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University of Bologna Scholarship

scholarships for international students

University of Bologna Scholarship

University of Bologna Scholarship 2026-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate and masters studies. This scholarship provides the recipient with study grants of €11,000 gross for Unibo Action 2) and tuition fee waivers  for Unibo Action 1.

The presence throughout the territory, the international outlook, the research, the programme catalogue, the information services: in these and many other areas, today the University of Bologna paves the way for innovation. 87,590 students have chosen the University of Bologna (a.y. 2019/2020), making it the most popular university in Italy. Teaching and extra-curricular activities take place in 1,162,506.81 m2 of space in the campuses of Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini.

University of Bologna offers 232 Degree programmes (a.y. 2020/2021) of which 84 are International, among them 68 are delivered in English. The university also offers 48: PhD programmes (a.y. 2019/2020), 53 specialisation schools, 86 first and second level professional master’s programmes, 14 of which are international.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters
  • Institution(s):  University of Bologna
  • Study in: Italy
  • Courses Offered: First, Single, and Second Cycle Degree Programs offered at the University.
  • Deadline: March 31, 2026 / April 29, 2026 /May 31, 2026

Scholarship Coverage

University of Bologna Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:

  • Study grants of €11,000 gross (Unibo Action 2);
  • Tuition fee waivers (Unibo Action 1).

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Eligibility Criteria for University of Bologna Scholarship

To be eligible for University of Bologna Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Required Languages: English
  • Eligible Countries: All World Countries
  • You are in possession of (or about to obtain) a valid qualification for access to your chosen degree programme, issued by an Institution outside of the Italian education system. Students holding a diploma issued by an Italian school established outside Italy can apply as well.
  • You will take one of the following tests by the application deadline:
    – if you are interested in registering in a First or Single Cycle Degree Programme, the SAT and/or TOLC test
    – if you are interested in registering in a Second Cycle Degree Programme, the GRE test.
  • You are less than 30 years old upon the deadline of the call for application.

How to Apply for University of Bologna Scholarship?

Please follow the following instructions to avail this scholarship:

  1. It is important to read the terms of submission for the year 2026/2026 and visit the main website to access the application online and learn the steps of submission.
  2. Choose a program from among the programs available to you in the university and follow the admission requirements in each program, taking into account the different deadlines for submission, from one program to another. You can find all the list of programs here
  3. Application for the grant must be submitted before deadlines by creating an account on the studenti site.

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University of Bologna Scholarship for International Students: The Ultimate Guide

Studying in Europe is a dream for many, but the cost of tuition, accommodation, and daily living can often feel like a massive roadblock. Fortunately, Italy offers some of the most generous funding opportunities for global scholars. If you are looking to secure a world-class education without the financial burden, the University of Bologna Scholarship for International Students is one of the absolute best pathways available.

As the oldest university in the Western world, the University of Bologna (Unibo) combines centuries of academic excellence with modern, English-taught programs. Through funding initiatives like the Unibo Action 1 and Action 2 programs (now often grouped under the Unibo Admissions funding schemes) and regional ER.GO grants, the institution makes it entirely possible to study in Italy for free.

 

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know: the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application strategy to maximize your chances of success.

Types of Scholarships at the University of Bologna

The University of Bologna offers two primary routes for international students to secure financial aid. Understanding the difference between them is crucial because they target different aspects of your profile: one is merit-based, while the other is need-based.

1. Unibo Action 1 & Action 2 (SAT/TOLC/GRE Merit Awards)

These awards are strictly merit-based. The university ranks applicants based on standardized test scores, completely independent of your family’s financial situation.

  • Unibo Action 1: Offers a full tuition fee waiver for the academic year.

  • Unibo Action 2: Provides a gross study grant of approximately €11,000 to cover living expenses, accommodation, and study materials.

2. ER.GO Regional Scholarships (Need-Based)

ER.GO is the Regional Authority for the Right to Higher Education in Emilia-Romagna. This is a highly popular option for students from developing economies or low-income backgrounds. It is calculated using your financial profile—specifically your ISEE Parificato (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator).

  • Benefits: Full tuition fee waivers, free accommodation in student residences (or an accommodation allowance), a daily meal allowance, and a cash stipend.

Degree Levels and Coverage

The funding packages are designed to support students across multiple tiers of higher education:

Degree Level Duration Funding Options Available
First Cycle (Bachelor’s Degree) 3 Years Unibo Action 1/2 (via SAT or TOLC tests) & ER.GO Grants
Second Cycle (Master’s Degree) 2 Years Unibo Action 1/2 (via GRE tests) & ER.GO Grants
Single Cycle Degrees 5 to 6 Years Combined Bachelor/Master pathways under standard funding

Key Eligibility Criteria

To successfully secure a University of Bologna scholarship, you must meet the basic institutional checkpoints before your application can move to the evaluation phase:

  • Nationality: You must hold a valid qualification obtained outside of the Italian school system, or be an international student residing outside of Italy.

  • Age Limit: Applicants must typically be less than 30 years of age at the time of application.

  • Academic Requirements: For a Bachelor’s program, you must have a high school diploma. For a Master’s program, a recognized Bachelor’s degree is required. If you are preparing for international opportunities, ensuring your foundation is strong is essential; you can check out excellent preparation guides on StudentArrive to stay ahead.

  • Standardized Testing: To qualify for the merit-based Unibo Action 2 grants, you must take the required test by the specified deadlines:

    • For Bachelor’s degrees: SAT or TOLC tests.

    • For Master’s degrees: The GRE revised General Test.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Securing this scholarship requires careful synchronization between your university admission application and your financial aid request. Missing a single step can disqualify you.

1.Choose Your Degree Program:Step 1.

Visit the Unibo course catalog and select an English-taught or Italian-taught degree program. Check the specific admission requirements, as some courses require pre-admission evaluations.

2.Take the Required Standardized Tests:Step 2.

Register for and sit for the SAT or GRE. Ensure you explicitly request the testing agency to send your official score reports directly to the University of Bologna using their institutional code.

3.Register on Studenti Online:Step 3.

Create an account on the official University of Bologna student portal (Studenti Online). This portal tracks your admission, document uploads, and scholarship requests.

4.Submit Your Admission Application:Step 4.

Upload your academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language proficiency proof (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) to your chosen program’s application call.

5.Apply for the Scholarship or ER.GO Grant:Step 5.

Once the dedicated scholarship calls open on Studenti Online, fill out the application form. For ER.GO, you will need to submit your family income certificates to an authorized Italian assistance center (CAF) to obtain your ISEE Parificato score.

 

Essential Documents for International Applicants

When applying for European visas and Italian university admissions, document precision is critical. Gather the following paperwork early:

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least several months past your intended entry date into Italy.

  • Academic Transcripts & Diplomas: Translated into English or Italian. For final enrollment, you will need a Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore) from the Italian embassy in your home country or a CIMEA comparability certificate.

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Format this using the European standard (Europass CV) to clearly showcase your academic history and achievements.

  • Language Proficiency Certificate: Proof of English proficiency (B2 level or higher) is mandatory for English-taught tracks.

  • Financial Assessment Documents (For ER.GO): Official certificates showing your family composition, annual household income, and real estate assets.

If you are a student navigating the administrative hurdles of admissions, finding reliable student updates is key. You can find comprehensive educational resources, portal registration guides, and updates on global study opportunities directly on StudentArrive.

Important Deadlines and Timeline

The application window for the University of Bologna typically operates in distinct intakes depending on your citizenship status (EU vs. Non-EU):

  • January – April: First intake open primarily for Non-EU students. This is the optimal window to apply for merit scholarships because test scores must be finalized during this period.

  • May – June: Second application window, often targeting EU students or specific English-taught Master’s programs.

  • July – August: The ER.GO application portal opens for need-based grants. Results and rankings are generally published by late September.

Pro Tip: Do not wait until the final deadline to take your GRE or SAT. Scores can take weeks to process, and the university will not accept late submissions or pending test scores past the scholarship call closure.

Summary of Benefits: What is Included?

Winning the full scholarship package means your expenses in Italy are almost entirely taken care of:

  1. Zero Tuition Fees: The standard university tuition fees (which range from €1,000 to €4,400 per year) are completely waived.

  2. Living Stipend: A cash allowance paid in installments to manage your monthly grocery, textbooks, and transport costs.

  3. Subsidized Housing: Access to university dorms or a financial voucher to help pay for private room rentals in Bologna or its satellite campuses (Forlì, Cesena, Rimini, Ravenna).

The University of Bologna scholarship is a premier launchpad for global academic success. By keeping your documents organized, hitting your target SAT/GRE scores, and accurately completing your financial profiles on time, you can secure an elite European education for free.

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