Excellence Scholarships (The University of Milan): Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Guide

December 12, 2025 chidx obi Scholarship 0




The University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano), one of Italy’s top public research universities, offers a distinguished selection of Excellence Scholarships to outstanding international students enrolling in master’s degree programs. These scholarships aim to attract high-achieving, motivated, and academically talented students from around the world, supporting their pursuit of advanced studies in an internationally competitive learning environment.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the University of Milan Excellence Scholarships—covering eligibility, benefits, selection criteria, application procedures, deadlines, and tips for applicants.

1. Overview of the University of Milan Excellence Scholarships

The Excellence Scholarships are awarded each academic year to a limited number of exceptional international students applying for two-year master’s programs taught in English or Italian at the University of Milan.

Key Objectives of the Scholarship

  • Reward academic brilliance

  • Attract top-performing global talent

  • Support students with strong research or professional potential

  • Promote internationalization of the university

The program is competitive, selective, and highly recognized among international postgraduate opportunities in Italy.

2. Number of Scholarships Available

Each year, the University of Milan offers:

  • 55 total Excellence Scholarships

    • 50 partial scholarships (tuition fee waivers)

    • 5 full scholarships (tuition fee waiver + additional financial allowance)

These numbers may vary slightly from year to year depending on funding and policy updates.

3. Scholarship Benefits

The Excellence Scholarships come with generous financial support, including:

1. Full Tuition Fee Waiver (for 5 top applicants)

The highest-ranked applicants receive a 100% tuition fee exemption for both academic years of the master’s program.

2. Partial Tuition Waivers (for 50 applicants)

Partial scholarship recipients are granted a reduction or exemption of tuition fees for the two years of study.

3. Financial Allowance (for full scholarship winners)

Full scholarship recipients also receive an annual stipend (typically around €6,000), which supports:

  • Living expenses

  • Study materials

  • Accommodation

  • Transportation

4. No Repayment Required

The scholarship is a grant, not a loan. Students do not need to pay it back.

5. Valid for 2 Years

Scholarship benefits cover the full duration of the master’s program, provided students meet academic progression requirements.

4. Eligible Programs

The Excellence Scholarships are open to all two-year master’s degree programs offered by the University of Milan, including but not limited to:

Science & Technology

  • Computer Science

  • Data Science & Economics

  • Molecular Biotechnology

  • Environmental and Food Sciences

Humanities

  • Philosophy

  • History and Criticism of the Arts

  • Cultural Heritage

Social Sciences

  • Economics & Political Science

  • International Relations

  • Public and Corporate Communication

Medical and Health Sciences

  • Medical Biotechnology

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences

Law & International Affairs

  • International Relations

  • Legal Theory

Both English-taught and Italian-taught master’s programs qualify.

5. Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet specific academic and administrative requirements.

1. Be an International Student

Applicants must be:

  • Non-EU or EU students residing abroad

  • Applying for admission to a master’s degree program at the University of Milan

2. Apply for a Master’s Program

You must:

  • Apply for a two-year master’s program at the University of Milan

  • Submit all required admission documents before the program deadline

3. Demonstrate Academic Excellence

Academic criteria include:

  • High GPA or equivalent (upper-class ranking)

  • Strong academic background in relevant fields

  • Honors, awards, or distinctions

4. Submit a Strong Application

Scholarship evaluation is based on:

  • Academic transcripts

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)

  • Motivation statement

  • Recommendation letters (if required)

6. Documents Required

Applicants typically must prepare the following:

  • Valid passport/ID

  • Bachelor’s degree certificate

  • Academic transcripts

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Motivation letter for program and scholarship

  • Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Italian certificates)

  • Recommendation letters (optional but beneficial)

All documents must be uploaded through the university’s online portal.

7. Application Procedure

The application process for the University of Milan Excellence Scholarships is straightforward:

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Begin by submitting an application for your chosen master’s program through the University of Milan Online Application Portal.

Step 2: Indicate Your Interest in the Scholarship

During the program application, indicate that you want to be considered for the Excellence Scholarship.

Step 3: Upload All Required Documents

Ensure your academic and supporting documents are:

  • Complete

  • Clear

  • Authenticated

Step 4: Await Evaluation

The university ranking committee assesses candidates based on:

Step 5: Scholarship Award Notification

Successful candidates are notified through email, typically between:

  • Late May and early July

Scholarship awards are usually published alongside admission results.

8. Selection Criteria

The Excellence Scholarships are awarded based on competitive academic evaluation. Committees evaluate:

Academic achievements

  • Grades

  • University ranking

  • Thesis quality

Curriculum vitae

  • Research experience

  • Internships

  • Leadership roles

Motivation and personal profile

  • Academic goals

  • Career plans

  • Contribution to internationalization

  • Relevance of the master’s program to professional aspirations

Program competitiveness

Some programs have higher demand, making scholarships more competitive.

9. Why Study at the University of Milan?

The University of Milan offers several advantages:

1. World-Class Research Environment

A prestigious public university known for excellence in:

  • Science

  • Medicine

  • Law

  • Social sciences

2. Affordable Living and Tuition

Compared to other EU countries, Italy remains cost-effective for international students.

3. International Diversity

A large community of international master’s students from 100+ countries.

4. Career and Internship Opportunities

Located in Milan, Italy’s:

  • Economic hub

  • Fashion capital

  • Innovative tech ecosystem

5. High Graduate Employability

Graduates excel in:

  • Research labs

  • International organizations

  • Tech firms

  • Government institutions

  • NGOs

  • Private companies

10. Tips for a Successful Excellence Scholarship Application

✔ Maintain Outstanding Academic Grades

Applicants with high GPA scores stand out.

✔ Prepare a Professional CV

Highlight academic achievements, leadership roles, and relevant experience. Mycvcreator.com

✔ Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain:

  • Why you chose the University of Milan

  • Your academic goals

  • How the scholarship will support your career

✔ Apply Early

Early submissions show seriousness and increase your chances.

✔ Get Strong Recommendations

Even though optional, recommendation letters strengthen your profile.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the Excellence Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, for the top 5 applicants, it includes full tuition and a yearly stipend. Others receive tuition waivers.

2. Can international students apply?

Yes, the scholarship is specifically designed for international applicants.

3. Do I need a language test?

Yes, depending on your chosen program (English-taught or Italian-taught).

4. Is the scholarship renewable?

Yes, for the second year, provided you meet academic progress criteria.

5. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes, but recipients of full Excellence Scholarships cannot combine it with certain other awards.

Conclusion

The Excellence Scholarships at the University of Milan provide outstanding international students with a highly competitive opportunity to pursue a world-class master’s degree in Europe. With generous tuition waivers, financial support, and access to Italy’s vibrant academic and industrial environment, the scholarship serves as a gateway to academic advancement and global career success.