The International Talents @Unibo Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for international students in Italy. Offered by the University of Bologna (UNIBO), the scholarship is specifically designed for those enrolling in Second Cycle (Master’s) Degrees.
With only 30 awards available, this is a highly competitive, merit-based program that combines a cash grant with a full tuition waiver.
Scholarship Benefits & Coverage
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive support package for the duration of their two-year Master’s program:
- Annual Grant: €6,500 gross per year, typically paid in three installments.
- Tuition Fees: 100% exemption from university tuition fees (though students must still pay a small regional tax and stamp duty of approx. €157).
- Duration: Two academic years, provided the student meets the merit requirements for renewal after the first year.
Critical Eligibility & Selection Criteria
The University of Bologna uses a strict quantitative ranking system. Unlike many other scholarships that focus on interviews or portfolios, UNIBO relies heavily on standardized testing and financial documentation.
- Age Limit: You must be 30 years old or younger by the application deadline.
- International Status: You must hold a degree from an institution outside the Italian education system.
- The GRE Requirement (Mandatory): * Selection is primarily based on GRE test scores. You must take the test and send the official score report to UNIBO using recipient code 7850.
- Scores must be valid and submitted before the deadline (typically late May).
- Financial Need (ISEE): * Applicants must demonstrate an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) between €16,000 and €35,000.
- For international students without income in Italy, you must submit equivalent documentation (Income Certificate, Family Composition) to a CAF office in Italy to generate an “ISEE Parificato.”
Key Deadlines for 2026/2027
It is vital to distinguish between the admission deadline (for the Master’s course) and the scholarship deadline.
| Event | Tentative Deadline |
| Course Admission (Intake 1) | February – March 2026 |
| GRE Test Completion | By May 30, 2026 |
| Scholarship Application Submission | May 30, 2026 (12:00 CEST) |
| ISEE Parificato Submission | Mid-June 2026 |
| Final Results Announcement | July 2026 |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Register on Studenti Online: Create your account at studenti.unibo.it. Select “International Student Registration.”
- Apply for a Master’s Program: You must separately apply for and be admitted to your chosen Master’s degree. Admission is a prerequisite for receiving the scholarship.
- Take the GRE: Register and complete the test early to ensure scores reach UNIBO by the deadline.
- Complete the Scholarship Call: Under the “Calls” section on Studenti Online, select “International Talents @Unibo – GRE.”
- Submit Financial Proof: Contact a designated CAF office in Italy (often via email) to process your foreign income documents into the ISEE Parificato format.
Important Strategy Tips
- The GRE is King: Since the ranking is almost entirely score-based, prioritize achieving a high GRE score over other application materials.
- Check the “Incompatibility” Rule: You cannot combine this scholarship with other major Italian awards, such as those from ER.GO, MAECI, or Erasmus Mundus.
- Apply Early for Admission: Some Master’s programs at UNIBO have early deadlines (February/March). If you miss the course admission, you cannot be awarded the scholarship even with a perfect GRE score.