Introduction
Studying abroad offers an exceptional platform for global talent to flourish, and securing financial support can make this dream achievable. The Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) Merit‑Based Scholarships for 2025 – 2026 empower outstanding international students to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) at one of Italy’s top technical universities without the burden of tuition fees alone—but also with additional financial rewards. With a focus on engineering, architecture, design and related fields, these awards not only recognise academic excellence but also aim to promote diversity and global engagement.
Below, you will find a full overview of the scholarship programme: a quick summary table, detailed eligibility and benefits, step‑by‑step application guidance, tips on writing your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and securing recommendation letters, helpful application‑day advice, and a section with FAQs. Let’s explore how you can position yourself to access this opportunity.
Quick Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Politecnico di Milano Merit‑Based International Scholarships 2025 |
| Host country | Italy |
| Host institution | Politecnico di Milano |
| Amount / benefits | – Tuition‑fee waiver for full academic year. After School Africa+1 – Additional gross grants ranging from €2,500 up to €10,000 depending on category. YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA+2IlmKidunya+2 |
| Eligibility | International students (non‑Italian nationals) admitted to first year of an English‑taught MSc at PoliMi. Wake Forest Review+1 |
| Deadline(s) | Multiple calls; for example third call for 2025/26: May 19 2025. YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA+1 |
| Fields of study | Engineering (various specialisations), Architecture & Sustainable Architecture, Design & Landscape, Agricultural Engineering, Music and Acoustic Engineering, Energy Engineering, Mechanical/Mechatronics. YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA+1 |
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must satisfy the following criteria (and always check the official call documents for your specific year).
✅ Required criteria
- You must be an international student (i.e., non‑Italian national) applying for the first year of an MSc program taught in English at PoliMi for the academic year 2025‑2026. Wake Forest Review+1
- You must apply to one of the eligible MSc programmes listed by the university (see Fields of Study above). After School Africa+1
- You must pay the MSc programme application fee before submitting the scholarship application. YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA
- You must provide a valid English language certificate, unless exempted (depending on your previous education). IlmKidunya+1
- You must submit your scholarship application via PoliMi’s online services in the “Benefits and Agreements → Economic Benefits → Scholarships for International Master of Science Students a.y. 2025‑2026” section. After School Africa
🎓 Academic background & merit
- You should have an excellent academic record in your bachelor’s degree, ideally with top grades and relevant background for the chosen MSc.
- Some categories may prioritise specific profiles (for example STEM fields, or female applicants in STEM). Nursing Abroad
- Additional documents may include transcripts, admission offer to the MSc programme, and possibly portfolio (for architecture/design programmes).
⏳ Timing and deadlines
- Application is not automatic — you must first apply for admission to the MSc programme and then submit the scholarship application within the deadline.
- For the 2025/26 round: calls are divided in multiple time‑frames — e.g., first call from October 15 2024 to December 2 2024; second call until March 4 2025; third call (for some programmes) until May 19 2025. the-updates.com+1
- Upload of the language certificate may follow a later deadline, e.g., by June/July 2025. After School Africa
Other conditions
- Scholars must enrol in the MSc and maintain specified performance and behaviour as per the scholarship contract.
- There may be an administrative fee (e.g., ~€170) payable by the recipient. Shiksha
Benefits of the Scholarship
Here’s what successful applicants can expect:
- Full tuition‑fee waiver for the assigned academic year at PoliMi. Scholarships for Development+1
- A gross monetary grant depending on the category:
- Platinum: ~€10,000 gross (for Milan campuses) YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA+1
- Gold: ~€8,000 gross Wake Forest Review
- Gold (other campus): ~€5,000 gross After School Africa+1
- Bronze: ~€2,500 gross (Piacenza campus) Wake Forest Review
- Silver: Full tuition waiver, but without additional monetary grant in many cases IlmKidunya
- Some scholarships include accommodation and meals for certain campuses (e.g., Gold “Morigi” at Piacenza provides a double‑room and breakfast/one meal Monday‑Friday) Scholarships for Development
- Access to PoliMi’s world‑class teaching, labs, research facilities, industry partnerships and the vibrant student environment in Milan and other campuses.
- Indirect benefits: reduced financial stress, enhanced CV through a prestigious university, global peer‑network, and potential career partnerships.
Note: The scholarship does not always include airfare or full living cost coverage beyond the monetary grant; you must plan for accommodation, living expenses, visa costs and travel separately unless specified.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process & Important Dates
Here’s a breakdown of the typical process and timelines, based on the most recent call for 2025 – 2026.
Step 1: Choose your MSc programme & check eligibility
- Visit the official PoliMi site: Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
- Identify an MSc taught in English that matches your background and interests.
Step 2: Submit your MSc admission application
- Complete and submit your application for the chosen MSc programme by the university’s deadline.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Upload all required documents (transcripts, CV, language certificate or proof of pending certificate, portfolio if applicable, etc.).
Step 3: Submit the scholarship application
- After or alongside your admission application, log in to the PoliMi Online Services portal.
- Navigate to Benefits and Agreements → Economic Benefits → Scholarships for International Master of Science Students a.y. 2025‑2026.
- Upload required files (motivation statement, academic transcripts, etc.).
- Submit before the deadline corresponding to the call you are applying under.
Step 4: Upload language certificate and any additional documentation
- If your English certificate is still in process, be aware of the latest date for uploading it (e.g., by June/July 2025). After School Africa
- Keep checking your PoliMi portal for notifications of award, enrolment acceptance, etc.
Step 5: Accept the award and enrol
- If you receive the scholarship offer, accept it within the specified deadline.
- Pay any administrative fee (~€170) if required. Shiksha
- Complete the enrolment for your MSc, attend orientation, arrange visa and accommodation.
Important dates summary (2025/26 example)
| Call | Application open | Application deadline* |
|---|---|---|
| First call | ~15 Oct 2024 | ~2 Dec 2024 the-updates.com+1 |
| Second call | ~9 Dec 2024 | ~4 Mar 2025 YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA |
| Third call (select programmes) | ~10 Mar 2025 | ~19 May 2025 After School Africa+1 |
*Always verify the official “Call for Applications” PDF for exact dates.
Helpful Application Tips
- Apply as early as possible — first call often has more slots and may increase your chances of selection. According to community feedback: “It is better to apply in the first period (2 Oct to 2 Dec) to have more chances of getting the scholarship?” Reddit
- Check eligibility thoroughly: each MSc may have different entry requirements (language test, portfolio, previous degree subject).
- Organise your documents ahead of time: transcripts, language certificate, CV, SOP, recommendations. Late uploads may make you ineligible.
- Pay attention to campus location: Additional grants and benefits may differ by campus (Milan vs Piacenza vs Cremona). YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA
- Budget for living and travel costs: Even with tuition waived and a grant, you’ll need to cover visa, plane ticket, local accommodation, insurance, etc.
- Keep up with communication: Log into the PoliMi portal regularly, respond to offer letters, and accept or decline within deadlines.
- Prepare for visa process early: After enrolment confirmation, you’ll need documents for student visa application to Italy—do not leave this to last minute.
- Demonstrate genuine fit and motivation: Committees look for candidates who will engage actively with the university community, research, industry links, and contribute internationally.
- Avoid generic applications: Tailor your SOP and documents to PoliMi’s strengths (engineering, design, sustainability) and the scholarship profile.
- Follow all instructions: If certain forms must be used, word‑limits respected, documents in certain formats—failure may disqualify you.
FAQs
Q1: Is the scholarship available for bachelor’s (undergraduate) programmes?
No, the Merit‑Based International Scholarships at PoliMi for 2025 are targeted at the first year of Master of Science (MSc) programmes taught in English. YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AFRICA – YOA+1
Q2: Do I automatically receive the scholarship when I am admitted to the MSc programme?
No. You must both be admitted to the MSc programme and separately apply for the scholarship (via the online “economic benefits” portal) within the deadline. Reddit
Q3: What if I don’t yet have the English language certificate by the scholarship application deadline?
Many calls allow you to upload a “pending” certificate or send it later by a specified date (e.g., June/July) — check the exact requirements of the call you apply under. After School Africa
Q4: Does the scholarship cover accommodation, meals and travel?
Not always. The core benefits are the tuition waiver and grant (up to ~€10,000). Some campus‑specific scholarships include accommodation and meals (e.g., Gold “Morigi” at Piacenza). Scholarships for Development
Q5: Is there an upper age limit or nationality restriction?
The main eligibility is being an international student (non‑Italian national) admitted to the first year of an English‑taught MSc. Age limits are not generally specified in the publicly‑available summary. Always check the specific “Call for Applications” document.
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you aspire to study at an internationally renowned technical university and you have a strong academic profile, the Politecnico di Milano Merit‑Based Scholarships for 2025‑26 present a compelling opportunity. With full tuition waiver and significant financial allowance, this scholarship helps you focus on your studies and professional development rather than financial constraints.
Take action now: research your chosen MSc programme, ensure you meet the admission and scholarship deadlines, prepare your documents meticulously, craft a compelling SOP, and secure strong recommendation letters. The window of opportunity is limited—but with preparation and focus you can make it count.
