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Earning a degree in Europe is an incredible milestone, but managing tuition fees and living costs can often seem out of reach. If you are looking for a prestigious destination with immense financial backing, the Bologna University Study Grants for International Students in Italy provide one of the most accessible pathways to top-tier European education. Known institutionally as the Unibo Action 1 & 2 program, this initiative is specifically designed to attract the world’s most talented minds.
The University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum), recognized as the oldest university in the Western world, consistently ranks among the top institutions globally. Through this program, the university offers a combination of fully funded options, including massive cash allowances and complete tuition exemptions. Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor’s (First Cycle) or a Master’s (Second Cycle) degree, this framework offers incredible financial stability.
Here is a fluff-free, practical guide on how the funding works, who qualifies, how to navigate the standardized test pathways, and the exact application process you need to execute.
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Financial Impact: Unibo Action 1 vs. Unibo Action 2
Unlike generic funding schemes, Bologna splits its financial aid into two highly distinct award mechanisms. It is important to know that you cannot hold both benefits simultaneously; the selection committee awards them sequentially based on your competitive ranking score.
Financial Support Breakdown
| Award Category | Exact Financial Benefit Coverage | Target Allocation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Unibo Action 1 | 100% Full Tuition Fee Waiver (Exempts you from standard student fees; you only pay a nominal regional tax/insurance fee of ~€157). | Complete relief from academic course invoices. |
| Unibo Action 2 | Cash Study Grant of €11,000 gross per year. This stipend is paid out in installments directly into your bank account. | Intended to absorb your housing, food, and living costs in Italy. |
While these grants do not always cover every single line item simultaneously like a singular government fellowship, pairing a Unibo Action 2 cash grant with Italy’s highly progressive income-based regional fee system (ER.GO) makes studying in Bologna virtually free for top-tier international students.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
To ensure total transparency, the University of Bologna bypasses complex personal essays or subjective reference letters. Instead, selection is based purely on age thresholds, your citizenship background, and global standardized tests.
1. Core Prerequisites
- International Qualification: Your high school diploma (for Bachelor’s applicants) or your undergraduate degree (for Master’s applicants) must have been awarded by an educational institution outside of the Italian school system. WeMakeScholars
- Age Threshold: Applicants must be under 30 years old on the final day of the specific application call deadline. Scholarship Roar
- Enrollment Intent: You must register for the first year of a First Cycle (Bachelor’s), Second Cycle (Master’s), or Single Cycle degree program at an official Unibo campus (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, or Rimini).
2. Selection Criteria Based on Standardized Exams
Your entry into the ranking list is determined entirely by your performance on international aptitude exams. You must take these exams before applying.
| Target Degree Level | Required Standardized Selection Exam | Key Exam Code for Score Submission |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s / Single Cycle Degrees | SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) OR TOLC (Test Online CISIA) | Unibo SAT Institution Code: 6993 |
| Master’s Degrees (Second Cycle) | GRE (Graduate Record Examination General Test) | Unibo GRE Institution Code: 7850 |
Language Requirements: Is “No IELTS” Possible?
Because the Unibo Action 1 & 2 awards are selected based entirely on your SAT, TOLC, or GRE scores, the scholarship framework itself does not require an IELTS score. However, the individual degree program you choose to study will require proof of language proficiency to secure your final admission.
If you are aiming for a No IELTS pathway, you can generally meet the university’s language standards via:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI): Providing an official, stamped certificate from your previous school or university stating that your entire degree was delivered in English.
- Alternative Test Formats: Submitting competitive scores from TOEFL iBT or Cambridge assessment tests instead of IELTS.
Always check your specific department’s enrollment page to see if your country’s secondary education curriculum qualifies for an automatic English exam waiver.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the study grants is handled entirely online through the university’s dedicated student management network.
1.Register and Take Your Standardized Exam: Step 1.
Sign up for the SAT or GRE via official test organizers (College Board or ETS). Ensure you select the University of Bologna institutional codes to route your official score reports directly to their database.
2.Create an Account on Studenti Online: Step 2.
Visit the university’s web portal and create an identity profile. You will receive a set of institutional @studio.unibo.it login credentials.
3.Select the Dedicated Scholarship Call: Step 3.
Log into Studenti Online, navigate to the ‘Calls’ tab, and select the specific ‘Unibo Action 1 & 2 – SAT’ or ‘Unibo Action 1 & 2 – GRE’ application portal.
4.Upload Documents and Submit: Step 4.
Upload your passport, proof of your external academic qualifications, and confirmation of your test bookings or score printouts. Finalize the application before the designated cutoff hour.
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Timelines and Cutoffs
The calls for applications are usually published around January of each year. For courses commencing in 2026, deadlines generally follow this rhythm:
- GRE (Master’s Applicants): Portals typically close around March / April.
- SAT/TOLC (Bachelor’s Applicants): Portals typically close around April / May.
FAQ’s
Can I combine the Unibo Action 2 grant with regional ER.GO scholarships?
No. The Unibo Action 2 study grant is strictly incompatible with other major public or regional awards. You cannot combine it with scholarships from the Regional Authority for the Right to Higher Education (ER.GO), Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) grants, or Erasmus Mundus fellowships. If you qualify for both, you must choose one.
What are the credit requirements to keep receiving the grant money?
The award is initially issued for one academic year. To unlock your financial installments and remain eligible for potential renewal loops, you must meet strict credit milestones. Typically, you need to earn at least 10 ECTS (CFU) credits by February and a total of 30 ECTS credits by July of your first academic year.
Do I need to be already admitted to a course to apply for the scholarship?
No. You do not need an active course admission letter to apply for the Unibo Action 1 & 2 study grants. The scholarship selection process runs completely parallel to course admissions. However, to actually receive the money or the fee waiver, you must successfully complete the enrollment process for an eligible degree program before the university’s absolute matriculation deadline.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
Because the Unibo Action 1 & 2 ranking list is determined entirely by numbers, your personal background story will not change your position on the list. The secret to winning this award lies in your standardized test strategy.
For Master’s applicants, focus heavily on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE, as many departments weight the math portion higher than the verbal portion when calculating your ranking index score. For Bachelor’s applicants, if your initial SAT score is below 1350, do not hesitate to sit for the exam a second time early in the year. A minor score improvement can instantly push you past the competition and secure an elite spot on the final funding list!
Official Website and Direct Link
To monitor the exact publication date of the official PDF calls, check current year testing exceptions, or log straight into your profile manager, utilize the university’s official page:
Official University Portal:University of Bologna International Study Grants & Waivers
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