Italy opens new assistance programs for Cubans: Here’s how you could study or conduct research there

The Embassy of Italy in Cuba has opened a call for financial aid aimed at researchers, educators, experts, personalities, and cultural agents in Cuba who wish to undertake stays at Italian universities or cultural institutions, with application deadline until July 31, 2026.

The call, published on April 22, is managed by Office VI - DGCE of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and is part of an annual program that is simultaneously replicated at multiple Italian embassies around the world.

According to the official announcement published by the Embassy, the objective is "to promote the development of strategic alliances and cultural and scientific projects between foreign and Italian institutions."

The assistance consists of a fixed daily rate calculated based on the destination and the duration of the stay, aimed at partially covering accommodation expenses.

The program operates in both directions: it also benefits Italian researchers and educators invited to Cuban institutions for study or research.

The funded activities must take place between January 1 and November 15, 2026, so interested parties should submit their applications well in advance of the deadline.

Applications must be sent via email to two addresses: the Embassy of Italy in Havana (segreteria.avana@esteri.it) and the VI Office – DGCE of the MAECI (dgce06.missioni@esteri.it).

The required documentation includes the forms available in the annexes of the call, an invitation letter from the Italian institution, a curriculum vitae, and a copy of the identity document, among other supporting documents.

This announcement marks the second academic opportunity announced by the Italian Embassy this year. In March 2026, the same diplomatic office had opened full scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year through the Study in Italy portal, aimed at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students.

Both initiatives reflect an active agenda of academic and cultural cooperation between Italy and Cuba, which includes previous projects such as "Don't Let the Curtain Fall!", funded in 2018 by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for the restoration of cultural infrastructure on the island.

Those interested in obtaining more information and accessing the forms should refer to the document attached to the call, available on the official page of the Embassy of Italy in Havana.