Politecnico di Milano, Italy Merit-Based International Scholarships 2025

The Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based International Scholarships 2025 are among the most prestigious opportunities for talented international students aspiring to pursue a Master’s degree in Italy. Recognized as one of Europe’s leading technical universities, Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) is globally renowned for its excellence in engineering, architecture, and design.

These scholarships are designed to attract brilliant minds from around the world by rewarding academic merit and potential for innovation. They not only remove financial barriers through tuition waivers and living stipends but also offer access to research opportunities, mentorship, and industry collaborations. Whether studying in Milan’s vibrant metropolitan campuses or in specialized regional campuses like Cremona and Piacenza, recipients become part of an intellectually stimulating and globally connected academic community.

By investing in exceptional students, Politecnico di Milano ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills, networks, and experiences to become leaders in research, technology, and global development.

Scholarship Programme Objectives

The Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based International Scholarships are designed with a clear mission: to attract the most talented and ambitious students from around the world to Italy’s leading technical university.

The main objectives include:

  • Promoting Academic Excellence: Rewarding students with outstanding academic records and proven potential in engineering, architecture, design, and scientific research.
  • Encouraging Global Diversity: Building an international learning environment by welcoming students from different cultural, academic, and geographical backgrounds.
  • Supporting Future Innovators: Investing in students who demonstrate strong motivation, leadership qualities, and innovative thinking that align with Politecnico’s global reputation for research and technological advancement.
  • Making Education Accessible: Reducing financial barriers so that highly qualified students can access world-class education regardless of their economic background.
  • Strengthening Italy’s Academic Reputation: Attracting top international talent to Milan and regional campuses, thereby enhancing Italy’s global standing in higher education and research.

Scholarship Categories

The Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) Merit-Based International Scholarships 2025 are structured to reward academic excellence, support talented international students, and attract the brightest minds to Italy’s leading technical university. These scholarships are offered in multiple categories, each providing different levels of financial and academic support.

Platinum Scholarship

Award Amount: €10,000 gross per year

Campus: Milan campuses

Availability: 10 awards

Focus: Provides the highest level of financial support to outstanding international Master’s students.

Unique Benefits:

  • Full tuition fee waiver plus a generous living stipend.
  • Priority access to research labs, innovation hubs, and career fairs.
  • Networking with industry partners and opportunities for internships in top Italian companies.
  • Recognition as a top scholar at Politecnico di Milano.

Target Group

  • Reserved for students with exceptional academic records, top GPAs, published research, or extraordinary extracurricular achievements.
  • Strong leadership qualities and potential to contribute to global innovation.

Gold Scholarship

Award Amount: €8,000 gross per year

Campus: Milan campuses

Availability: 18 awards

Focus: Recognizes excellent academic achievement and research potential.

Unique Benefits:

  • Covers all tuition fees.
  • Additional funds to support living expenses and academic activities.
  • Access to professional development workshops and career mentoring.
  • Strong visibility within academic and research networks at PoliMi.

Target Group

  • Students with excellent academic performance, strong recommendation letters, and relevant project or research experience.

Gold Polo di Cremona Scholarship

Award Amount: €5,000 gross

Campus: Cremona

Availability: 1 award

Focus: Targeted at students enrolling at the Cremona campus.

Unique Benefits:

  • Full tuition fee waiver.
  • Tailored opportunities in music acoustics, engineering, and campus-specific projects.
  • Strong ties with local industries and specialized research centers in Cremona.

Gold Polo di Piacenza Scholarships

Award Amount: €5,000 gross

Campus: Piacenza

Availability: 16 awards

Focus: Supports high-achieving students at the Piacenza campus.

Unique Benefits:

  • Full tuition fee coverage with additional financial support.
  • Hands-on industry collaboration in agriculture, logistics, and sustainability.
  • Integration into a smaller, close-knit academic environment with targeted research areas.

Bronze Polo di Piacenza Scholarships

Award Amount: €2,500 gross

Campus: Piacenza

Availability: 10 awards

Focus: Aimed at rewarding commendable academic performance.

Unique Benefits:

  • Full tuition fee waiver plus a modest financial grant.
  • Opportunity to engage in local community projects and campus-based innovation labs.
  • Suitable for students with partial funding sources who seek tuition relief.

Silver Scholarship

Award Amount: Full tuition fee waiver (no cash grant)

Campuses: Cremona, Lecco, Mantova, and Piacenza

Availability: 10 awards

Focus: Provides comprehensive financial relief by waiving all tuition fees.

Unique Benefits:

  • No tuition fees for the entire program (only small administrative charges remain).
  • Recognition of academic potential and inclusion in the scholarship community.
  • Best suited for students who can cover their own living costs but need tuition assistance.

Target Group

  • Students with a solid academic record who demonstrate promise but may not qualify for monetary grants.
  • Suitable for those with alternative financial support but seeking tuition relief.

Eligibility Criteria for Politecnico di Milano

To ensure that the Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based International Scholarships 2025 reach the most talented and deserving students, applicants must meet specific requirements. These criteria balance academic merit, international diversity, and readiness for advanced study at one of Europe’s top technical universities.

1. Nationality

  • Open to non-EU and EU international students applying to Master’s degree programs at Politecnico di Milano.
  • Particularly aimed at attracting students from outside Italy to enrich the academic community with global perspectives.

2. Academic Background

  • Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Engineering, Architecture, or Design.
  • Strong academic performance is essential — typically a high GPA or equivalent grade from previous studies.
  • Preference is given to students with additional academic achievements, such as research projects, publications, or awards.

3. Admission to a Master’s Program

  • Candidates must apply for admission to a two-year, English-taught Master of Science (MSc) program at Politecnico di Milano.
  • Eligibility for the scholarship is tied to the admission process — only students who receive an offer of admission are considered.

4. Language Proficiency

  • Since most eligible MSc programs are taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language.
  • Accepted proof includes:
    • IELTS (minimum score: 6.5 or higher)
    • TOEFL iBT (minimum score: 90 or higher)
    • Equivalent international English certifications.
    • Applicants from English-speaking countries or those with prior degrees taught entirely in English may be exempt.

5. First-Time Enrollment

  • Applicants must be first-time Master’s students at Politecnico di Milano.
  • Students already enrolled in a Politecnico MSc program are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

6. Merit-Based Selection Factors

Scholarships are awarded on merit, considering the following:

  • Academic Records: High grades in undergraduate studies.
  • Motivation Letter: Clear goals, strong reasoning for choosing PoliMi, and evidence of leadership potential.
  • CV/Resume: Demonstrating research experience, internships, extracurricular activities, or community engagement.
  • Recommendation Letters: Endorsements from professors or professionals that highlight academic talent and character.

7. Commitment to Study in Italy

  • Applicants must show commitment to pursuing their full academic program at Politecnico di Milano.
  • Scholarship holders are expected to maintain excellent academic progress throughout their studies to retain funding (e.g., completing required credits each year).

Application Process for Politecnico di Milano

Applying for the Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based International Scholarships 2025 requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Below is the step-by-step process for applicants:

1. Apply for Admission

  • Submit an online application for a Master’s degree program at Politecnico di Milano through the official university portal.
  • Ensure that you meet the academic and language requirements of your chosen program (usually English-taught MSc programs).
  • You must receive an offer of admission to be considered for the scholarship.
  • Check the academic calendar

2. Indicate Scholarship Interest

  • During your online admission application, indicate your interest in being considered for the Merit-Based International Scholarship.
  • No separate application form is required; consideration is automatic for eligible admitted students.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

To strengthen your application, make sure to include:

  • Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of your Bachelor’s degree and grades.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic achievements, research projects, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles.
  • Motivation Letter: A clear statement (500–1,000 words) explaining why you chose Politecnico di Milano, your academic goals, and how you plan to contribute to the university community.
  • Recommendation Letters: Strong references from professors or professionals who can vouch for your academic excellence.
  • Proof of Language Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores if required.

4. Evaluation and Shortlisting

  • Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, project/research experience, leadership potential, and motivation letter quality.
  • The scholarship committee reviews all eligible applicants and assigns candidates to one of the scholarship categories (Platinum, Gold, Bronze, or Silver).

5. Notification of Results

  • Successful candidates are notified via email and through the official university portal.
  • Notification typically includes scholarship category, benefits, and next steps for confirming acceptance.

6. Confirm Acceptance

  • Selected students must officially accept the scholarship within the given deadline.
  • Prepare necessary documentation for student visa application and enrollment in Italy.

Tips for a Successful Application

Applying for the Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships 2025 is competitive, but with the right approach, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some simple but effective tips:

  • Keep Your Grades High: These scholarships are based on merit, so strong academic results are the most important factor. Make sure your transcripts are accurate and translated if needed.
  • Write a Clear Motivation Letter: Explain why you want to study at Politecnico di Milano and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Show passion for your chosen program and connect it to your future plans.
  • Build a Strong CV: List your education, projects, internships, and relevant skills. Keep it professional and highlight experiences that match your field of study.
  • Prove Your English Level: Most programs require English. Take IELTS or TOEFL early and aim for a score higher than the minimum.
  • Get Good Recommendation Letters: Ask professors or employers who know you well to write about your strengths. Their support adds weight to your application.
  • Apply Early: Don’t wait until the deadline. Early applications are reviewed more carefully, and it reduces the risk of missing out.
  • Avoid Generic Applications: Tailor your documents to Politecnico di Milano and the specific scholarship category you are applying for (Platinum, Gold, Silver, etc.).
  • Show Leadership and Initiative: Mention leadership roles, teamwork, or community service. The university values students who contribute beyond academics.
  • Check All Requirements: Make sure you include every required document. Missing papers can lead to disqualification.
  • Be Consistent: Your CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters should all tell the same story about who you are and your academic journey.