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Located in Milan, Bocconi University is one of Europe’s top-tier institutions for Business, Economics, Finance, Data Science, and Law. To attract exceptional international minds, the university offers its flagship Bocconi Merit Awards (alongside the broader Bocconi4Access to Education financial aid framework) for outstanding non-Italian candidates applying to Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc) programs.
If you are aiming to start your studies at Bocconi during the 2027 academic year, this detailed guide walks you through the scholarship tiers, financial coverage, evaluation criteria, and selection timeline.
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Award Tiers & Financial Coverage
Bocconi Merit Awards are prestige-driven financial awards granted directly to top-ranking admitted international applicants.
Financial Benefits Summary
| Award Category | Financial Coverage | Additional Privileges |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Merit Award (MSc) | 100% Full Tuition Waiver (~€13,000–€14,000/year) | Priority placement & free housing in select cases |
| Undergraduate Merit Award (BSc) | 100% Full Tuition Waiver (~€12,000–€13,000/year) | Standard academic fee exemption |
| Bocconi Residence Benefit | Free / Subsidized Housing (Select Awardees) | Accommodation in central Milan university dorms |
> Note: The award strictly covers 100% of academic tuition and university fees. Recipients must cover their own personal food, health insurance, visa costs, and daily living expenses in Milan unless granted supplementary housing.
Program Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Bocconi International Merit Award 2027, candidates must fulfill the following mandatory requirements:
- Academic Standing: Must hold an exceptional academic profile, high GPA, and strong test scores (SAT/ACT for Undergraduate; GMAT/GRE for Graduate) relative to the international applicant pool.
- First-Time Enrollee: Must be applying to the first year of an eligible Bocconi Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc) program.
- Non-Italian Qualification: Must hold (or be completing) a high school diploma or undergraduate degree issued outside of Italy.
- Program Exclusions: Specialized Executive Masters, MBAs, and PhD programs follow separate departmental funding mechanisms and are excluded from this specific scheme.
Selection Criteria: How Applicants Are Evaluated
The evaluation committee reviews candidates holistically, prioritizing academic performance and merit:
- Academic Excellence: Undergraduate GPA or high school grade transcripts.
- Standardized Test Performance: Strong SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE scores (or high performance on the internal Bocconi Test).
- Dossier & CV: Quality of prior research, practical project work, leadership activities, personal essays, and reference letters.
How to Apply: Automatic Evaluation
One of the best aspects of the Bocconi Merit Award is that no separate scholarship application form is required.
- Submit Admission File: Complete your application for your target degree program via the Bocconi My Application portal.
- Automatic Screening: All admitted international candidates are automatically assessed by the Rector’s Scholarship Committee based on their overall admission score.
- Receive Award Letter: If selected, your formal scholarship offer letter will be delivered alongside your admission offer in the application portal.
- Accept & Confirm: To secure the award, candidates must accept both the admission offer and the scholarship within the tight enrollment window stated in their offer letter.
> Financial Need Alternative: If you do not receive a pure Merit Award, you can submit a separate request under the “Bocconi4Access to Education 2027 “ framework after completing enrollment to be evaluated for need-based tuition reductions (ranging from 20% to 100% waivers).
Selection Timeline for 2027 Entry
Because awards are distributed across early intake rounds until funds are exhausted, applying in Round 1 or Round 2 is strongly recommended.
| Phase / Round | Application Period | Outcome & Award Results |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Round I (Early) | October 1 – October 29, 2026 | Mid-December 2026 |
| Graduate Round II | Late Oct 2026 – Late Jan 2027 | Early March 2027 |
| Graduate Round III | Late Jan – Mid-March 2027 | Mid-April 2027 |
| Undergraduate Early Session | November 12 – November 30, 2026 | Late February 2027 |
| Undergraduate Winter Session | March 15 – April 5, 2027 | Late May 2027 |
| Course Commencement | September 2027 | Arrival in Milan & class start |
Renewal Requirements for Year 2 (and Year 3)
The Merit Award is valid for the full standard duration of your degree program (2 years for MSc; 3 years for BSc). To maintain the tuition waiver each year, recipients must meet credit milestones:
- Complete the required minimum number of ECTS credits by the end of the summer exam session of each academic year.
- Maintain good academic standing and observe all university code-of-conduct guidelines. Global Admissions
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Official Links
- Bocconi University Official Portal: unibocconi.it
- Graduate Admissions & Funding Portal: Bocconi Graduate Funding Global Admissions
FAQs
Does the Bocconi Merit Award cover monthly living expenses?
No. The Merit Award provides a 100% full tuition waiver. While a small number of top candidates also receive free university accommodation, living expenses (food, transport, personal costs) must be funded independently.
Do I need to fill out a separate scholarship application for the Merit Award?
No. All international candidates applying for BSc or MSc programs are automatically evaluated for the Merit Award based on their primary admission file.
Is GMAT or GRE mandatory for graduate applicants?
Yes, international graduate applicants must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score (or sit for the online Bocconi Test) to be eligible for both admission and merit-based scholarship evaluation. High test scores significantly boost your candidate ranking.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
Because Bocconi Merit Awards are allocated heavily during the earliest selection rounds, early submission is crucial. Aim to submit your complete application file during Round 1 (October for Master’s; November for Bachelor’s) with your best possible GMAT/GRE/SAT score to maximize your chances of securing full tuition coverage.
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