If you are an international student looking for a fully funded or partially funded opportunity to study a Master’s degree in Italy, the University of Siena International Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 could be exactly what you have been waiting for. This scholarship is open to students from any country, requires no IELTS, and covers your studies in one of Europe’s most historic and beautiful university cities.
In this guide, you will find everything you need: eligibility rules, eligible programs, the step-by-step application process, documents checklist, winning tips, visa details, and what to do after you apply. Read every section carefully because the details matter.
SCHOLARSHIP SUMMARY TABLE
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Italy |
| Institution | University of Siena |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships / Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All (Non-Italian citizens only) |
| Number of Awards | 5 Scholarships |
| Award Value | EUR 6,000 per year (EUR 12,000 total over 2 years) |
| Programs Covered | Selected English-taught Master’s programs |
| No IELTS Required | Yes (check program-specific English requirements) |
| Application Deadline | May 26, 2026 |
| Application Portal | apply.unisi.it |
| Application Fee | EUR 10 (non-refundable) |
Scholarship Overview: University of Siena International Excellence Scholarships 2026/27
The University of Siena is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1240. Located in Tuscany, central Italy, it has a long tradition of welcoming international students across disciplines ranging from economics to biotechnology.
For the academic year 2026/27, the university is offering five Siena International Excellence Scholarships to honor outstanding international students and encourage their enrollment in selected Master’s degree programs (Lauree Magistrali). Each scholarship is worth EUR 6,000 per year (gross amount) and is renewable for a second year, bringing the total value to EUR 12,000 over two years.
The scholarship is purely merit-based and is designed for students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their undergraduate studies.
Eligibility for the University of Siena Scholarship 2026/27
Before you invest time in your application, confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements. The university is strict about these, and failure to meet any single criterion leads to automatic disqualification.
To be eligible for the Siena International Excellence Scholarship, you must meet all of the following conditions:
You must hold a non-Italian Bachelor’s degree that qualifies for admission to Master’s degree programs (Lauree Magistrali) within the Italian university system.
You must not hold Italian citizenship. However, if you hold dual citizenship that includes Italian, you are still excluded.
You must not be a resident of Italy. For the purposes of this scholarship, you are considered an Italian resident if you are a non-EU citizen with a valid Italian residence permit that allows enrollment without a new student visa, or if you are an EU or EU-equated citizen who has continuously lived in Italy for more than nine months. Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the Republic of San Marino, and Switzerland are treated as EU citizens under this rule.
You must have applied for at least one of the qualifying Master’s degree programs at the University of Siena through the apply.unisi.it portal, following all procedures and deadlines. You can apply for up to two programs.
Both candidates whose applications are still under evaluation and those who have already received an acceptance letter for one of the listed programs (first or second intake) are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Criteria for Application: How the University of Siena Scholarship Selection Works
The scholarship is merit-based, meaning the Evaluation Committee will review your academic record and the documents you submitted for your course admission application. In addition, your scholarship application requires a short self-made video of no longer than one minute explaining your motivations for applying to this program. There is no interview process described beyond the video submission.
The committee evaluates candidates across each academic area, awarding one scholarship per area and two scholarships in the Area of Math and Experimental Sciences. This means you are competing primarily against applicants in your own academic field, which improves your chances if you have a strong academic background.
Eligible Programs for the University of Siena International Excellence Scholarships
The scholarships cover selected Master’s degree programs taught entirely in English. One scholarship is available for each of the following three areas, and two scholarships are available in the fourth area.
Area of Economics and Law: Economics, Finance, International Accounting and Management.
Area of Political, International, Social and Cognitive Sciences: Language and Mind: Linguistics and Cognitive Studies, Public and Cultural Diplomacy, Scienze Internazionali (curriculum: European Studies).
Area of Biomedical and Medical Sciences: Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction, Medical Biotechnologies.
Area of Math and Experimental Sciences (two scholarships available): Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering, Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Quality, Chemistry, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Engineering Management, Sustainable Industrial Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
Required Documents Checklist for the Siena International Excellence Scholarship
When applying, you need to submit the following through the apply.unisi.it portal. Your scholarship application must be submitted using the same account you used for your course admission application. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
For the scholarship application specifically, you need:
A short self-made video (maximum one minute) in which you explain your motivations for applying to the program. This is the key personal component of your application, so prepare it carefully.
The name or names of the Master’s degree programs you are applying for under this scholarship call.
For the course admission application (which feeds into the scholarship review), the standard documents required by the university include:
Your Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of pending graduation Official transcripts showing your academic results A copy of your passport or national identity document Proof of English language proficiency as required by your chosen program Any additional documents specified for your chosen program on the admissions website
Benefits of the University of Siena International Excellence Scholarships 2026/27
The financial award is EUR 6,000 per year (gross), renewable for a second year, giving a total of EUR 12,000 over the two-year Master’s program. This money goes toward covering your living and study costs in Siena.
Beyond the financial benefit, winning this scholarship gives you the prestige of being recognized as an excellence scholar at one of Europe’s oldest universities. This carries real weight on your CV when you begin your career search.
Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a low cost of living compared to major Italian cities like Milan or Rome, which means your scholarship money goes further here. Monthly living costs for a student in Siena typically range between EUR 700 and EUR 1,000, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Scholarship Application Formatting — How to Present Your Materials
Your video and supporting documents create the committee’s first and lasting impression of you. Keep the following formatting principles in mind.
For the motivation video, speak clearly and at a natural pace. Dress professionally. Choose a quiet, well-lit background. Structure your one minute like this: introduce yourself briefly (10 seconds), explain why you chose this specific program (25 seconds), describe your academic and professional background and what makes you an excellent candidate (20 seconds), and close with what you plan to do with this degree (5 seconds). Practice multiple times before recording.
For your written documents, ensure every certificate and transcript is official and properly formatted. If your original documents are not in English or Italian, have them translated by a certified translator.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the University of Siena Excellence Scholarship 2026/27
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Check your eligibility against all the criteria listed above before doing anything else.
Step 2: Create an account on the University of Siena admissions portal at apply.unisi.it if you do not already have one.
Step 3: Submit your application for admission to at least one of the eligible Master’s degree programs listed above. You can apply for up to two programs.
Step 4: Once your admission application is submitted (or accepted), log back into the same account and find the scholarship listing under the “Scholarship” section.
Step 5: Click “APPLY NOW” below to Access the scholarship application
Step 6: Record and upload your motivation video (maximum one minute).
Step 7: Confirm the name or names of the Master’s programs you are applying for under this scholarship.
Step 8: Pay the non-refundable EUR 10 application fee. Payment instructions will be sent to your registered email address.
Step 9: Submit your application before the deadline of May 26, 2026. Double-check that everything is complete before you hit submit, because incomplete applications are rejected with no exceptions.
WATCH STEP BY STEP APPLICATION PROCESS HERE:
Deadline: May 26, 2026 — Do Not Miss It
The University of Siena International Excellence Scholarship deadline is May 26, 2026. This deadline is firm. There is no indication of any extension on the official website, and waiting until the last day is a risk you do not need to take. Aim to have your full application ready and submitted at least five days before the deadline to avoid any technical issues with the portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your University of Siena Scholarship Application
Using a different account for your scholarship application than the one used for your admission application. The university explicitly states this will disqualify you.
Submitting an incomplete application. Every required document and piece of information must be present.
Exceeding the one-minute limit for the motivation video. Keep it tight and practice beforehand.
Applying to programs you are not eligible for. Confirm that your undergraduate background qualifies you for your chosen Master’s program.
Waiting until the last day to apply. Technical issues on the portal or payment processing delays can cause you to miss the deadline.
Submitting documents that are not properly certified or translated. If your degree or transcripts are in a language other than English or Italian, have them officially translated.
Tips for Winning Essays and Motivation Videos for the Siena Scholarship
Even though this scholarship uses a video rather than a written essay, the principles of strong motivation content apply equally.
Be specific about why you chose the University of Siena and this specific program. Generic statements like “I want to advance my career” do not impress any evaluation committee.
Connect your past academic work to what you plan to study. If you are applying for Economics, reference specific coursework, research projects, or work experience that shows you are prepared for postgraduate-level study in this field.
Explain what you will do with your degree. Committees want to fund students who will go on to make an impact. Tell them clearly and concisely.
Be genuine. Committees have reviewed thousands of applications and they can tell when a candidate is performing rather than speaking authentically.
Keep it under one minute. Respecting time limits is itself a demonstration of professionalism.
Tips for Strong Reference Letters for the University of Siena Application
While the scholarship application itself centers on your motivation video, your admission application may require reference letters depending on your chosen program. Strong references follow these principles.
Choose referees who know your academic work closely. A professor who supervised your thesis or a supervisor from a research project is far more valuable than a senior figure who barely knows you.
Give your referee enough time. Ask at least four weeks before the deadline and provide them with your CV, your personal statement, and the specific program you are applying for.
Brief your referee on what to highlight. They should speak to your analytical abilities, your work ethic, your capacity to work independently, and any specific achievements relevant to your chosen program.
Follow up politely. A gentle reminder one week before the deadline is appropriate.
Scholarship-Friendly CV/Resume for the University of Siena Application
If your program requires a CV as part of the admission application, make sure yours is optimized for a scholarship review.
Lead with your education section, listing your most recent qualifications first. Include your GPA or final grade, the grading scale used, and any academic honors.
Add a research or projects section if you have conducted any relevant work. Even undergraduate research projects count.
List relevant skills such as languages spoken, software proficiencies, and technical tools related to your field.
Keep it to two pages maximum. European academic CVs are typically more detailed than job-seeking CVs, but clarity and conciseness are still valued.
Do not include a photo unless specifically requested. In many European countries, photos on CVs are not expected.
Post-Application Phase: What to Do After Successful Submission
After you submit your application, you should do the following.
Save your confirmation email and any application reference number you receive. You will need this if you need to follow up with the admissions office.
Monitor your email inbox regularly, including your spam folder. All communications from the university will come to your registered email address.
Do not contact the admissions office repeatedly asking for status updates. Check the university website for any official announcements about results timelines.
If you are offered the scholarship, you will need to confirm your acceptance and proceed with enrollment. Follow all enrollment instructions promptly, as missing enrollment deadlines can lead to losing your scholarship offer.
Begin gathering documents for your student visa application early (see the next section) so you are ready to move quickly once you receive your acceptance.
Visa Route for University of Siena Scholarship Winners
If you are a non-EU citizen and you are accepted to study at the University of Siena, you will need to apply for an Italian Student Visa (Type D) before you can travel to Italy for your studies.
The visa application process for Italy runs through the Universitaly portal. You must submit a pre-enrollment request through Universitaly before applying for your visa at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. The university’s admissions team provides detailed guidance on this process at https://admission.unisi.it/?p=1197.
Start your visa process as early as possible after you receive your acceptance letter. Italian student visas can take several weeks to process, and Italian embassy appointments can be hard to secure in some countries.
Once in Italy, you will also need to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within eight business days of arriving. The university provides support for this process.
Work After Study Options in Italy for University of Siena Graduates
Italy does not currently have a dedicated post-study work visa route comparable to the UK’s Graduate Route or Canada’s Post-Graduate Work Permit in terms of automatic two-year work rights. However, there are several legal routes for staying and working in Italy after your studies.
While studying, international students on a student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. This allows you to gain work experience during your program.
After graduating, you can apply to convert your student residence permit into a work permit if you secure a job offer from an Italian employer. Italy’s annual immigration quota (Decreto Flussi) allocates work permits including for foreign graduates.
If you are an EU citizen, you have the right to work freely anywhere in Italy after graduation with no additional permit required.
Italy is also a gateway to the broader European Union job market. A Master’s degree from the University of Siena, combined with Italian language skills acquired during your time there, opens doors across Europe.
Possible Job Opportunities for University of Siena Graduates
The University of Siena’s English-taught programs are directly aligned with high-demand sectors across Italy and Europe.
Economics and Finance graduates can pursue roles in banking, financial analysis, consulting, and public policy institutions including the European Central Bank and international financial organizations.
Biotechnology and Medical Biotechnology graduates are in demand in Italy’s strong pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, with companies like Menarini, Chiesi Pharmaceuticals, and the broader Tuscany biotech cluster.
AI and Engineering graduates have access to one of Europe’s fastest-growing job markets, with demand across manufacturing, automotive (Italy has a strong industrial base), and technology sectors.
Diplomacy and International Studies graduates are well-positioned for roles in international organizations, NGOs, government ministries, and the EU institutions based in Brussels.
Applied Mathematics graduates have opportunities in data science, financial modeling, research institutions, and academia.
Alternatives if You Do Not Win the University of Siena Scholarship
Not winning one scholarship does not mean your study abroad journey is over. Here are strong alternatives worth exploring.
The MAECI Scholarships for Foreign Students: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers government scholarships for international students to study in Italy. These are funded at the national level and are separate from university-level awards.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: These are highly competitive EU-funded scholarships for international students to study in multiple European countries. Several programs align with the disciplines offered at Siena.
Chevening Scholarships: Open to eligible countries for study in the UK, Chevening covers tuition and living costs for a one-year Master’s.
DAAD Scholarships: Germany’s academic exchange service offers well-funded scholarships for postgraduate study in Germany, including many English-taught programs.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries for study in the UK, covering tuition and living costs.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: Targeted at African students, this program funds postgraduate education at partner institutions globally.
OFID Scholarships: Open to students from developing countries for Master’s study at selected global universities.
Keep applying. The most successful scholarship winners apply to multiple opportunities at the same time and refine each application based on the specific requirements of each scholarship.
Conclusion: Apply Now for the University of Siena International Excellence Scholarship 2026/27
The University of Siena International Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 represent a genuine and well-funded opportunity for talented international students to pursue a world-class Master’s education in Italy. With five awards of EUR 6,000 per year, a straightforward application process, and programs spanning economics, biotechnology, AI, diplomacy, and more, this is a scholarship worth taking seriously.
The deadline is May 26, 2026. That date is not far away. Start your application today, prepare your motivation video carefully, and make sure every document is in place before you submit.
Internal Links (for SprintRemote blog):
- See also: How to Win Scholarships with a Low GPA
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- See also: Best Countries for Post-Study Work Rights for International Students
