Italy is an attractive destination for international students who want to earn an MBA in Europe. The country is home to respected business schools offering programmes in management, finance, fashion, luxury goods, entrepreneurship, technology, sustainability and international business.
However, studying for an MBA in Italy can be expensive. Depending on the institution and programme, tuition can reach tens of thousands of euros. International students must also plan for accommodation, food, transportation, residence-permit costs, health insurance and other living expenses.
Fortunately, several Italian business schools provide scholarships, tuition waivers and fee reductions for talented MBA applicants. These awards may be based on academic achievement, professional experience, leadership potential, nationality, gender, industry background or performance during the admission process.
Applicants should understand that most MBA scholarships in Italy are not fully funded in the same way as some government scholarships. A tuition waiver may reduce or completely remove the programme fee, but it may not provide money for rent, food, travel or visa expenses.
For the 2026–2027 academic cycle, major opportunities include scholarships at SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bologna Business School and Luiss Business School. Some opportunities are available to applicants of every nationality, while others are reserved for women, international candidates, African applicants or people with particular professional backgrounds.
This guide explains seven important MBA scholarship opportunities in Italy, including their values, eligibility requirements, application procedures and major restrictions.
As of July 27, 2026, some scholarship rounds for programmes beginning in 2026 have already closed. A small number of later rounds remain available for selected executive programmes. Applicants preparing for 2027 entry can also use the information in this guide to begin their preparations early.
This article provides general educational information. Scholarship availability, amounts, deadlines and admission requirements can change. Applicants should verify current details directly with the relevant Italian business school before submitting an application or making a payment.
Quick Overview of the Top MBA Scholarships in Italy
| Scholarship | Business School | Potential Value | Main Eligibility Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA Merit Tuition Waivers | SDA Bocconi | 10% to 50%, with some awards reaching 100% | Outstanding MBA applicants |
| Outstanding Candidates MBA Waivers | SDA Bocconi | Up to 80% of tuition | Exceptional candidates |
| Global MBA Merit Scholarships | Bologna Business School | Full or partial tuition coverage | Applicants of all nationalities |
| Africa Scholarship Program | Bologna Business School | Tuition support varies | High-performing African candidates |
| Full-Time MBA Scholarships | Luiss Business School | Up to 75% of tuition | Merit, women, STEM and international candidates |
| Part-Time MBA Scholarships | Luiss Business School | Up to 50% of tuition | Women, international and STEM candidates |
| Rotman–SDA Bocconi GEMBA Waivers | SDA Bocconi and Rotman | Up to 25% of tuition | Global Executive MBA applicants |
Are MBA Scholarships in Italy Fully Funded?
Some Italian business schools offer full tuition waivers, but this does not necessarily mean that the entire cost of studying in Italy is covered.
A full tuition waiver normally pays only the MBA programme fee. The student may still be responsible for:
- Accommodation
- Food and personal expenses
- Flights to and from Italy
- Visa application fees
- Residence-permit fees
- Health insurance
- Local transportation
- Books or equipment not included in the programme fee
- Accommodation deposits
- Expenses for accompanying family members
A scholarship should therefore be described as “fully funded” only when it covers tuition and provides sufficient support for major living expenses.
Most opportunities in this guide are merit-based tuition scholarships. Applicants should read the award terms carefully before deciding whether they can afford the remaining costs.
1. SDA Bocconi Full-Time MBA Merit-Based Tuition Waivers
SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan offers some of Italy’s most competitive MBA tuition waivers.
For the 2026–2027 Full-Time MBA, SDA Bocconi allocated a total budget of €1 million for partial merit-based tuition waivers. These awards generally cover between 10% and 50% of the programme cost and may be offered when a candidate is admitted.
SDA Bocconi also states that candidates receiving smaller awards may still be considered for additional scholarships later in the admissions cycle. Some higher-value awards can reach up to 100% of the programme cost.
Scholarship Value
The main partial merit awards may cover:
- 10% of tuition
- 20% of tuition
- 30% of tuition
- 40% of tuition
- Up to 50% of tuition
Certain competitive awards may cover between 60% and 100% of the programme cost.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is suitable for applicants with strong academic, professional and leadership profiles.
Applicants must generally:
- Apply for the 2026–2027 Full-Time MBA
- Satisfy the MBA admission requirements
- Review the requirements of the specific tuition waiver
- Submit the scholarship request through the online application portal
- Meet the applicable scholarship deadline
SDA Bocconi allows applicants to apply for more than one tuition waiver when they satisfy multiple award conditions. Scholarship requests may also be submitted while the MBA selection process is still in progress.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated using factors such as:
- Academic record
- Professional experience
- Leadership potential
- Career progression
- Results from the MBA selection process
- Requirements contained in the specific scholarship call
GMAT Expectations for Larger Awards
SDA Bocconi states that tuition waivers beginning at 60% of the programme fee require a minimum GMAT score of 615 under the current scoring format, equivalent to approximately 670 under the previous format.
A full tuition waiver requires a minimum GMAT score of 645 under the current format, equivalent to approximately 700 under the former GMAT scale.
Meeting the minimum score does not guarantee a scholarship. The school also considers the candidate’s wider academic and professional profile.
How to Apply
- Complete the SDA Bocconi Full-Time MBA application.
- Open the scholarship section in the admissions portal.
- Select “Partial Merit-Based Tuition Waiver.”
- Upload any requested supporting documents.
- Submit the request before the relevant deadline.
SDA Bocconi encourages candidates to apply early because the available tuition-waiver budget is limited.
Important Restriction
Admission to the MBA and scholarship selection are separate decisions. A candidate can receive admission without receiving any tuition waiver.
2. SDA Bocconi Outstanding Candidates MBA Tuition Waivers
The Outstanding Candidates Tuition Waivers are among the largest awards connected to the SDA Bocconi Full-Time MBA.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, SDA Bocconi listed nine partial tuition waivers for outstanding candidates, with awards covering up to 80% of the programme fee.
Scholarship Value
Selected candidates may receive tuition support worth up to 80% of the MBA programme cost.
This is a tuition waiver rather than a complete living-cost scholarship. Recipients should still prepare funding for accommodation, food, transportation, travel and personal expenses in Milan.
Who Is Considered an Outstanding Candidate?
There is no single profile that guarantees selection. However, strong candidates may demonstrate:
- Excellent university results
- A competitive GMAT or GRE score
- Significant professional progression
- Leadership experience
- International exposure
- Entrepreneurial achievements
- A clear post-MBA career plan
- Potential to contribute to the MBA class
Other SDA Bocconi Award Categories
The school’s Full-Time MBA funding page also lists or has listed tuition waivers for categories such as:
- Women applicants
- Candidate athletes
- Members of participating professional networks
- Outstanding applicants
- Diversity-related fellowships
- Applicants connected to recognised clubs or partner organisations
Availability and deadlines differ by year. Several specialised calls for 2026 entry have already expired.
Previous Full Tuition Opportunities
SDA Bocconi has also offered full tuition waivers, including awards created in memory of Professor Claudio Dematté. For 2026 entry, the published Full-Time MBA page listed two total tuition waivers of up to 100%, but the relevant application round had expired.
Future applicants should monitor the next admission cycle because similar high-value awards may be announced again.
3. Bologna Business School Global MBA Merit Scholarships
Bologna Business School offers merit-based scholarships for students joining its Global MBA programmes.
The school states that both full and partial scholarships are available to MBA participants. Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply, and awards are allocated according to merit demonstrated during the selection process.
What the Scholarship Covers
Bologna Business School’s MBA scholarships cover tuition expenses only.
They do not automatically cover:
- Rent
- Food
- Visa costs
- Flights
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses
Who Can Apply?
The Global MBA is generally open to applicants who have:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree
- English-language proficiency
- At least three years of professional work experience
- A strong result during the admission and selection process
Bologna Business School states that the three years of work experience may be cumulative or consecutive and must normally be completed before the applicable enrolment deadline.
Selection Criteria
Scholarship decisions consider:
- Academic achievements
- Professional accomplishments
- Admission-test performance
- Interview performance
- Leadership potential
- Quality of professional experience
- Candidate motivation
Available Global MBA Tracks
Depending on the academic cycle, Bologna Business School’s Global MBA tracks may include areas such as:
- Design, Fashion and Luxury Goods
- Food and Wine
- Sustainability and Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence and Manufacturing
- Supercars, Superbikes and Motorsports
- Automation and Industrial Management
Applicants should verify which tracks are available for their intended entry year.
Historical Scholarship Values
Scholarship amounts can change from one intake to another. In a previous Global MBA funding round, Bologna Business School offered a full scholarship of €27,000 and a partial scholarship of €15,000 for each of six MBA tracks. That specific information was attached to an older admission cycle and should not be treated as a confirmed 2026 value.
For 2026 applicants, the school’s current course pages confirm that full and partial tuition scholarships remain available but do not always publish a fixed value for every track.
4. Bologna Business School Africa Scholarship Program
The Africa Scholarship Program is designed to support talented African candidates who want to pursue a Global MBA at Bologna Business School.
The programme aims to help high-potential candidates gain management education and later contribute to social and economic development across Africa.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is designed for African applicants who:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Meet the Global MBA admission requirements
- Demonstrate English-language proficiency
- Have at least three years of professional experience
- Perform strongly during the selection process
- Demonstrate potential to contribute to African development
Eligible African Applicants
Applicants may come from countries including:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Cameroon
- Senegal
- Ethiopia
Nationality alone does not guarantee selection. Scholarships are limited and awarded to candidates considered most deserving after the admission assessment.
How to Strengthen an Application
A competitive African applicant should explain:
- The leadership challenges they have addressed
- The professional impact they have already achieved
- Why an MBA is necessary for their next career stage
- How the chosen MBA track connects to their industry
- How they intend to contribute to African businesses or communities
- Why Bologna Business School is suitable for those goals
Scholarship Coverage
The current course pages confirm that the school offers scholarship support but do not publish one standard Africa Scholarship amount applicable to every candidate or MBA track.
Applicants should request the current scholarship call from the admissions office and confirm whether the award is full or partial before accepting an offer.
5. Luiss Business School Full-Time MBA Scholarships
Luiss Business School in Rome offers a large group of partial scholarships for applicants to its Full-Time MBA.
For the 2026 Full-Time MBA, Luiss published 20 partial scholarships, subject to availability, covering up to 75% of tuition. The MBA tuition fee is €40,000.
An award covering 75% of a €40,000 tuition fee could reduce the student’s tuition obligation significantly. However, the exact scholarship percentage is determined by Luiss and may be lower than the maximum.
Scholarship Categories
The Full-Time MBA funding page lists scholarship categories for:
- Merit-based candidates
- Women
- Applicants with STEM backgrounds
- International students
Merit-Based MBA Scholarship
This category is open to candidates from different industries who achieve outstanding results in the Luiss admission process.
Selected applicants may receive up to 75% of the tuition fee.
Women’s MBA Scholarship
Female candidates who pass the admission tests and are accepted into the Full-Time MBA may compete for scholarships covering up to 75% of tuition.
STEM MBA Scholarship
Applicants with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering or mathematics may apply after passing the admission tests and receiving admission to the MBA.
The maximum published value is up to 75% of tuition.
International-Student MBA Scholarship
International candidates who pass the admission tests and are admitted to the programme may apply for awards covering up to 75% of tuition.
How to Apply
Candidates must:
- Apply for the Full-Time MBA.
- Register for the admission test.
- Pass the admission assessment.
- Express interest in a specific scholarship.
- Submit a motivational letter during admission registration or through the method stated by Luiss.
- Identify the scholarship category clearly in the letter.
2026 Application Rounds
Luiss published several Full-Time MBA scholarship rounds for 2026:
- January 30, 2026
- April 15, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- Additional round ending July 22, 2026
As of July 27, 2026, these published scholarship deadlines have passed. The school indicated that a limited number of awards remained available near the end of the cycle, but candidates should request confirmation before applying.
6. Luiss Business School Part-Time MBA Scholarships
Luiss Business School also offers scholarships for its Part-Time MBA in Milan.
The programme’s published tuition fee is €40,000. Scholarship opportunities target high-performing applicants, women, international students, people with STEM backgrounds and eligible Luiss alumni.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Luiss lists three merit-based scholarships covering up to 30% of tuition, with a stated maximum award of €9,000 each.
Candidates must perform strongly in the admission process and submit a motivational letter expressing their interest.
Women’s Scholarships
Female candidates admitted to the Part-Time MBA may compete for scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.
International-Student Scholarships
International applicants who pass the admission test and receive admission may compete for scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.
STEM Scholarships
Applicants with STEM backgrounds may be considered for:
- Three scholarships covering up to 30%, with a maximum value of €9,000 each
- Two scholarships covering up to 20%, with a maximum value of €6,000 each
These values are listed on Luiss Business School’s Part-Time MBA funding page.
Alumni Scholarships
Eligible Luiss Business School alumni admitted to the Part-Time MBA may receive support worth up to 20% of the registration fee, subject to the published conditions.
Important Restriction
Luiss states that the Part-Time MBA scholarships, fee waivers and sponsorship reductions generally cannot be combined with one another.
A candidate eligible for more than one category should compare the possible values and apply for the most suitable option.
7. Rotman–SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA Tuition Waivers
The Rotman–SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA is delivered through a partnership involving SDA Bocconi School of Management and the Rotman School of Management.
For the 2026–2027 programme, SDA Bocconi made $300,000 available in merit-based tuition waivers. Individual awards may cover up to 25% of the Global Executive MBA tuition fee.
Programme Cost
The published tuition fee for the 2026–2027 Global Executive MBA is $110,000, payable in instalments.
A maximum 25% tuition waiver could therefore reduce the tuition burden substantially, although recipients remain responsible for the uncovered portion and other personal expenses.
What the Tuition Includes
The programme fee includes most teaching materials, access to school facilities, meals on class days and accommodation for modules held outside Italy and Canada.
It does not include ordinary travel, visas, accommodation in Italy and Canada or incidental expenses.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is designed for experienced managers and executives applying for the Global Executive MBA.
Applicants must:
- Submit an application for the 2026–2027 Global Executive MBA
- Meet the programme’s admission requirements
- Review the tuition-waiver conditions
- Submit the waiver request through the admissions portal
- Apply before the appropriate scholarship deadline
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed using:
- Academic background
- Professional record
- Management experience
- Leadership achievements
- Requirements in the specific scholarship notice
- Results from the Executive MBA selection process
SDA Bocconi states that priority for at least two tuition waivers will be given to women with outstanding profiles.
2026 Deadlines
The published waiver rounds were:
- March 31, 2026
- May 7, 2026
- October 7, 2026
As of July 27, 2026, the first two rounds have passed, but the October 7, 2026 round is still in the future. Applicants should confirm that spaces and tuition-waiver funds remain before applying.
Bonus Opportunity: SDA Bocconi Modular Executive MBA Waivers
Applicants interested in an Executive MBA may also consider SDA Bocconi’s Modular Executive MBA.
For the 2026–2028 edition, SDA Bocconi published €124,000 in partial tuition waivers. The standard waivers cover between 10% and 20% of tuition.
The scholarship rounds were:
- May 4, 2026
- July 9, 2026
- August 25, 2026, for residual places
As of July 27, 2026, the August 25 round may still be available, subject to remaining places and funding.
Selection considers the applicant’s academic and professional background, motivational letter, specific scholarship requirements and results in the Executive MBA selection process.
General Eligibility Requirements for MBA Scholarships in Italy
Each business school sets its own requirements, but competitive applicants commonly need the following.
A Recognised Bachelor’s Degree
MBA applicants normally need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution.
International qualifications may be reviewed to determine whether they are comparable to an Italian first-cycle university qualification.
Professional Work Experience
Most MBA programmes require post-degree professional experience.
Depending on the school, candidates may need:
- At least three years of work experience
- Management or supervisory responsibilities
- Evidence of career progression
- Relevant industry achievements
Executive MBA programmes usually require more extensive management experience than ordinary full-time MBA programmes.
English-Language Proficiency
English-taught MBA programmes may require evidence through:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English qualifications
- A previous degree taught in English
- An interview or internal assessment
The exact standard varies by school.
GMAT, GRE or Internal Admission Test
Some business schools accept the GMAT or GRE, while others provide their own admission test.
A strong GMAT score can improve a candidate’s scholarship chances, especially for high-value SDA Bocconi awards.
Professional CV
The CV should clearly show:
- Employment dates
- Job titles
- Responsibilities
- Promotions
- Leadership experience
- Quantifiable achievements
- International exposure
- Professional certifications
Motivational Letter
The scholarship letter should explain:
- Why the applicant wants an MBA
- Why the selected Italian business school is suitable
- Professional achievements
- Leadership potential
- Post-MBA career plans
- How the applicant will contribute to the class
- Why financial support is important
How to Apply for an MBA Scholarship in Italy
Step 1: Select the MBA Programme
Compare programme structure, tuition, location, accreditation, employment outcomes and scholarship availability.
Step 2: Confirm Scholarship Eligibility
Check whether the scholarship is open to:
- All nationalities
- International applicants only
- Women
- African candidates
- STEM professionals
- Experienced executives
- Applicants from selected organisations
Step 3: Prepare Admission Documents
Common documents include:
- Passport
- University transcript
- Degree certificate
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivational letter
- Recommendation letters
- English-language evidence
- GMAT or GRE result
- Employment evidence
Step 4: Submit the MBA Application
Most schools require applicants to begin the admission process before applying for a scholarship.
Step 5: Complete the Admission Test or Interview
Scholarship selection is frequently connected to the applicant’s admission-test and interview performance.
Step 6: Submit the Scholarship Request
Depending on the school, this may involve:
- Selecting a scholarship in the application portal
- Submitting a separate online form
- Emailing a motivational letter
- Uploading additional evidence
Step 7: Review the Award Conditions
Before accepting, confirm:
- The exact tuition percentage covered
- Whether the award covers living costs
- Payment deadlines for the remaining tuition
- Academic conditions
- Whether the award can be combined with another discount
- What happens if the student withdraws
Italian Student Visa Requirements
Non-European Union students normally need an Italian study visa for a long-term MBA programme.
The general process may include:
- Receive admission from the business school.
- Accept the offer and pay any required deposit.
- Complete pre-enrolment where applicable.
- Prepare financial evidence.
- Arrange suitable accommodation.
- Obtain health-insurance coverage.
- Apply through the responsible Italian embassy or consulate.
- Travel after receiving the visa.
- Apply for a residence permit after arrival.
A tuition scholarship does not automatically guarantee a study visa.
The consular authority may still require evidence that the applicant can pay living expenses and any tuition amount not covered by the scholarship.
Can MBA Students Work in Italy?
International students holding an appropriate Italian study residence permit may generally work within the limits allowed by Italian immigration rules.
However, an MBA is demanding, particularly when taught full-time. Students should not plan to finance the entire programme through part-time employment.
Part-time earnings may help with some daily expenses but may not be enough to pay high tuition fees or all living costs.
How to Improve Your Scholarship Chances
Apply During an Early Round
Scholarship budgets are limited. Applying early may increase the amount of funding still available.
Submit a Competitive Test Score
A strong GMAT or GRE result can strengthen the application, especially when applying for awards exceeding 50% of tuition.
Quantify Professional Achievements
Instead of writing “managed a successful team,” explain:
- How many people you managed
- How much revenue increased
- How much money the company saved
- How many markets you entered
- How customer retention improved
Explain Your Career Goals Clearly
A strong candidate should connect previous experience, the MBA and the intended future career.
Tailor Every Scholarship Letter
Do not submit the same general essay to SDA Bocconi, Bologna Business School and Luiss.
Each application should reflect the school’s programme, values and scholarship criteria.
Prepare for the Interview
Applicants should be ready to discuss:
- Leadership experiences
- Career transitions
- Ethical challenges
- Professional failures
- Reasons for choosing Italy
- How they will contribute to the MBA class
Common Scholarship Application Mistakes
- Assuming every tuition waiver covers living costs
- Applying after the scholarship deadline
- Submitting a weak or generic motivational letter
- Failing to name the scholarship category
- Providing false professional experience
- Ignoring GMAT expectations for large awards
- Applying without enough work experience
- Failing to budget for uncovered tuition
- Assuming MBA admission guarantees funding
- Paying an agent for a guaranteed scholarship
MBA Scholarship Scam Warning
Applicants should be cautious of fake agents and scholarship websites.
Warning signs include:
- A guaranteed MBA scholarship in exchange for payment
- An admission letter issued without an application
- A request to send tuition to a personal bank account
- An unofficial university email address
- A scholarship form hosted on an unrelated website
- A promise that no degree or work experience is required
- A demand for cryptocurrency or gift cards
- A fake Italian visa guarantee
Use the official business-school admissions portals and verify bank details before making any payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students receive MBA scholarships in Italy?
Yes. SDA Bocconi, Bologna Business School and Luiss Business School offer MBA tuition waivers that accept international applicants.
Are MBA scholarships in Italy fully funded?
Most are tuition waivers. Some may cover 100% of tuition, but accommodation, food, travel and visa expenses are usually not included.
Which Italian MBA scholarship offers the highest coverage?
SDA Bocconi has offered awards covering up to 100% of the MBA programme cost. Bologna Business School also confirms that full tuition scholarships may be available.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigerian applicants may apply for international merit scholarships, Bologna Business School’s Africa Scholarship Program and other awards for which they satisfy the requirements.
Do I need work experience?
Most MBA programmes require professional experience. Bologna Business School’s Global MBA generally requires at least three years of work experience.
Do I need GMAT?
Requirements vary. SDA Bocconi sets specific GMAT expectations for larger tuition waivers, including full tuition awards.
Can I apply for more than one SDA Bocconi scholarship?
Yes. SDA Bocconi states that candidates meeting multiple eligibility conditions may apply for more than one tuition waiver.
What does the Luiss Full-Time MBA scholarship cover?
Luiss offers partial scholarships covering up to 75% of the €40,000 tuition fee.
Are there MBA scholarships specifically for women?
Yes. Luiss offers scholarships for women in both its Full-Time and Part-Time MBA programmes. SDA Bocconi also gives priority to outstanding women for some Global Executive MBA awards.
Are any 2026 scholarship rounds still open?
As of July 27, 2026, many Full-Time MBA deadlines have passed. SDA Bocconi’s Modular Executive MBA listed a residual-place deadline of August 25, 2026, while the Rotman–SDA Bocconi GEMBA listed an October 7, 2026 waiver round. Availability should be confirmed directly with the school.
Does a scholarship guarantee an Italian student visa?
No. Scholarship selection and student-visa approval are separate decisions.
Conclusion
International students planning to study for an MBA in Italy in 2026 can find valuable tuition scholarships at SDA Bocconi, Bologna Business School and Luiss Business School.
The strongest opportunities include SDA Bocconi’s €1 million merit-waiver programme, Bologna Business School’s full and partial Global MBA scholarships, the Africa Scholarship Program and Luiss scholarships covering up to 75% of Full-Time MBA tuition.
Applicants should remember that most awards cover tuition only. Even a 100% tuition waiver may leave the student responsible for accommodation, food, flights, visa fees, residence-permit costs and personal expenses.
For 2026 entry, many Full-Time MBA scholarship deadlines have passed. However, some Executive MBA waiver rounds remain scheduled for August or October 2026. Applicants preparing for 2027 entry should begin early and monitor the business schools’ official funding pages.
A strong application should include a competitive academic record, meaningful professional experience, clear leadership evidence, a persuasive motivational letter and strong performance during the admission process.
No agent can guarantee admission, scholarship funding or an Italian visa. Applicants should verify every opportunity through the official business-school website and should never send scholarship payments to a personal bank account.