University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 in Italy (Fully Funded)

If studying at the world’s oldest university in the heart of Europe sounds like your ideal academic future, the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Known officially as the International Talents at Unibo program, this fully funded scholarship invites outstanding international students to pursue Master’s degree programs in Italy with generous financial support that covers tuition fees, a substantial annual study grant, and more. The University of Bologna — Alma Mater Studiorum — was founded in 1088 and carries a legacy of academic excellence that is unmatched anywhere in the world. Ranked 154th globally by QS in 2025 and first in Italy, it is one of the most sought-after destinations for international graduate study in Europe. Read on for everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, required documents, and how to apply.

About the University of Bologna Scholarship

The Alma Mater Studiorum — University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest continuously operating university in the Western world. Based in the city of Bologna in northern Italy, it has grown over nine centuries into a sprawling institution that spans five campuses across Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini. Today, it is home to more than 90,000 students and offers over 260 degree programs across 32 departments and 5 schools, including 84 programs specifically designed for international students and 68 programs delivered entirely in English.

The university’s global standing is well established. It consistently ranks as the top university in Italy and places among the best 20 in Europe. Beyond rankings, its strength lies in research output, academic diversity, and an exceptionally rich multicultural environment. Students and professors from more than 100 countries contribute to an intellectual atmosphere that is both rigorous and deeply global.

The International Talents at University of Bologna Scholarship initiative was created to attract academically exceptional graduates from outside Italy who wish to enroll in the university’s second-cycle degree programs. Unlike many scholarships that are awarded based on need alone, this one is highly merit-driven, with selection based on standardized test scores, academic qualifications, and verified financial status. It is one of the most competitive and prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunities available to international students in Europe today.

What also makes Bologna a compelling destination is the city itself. Bologna is one of Italy’s most liveable, culturally vibrant, and gastronomically celebrated cities. The cost of living, while not the cheapest in Italy, is significantly lower than cities like Milan or Rome, making the scholarship grant go further for day-to-day expenses.

University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 Summary

Benefits of the University of Bologna Scholarship

The International Talents at University of Bologna Scholarship provides a combination of financial and academic benefits that effectively cover the core costs of studying in Italy. Here is a detailed breakdown of what recipients receive.

Unibo Action 1 — Tuition Fee Waiver

• A complete exemption from all University of Bologna tuition fees for the duration of the enrolled Master’s program.
• Recipients under Action 1 are not required to pay the standard tuition, which can be several thousand euros annually for international students.
• Note: A small mandatory administrative fee of €157.04 still applies. This covers regional taxes, stamp duty, and the mandatory insurance premium. Amounts may be subject to annual adjustment.

Unibo Action 2 — Study Grant Plus Tuition Waiver

• A study grant of €6,500 gross per academic year, paid in three installments throughout the year.
• The grant is renewable for a second academic year, subject to maintaining the required merit standards throughout the first year of enrollment.
• Recipients under Action 2 also receive the full tuition fee waiver that comes with Action 1, meaning the grant is an addition to, not a replacement for, the fee exemption.
• The total financial value of Action 2 over a two-year Master’s program can therefore reach up to €13,000 in grants, in addition to tuition savings.

Additional Benefits

• Access to all University of Bologna academic facilities, including libraries, research centers, laboratories, and career support services.
• Access to reduced-cost regional services through ER.GO (the regional student services organization), including subsidized accommodation in university halls of residence and grants toward private rental costs, subject to separate application.
• Discounted meals at university canteens and participating partner establishments across all five campuses.
• Reduced-price public transport passes in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini.
• A multicultural academic environment with students and faculty from over 100 countries.
• Opportunity to access Erasmus+ and other international mobility programs during the degree.
• Access to tutoring programs and student support networks within the university.

What the Scholarship Does Not Cover

• Visa application fees, residence permit fees, and health insurance costs beyond what is legally provided in Italy.
• Personal travel, accommodation costs outside of ER.GO provisions, and daily living expenses beyond what the €6,500 grant supports.
• Study grants under Action 2 are not automatically renewable; renewal requires meeting annual merit thresholds.

Eligibility Criteria for the University of Bologna Scholarship

Selection is competitive and based on a combination of academic qualifications, standardized test performance, and financial status. All of the following criteria must be met for a valid application.

Qualification Requirement

• Applicants must hold, or be in the process of obtaining, a university qualification that is valid for admission into their chosen Master’s program at the University of Bologna.
• The qualification must have been awarded by an institution outside of the Italian education system. This applies regardless of the applicant’s citizenship. Italian citizens who studied abroad are also eligible.
• Qualifications issued by institutions of the Republic of San Marino do not satisfy this requirement.
• Students with Italian high school qualifications obtained at Italian schools abroad may also apply in certain cases.

Age Requirement

• Applicants must be under 30 years of age at the time of the application deadline.

Standardized Test Requirement

• For first-cycle (Bachelor’s) and single-cycle degree programs: Applicants must have taken the SAT test and/or the TOLC test by the application deadline.
• For second-cycle (Master’s) programs: Applicants must have taken the GRE General Test by the application deadline. The GRE score must be submitted officially through ETS to the University of Bologna before the deadline.
• Selection ranking is heavily weighted by standardized test scores. Investing in GRE preparation is one of the most impactful things an applicant can do to improve their chances.

Financial Status Requirement

• Applicants must demonstrate a family financial status equivalent to an ISEE (Italian economic status indicator) of between €16,000 and €35,000.
• For students whose families are outside Italy, an equivalent financial declaration is required. The exact documentation requirements are specified in the official call published on the university website each cycle.
• Students whose family income falls outside this range may not be eligible for the scholarship, even if their academic credentials are strong.

Enrollment Status

• The scholarship is intended for students who are newly matriculating in a second-cycle program at the University of Bologna for the relevant academic year.
• Students who have previously enrolled in a first, single, or second-cycle degree program at the University of Bologna that ended after the 2023/24 academic year are regarded as existing students and may face additional eligibility rules.
• Withdrawals from previous programs must be submitted before the publication of the call to be considered a fresh applicant.

Required Documents for the University of Bologna Scholarship Application

All documents must be submitted in PDF format through the Studenti Online portal. Documents must be in English, Italian, French, or Spanish. Non-original language documents must be accompanied by certified translations.

• Valid passport copy: A clear, high-resolution scan of your current passport. EU citizens may alternatively submit a national identity card.
• Academic qualification certificate: The degree certificate for the qualification required for admission to your chosen Master’s program. Final-year students who have not yet graduated may submit a current transcript showing completed courses and grades, with a note that the degree is pending.
• Academic transcripts: Complete official transcripts from your university, listing all courses taken, grades received, and credits earned. These are required alongside the degree certificate.
• GRE score report (Master’s applicants): An unofficial copy of your GRE General Test score report must be uploaded at application time. The official score must also be sent directly from ETS to the University of Bologna using the designated institutional code before the deadline. Confirm the correct code on the official scholarship call.
• SAT / TOLC scores (Bachelor’s and single-cycle applicants): Official scores from the SAT and/or TOLC test, as specified in the call for the relevant program level.
• Financial status documentation: Documents required to verify family economic status equivalent to the Italian ISEE between €16,000 and €35,000. Specific accepted documents and format requirements are detailed in the official annual call. Students in Italy submit ISEE certification; international applicants submit equivalent financial declarations.
• English language proficiency evidence (if required): Proof of English language ability may be required by specific degree programs. This could be an IELTS certificate, a university medium of instruction letter, or another accepted form of evidence as outlined by the individual program’s admission requirements.
• Any additional program-specific documents: Some Master’s programs require additional materials such as a motivation letter, research statement, or portfolio. These are not part of the scholarship application itself but are required for program admission through separate channels.

Important: The scholarship application through Studenti Online is separate from the degree program admission process. Applicants must complete both. Admission to a degree program must be pursued independently through the program’s own application portal and deadlines.

Application Timeline for the University of Bologna Scholarship

The University of Bologna publishes official scholarship calls on an annual cycle. Below is the expected timeline based on the most recent available cycle, which applicants for 2026/27 should use as a reference until the official call is published.

Call Publication

• The official call for applications is typically published in January of the academic year preceding enrollment. For the 2026/27 academic year, the call is expected to be published in early 2026.

Application Window

• Applications open following the publication of the official call, generally in the early months of the calendar year.
• The application window runs for several months, allowing applicants time to complete their GRE or SAT, gather financial documents, and prepare their submissions.

Application Deadline

• Based on the previous cycle, the application deadline falls around 30 May 2026 at 12:00 CEST. This deadline is firm and applies to both the online application submission and the receipt of official GRE scores from ETS.
• Applicants should aim to complete their GRE at least four to six weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for ETS to process and transmit official scores.

Results Announcement

• Results are typically announced in June, following the evaluation of all submitted applications and standardized test scores.
• Successful candidates are notified directly and proceed with enrollment for the academic year beginning in September or October.

Given that the 2026/27 call has not yet been published at the time of writing, applicants should check the official University of Bologna study grants and subsidies page regularly for the exact opening date, deadline, and any changes to requirements.

How to Apply for the University of Bologna Scholarship

The application process is entirely online and managed through the university’s official Studenti Online platform. There are two parallel tracks you must complete: one for the scholarship and one for degree admission. Do not confuse them.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Register on Studenti Online: Visit studenti.unibo.it and click on ‘Register.’ Select ‘International Student Registration’ if you do not have an Italian tax ID (codice fiscale). Fill in all required personal information to match your passport exactly. Replace the default PUK code with a personal password upon your first login.
2. Log In and Access Calls: After registration, log back in to Studenti Online. Navigate to the ‘Calls’ section from your dashboard.
3. Select the International Talents at Unibo Call: Find the scholarship call for the 2026/27 academic year. It will be named something along the lines of ‘Call for applications International Talents at Unibo.’ Click to open it and verify that you meet all eligibility requirements before proceeding.
4. Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required fields accurately. Indicate the second-cycle degree program you intend to enroll in. Double-check all contact details and personal information before moving to the document upload stage.
5. Upload Required Documents: Upload all documents listed in the Required Documents section above. Files must be in PDF format and in English, Italian, French, or Spanish. Ensure clarity and legibility of all scans.
6. Submit Your Official GRE Score via ETS: Log into your ETS account and request that your official GRE General Test scores be sent directly to the University of Bologna using their official ETS code. This must be done before the deadline. The ETS processing time can take up to 10 days or more, so do not leave this step to the last minute.
7. Submit the Application: Review all sections of your application carefully. Once satisfied, submit it through Studenti Online. You should receive a confirmation acknowledgment. Save or screenshot this for your records.
8. Apply Separately for Degree Program Admission: Your scholarship application does not enroll you in a degree program. You must also apply for admission through the specific Master’s program portal. Each program has its own deadlines, requirements, and admission procedures. Check the University of Bologna’s second-cycle programs page to find the admission process for your chosen program and follow it independently.
9. Monitor Your Email for Results: Results are announced in June. Keep an eye on your inbox and spam folder. If you are selected, follow the subsequent steps for enrollment and document verification as directed by the university.

Tips for a Winning Application

• Start preparing for the GRE at least three to four months before the application deadline. A strong GRE score is the single most impactful factor in your scholarship ranking.
• Choose a Master’s program that genuinely aligns with your academic background. Admission committees look for coherence between your previous studies and your chosen degree.
• Gather your financial documents early. The ISEE-equivalent documentation can take time to obtain, especially from international authorities.
• Make sure your GRE institutional score submission is set up well in advance. ETS delivery timelines are not always fast, and a late score arrival could disqualify your application even if it was otherwise complete.
• All documents must be in an accepted language. If your transcripts or certificates are in another language, arrange certified translations early to avoid delays.
• Check the specific admission requirements for your chosen Master’s program separately, and apply for admission through that program’s own portal in parallel with the scholarship application.

FAQs About the University of Bologna Scholarship

Who is eligible for the University of Bologna International Talents Scholarship?

Any international student whose university qualification was obtained at an institution outside the Italian education system is eligible to apply, regardless of citizenship. Even Italian citizens who studied abroad qualify under this definition. Applicants must be under 30 years of age at the deadline and must meet the financial status and test score requirements set out in the official call.

Is IELTS required for the University of Bologna Scholarship?

The scholarship itself does not require IELTS. However, individual Master’s degree programs may have their own English language requirements, particularly for English-taught programs. These are set by each program and are separate from the scholarship application. Check your specific program’s admission page for language requirements.

How competitive is the University of Bologna Scholarship?

The scholarship is highly competitive. Only 30 awards are offered per intake for Master’s applicants, drawn from an international pool of candidates. The primary ranking criterion is your GRE General Test score, combined with academic merit and verified financial need. Investing serious preparation time in GRE study is strongly recommended.

Can I apply from any country?

Yes. There are no nationality restrictions. Students from Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond are all eligible, provided they meet the qualification and other criteria. The key requirement is that your degree was obtained from a non-Italian institution.

Is the University of Bologna scholarship renewable?

Under Action 2, the study grant of €6,500 is awarded for up to two academic years, meaning it can be renewed for the second year of a two-year Master’s program. However, renewal is conditional on meeting the required merit performance during the first year. Students who fail to maintain the required academic progress may not receive the grant in the second year.

When are results announced for the University of Bologna Scholarship?

Based on the most recent cycle, results are typically announced in June, approximately two to four weeks after the May application deadline. Successful applicants are notified by the university and proceed with degree enrollment for the autumn semester.

What is the difference between Unibo Action 1 and Action 2?

Action 1 refers to a full tuition fee waiver only. Action 2 refers to the full tuition waiver combined with a €6,500 annual study grant. Both fall under the International Talents at University of Bologna Scholarship framework, and applicants are ranked for both based on GRE score and financial status. The call documentation each year will specify the exact allocation and ranking methodology.

Final Thoughts on the University of Bologna Scholarship

The University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 stands out as one of the most distinguished and genuinely worthwhile fully funded scholarship opportunities available to international students in Europe. Few things in academic life compare to the experience of studying at the world’s oldest university, in a country celebrated for its art, food, history, and intellectual tradition, while receiving financial support that makes the entire experience accessible.

The University of Bologna Scholarship is merit-driven, which means your effort in GRE preparation, your academic record, and the strength of your application all translate directly into your chances of selection. There is no lottery here. The harder and smarter you prepare, the better positioned you are to receive one of the 30 available awards.

Beyond the financial benefits, the University of Bologna opens doors. Graduates from Alma Mater Studiorum carry a credential that is recognized and respected across the world, in academia, research, policy, business, and every professional field. The multicultural campus environment, access to Erasmus mobility, and the university’s deep research networks mean that the value of this scholarship extends well beyond the two years of study.

If you qualify, do not hesitate. Track the official Unibo study grants page for the publication of the 2026/27 call, register on Studenti Online as soon as the call opens, and begin your GRE preparation now. The May 2026 deadline comes faster than expected, and early preparation is the most reliable predictor of success.

Apply Now for the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026

Submit your application through the official Studenti Online portal before the deadline. Visit the University of Bologna’s official study grants page to access the call, program details, and application instructions: Apply at the Official University of Bologna Scholarships Portal

Thirty scholarships. Thousands of applicants. A single opportunity to study at the world’s oldest and one of Europe’s finest universities, fully supported. Start preparing today and give yourself the best possible chance of securing your place.

Need Help With Your Scholarship Application?

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