Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
Bocconi Merit Awards 2026-2027
Edit ScholarshipBocconi Merit Awards offer 100% tuition waivers for top international, Italian, and Bocconi students. No separate application needed. Auto-assessed.
Overview
Bocconi University's Merit Awards offer a full tuition waiver to the highest-performing applicants admitted to Bachelor's and Master of Science programmes. Located in Milan, Bocconi is one of the top business schools in Europe for economics, management, finance, and law. The Merit Awards are designed to pull in the most talented students from around the world.
The awards are assessed automatically from the admissions application, with no separate scholarship form required. A committee nominated by the Rector evaluates candidates on academic achievement and the full application dossier. For graduate students, the tuition waiver is worth about EUR 13,000 per year; undergraduate recipients receive about EUR 12,000 per year. A limited number of awardees may also get free accommodation in one of Bocconi's residences in central Milan.
The Merit Award renews for the full duration of the programme as long as the student meets minimum credit requirements. Most awards go out during early admission rounds, so applying early matters. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate applicant, the Bocconi Merit Award represents a significant reduction in the cost of studying at one of Europe's top-ranked universities.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Bocconi University, Milan, Italy |
| Host Country | Italy |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's, Master's |
| Value | Full tuition waiver (approximately EUR 12,000/year for undergraduate, EUR 13,000/year for graduate), plus possible free accommodation in Bocconi Residences |
| Deadline | With admission rounds |
| Duration | Full duration of the programme (3 years BSc, 2 years MSc), renewable subject to academic progress |
| Eligible Nationalities | All nationalities (international, Italian, and current Bocconi students are assessed in separate categories) |
| Official Website | https://www.unibocconi.it/en/applying-bocconi/master-science-and-ma-programs/funding/bocconi-graduate-merit-awards-ay-2026-27 |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
Candidates must be among the top academic performers in their applicant category (International, Italian, or Bocconi). Evaluation rests on academic achievement shown through transcripts, standardised test scores, and the overall admissions dossier. No minimum GPA threshold is published; candidates are ranked against each other.
Nationality Requirements
Open to all nationalities worldwide. Applicants are assessed within their respective category: International students, Italian students, and current Bocconi students each form a separate pool.
Language Requirements
Applicants must meet the English language requirements of their chosen programme. Most MSc programmes at Bocconi are taught in English and require IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100, or equivalent. Some programmes also accept GMAT/GRE verbal scores as proof of English proficiency.
Work Experience
No work experience is required. The award is based on academic merit.
Other Requirements
The Merit Award cannot be kept if the student changes programme or defers to a different admission round. Students admitted to multiple Bocconi programmes may hold only one award. The award is revoked for false declarations, disciplinary sanctions, late enrolment, withdrawal, or receipt of an equal or larger Bocconi benefit.
Scholarship Benefits
- 100% tuition and fees waiver covering all Bocconi ordinary academic charges
- Possible free accommodation in a Bocconi Residence in central Milan
- Award covers the full duration of the programme (2 years for MSc, 3 years for BSc)
- Automatic renewal each year if minimum credit requirements are met
- No separate scholarship application required
- Potential conversion to named scholarships by end of September 2026
- Access to Bocconi's career services, corporate partnerships, and global alumni network
- Study at one of Europe's top-ranked business and economics universities
How to Apply
- Select Your Programme and Admission Round: Choose a Bachelor's or Master of Science programme at Bocconi University. Apply in an early admission round to maximise your chances. The majority of Merit Awards go out in the earliest rounds.
- Complete the Bocconi Admission Application: Submit your full application through the Bocconi online portal, including academic transcripts, test scores, essays, and references. There is no separate Merit Award application; your admissions dossier is the scholarship evaluation basis.
- Receive Admission and Merit Award Decision: If your academic profile ranks among the top in your category, the Merit Award will come with your admission offer. The award letter will specify the tuition waiver and any accommodation benefit.
- Accept and Complete Enrolment: Accept the admission offer and Merit Award by the stated deadline. International applicants must complete enrolment by September 30, 2026 (October 30 for Italian/Bocconi candidates). Late enrolment means the award is revoked.
Required Documents
- Completed Bocconi online admission application
- Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions
- Proof of degree completion or expected graduation date
- Standardised test scores (GMAT, GRE, SAT, or equivalent as required by the programme)
- English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or equivalent)
- Personal essays or motivation letter as specified by the programme
- CV or resume
- Letters of recommendation (one or two academic/professional references)
- Copy of valid passport or identity document
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Varies by programme; typically September 2025 for the earliest admission rounds |
| Application Deadline | Multiple admission rounds from October 2025 through May 2026; early rounds receive the most awards |
| Results Announced | Merit Award decisions communicated with each admission round's results |
| Course Start | September 2026 |
Tips for a Strong Application
Personal Statement Tips
- Draw a clear line between your academic strengths and Bocconi's approach to economics, management, or law
- Lead with quantitative achievements: standardised test scores, class rankings, academic awards
- Show how a Bocconi education fits into your long-term career in business, finance, or policy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying in later admission rounds when most Merit Awards have already been given out
- Assuming a separate scholarship application is needed and missing the automatic assessment
- Failing to complete enrolment by the September 30 deadline, which triggers automatic revocation
- Not submitting standardised test scores early enough for them to be included in the evaluation
- Accepting admission to multiple Bocconi programmes without realising only one Merit Award can be held
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit a separate application for the Bocconi Merit Award?
The Merit Award is assessed automatically from your admission application. There is no separate scholarship form.
How much is the Bocconi Merit Award worth?
A full tuition and fees waiver worth about EUR 13,000 per year for graduate programmes and EUR 12,000 per year for undergraduate programmes. Some recipients also receive free accommodation.
Is the Merit Award available for MBA or other professional programmes?
The Merit Award is for Bachelor's (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc) programmes only. MBA, Specialised Master's, and PhD programmes have separate funding.
Can I keep my Merit Award if I change programmes?
The award cannot be kept if you change programmes or defer to a different admission round. You would need to be reassessed in the new programme's applicant pool.
What are the renewal requirements?
For MSc students, the award renews for the second year if you earn at least 50 credits by September 10 of the second year and complete your yearly enrolment on time. The award cannot be renewed during extended (fuori corso) years.
Does applying early really improve my chances?
Bocconi explicitly states that most Merit Awards are distributed in early admission rounds. Applying in the first or second round boosts your chances.
Is the Merit Award need-based or merit-based?
Purely merit-based. Financial need is not a criterion. Bocconi offers separate need-based financial aid.
Can I combine the Merit Award with other Bocconi financial aid?
If you receive an equal or larger benefit from Bocconi, the Merit Award is revoked. You cannot stack multiple Bocconi tuition waivers. External scholarships may be compatible.
What happens if my Merit Award is revoked?
You must pay standard tuition fees. Grounds for revocation include false declarations, disciplinary sanctions, late enrolment, withdrawal, or transfer to another institution.
How competitive is the Bocconi Merit Award?
Only applicants ranked among the very top in their category receive the award. Strong standardised test scores and outstanding academic transcripts are needed.