University of Bologna Scholarships for International Students

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Birthed with the name Studium of Bologna in 1088, the now known as University of Bologna (UNIBO) is the oldest university in the world. The university is scattered into five campuses in the Emilia Romagna region in Italy, promoting a farther reach for quality education and more stable research activities. They also have satellite offices in Brussels, New York, and Shanghai. UNIBO offers over 200 programs in various fields of study, from undergraduate, postgraduate, specialization, and vocational training.

While a majority of these programs are primarily taught in Italian, several courses are available in English to cater to the university’s drive for inclusion and globalization. As of 2019, the student population of the university spiked to almost 90,000, making it one of the most in-demand schools in Italy. Among these, over 2,000 are internationals who are enrolled as exchange students.

If you are an international student aspiring to experience the world-class education offered at UNIBO, continue reading this article to find out how you can apply for scholarships at the University of Bologna.

University of Bologna Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships at the University of Bologna

1. Unibo Action 1&2

  • Scholarship Amount:
    • Unibo Action 1: Tuition fee waivers
    • Unibo Action 2: EUR 11,000
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Holds a secondary or undergraduate diploma from a foreign university
    • Less than 30 years old at the time of application
  • Scholarship Link

The Unibo Action offers scholarship grants or tuition fee waivers to outstanding international students who are interested in taking up an undergraduate or Master’s degree in the university. For undergraduates, candidates must take the SAT or TOLC test, while those applying for Master’s must complete a GRE test. Those with the highest scores will be assigned the Unibo Action 2 until the budget has been used up, after which all succeeding candidates will be granted the Unibo Action 1.

2. Collegio Superiore

  • Scholarship Amount: Financial contribution (EUR 2,650), free accommodation, and fees exemption
  • Eligibility Criteria: Italian and foreign students
  • Scholarship Link

The Collegio Superiore is a center of excellence at UNIBO, which offers advanced interdisciplinary programs to selected high-achieving students of the university. Admissions are very competitive, merit-based, and are available to both undergraduate and Master’s applicants.

The benefits of this scholarship at the University of Bologna include an allowance that can partially cover living costs, exemption from some enrolment fees, accommodation, and a chance to participate in relevant extra-curricular activities. Students may retain their membership and continue to receive the benefits if they are able to consistently meet the needed academic standing, training hours, and other requirements.

3. Unibo for Refugees

  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition exemption and an award of EUR 2,500
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Students holding a residence permit for international protection
    • Winner of the Er.Go scholarship
  • Scholarship Link

The Unibo for Refugees is a partnership project by the University of Bologna and Er.Go, the Regional Authority for the Right to Higher Education in Emilia Romagna. The project aims to add value to asylum seekers’ time as they wait for the long process of obtaining their refugee status in the country.

Each year, ten candidates are accepted to enroll in single learning activities, which is an enriching one-year program that will give them a preparatory student life experience at Unibo. The project provides a tuition exemption and an award amounting to an estimated EUR 2,500. Once completed, the continuation of the student’s Er.Go scholarship shall proceed as they undertake their undergraduate or Master’s degree. The scholarship coverage will be dependent on the student’s current economic status declared on their application.

These are just some of the scholarships offered at the University of Bologna. To view the other opportunities available, check out their study grants and exemptions for international students page.

Postgraduate Scholarships at the University of Bologna

1. International Ph.D. College

  • Scholarship Amount: Free accommodation
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Foreign citizenship
    • Master’s degree holder from a foreign university
  • Degree Offered: Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

The International Ph.D. College of the Institute of Advanced Studies is a community of foreign students from different study areas at UNIBO. Students in this organization are encouraged to think critically and enhance each other’s ideas through collaboration and integration of different fields of study. Membership applications are sent alongside the application for admissions at the university.

A motivation letter, CV, and proposal for an interdisciplinary project must also be included in the application for this scholarship at the University of Bologna. Qualified candidates will go through an interview before the final selection is made. Successful candidates will be provided free accommodation in the college residence until the completion of their degree.

2. UNI-CO-RE: University Corridors for Refugees

  • Scholarship Amount: Study grant (EUR 5,192.56), living allowances, accommodation
  • Eligibility Criteria: Ethiopian resident with refugee status
  • Degree Offered: Bachelor and Master’s
  • Scholarship Link

The UNI-CO-RE scholarship was established for Ethiopian refugee students who want to pursue their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the University of Bologna. Beneficiaries of the scholarship will receive a number of financial aids such as coverage of travel expenses and a living allowance amounting to EUR 3,200. Students will also be assisted by the organization in applying for Er.Go benefits, so they can receive additional financial support on top of the UNI-CO-RE benefits. Er.Go benefits include a study grant of EUR 5,192.56, dormitory accommodation, and other stipends.

3. Grants for international students and Italian students (IRE) awarded by the Italian Government (MAECI)

  • Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee exemption, health and medical insurance, monthly allowance (EUR 900)
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Foreign students or Italian students living abroad
    • 28 years of age or below for Master’s applicants
    • 30 years of age or below for Ph.D. applicants
  • Degree Offered: Master’s and Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers international students or Italians from abroad the chance to take their postgraduate degrees at an Italian educational institution. This scholarship program at the University of Bologna aims to build better international relations with partner countries as well as promote Italy’s language and culture.

Applications are made online and must include a copy of the candidate’s CV and other pertinent documents. All applications are reviewed by the committee and the beneficiaries are chosen on the basis of merit and other relevant qualifications. Accepted grantees will receive a tuition fee exemption, health and medical insurance coverage, and a monthly allowance of EUR 900 to be paid quarterly. Renewals for the succeeding academic years are allowed as long as the student can maintain good academic standing.

These are just some of the University of Bologna scholarships available to international postgraduate students. If you want to learn more about their other opportunities, visit their study grants and exemptions for international students page.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.