Bologna Scholarship 2025/26 — Overview
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | International Talents @Unibo (University of Bologna) |
| Number of awards | 30 scholarships University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Host country / University | Italy / University of Bologna University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Eligible programmes | Second-cycle (Master’s) degree programmes Study Abroad PK+3University of Bologna+3Scholarships for Development+3 |
| Scholarship amount & benefits | € 6,500 gross per year + full tuition fee waiver Abroaducate+4University of Bologna+4Scholarship Lit+4 |
| Duration | 2 academic years (if merit conditions met) University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Application deadline | 30 May 2025, 12:00 CEST (for 2025/26) Study Abroad PK+3University of Bologna+3Scholarships for Development+3 |
| Eligibility | Non‑Italian (or non‑Italian educational system) graduates (or in process), merit (GRE), financial need, age ≤ 30 years Study Abroad PK+4Scholarships for Development+4University of Bologna+4 |
| Application portal | Studenti Online (University of Bologna) Scholarship Lit+3University of Bologna+3Scholarships for Development+3 |
⚠️ Note: The information here is based on the International Talents @Unibo call for the 2025/26 academic year. Always verify via the official University of Bologna site for updates or changes. University of Bologna
Introduction: Why This Scholarship Matters
Italy is increasingly becoming a hub for international higher education, especially in European and global rankings. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is often regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the Western world. Offering a scholarship like International Talents @Unibo helps the university attract and empower high-potential international students who might otherwise find the cost barrier too high.
For many students from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond, this scholarship is not just a financial boost — it’s a pathway to study in a culturally rich European environment, engage in advanced research, and build international networks. A fully or largely funded master’s in a respected institution can transform career prospects, strengthen academic credentials, and open doors to Europe, global research collaborations, or high-value employment.
In short: this scholarship embodies equity, excellence, and mobility.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
Below is a breakdown of the known eligibility criteria. Always cross-check with the official call, as conditions may slightly vary or be updated.
| Criterion | Requirement / Notes |
|---|---|
| Nationality / Educational System | Applicants must hold (or be in the process of obtaining) a qualification from a non‑Italian education system. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Academic level | For Second-cycle (Master’s) degree programmes only. Undergraduate (First-cycle) or PhD levels typically not eligible under this specific call. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Degree status | Must have obtained (or be in the process of completing) the qualification needed for admission to a master’s programme. Mastere.tn+3University of Bologna+3Abroaducate+3 |
| Merit / Examination (GRE) | You must take the GRE (General test) by the application deadline. GRE is in English. Official scores must be sent to Bologna using code 7850. Scholarship Lit+3University of Bologna+3Scholarships for Development+3 |
| Financial requirement (ISEE / equivalent) | Your family’s equivalent economic status must fall within a given range — ISEE between € 16,000 and € 35,000 (or equivalent documentation if your family income is outside Italy). Scholarship Lit+3University of Bologna+3Scholarships for Development+3 |
| Age limit | Applicants must be no older than 30 years at the closing date of application. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Language / Programme admission criteria | You must satisfy any language or entrance requirements (English / Italian) for your chosen master’s programme. The GRE is in English. University of Bologna+1 |
| Separate admission requirement | Applying for the scholarship does not replace the admission process to your degree programme — you must separately apply for admission to your chosen master’s degree. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
If any of these criteria are not met, the application may be disqualified or excluded during evaluation.
Benefits & What’s Included
This scholarship is fairly generous for a European institution, though not “all inclusive” (e.g. airfare or full accommodation may not always be covered). Here’s what is known so far:
| Benefit | Description / Notes |
|---|---|
| Annual stipend | € 6,500 gross per year (for the awarded scholarship) Study Abroad PK+3University of Bologna+3Scholarships for Development+3 |
| Tuition fee waiver / exemption | Full exemption from tuition fees for the two years of scholarship, subject to meeting merit/renewal criteria University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Duration / renewal | Valid for 2 academic years (renewable if progress / merit requirements met) University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2 |
| Taxes / local fees | Scholars may still bear local taxes, insurance, or regional fees depending on the program — check the call text. Jaamiah.com+1 |
| Other costs (not explicitly covered) | The call does not explicitly guarantee airfare, housing, visa, or travel costs. Applicants should plan for those or explore additional funding to supplement. |
Be realistic: € 6,500 per year is helpful, but costs of living in Italy (housing, food, transport, health insurance) may require budgeting or supplementary funding.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process & Important Dates
Below is a guide to navigating the application process. Always refer to the official University of Bologna page for the definitive steps. University of Bologna
Key Dates (2025/26 cycle)
- Call published — 17 January 2025 University of Bologna+1
- Application (with GRE & financial docs) — until 30 May 2025, 12:00 CEST University of Bologna+2Abroaducate+2
- Results announcement — July 2025 (or summer) University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2
- Orientation / enrolment / start of program — as per individual master’s programme schedule (autumn semester)
Application Steps (Checklist)
- Check your eligibility
- Confirm that your previous degree is from a non‑Italian system and is valid for master’s admission
- Check age and financial criteria
- Verify that your chosen programme accepts international students
- Register on Studenti Online
- Access the University of Bologna’s Studenti Online portal
- If you are not yet registered, create an account (international student registration)
- Take GRE exam
- Plan to sit the GRE (General Test) in good time
- Request that your official GRE scores be sent to University of Bologna, code 7850
- Gather financial documentation
- If Italian system: ISEE certificate
- If non-Italian system: equivalent proof of family income and assets
- Translate / certify documents as needed
- Prepare academic documents
- Degree certificate or proof of pending graduation
- Transcripts of records (courses, grades, etc.)
- Language test / certificate (if required by your programme)
- Submit scholarship application
- Via Studenti Online portal, using the “Call for International Talents @Unibo”
- Upload all required documents in PDF format
- Ensure GRE scores reach Bologna by the deadline
- Apply separately for your master’s programme
- Follow the instructions on the programme’s webpage
- Admission deadlines may differ — ensure both processes succeed
- Await results & accept
- If awarded, follow instructions to accept the scholarship and enroll
- Meet any additional conditions (e.g. first-year credit minimum)
- Begin study
- Plan your visa, travel, housing, and arrival logistics
Writing an SOP / Statement of Purpose & Recommendation Letters
A compelling application relies heavily on a thoughtfully crafted SOP and strong recommendation letters. Below are tips for each:
SOP / Personal Statement Tips
- Start with your “why” — why this field, why this university, why Italy, why Bologna.
- Demonstrate research alignment — mention specific faculty, courses, research groups, or resources at Bologna you intend to engage with.
- Bridge past and future — how your past academic or professional experience has prepared you, and what you intend to do post-degree.
- Showcase achievements and potential — highlight projects, publications, internships, leadership, or problem-solving.
- Explain weaknesses or gaps — if your GPA or language tests have lower points, address them straightforwardly (and what you did to overcome).
- Be concise, structured, and genuine — avoid jargon, fluff, or generic statements.
- Tailor to Bologna — reference values, mission, internationalization, or Bologna’s unique offerings.
- Proofread carefully — grammar, coherence, tone matter.
Recommendation Letter Advice
- Choose recommenders wisely — professors or supervisors who know your academic or research work well.
- Provide them with context & materials — send your SOP, CV, transcripts, scholarship details, deadline, and guidance on what to emphasize.
- Ask for specific examples — the letter should illustrate your analytical skills, work ethic, initiative, collaboration, etc., rather than vague praise.
- Ensure authenticity and credibility — university documents, letterhead, signature, contact information matter.
- Submit early — ensure recommenders submit before the deadline; follow up politely.
Strong SOP + strong letters can sometimes offset small gaps elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply if I am already in Italy or have an Italian degree?
A: No. One key eligibility is that your degree must come from a non‑Italian education system. If you already hold an Italian degree, you may be ineligible under this call. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2
Q2. What happens if I miss the GRE deadline?
A: If your GRE scores are not submitted by the deadline, your application will likely be disqualified or not considered. It is essential to plan ahead for GRE scheduling. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2
Q3. Does the scholarship cover housing, visa, or airfare?
A: The published benefits do not explicitly guarantee housing, visa, or travel costs. The stipend and tuition waiver are primary components. Applicants should budget accordingly or seek supplementary funding. Abroaducate+2University of Bologna+2
Q4. Is the scholarship renewable for the second year automatically?
A: Renewal is conditional on meeting merit criteria (e.g. grades, credits) set out in the scholarship rules. It is not necessarily guaranteed. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2
Q5. Can EU or Italian citizens apply?
A: The call is generally targeted to students from non‑Italian (non‑Italian educational systems). Even if someone holds EU citizenship but studied in a non‑Italian system, they must check the specific eligibility rules. Scholarships for Development+2University of Bologna+2
Q6. What if I cannot provide ISEE (Italian financial document)?
A: If your family’s income is outside Italy, you must provide equivalent financial documentation (income statements, tax returns, declarations) per the instructions in the call. University of Bologna+2Scholarships for Development+2
Related Resources & Further Scholarships
- University of Bologna Official page: International Talents @Unibo University of Bologna
- Scholars4Dev listing of this scholarship call Scholarships for Development
- Other Italian scholarships (e.g. DSU scholarships in Milan, Pisa, etc.) — useful if you seek backups Study Abroad PK+2Abroaducate+2
Conclusion & Call to Action
The University of Bologna’s International Talents @Unibo scholarship presents a rare chance to pursue a high-quality, internationally recognized master’s education in Europe with substantial financial relief. While competitive, those who plan methodically—preparing GRE exams early, assembling documents, crafting strong SOPs and recommendation letters—stand a real chance.
If you are eligible and motivated, start today: register on Studenti Online, schedule your GRE, communicate with possible recommenders, and gather financial statements. Even if you don’t win this particular award, the effort invested refines your profile for future opportunities.
