University of Bergamo International Scholarship 2026–2027, Master’s

Every year, thousands of international students look for a way to study in Europe without breaking the bank. Italy is one of the most sought-after destinations — rich history, world-class universities, and a quality of life that is hard to match anywhere else. But the cost of living and tuition can be a real barrier.

The University of Bergamo has a solution for that. Through its Top International Student Grants program, the university offers fully competitive scholarships to outstanding international students who want to enroll in one of its English-taught Master’s degree programs. For the academic years 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, six grants worth €16,000 each are up for grabs — and the application deadline is closer than you think.

If you have taken the GRE or are planning to, this scholarship was made for you.

Quick Overview:

• Host University: University of Bergamo, Italy
• Scholarship Name: Top International Student Grants
• Grant Value: €16,000 total (€8,000 per year) for two academic years
• Number of Grants: 6
• Eligible Level: Master’s degree (MA) programs taught in English
• Academic Year: 2026–2027 (with continuation into 2027–2028)
• Selection Criteria: GRE Revised General Test score
• Application Deadline: 10th July 2026 at 10:00 AM CET
• Who Can Apply: International students (EU and Non-EU) with qualifications obtained outside the Italian education system

About the University of Bergamo:

The University of Bergamo (Università degli Studi di Bergamo, or UNIBG) is a public research university located in Bergamo, a beautiful city in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It sits just 45 minutes from Milan and is known for its well-respected academic programs, international outlook, and a welcoming campus environment.

Bergamo itself was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Living and studying here means you get to experience one of Italy’s most charming cities — with a medieval upper city (Città Alta), a vibrant modern lower city, and easy access to the Alps, Lake Como, and Milan.

The university has strong ties with the business and industrial community of the Bergamo region, which is one of the most economically productive areas in all of Italy. If you are studying management, engineering, economics, or related fields, the professional network available to you here is genuinely valuable.

What Is the Scholarship Worth?:

Each scholarship is worth €16,000 in total, spread across two academic years — €8,000 per year. The grant is paid in four instalments of €4,000 each.

Here is how the payment schedule works:

• First instalment (€4,000): Paid by January 31st, 2027 — after you arrive in Bergamo, enrol in your program, pay the regional tax and duty stamp, and submit your Italian tax code and Residence Permit application
• Second instalment (€4,000): Released after you earn 15 credits by April 30th, 2027
• Third instalment (€4,000): Released after you earn 40 credits by September 30th, 2027
• Fourth instalment (€4,000): Released after you earn 60 credits by April 30th, 2028

Important: The grant amount listed (€8,000/year) is the gross figure. Italian taxes apply — approximately 8.5% IRAP and 23% IRPEF will be deducted. These percentages are indicative for 2026. The university cannot confirm the exact net amount in advance.

Payment is made via a prepaid BANCA INTESA electronic card, which is issued to students for free upon enrollment.

Also note: this scholarship does not cover tuition fees. Academic fees at UNIBG are calculated based on family income (ISEE/ISEEU certification), so lower-income students often pay significantly less. For full details on fees, check the university’s official cost page at https://en.unibg.it/study/enrollment/costs.

Eligible Programs:

The grant is available to students enrolling in the first year of the following Master’s programs at the University of Bergamo. All programs are taught entirely in English:

• MA Accounting, Governance and Sustainability
• MA Clinical Psychology for Individuals, Families and Organizations
• MA Economics and Data Analysis
• MA International Management and Marketing
• MA Intercultural Studies in Languages and Literatures
• MA Management Engineering
• MA Mechatronics and Smart Technology Engineering
• MA Medical Engineering
• MA Planning and Management of Tourism Systems
• MA Economics & Finance
• MA Philosophical Knowledge: Foundations, Methods, Applications

Whether your background is in engineering, business, economics, psychology, or humanities, there is a program on this list that could match your goals. The diversity of fields here is one of the things that makes this scholarship especially attractive — it is not limited to a single department.

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for the Top International Student Grant, you must meet all of the following conditions:

1. International qualification: Your degree used for admission to the MA program must have been obtained outside the Italian education system, after at least three years of study. Degrees from San Marino do not qualify.
2. EU or Non-EU citizenship: Both EU and Non-EU students can apply.
3. Admission requirements: You must meet all the entry requirements for your chosen MA program at the time of applying.
4. Not currently enrolled at UNIBG: You must not be an active student in any First, Second, or Single Cycle degree program at the University of Bergamo. If your enrollment at UNIBG ended in 2024–25 for any reason, you are still considered a current student and are not eligible. Withdrawal from studies must have been completed before the publication of this call.
5. Age: You must be under 30 years old by the application deadline (July 10th, 2026).

How Are Applicants Selected?:

The selection is entirely based on your GRE Revised General Test score. There is no minimum score requirement — all valid scores are considered. However, only tests taken after March 31st, 2023 are accepted. Older scores will not be evaluated.

A specially appointed board reviews all applications and scores. The Head of the International Office then approves the final selections.

In the event of a tie (equal GRE scores), the younger candidate is selected.

Results will be published by August 7th, 2026 at 6:00 PM CET on the university’s official scholarships page.

Scholarship Incompatibility:

This grant cannot be combined with the following:

• Scholarships or prizes from the University of Bergamo itself
• Grants from the Regional Board for the Right to Higher Studies (Students’ Aid Service)
• Scholarships from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
• CRUI grants for beneficiaries of international protection (for meal budgets)
• Erasmus Mundus scholarships

However, it is compatible with other forms of support from the Students’ Aid Service, such as access to the university canteen.

Required Documents:

When you submit your application, you must attach all of the following documents. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected, and documents will not be returned.

1. Valid passport copy — EU citizens may submit a national identity document instead
2. Official GRE score report — must be from a test taken after March 31st, 2023
3. Academic qualifications certificate — confirming your eligibility for the chosen MA program, along with transcripts of records for the last 3 years
4. Signed application form — the official form (available on the university website) must be filled in, signed, and uploaded as a scan

Language note: All documents must be in English or Italian. If any document is in another language, you must provide a translation into English or Italian. The translation does not need to be certified — you can do it yourself, as long as you sign and date it.

You do not need to provide an official Italian translation, legalization, or a “declaration of value” (dichiarazione di valore) at the application stage. These documents will only be required later if you need to apply for a student visa through the Universitaly portal.

How to Apply:

The application is submitted online through a Google Form. Follow these steps:

1. Take the GRE test — if you haven’t already, book your test as soon as possible. The deadline to submit your application is July 10th, 2026, so your official score report must be available by then. Visit www.ets.org/gre for test dates and registration.
2. Prepare your documents — gather your passport, GRE score report, academic transcripts, and fill out the application form.
3. Download and complete the application form — the form is available on the official scholarship page at the University of Bergamo website.
4. Submit your application online — go to the application link: https://forms.gle/yH1iTnfCGhrcP1pE8 and upload all required documents.
5. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by July 10th, 2026 at 10:00 AM CET. Late submissions will not be accepted.

After You Are Selected:

If you are among the six winners, here is what happens next:

• You will be notified by email by August 7th, 2026.
• You must confirm your acceptance by emailing the International Office at international.office@unibg.it no later than August 24th, 2026.
• Your acceptance must be unconditional and must confirm that you do not hold any incompatible scholarship.
• If you do not confirm within 10 days of being notified, or if you withdraw, the scholarship will be offered to the next eligible candidate.

You must also physically arrive in Bergamo and begin your studies by December 15th, 2026 at the latest. Payment of the first instalment depends on your actual arrival in the city.

Important Notes for Non-EU Students:

If you are a Non-EU student, you will need to apply for a student visa to study in Italy. After being selected for the grant, you will need to:

• Apply for admission through the Universitaly portal
• Obtain an official translation and legalization of your academic documents (or a CIMEA Statement of Comparability)
• Apply for a Type D student visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country
• Register for a permesso di soggiorno (Residence Permit) within 8 working days of arriving in Italy
• Obtain an Italian tax code (codice fiscale)

All of these are standard requirements for studying in Italy. The university’s International Office is available to guide you through the process. You can reach them at international.students@unibg.it.

Office hours:

• Monday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:45 PM – 3:45 PM
• Thursday: 1:45 PM – 3:45 PM

Key Dates at a Glance:

• Application opens: Already open (published June 8th, 2026)
• Application deadline: July 10th, 2026 at 10:00 AM CET
• Results published: By August 7th, 2026
• Acceptance deadline: August 24th, 2026
• Latest arrival in Bergamo: December 15th, 2026
• First payment: By January 31st, 2027

Final Thoughts:

The University of Bergamo Top International Student Grant is one of the more straightforward scholarship opportunities you will come across for studying in Italy. The selection is merit-based and transparent — your GRE score is the primary factor, there is no essay, no interview, and no subjective evaluation. If you have a strong GRE score and are planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Europe, this is a legitimate and well-structured opportunity worth going after.

The deadline is July 10th, 2026 — that gives you a few weeks. If you have not taken the GRE yet, check test availability in your country immediately at www.ets.org/gre, because booking and receiving official results takes time.

Good luck, and feel free to share this with anyone who might benefit from it.