designed for short-term research visits, lasting between 4 and 12 weeks, during which the scholar collaborates with a professor from the University of Pavia on a project.

Who qualifies for the CICOPS Scholarship?

As defined by the World Bank, this opportunity is only available to citizens of emerging nations. You also have to:

• Employment at a research facility or university in a developing nation.
• Have two or more years of research or instruction experience.
• Seeking to collaborate with a University of Pavia professor.
• Not now registered in a doctoral or postgraduate program in Italy.

Where should the research project site be?

Your investigation will be carried out at the University of Pavia in Pavia, Lombardy, Italy.

Among other disciplines included are:

• Technologies and Science
• Life Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Economics
• Education
• Public Health

You need to find a professor at the University of Pavia whose research area aligns with yours.

How much does scholarship assistance cost?

Including full funding, the CICOPS Scholarship offers:

• Ticket for a round-trip to Italy.
• University residence accommodations
• Foods or a meal allowance.
• Health plan.
• €150 per week as a living allowance (before taxes).

It guarantees that you won’t have to stress about fundamental living costs during your time in Italy.

The primary benefits are:

• Work with Italian academics.
• Develop yourself in a novel research setting.
• Develop global intellectual networks.
• Visit Italy, a stunning European nation, for a travel and living experience.
• Covered all costs, no financial tension.

What Restrictions Does the Scholarship Have?

Although this is a fantastic chance, there are some drawbacks:

• It is not a curriculum leading to a diploma.
• It awards only six scholarships per year, making it a highly competitive program.
• You must obtain a letter of invitation from a Professor at the University of Pavia before submitting.
• You must return to your native country after the research period.

Eligibility Checklist

You are eligible if:

• You are a citizen of a nation in progress.
• Working at a university or research organisation is what you do.
• You have at least two years of teaching or research background.
• A professor at the University of Pavia can provide you with an invitation letter.
• You are not a PhD candidate or any other academic program in Italy.

Required Application Papers

You have to submit:

1. Application form online.
2.  European-style curriculum vitae (CV).
3.  Invitation letter from a professor at the University of Pavia.
4.  A short paper outlining your plans for your stay is known as a research proposal.
5.  Copy of passport (with personal information).
6.  Evidence of experience or academic achievement.

Check that all paperwork is in Spanish, Italian, French, or English.

 Follow these basic instructions:

1. Visit the official website: https://cicops.unipv.it/cicops-scholarships/
2. Find a University of Pavia instructor whose work correlates with yours.
3. Reach out to the professor and inquire whether they would be open to overseeing your project. Should they accept, request an invitation letter.
4. Gather all your papers (CV, passport, proposal, etc.).
5. Complete the online application form found on the CICOPS website.
6. Submit your application and upload your papers.

 When is the final date to submit?

• May 31st 2025
• Between January 12 and December 18, 2026: Research visit period.

You have the choice to visit either:

• January 12th to July 24th, 2026
• or September 7th through December 18th, 2026

 Telephone Information:

• Email: cicops@unipv.it
• Phone number: +39 0382 984 225
• Postal Address:

 University of Pavia’s CICOPS

 Strada Nuova 65,

 Pavia, Italy 27100

Official Website:

CICOPS Updates can be found at https://cicops.unipv.it/cicops-scholarships/

 For scholarship news, you may follow the official channels of Pavia University:

• 🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/universitapavia
• 📸 Instagram: @unipavia
• 🐦 Twitter (X): @unipavia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Am I eligible without a letter of invitation?

No, a letter of invitation from a professor at the University of Pavia is required. Your application will be rejected without it.

How long may I remain in Italy under this scholarship?

As of 2026, during the program period, you are allowed to stay for about 4-12 weeks.

Will I get a diploma or a certificate?

Not one of those degrees. Although you may receive a participation certificate, it is essentially a short research visit.

Family members get no financial support.

This scholarship is meant only for the chosen student.

Each year, how many people are selected?

Only six academics are selected each year, making the competition fierce.

Do I need to know Italian?

No. Knowing Italian is not necessary. Having excellent English skills, however, will aid in research and communication.

Final Thoughts

Researchers from poor nations have an excellent chance to work with elite Italian professors, broaden their academic experience, and take pleasure in a fully paid stay in one of Europe’s most beautiful nations, thanks to the CICOPS Scholarships 2025–26.

Although the field is strong, you stand a fair chance if you meet the standards and organise well.

Don’t miss the May 31 deadline if you are prepared to move toward the next stage of your academic career.