Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) is a world-renowned public university, consistently ranked as the top institution in Italy for Engineering, Architecture, and Industrial Design. Its merit-based scholarships are prestigious awards designed to attract the most talented international students from around the globe, enabling them to pursue a Master of Science degree at one of Europe's leading technical universities. If you have a strong academic record and aspire to study at a university known for its innovation and industry connections, these scholarships provide a significant opportunity to reduce financial burden and join a network of future leaders.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the application process is integrated with the admission cycle. To be eligible for a merit-based scholarship, you must first apply for admission during the "Early Bird" window, which runs from 1st October 2025 to 1st December 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk prospective students through the entire process, including eligibility, how to apply, the generous awards, required documents, and key deadlines. Prepare yourself to seize this chance to experience life in Milan, a global design and innovation capital, while advancing your academic and professional goals.

These merit-based scholarships are exclusively available for international students admitted to a Master of Science (Laurea Magistrale) programme taught in English at Politecnico di Milano. The scholarships are applicable to a wide range of programs across the university's schools of Engineering, Architecture, and Design.

Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships Awards

The Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships are highly competitive awards that offer substantial financial support to high-achieving international students. They are designed to recognize academic excellence and make studying at a top-tier Italian university more accessible.

The scholarship provides comprehensive support, primarily through a full tuition fee waiver. The key benefits include:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition fees for the standard duration of the Master of Science program.

• Gross Allowance: Some of the merit-based scholarships also include a financial grant of up to €10,000 per year to help with living costs.

• Administrative Fee: Scholarship recipients are only required to pay a one-time, non-refundable administrative fee of approximately €170.

Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships Amount

The total value of the scholarship is significant, covering the core cost of education and potentially providing a substantial living stipend. The financial support is designed to let you focus on your studies.

Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships Benefits

Beyond the direct financial coverage, receiving a merit scholarship from Politecnico di Milano adds immense value to your academic profile and future career.

The eligibility criteria for these scholarships are strict and closely tied to the admission process. Meeting all requirements is mandatory for your application to be considered.

The application process is integrated with the admission procedure. It is highly competitive, and you must follow each step carefully and within the prescribed deadlines.

1. Apply for Admission: Submit your application for a Master of Science program via the POLIMI online portal during the Early Bird window (Oct 1 - Dec 1, 2025). Pay the application fee.

2. Submit Scholarship Form: After applying for admission, complete the separate "Merit-Based Scholarship" application form. This form is free of charge.

3. Upload All Documents: Ensure all required admission documents, including your English certificate, are uploaded to your profile by the final deadline (February 21, 2026).

4. Wait for Results: The university will evaluate all applications and announce both admission and scholarship results according to their timeline.

Application Timeline for Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

The entire process from application to enrollment is clearly defined. Adhering to this timeline is critical for scholarship eligibility.

Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships Selection

If you are shortlisted, your application undergoes a rigorous evaluation by the university's academic committee. There is no separate interview for the scholarship.

• The selection criteria are based primarily on the evaluation of your academic profile. This includes your Grade Point Average (GPA), the quality of your previous university education, and how well it aligns with the requirements of the Master of Science program you applied for.

• All documents submitted during your application are reviewed. This includes your transcript, CV, motivation letter, and portfolio (where required). The scholarship application form is also a key component of the assessment.

All international students who apply to the first year of Master of Science programmes taught in English on Milano Leonardo or on Milano Bovisa Campuses for the academic year 2025-2026 are eligible to apply for these scholarships. 

The required documents are part of your main admission application, which forms the basis for the scholarship evaluation.

• A valid passport or national ID card.
• Official university transcripts and Bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent).
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume.
• A valid English language proficiency certificate (submitted by February 21, 2026).
• A Letter of Motivation (for your admission application).
• Letters of recommendation (if required for your specific program).
• A portfolio (mandatory for some Architecture and Design programs).

FAQs about Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships

Who is eligible for the Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarship?

You must be an international student who has applied for a Master of Science program during the Early Bird period (Oct 1 - Dec 1, 2025), holds a relevant Bachelor's degree, and submits a separate scholarship application form along with all required documents, including an English certificate.

What does the Merit-Based Scholarship cover?

It is a comprehensive award that includes a full tuition fee waiver. Many scholarships also provide a gross living allowance of up to €10,000 per year. You are only responsible for a small administrative fee of around €170.

Can I apply for the scholarship after getting an admission offer?

No. To be considered, you must apply for admission within the specific Early Bird window. Applying later in the cycle makes you ineligible for these particular merit-based awards.

Do I need work experience for this scholarship?

Work experience is not a mandatory requirement listed for the scholarship. The selection is primarily based on academic merit, including your GPA, previous education, and the overall strength of your application package.