The University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 in Italy is a highly competitive, fully funded or partially funded opportunity for international students who want to pursue bachelor’s and master’s programs at one of the oldest universities in the world. It combines generous tuition fee waivers with study grants, making it one of the most attractive scholarships in Europe for 2026.
Basic Information about the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026
The University of Bologna Scholarship 2026–2027 is designed for international students who wish to enroll in first-cycle (bachelor’s), single-cycle, or second-cycle (master’s) degree programs. The main scholarship scheme is commonly referred to as Unibo Action 1 (tuition fee waivers) and Unibo Action 2 (study grants).
Key points:
- Level of study: Bachelor’s, single-cycle, and master’s degrees.
- Host institution: University of Bologna (Università di Bologna), Italy.
- Target group: Non‑Italian students with a qualification obtained outside the Italian education system.
- Funding type: Tuition fee waiver (Action 1) and study grant up to about €11,000–€13,000 annually, depending on level and scheme.
- Number of scholarships: Around 30 or more awards are typically offered for selected degree cycles in 2026/27.
Application deadline 2026
For many University of Bologna scholarships for international students in 2026, the key deadline is around 30 May 2026 for submitting the application and required test scores (SAT/TOLC/GRE) for Unibo Actions 1 & 2. Some programs may have earlier admission deadlines, so applicants must always check the specific degree page and the official scholarship call.
University and Scholarship Overview
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is widely recognized as the oldest university in continuous operation and consistently ranks among the top universities in Europe. It offers a large portfolio of English‑taught and Italian‑taught programs and has a very strong international focus, hosting thousands of foreign students every year.
Key details:
- Location: Bologna, with additional campuses in Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini.
- Type: Public research university in Italy.
- Scholarship unit: International Talents @Unibo and Unibo Actions 1 & 2 for international students.
Study Areas and Available Programs
The University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 is open to a broad range of subject areas across bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The scholarship typically applies to First Cycle, Single Cycle, and Second Cycle degree programs that meet the international call requirements.
Examples of study areas include:
- Business and Economics (e.g., Economics and Management, International Management, Finance)
- Computer Science and Information Technology (e.g., Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence)
- Engineering and Technology (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering)
- Natural Sciences (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry)
- Medical and Health-related programs (selected fields where available for international admission)
- Social Sciences (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, International Relations, Psychology)
- Arts, Humanities and Languages (e.g., Italian Culture and Language for Foreigners, Legal Studies, History, Cultural Heritage)
Scholarships & Study Grants
- ER.GO Study Grants
- Covers part or all of study costs
- Based on financial need
- “150-Hour” Collaboration Scholarships
- Paid part-time university work + scholarship
- Grants for students in difficulty
- For students facing personal, family, or economic hardship
- Calls usually published in September
- International Mobility Scholarships
- Financial support for:
- Studying abroad
- Thesis or research abroad
- Financial support for:
- Other Scholarships & Study Awards
- Available throughout the year
- Apply through official calls
University of Bologna Scholarship Benefits
The University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 offers generous financial support to help international students cover tuition and living costs in Italy.
Main benefits:
- Unibo Action 1
- Tuition fee waiver
- For Bachelor’s & Master’s students
- Unibo Action 2
- €11,000 (gross) study grant
- For Master’s students only
- Fully funded options: In many cases, the combination of a full tuition fee waiver and the annual study grant effectively makes the scholarship fully funded for normal academic expenses.
- Access to university services: Scholarship holders can access facilities like libraries, career services, student support, and subsidized regional services (e.g., ER.GO housing), subject to local rules.
- Scholarships, exemptions, mobility calls, and tutoring grants
Benefits Not Included
Despite being highly attractive, the University of Bologna Scholarship does not cover every possible cost for international students.
Usually not included:
- Airfare or travel costs to and from Italy.
- Visa application fees, residence permit fees, and health insurance beyond what is legally required or provided by national systems.
- Full accommodation guarantee; while some support or guidance may exist, housing is not automatically provided and may require separate application to regional bodies like ER.GO.
- Daily personal expenses (e.g., leisure, personal electronics, tourism).
- Family/dependents’ expenses; the scholarship is meant for the student only.
Students should prepare some personal savings to cover unexpected costs not covered by the grant.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Bologna Scholarship
To be eligible for the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet both general and program-specific requirements.
Core eligibility:
- Open to all nationalities
- Under 30 years old at application deadline
- Degree obtained from a non-Italian institution
- Merit based on:
- SAT / TOLC → Bachelor’s or Single-Cycle
- GRE → Master’s programs
- IELTS not required
- English proficiency can be shown via other tests
- Not be currently enrolled in another degree at the University of Bologna that conflicts with the eligibility rules in the call.
Tuition Fee Reductions & Exemptions
Available for students who are enrolling or already studying:
- Economic or merit-based fee reductions
- Offered by ER.GO (Region of Emilia-Romagna)
- Based on financial condition or academic merit
- Total fee exemption (Merit-based)
- For first-year Master’s (second-cycle) students
- Must have graduated on time with top grades
- Students with disabilities
- Fee exemption if:
- Civil disability 66% or more
- Certified under Law 104/92
- Fee exemption if:
- Students with a parent receiving disability pension
- Parent must receive pension under Law 118/1971
- Students who become parents
- Tuition fee waiver for students who become mother or father during the academic year
- Family members studying at university
- 20% fee reduction if another family member is enrolled in university
- Members of religious orders
- Total fee exemption if fully supported by the religious order
Required Documents for Application
To submit a strong and complete application for the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026, international students typically need the following documents.
Common required documents:
- Valid passport or national ID (for personal identification and account creation).
- High school diploma (for bachelor’s) or bachelor’s degree certificate (for master’s) obtained outside the Italian system, with official translation where required.
- Academic transcripts showing all completed courses and grades.
- Proof of English or Italian language proficiency as required by the chosen program (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or other accepted proof for English-taught degrees).
- Official SAT, TOLC, or GRE test results uploaded or sent according to the call’s instructions.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé summarizing academic background and relevant experiences, where requested.
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose for admission to certain degree programs.
- Any additional program-specific documents (e.g., portfolio for design/arts, reference letters if requested by the course).
Always consult the official call for applications and the degree program page to confirm exact document requirements.
University of Bologna Scholarship Step‑by‑Step Application Process
Here is a clear, SEO‑friendly step‑by‑step guide to applying for the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 in Italy.
- Choose your degree program
- Visit the University of Bologna website and explore First Cycle, Single Cycle, and Second Cycle programs open to international students in 2026/27.
- Select the program that best fits your academic background and career goals.
- Check program and scholarship calls
- Read the official call for International Talents @Unibo or Unibo Actions 1 & 2 and note the deadlines, test requirements, and age limits.
- Review the admission requirements on your chosen program page.
- Register on Studenti Online
- Create your personal account on the University’s Studenti Online portal, which is used for both admission and scholarship applications.
- Complete your personal profile with accurate information.
- Prepare and upload your documents
- Scan and upload your passport, diplomas, transcripts, language certificates, and any required supporting documents in the requested format.
- Verify that translations and legalization/apostille are provided if needed.
- Submit the degree program application
- Apply for admission to the selected degree through Studenti Online or the specific program portal, respecting its individual deadlines and any admission tests/interviews.
- Apply for the scholarship
- Within Studenti Online, complete the scholarship application form for Unibo Action 1 & 2 or the specific 2026 scholarship scheme you are eligible for.
- Indicate the degree you are applying for and confirm your test registration or upload test scores as required.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of winning the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026 in Italy, follow these practical tips.
- Apply early: Start planning several months before the May 2026 deadline so that you can complete tests, collect documents, and fix any issues with your application.
- Aim for strong SAT/TOLC/GRE scores: Since rankings are heavily based on standardized test results, invest time in preparation and consider retaking the test if allowed.
- Choose a program aligned with your background: Admissions committees are more likely to accept candidates whose previous studies and skills match the chosen degree’s requirements.
- Highlight your international profile: Use your CV and motivation letter (where requested) to show language skills, international experiences, and extracurricular activities.
- Double‑check all documents: Ensure there are no errors in your personal data, that documents are clear and correctly translated, and that test codes and scores are correctly entered.
- Regularly check the Studenti Online portal and your email for updates or additional requests from the university.
Monthly Living Expenses in Bologna (in USD)
Living costs for international students in Bologna are moderate compared to other Western European academic cities. Actual expenses depend on lifestyle and housing choices.
Typical monthly costs (approximate, converted to USD):
- Accommodation (shared room or student housing): 700–900 USD per month depending on location and type.
- Food and groceries: 250–350 USD per month if you cook at home and occasionally eat out.
- Public transport: 40–60 USD per month with student discounts or integrated passes.
- Study materials and books: around 40–70 USD monthly spread over the year.
- Utilities and internet (if not included in rent): 70–120 USD per month, shared among roommates.
- Miscellaneous and personal expenses: 100–200 USD per month depending on lifestyle.
In total, a realistic monthly budget often ranges from 1,200 to 1,700 USD for an international student in Bologna. The University of Bologna scholarship’s annual grant (around €11,000–€13,000) can cover a significant portion of these costs when carefully managed.
Why Choose the University of Bologna Scholarship 2026? (At Least 5 Reasons)
Here are compelling reasons why this scholarship should be on your priority list if you are planning to study abroad in Europe in 2026.
- Top‑ranked, historic university: The University of Bologna is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the world, offering globally recognized degrees that strengthen your CV.
- Generous financial support: The combination of full tuition fee waivers and study grants up to around €11,000–€13,000 makes it one of the most financially attractive scholarships in Italy.
- Wide range of English‑taught programs: You can study subjects like Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, and Arts entirely in English.
- Strong international environment: Thousands of international students from all over the world study at Bologna, creating a diverse, multicultural campus experience.
- Strategic location in Europe: Bologna is well‑connected to major European cities, giving you the chance to travel, build networks, and explore Italy’s rich culture and history.
- Merit‑based selection: Selection based on standardized tests (SAT/TOLC/GRE) rewards academic merit and test preparation, giving motivated students from any country a fair opportunity.
- No separate tuition cost once funded: For fee waiver recipients, the cost of enrolling in a high‑quality European program drops dramatically, making studying abroad truly affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the 2026 University of Bologna Scholarship?
International students from any country who obtained their qualification outside the Italian education system and are under 30 at the time of application can usually apply, provided they meet the admission and test requirements.
2. Do I need IELTS to apply?
Many University of Bologna programs require proof of English proficiency, but some calls mention that IELTS is not strictly mandatory if other recognized certificates or forms of proof are accepted. Applicants should always check the specific language requirements of their chosen degree.
3. Which tests are required: SAT, TOLC, or GRE?
- For First Cycle and Single Cycle degrees, you must normally take the SAT or TOLC test.
- For Second Cycle (master’s) degrees, the GRE test is required for scholarship purposes.
4. Can I apply for more than one program?
You can typically apply to more than one degree program, but you must follow the rules in each call and respect all respective deadlines. If you win the scholarship, you must enroll in one eligible program to receive the benefits.
5. How competitive is the University of Bologna Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive because it is open worldwide and selections are based on standardized test scores and academic criteria. Preparing thoroughly for SAT/TOLC or GRE is crucial to rank high enough to win funding.
6. Can the scholarship be renewed?
Some scholarships are awarded for one academic year with the possibility of renewal if you meet performance and credit requirements, but renewal conditions depend on the specific call and year. Always read the 2026/27 official notice for exact terms.
Application Deadline
- Not specified
- Apply as early as possible
Official Link:
Bond University HDR Scholarship 2026 in Australia
University of Science and Technology Scholarships 2026 in Korea
