If you are serious about studying in Italy on a fully funded scholarship, International Talents @Unibo should be a top priority. Start early, prepare your GRE carefully, and invest time in a strong Statement of Purpose that clearly explains your academic goals.
If you are planning to study in Italy as an international student, the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna) offers one of the most competitive and reputable scholarship programs in Europe: International Talents @Unibo
Based on my experience researching and guiding students through European International scholarship applications, this program stands out because it combines financial support, tuition fee exemption, and merit-based selection, making it ideal for high-achieving international students applying for second-cycle (Master’s) degree programs.
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About the International Talents @Unibo Scholarship
The International Talents @Unibo scholarship is designed to attract outstanding non-EU students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need. The University of Bologna, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, uses this program to support talented students enrolling in English-taught and Italian-taught master’s programs.
This scholarship is awarded for two academic years, subject to academic progress.
Based on past application trends, students with clear career direction, strong GRE scores, and well-documented financial need have the highest chance of success.
Why Choose the University of Bologna?
From a student guidance perspective, Bologna offers several advantages:
- Ranked among top universities in Europe
- Strong international reputation
- Wide range of English-taught master’s programs
- Located in Italy, a country with relatively affordable living costs compared to other EU nations
- Excellent graduate employability and research opportunities
Fields of Study Covered
The International Talents @Unibo scholarship applies to a wide range of second-cycle degree programs, including:
- Architecture
- Arts & Humanities
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Education
- Engineering & Technology
- Health & Medicine
- Law
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences & Mathematics
- Social & Behavioural Sciences
- Tourism & Hospitality
Example Program
- International Horticultural Science (Master’s Degree)
Scholarship Benefits (What You Will Receive)
Successful applicants receive the following benefits:
- €6,500 gross per year
- Full tuition fee exemption
- Award duration: 2 years
- Merit-based selection supported by GRE test scores
- Financial condition verification required
In my experience, this funding is sufficient to significantly reduce living and study costs in Italy, especially when combined with student housing and regional benefits.
Number of Awards Available:
- Up to 30 scholarships are awarded each academic year
- Priority is given to non-EU international students
- Highly competitive due to limited seats and strong applicant profiles
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the International Talents @Unibo 2025/26, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be an international student (primarily non-EU)
- Applying for a second-cycle (Master’s) degree at the University of Bologna
- Must submit a valid GRE score
- Demonstrate financial need
- Meet academic admission requirements of the chosen program
Undergraduate Scholarships at Bologna (Action 1 & Action 2)
While the International Talents program targets master’s students, undergraduate applicants should note that the University of Bologna also offers scholarships under:
- Unibo Action 1 – tuition fee waivers
- Unibo Action 2 – study grants up to €11,000 gross (in previous cycles)
These programs change annually, so applicants should always verify the latest calls.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
From experience, early preparation is critical for Bologna scholarships.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Degree Program:
Apply for a second-cycle degree through the University of Bologna admissions system.
Step 2: Submit Scholarship Application:
Applications are submitted via:
- Studenti Online portal
- Official scholarship calls published on bandi.unibo.it
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents:
Typical documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- GRE test results
- Proof of financial status
- English language proficiency (if required)
- Letters of recommendation
Application Deadline:
- Usually May 2025 for the 2025/26 intake
(Deadlines may vary by program—always confirm from the official call.)
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Scholarship Overview Table (Quick Reference)
| Scholarship Name | International Talents @Unibo |
|---|---|
| University | University of Bologna (Italy) |
| Academic Year | 2025/26 |
| Eligible Students | International / Non-EU students |
| Degree Level | Master’s (Second-Cycle) |
| Funding Amount | €6,500 gross per year |
| Tuition Fees | Fully exempted |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Selection Criteria | GRE score + academic merit + financial need |
| Fields of Study | Engineering, Business, IT, Health, Law, Sciences, Humanities & more |
| Number of Awards | Up to 30 |
| Application Platform | Studenti Online / bandi.unibo.it |
FAQs
Is the International Talents @Unibo scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the International Talents @Unibo scholarship is considered partially to fully funded because it provides €6,500 gross per year along with a full tuition fee exemption for two academic years, significantly reducing the overall cost of studying at the University of Bologna.
Do I need IELTS to apply for the University of Bologna scholarship?
IELTS is not always mandatory. English language requirements depend on the specific master’s program. Some programs accept prior education in English or alternative proof of language proficiency, but applicants should always check the program-specific requirements.
Is the GRE compulsory for International Talents @Unibo?
Yes, submitting a GRE test score is mandatory for the International Talents @Unibo scholarship, and it plays a key role in the merit-based selection process.
Who is eligible for the University of Bologna International Talents scholarship?
International students, particularly non-EU applicants, who are applying for second-cycle (Master’s) degree programs, meet academic requirements, submit GRE scores, and demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply.
When is the application deadline for International Talents @Unibo 2025/26?
The application deadline is typically in May 2025 for the 2025/26 academic year, but applicants should always confirm the exact date on the official bandi.unibo.it website.