The Bocconi Graduate Merit Award is a tuition scholarship from Bocconi University, one of Italy’s most respected institutions for economics, management, finance, and related fields. It is aimed at students entering a Master of Science programme in Milan for the 2026/27 academic year, and it is open to all applicants — including international students from across Africa.
What makes this award attractive is its simplicity. You don’t fill out a separate scholarship form. Instead, the university looks at the admission application you already submit and considers the strongest academic profiles for the award. For an African student weighing the cost of postgraduate study in Europe, a full tuition and fees waiver removes one of the biggest barriers.
Note that applications run in several rounds with different deadlines, and the final round closes on 29 April 2026. Because evaluation rests heavily on academic standing, the strength of your overall admission dossier matters a great deal.
Scholarship benefits
- A full waiver of tuition and fees for the Master of Science programme at Bocconi University.
- Awarded on merit, so no separate scholarship application is needed beyond your admission file.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You are applying as a first graduate (Master of Science) applicant for the 2026/27 academic year.
- ✔ You apply to a Graduate Program at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
- ✔ Your academic profile ranks among the top applicants (the award is open to international, Italian, and Bocconi candidates).
- ✔ You can demonstrate strong academic achievement, which is the primary basis for selection.
- ✔ Your complete admissions dossier reflects well, since the full file is reviewed alongside grades.
Application tips for African students
- Apply in an earlier round if you can. With several rounds and the last one closing 29 April 2026, applying early gives you more breathing room and a stronger position.
- Get your transcripts and degree certificates certified — and translated into English where needed — well ahead of time, since these documents can take weeks to prepare back home.
- Check the Master of Science programme’s language requirements early and book any IELTS or TOEFL test with enough lead time to retake it if necessary.
- Because selection is academic-first, present your grades clearly and explain your grading scale if it differs from the Italian or European norm.
- Make every part of your dossier count — a focused motivation statement and well-chosen recommenders strengthen the complete file that the admissions office evaluates.
- Line up your referees early and brief them on the specific programme so their letters speak to your fit.
- Start gathering proof-of-funds and study-visa documents for Italy in parallel, so you’re ready to move quickly if admitted.
How to apply
There is no separate scholarship application. To be considered, you simply apply to a Graduate Program at Bocconi University, and your admission application is automatically assessed for the Merit Award. Applications are organised in rounds with different deadlines; the final round closes on 29 April 2026. At the time of writing the source notes that applications are currently closed, so confirm the open dates and access the online form on the official page: Bocconi Graduate Award official website.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Bocconi Graduate Merit Award?
All students applying to a Master of Science programme at Bocconi, including international students. The source states it considers international, Italian, and Bocconi candidates with top academic profiles.
What does the award cover?
It includes a full tuition and fees waiver for the Master of Science programme. Other costs are not specified — check the official page for details.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. You apply to a Bocconi Graduate Program, and the Merit Award is assessed from your admission application.
What is the deadline?
The deadline for the final application round is 29 April 2026. Earlier rounds have their own deadlines, so check the official site.
How are recipients selected?
Selection is based primarily on academic achievement, with the complete admissions dossier also taken into account.