Politecnico di Milano DSU & Merit-Based Scholarships 2026–27 (Italy)
Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) offers powerful opportunities for international students through its DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) and merit-based scholarships for the academic year 2026–27. Whether you are aiming for a Laurea (Bachelor) or a Laurea Magistrale (Master of Science), Polimi’s financial aid framework is designed to remove economic barriers, reward academic excellence, and provide a practical pathway into Italy’s dynamic engineering, design, and architecture sectors.
About Politecnico di Milano
Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano is Italy’s leading technical university, renowned for its engineering, architecture, and design programs. The university combines strong academic tradition with practical, industry-driven training. Polimi’s campuses and research facilities host an international student community and close ties with industry partners, offering graduates an excellent platform for advanced careers in technology, design, research, and entrepreneurship.
Types of Scholarships Offered for 2026–27
For the 2026–27 academic year, Politecnico di Milano provides multiple scholarship pathways for both domestic and international students. The primary categories include:
- DSU Scholarships (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) — need-based and merit-eligible financial aid covering tuition, meals, accommodation support, and living allowances depending on the award level;
- Merit-Based International Scholarships — competitive awards for top Master’s applicants, often including full tuition waivers and additional annual allowances;
- Government & Partner Scholarships — national scholarships from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI), Invest Your Talent in Italy program, and private partner awards;
- Faculty & Project Scholarships — departmental or research grants linked to specific programs, projects, or lab positions.
DSU Scholarships (Diritto allo Studio Universitario)
The DSU program is Italy’s regional/state system for university student support. It is designed to ensure the right to study for students who face financial barriers. At Politecnico di Milano, DSU packages vary by need, merit, and regional rules but commonly include the following elements:
Who Should Apply for DSU?
Students with documented financial need, strong motivation, and commitment to academic success should consider DSU. International students are eligible, though they may need to provide country-specific financial documentation or an equivalent assessment (e.g., foreign income statements or a proof of resources). DSU awards are governed by a yearly Call for Grant (Bando), which specifies documentation, deadlines, and allocation rules.
Merit-Based International Scholarships 2026–27
Polimi’s merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence. These awards are especially targeted at international candidates applying to Master of Science programs taught in English. Typical features include:
Typical Merit Scholarship Package
- Full tuition fee waiver;
- In many cases, a gross annual allowance up to €10,000 to help with living expenses;
- A small non-refundable administrative fee payment (e.g., about €170) for enrolled scholarship holders;
- Access to career support and possibly internship placement assistance.
How to Be Eligible
Eligibility normally requires:
- Application to a Master of Science program taught in English;
- Submission during a specified Early Bird admission window (for 2026–27, candidates typically apply in the Autumn preceding the intake);
- Completion of an additional internal scholarship application form (usually no extra fee);
- Strong academic records (GPA), relevant prior study or projects, and high-quality supporting documents (SOP, references, portfolio where applicable).
Selection Timeline & Notes
Merit-based awards are competitive and often decided at the time of admission. High-achieving candidates who apply early and present a clear academic profile have the best chances. Departments may reserve a limited number of scholarship seats for the top-ranking admitted applicants.
Other Scholarships & Programs
Politecnico students may also access external sources of funding, including:
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MAECI)
MAECI scholarships fund foreign students for study and research in Italy and often include tuition coverage, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. These scholarships are awarded through a central application process that typically opens annually—check the official MAECI/Study in Italy portal for updated calls.
Invest Your Talent in Italy
This program targets students from selected countries and pairs scholarships with internship and work opportunities at Italian companies. It is highly suitable for students seeking integrated academic + professional pathways.
Private Partners & Industry Scholarships
Polimi often collaborates with industrial partners that fund scholarships attached to specific programs, labs, or research projects. These may include part-time roles, research assistantships, or internship contracts tied to the award.
Benefits of Politecnico di Milano Scholarships
Receiving a scholarship at Polimi unlocks several advantages beyond financial relief:
- Reduced financial burden — tuition waivers and stipends let students focus on studies and research;
- Academic freedom — less need to work full-time, more time for labs, thesis work, and internships;
- Access to networks — bridges to industry partners, research groups, and alumni;
- Enhanced employability — internships and career services amplify job prospects in Italy and internationally;
- International experience — living in Milan, an economic and design capital, enriches personal and professional growth.
Eligibility Criteria — What the University Looks For
While specific criteria vary by scholarship and year, the most common expectations include:
- Admission or confirmed enrollment in a Politecnico di Milano program (Laurea or Laurea Magistrale);
- Academic merit — GPA, honors, coursework relevance, and portfolio quality for design/architecture applicants;
- Demonstrated financial need (for DSU) — documented through income declarations, ISEE equivalent, or other evidence;
- Language proficiency — English for many Master’s programs (IELTS/TOEFL/accepted equivalents) and possibly Italian for some Bachelor’s programs;
- Complete application — all required forms, supporting letters, and translations uploaded before deadlines.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1 — Choose Your Program
Identify the exact Bachelor’s or Master’s program you want to join. Confirm whether it is offered in English or Italian and verify intake dates and specific admission rules.
Step 2 — Gather Documents
Typical documents you’ll need:
- Academic transcripts and diplomas (official + certified translations if necessary);
- Language test scores or certificates; evidence of exemption if applicable;
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) that explains motivations, goals, and fit with the program;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic projects, work, and achievements;
- Portfolio for architecture, design, or visual programs (follow departmental instructions for format and content);
- Recommendation letters (if required by the program).
Step 3 — Apply for Admission
Submit the program application through Polimi’s official admission portal. If applying for a merit-based scholarship, make sure your application falls within any designated Early Bird period and mark any optional scholarship application fields.
Step 4 — Complete Scholarship Application(s)
For DSU: follow the instructions in the annual Call for Grant (Bando) and submit the required financial documentation. For merit scholarships: fill out the additional internal scholarship form (commonly requested for early applicants) and upload any extra documents requested by the scholarship committee.
Step 5 — Track Your Application & Await Results
Monitor email and the admission portal. Merit awards are often announced with admission decisions; DSU outcomes follow the Bando’s schedule. If awarded, follow the acceptance instructions and confirm your place by the deadline.
Important Deadlines & Timeline
Exact dates may vary each year. For planning purposes, typical timelines include:
- Early Bird Admission Window: Autumn before intake (e.g., October–December for the September intake);
- Merit Scholarship Application: Often aligned with Early Bird admissions — apply early for best chances;
- DSU Bando Announcement: Released annually — check Polimi’s financial aid page for exact publication dates;
- Semester Start: Usually September (academic year 2026–27 begins in September 2026).
Note: Always verify exact dates on Polimi’s official website each year to avoid missing application windows.
Selection Criteria & Evaluation
Selection panels evaluate candidates using a mix of objective and subjective measures:
For Merit Scholarships
- Academic record: GPA, degree class, and relevance of prior coursework;
- Match with program: how well previous studies align with the Master’s program;
- Supporting documents: strength of SOP, reference letters, and portfolio (if applicable);
- Potential & motivation: evidence of research interest, internships, or projects demonstrating potential contribution to the field.
For DSU
- Financial assessment: income declarations and any regional means-tests (e.g., ISEE equivalent for Italians);
- Academic eligibility: satisfactory academic performance and commitment to complete the program;
- Special circumstances: family situation, disabilities, or other factors may be considered in award prioritization.
Living & Studying in Milan — Practical Notes
Milan is Italy’s commercial and cultural center and an ideal city for Polimi students. Here are practical considerations for scholarship recipients:
- Accommodation: university residences, private rentals, or shared apartments. Scholarships may include housing support but start searching early;
- Cost of living: varies by lifestyle; scholarships that include allowances help but budgeting is important;
- Health insurance: international students often must secure health coverage (check whether scholarship packages or MAECI include insurance);
- Transport: Milan has an efficient public transit network—monthly student passes are affordable;
- Language: while many Master’s programs are in English, learning Italian helps socially and professionally.
Top Application Tips — What Makes an Application Stand Out
- Start early: prepare transcripts, translations, SOP, and portfolio well ahead of deadlines;
- Tailor your SOP: explain why Polimi and the chosen program are the right fit, mentioning labs, professors, or projects that interest you;
- Quality over quantity: strong, focused recommendation letters are better than multiple generic ones;
- Portfolio clarity: for design/architecture, present well-curated projects with short descriptions of your role, tools used, and outcomes;
- Show impact: highlight projects, competitions, internships, publications, or volunteer work that demonstrate initiative and contribution;
- Proofread: clear, grammatical, and concise documents reflect professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can international students apply for DSU scholarships?
A1: Yes — international students can apply for DSU provided they fulfill the financial and academic requirements laid out in the annual Call for Grant (Bando). Documentation proving financial status from the student’s home country is commonly required; consult the Bando for precise documentation rules.
Q2: Are merit-based scholarships fully funded?
A2: Many merit-based scholarships include a full tuition waiver. Several awards also provide an additional living allowance (in some cases up to €10,000/year). The exact package depends on the specific scholarship and sponsoring partner.
Q3: Do I need to speak Italian to get a scholarship?
A3: Not necessarily. Many Master’s programs at Polimi are offered in English and accept students without Italian proficiency. For Bachelor’s programs, Italian may be required. Learning Italian is recommended for daily life and broader job opportunities.
Q4: Is there an extra fee to apply for merit scholarships?
A4: Scholarship applications themselves typically do not require a separate fee. However, you will need to pay any standard program application fees during admission. Scholarship forms are usually free to submit.
Q5: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at Polimi?
A5: Yes. In many cases you can apply for DSU and merit-based scholarships simultaneously, but each program has its own evaluation and awarding process. Ensure you follow each application’s submission rules carefully.
Q6: When are scholarship results announced?
A6: Merit scholarship decisions are often announced alongside admission results in the weeks following application deadlines. DSU results follow the Bando’s timeline, which is published annually. Always check Polimi’s financial aid page for specific dates.
Q7: Will a scholarship cover exchange semesters or internships abroad?
A7: Coverage varies. Some scholarships may allow mobility grants or partial support for exchange semesters and internships; this depends on the award rules. Clarify mobility and internship support when you accept the scholarship.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The Politecnico di Milano DSU & Merit-Based Scholarships 2026–27 provide life-changing support for talented and motivated students. Whether your path is driven by economic need (DSU) or academic excellence (merit-based awards), Polimi’s financial aid ecosystem is structured to empower you to study at one of Europe’s top technical universities.
Next steps:
- Decide your target program and check its language of instruction.
- Prepare and translate your academic documents and portfolio (if needed).
- Apply early—especially during the Early Bird window for merit-based awards.
- Monitor Polimi’s official Financial Aid & Scholarships page and the DSU Bando for precise deadlines and forms.
- Contact Polimi’s international office or student helpdesk if you need clarification on required documents or application procedures.
Offical Website
For further details, please visit the official website.
