Politecnico di Milano, Italy Merit-Based International Scholarships 2025/2026

Could you imagine studying engineering, design or architecture at one of Italy’s top technical universities with costs reduced or even free? If you are an international student with strong academic records, Politecnico di Milano offers merit-based international scholarships to ease the financial burden and reward your talent. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about 2025/2026, so you can decide if this opportunity is for you — and how to succeed.

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What Scholarship Options Are Available for International Students at Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano provides two main paths of financial aid for international students that are merit based:

• Diritto allo Studio (DSU) Scholarships: For both Laurea (Bachelor) and Laurea Magistrale (Master’s) students. These combine financial need and merit. For Bachelor’s students, the DSU scholarship is issued after a “Call for Grant” (bando) each year. For Master’s students, DSU provides tuition relief among other benefits. Politecnico di Milano

• Merit-Based International Scholarships for Master of Science (Laurea Magistrale): These are especially strong for Master’s students. They are for international candidates admitted to MSc programmes (in English) and often include full tuition waiver. Some scholarships also offer additional allowances (sometimes up to €10,000 per year). There are several “calls” or rounds in which you can apply. Politecnico di Milano+1

Within the merit-based scholarships there are different tiers:

• Platinum Scholarships

• Gold Scholarships

• Silver Scholarships

• Bronze Scholarships

• Campus-specific scholarships (for Poles/Polos like Piacenza, Cremona etc.). Politecnico di Milano+2Politecnico di Milano+2

These scholarships typically include:

• Waiver of tuition fees (full in many cases) for the academic year assigned. Politecnico di Milano+1

• In many cases, a gross financial allowance in addition to the fee waiver (for living costs etc.). For example, Platinum level scholarship may offer ~€10,000 gross per year. Politecnico di Milano

• Only small administrative fee (non-refundable) if awarded; about €170. Politecnico di Milano+1

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Eligibility Requirements for Merit-Based International Scholarships 2025/2026

To apply you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These differ a bit depending on whether you are applying for Bachelor or Master level, and which scholarship tier you aim for. Here are the common and specific requirements:

Common Requirements

• Be an international student; not a citizen of Italy (or non-Italian) or be considered “international” under Politecnico di Milano’s rules. Politecnico di Milano+1

• Must have applied to the relevant Degree Programme (Bachelor or Master of Science) at Politecnico di Milano, usually in one of the “English taught” programmes (especially for Master’s scholarships). Politecnico di Milano+1

• Academic merit: strong grades/transcripts in previous studies. For Master’s applicants, your Bachelor’s degree performance matters a lot. For Bachelor’s applicants, good high school record and other merit indicators. Politecnico di Milano+1

• Language proficiency: If the programme is in English, you must upload a valid English language certificate by the deadline established; Italian track programmes may require Italian language skills or proof of language. Politecnico di Milano+1

Specific Requirements & Rules

• For Master’s merit-based scholarships: You must apply for your MSc by certain deadlines (tied to scholarship “calls”). If not awarded in early call you may try subsequent calls. Politecnico di Milano+1

• Some scholarships are only valid for applicants to specific campuses (e.g. Milano Leonardo, Bovisa, Piacenza, Cremona, Lecco, Mantova) or specific fields (Engineering, Architecture & Design, etc.). For example, Gold Polo di Piacenza scholarships are specific to certain fields. Politecnico di Milano

• Administrative fee: Even when full tuition is waived, a small administrative fee (approx. €170) must be paid if you are awarded. Politecnico di Milano+1

• Renewal criteria: For multi-year programmes, you usually need to meet academic performance metrics (based on credits and grades) to renew the scholarship for a following academic year. Politecnico di Milano

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Important Deadlines & Application Calls for 2025/2026

Scholarship applications are managed in “calls” (rounds). Each has its own timeline. Missing a call may mean waiting for the next or losing eligibility. Here are the main ones:

 

For Bachelor (Laurea) or Bachelor level: DSU “Call for Grant” usually has its own schedule (often earlier in the year) set by Politecnico di Milano. Politecnico di Milano

Make sure you check the “Call for Application for Merit-Based International Scholarships” document on Polimi site for exact dates for your programme. Politecnico di Milano+1

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Scholarship Amounts, Benefits & What Is Covered

Understanding what you will get helps you plan.

• Tuition Fee Waiver: For all merit-based scholarships, full waiver of tuition fees for the academic year for which it is awarded. You will only pay the small administrative fee (≈ €170). Politecnico di Milano+1

• Allowance / Grant: Some tiers provide additional financial support (“gross allowance”) to help with living costs. For example, Platinum scholarships may include up to €10,000 yearly gross allowance. Gold / Bronze / Silver may have smaller grants or none, depending on campus and tier. Politecnico di Milano

• Multiple Campuses: Scholarships may apply to different Polimi campuses (Milan Leonardo, Bovisa, Piacenza, Cremona, Lecco, Mantova etc.). Some scholarship tiers are campus specific (e.g. Silver, Bronze for Polo di Piacenza etc.). Politecnico di Milano

• Non-Tuition Costs: Usually, the scholarship does not cover every single cost: travel to Italy, visa, health insurance, some living expenses beyond what the gross allowance covers. You should plan for extra costs. Administrative fee must be paid. Politecnico di Milano+1

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Renewals, Conditions & Rules

Scholarship is not just “award once and forget”. There are rules about keeping it.

• Renewal Based on Academic Performance: To hold the scholarship beyond the first year, you must reach a minimum number of “points” — this is often a combination of achieved credits and grades (ECTS system). For example in 2025-2026 renewal for many tiers asks that by deadline (e.g. August 10th 2026) your sum of grades * number of ECTS must reach a minimum threshold. Politecnico di Milano

• Stay in Same Programme and Level: If you change course, level, or.delay your study, you may lose eligibility. Politecnico di Milano

• No Other Overlapping Scholarships: Merit-based international scholarships from Politecnico di Milano are usually incompatible with other scholarships granted by Polimi or other public/private entities, except mobility programmes. You may need to choose one if offered multiple overlapping benefits. Politecnico di Milano

• Obligations: For renewal you must enrol full time, pass exams, not drop out. In some cases you may be asked to upload bank or payment details (IBAN etc.) for stipend payments. Politecnico di Milano

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Comparison Table: Key Scholarship Tiers & Deadlines

Here is a summary you can refer to quickly:

 

General Tips to Make a Strong Application

You need more than good grades. These actionable tips will help you stand out in Politecnico di Milano merit scholarship selection.

1. Apply Early and to Multiple Calls
   If your programme allows, apply in the first call. If you are not awarded, don’t wait — apply in second or third call. More chances mean better odds.

2. Match Your Bachelor / Previous Education to Your MSc Programme
   Ensure your prior degree is relevant to the Master’s field you apply for. If your transcript shows courses aligning with prerequisites, highlight them.

3. Strong Academic Records & Certificates
   High grades, properly certified transcripts. If your institution uses a grading system different than Italy’s, make sure Polimi can understand or translate.

4. Language Documents On Time
   Even after admission you often have to upload your language certificate by certain dates in each call. Missing this could disqualify you.

5. Well-Written Motivational Statement or Scholarship Form
   Your motivation form matters. Explain why you want the programme, how it fits your goals, what you bring to Polimi, what impact you aim for. Distinct, authentic stories impress.

6. Pay the Small Administrative Fee
   If awarded a scholarship, paying the non-refundable admin fee (≈€170) is required. Budget for it.

7. Know the Campus / Field-Specific Requirements
   Some scholarships are only for certain campuses or fields. If your programme is eligible, verify that. If not, you may be ineligible for some tiers.

8. Plan for Living Costs
   Even with allowance, Milan and nearby campuses can have cost of living. Budget for housing, food, transport, books etc. The gross allowance helps but may not cover everything.

9. Meet Renewal Criteria
   Once you have a scholarship, keep grades high, make sure you pass enough ECTS credits, remain in the same programme, and satisfy conditions for renewal.

10. Prepare All Documents Carefully
    Transcripts, degree certificates, English or Italian language certificates, passport or identification, sometimes a portfolio (for design/architecture), etc. Having official translations (if needed) helps.

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Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

It helps to be realistic about what may trip up applicants and how to avoid those pitfalls.

• Quota / High competition: Many merit scholarships have limited slots. If many strong applicants from your country/field apply, competition is tough. Overcome by submitting a very polished application.

• Language certificate timing: Failing to upload valid certificate by the deadline often disqualifies candidates even if they qualify academically.

• Mismatch in field / prerequisites: If your Bachelor degree lacks required background, you might be evaluated as less suitable. Consider doing preparatory courses or extra modules.

• Overlooking campus restrictions: Applying to a campus or programme not covered by a given scholarship tier may make you ineligible. Always check campus-specific scholarship calls.

• Renewal risk: Some students assume scholarship lasts whole degree without effort. Failing to meet renewal performance criteria may cause loss.

• Administrative and visa/immigration issues: International students must also think about visa, residence permit, accommodation, insurance etc. Scholarship may not fund those fully.

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Is It Worth Applying? What to Expect

If you are an international student with good grades, this is very much worth your time. Politecnico di Milano is one of Europe’s top technical universities. Merit-scholarships here can:

• Remove or reduce tuition costs significantly

• Provide financial allowance to help with living expenses

• Boost your CV by association with a top institution

• Expose you to a rich international academic environment

You should expect, however:

• That you will have to be very organized: meet deadlines, collect documents, follow up on language certificate, accept admissions etc.

• To pay the administrative fee if awarded, even with full scholarship.

• To budget for supplemental costs: visa, travel, books, housing outside campus etc.

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Conclusion

Politecnico di Milano merit-based international scholarships 2025/2026 are an excellent route for high performing international students seeking Master of Science or Bachelor studies in engineering, architecture or design. The combination of full tuition waiver, possible allowance, and prestigious academic setting is powerful.

If you want this chance, start now: review which scholarship call your programme falls under, check deadlines (calls in October-December, etc.), collect transcripts and language certificates, write a strong motivation, and ensure every document is clean and valid.