The University of Bologna was founded in 1088, making it the oldest university in the world. Nine centuries of history have exposed the university to some political and developmental challenges it has effectively overcome. Additionally, its long history allowed it to bear witness to the lives of historically significant people like Copernicus, Petrarch, and several Popes.
Looking forward, the University of Bologna has designed a strategic plan to promote social and global impact guided by the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the university takes active participation in European and global partnerships in research aligned with Horizon 2020. Here, we will be looking at the best scholarships at the University of Bologna for international students.
The university currently has over 85,000 students, with a growing number of students from other countries. It aims to attract more excellent students and offer opportunities to students with disabilities and disadvantaged backgrounds. The internationalization initiatives of the university also involve hiring globally competent faculty, researchers, and staff and offering international learning opportunities to them.
Related Scholarships
How do I apply to the University of Bologna Scholarships?
Incoming Bachelor’s Degree students must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the Cisia Online Test (TOLC). Meanwhile, students pursuing a Master’s Degree must take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
These tests are the basis for ranking for a merit scholarship at the University of Bologna. Be sure to check the online testing sites for the updated exam schedules and application deadlines. Select a date that closely matches your intended application period or study commencement at the university.
International students with secondary education diplomas obtained abroad must undergo qualification evaluation to see if they are ready to proceed to a regular Bachelor’s Degree program at the University of Bologna. Foreign documents must also undergo translation and authenticity checks. You may find more information on this page.
International students must carefully follow the procedures and guidelines on this page for a smoother application and enrolment process.
The University of Bologna has English-taught and Italian-taught courses. For English-taught programs, applicants must have proof of level B2 proficiency in the English language based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Italian language proficiency of B2 level is necessary for applicants to enter Italian-taught programs. Check this page for more information about the different proficiency tests and certifications accepted by the university.
Students with non-EU citizenship must acquire a visa to study in Italy. You may find country-specific visa requirements here.
Various fee exemptions at the University of Bologna don’t require an application. Students with disabilities or students who become parents may contact the student administration office to present legal documents to avail themselves of fee exemptions.
Students who don’t qualify for University of Bologna scholarships may apply for a collaboration grant. This grant is awarded to successful applicants who are willing and able to complete 150-hour part-time work at designated facilities and buildings at the University of Bologna. You may check out the details here.
University of Bologna Scholarships for International Students
1. Unibo Action 2
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €11,000
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor, Master
Outstanding applicants from other countries may apply for the Unibo Action Scholarship. Bachelor’s Degree program (first cycle or single cycle) applicants must hold a high school diploma from an institution outside Italy. They must also have an SAT or TOLC result by the application deadline.
Master’s Degree program applicants must have an eligible undergraduate certificate issued from a university outside Italy and a GRE result. All applicants must be less than 30 years old.
Top-ranking applicants will receive a Unibo Action 2 study grant worth €11,000, valid for one year. This University of Bologna scholarship will be awarded to as many qualified applicants until the funds run out. Scholars must reapply for the grant as renewal is not automatic.
2. Unibo Action 1
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: tuition fee waiver
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor, Master
Applicants who did not qualify for the study grant may still be eligible for the Unibo Action 1 tuition waiver. Winners cannot use both awards at the same time. The number of awardees depends on the budget available. Scholars must reapply for the continuation of the scholarship for the following year.
3. Collegio Superiori
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: €2,650
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor, Master
First-time applicants to a University of Bologna Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree program may compete for the Collegio Superiori benefits, including a €2,650 financial contribution for food and study expenses, free lodging, and exemption from taxes and several other fees.
You may find more information about other benefits on this page.
4. MAECI Grants for International Students
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount:
- Degrees Offered: Master, Ph.D.
International students pursuing a Master’s Degree or a Ph.D. may apply for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation grants. Applicants must meet program-specific age and language requirements.
This scholarship available at the University of Bolonga offers an allowance worth €900 per month for six to nine months. Students taking up a two-year program or longer may apply for renewal subject to evaluation of academic performance and progress.
5. University Corridor for Refugees
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: comprehensive
- Degrees Offered: Master
Ethiopian Bachelor’s Degree holders may pursue a Master’s Degree program in English at the University of Bologna under the UNI-CO-RE project.
The scholarship benefits include financial and practical assistance in acquiring the necessary visa to enter and study in Italy, installation costs, a study grant worth roughly €5,000 per year from Er.Go and €3,200 from the UNI-CO-RE project, free tuition, free accommodation, and more.
6. Exemptions for Students with Disabilities
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: free tuition
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.
All domestic or international students with legally recognized disabilities and 66% visible invalidity may automatically receive an exemption from paying tuition fees regardless of merit or economic status.
Current or incoming students don’t need to apply for this scholarship available at the University of Bologna. They only need to submit a valid medical certificate to the student administration office.
There are also exemptions and incentives available at the University of Bologna to help in students’ finances. Check out the details here.
Other study grants and exemptions for international students are available on this page.
