The University of Siena International Excellence Scholarships 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue a master’s degree in Italy. These merit-based scholarships support selected English-taught programs and provide financial assistance of €6,000 per year, with the possibility of renewal.
Based on the latest official call, the program follows an annual cycle, with updates for the 2026/27 intake expected around February 2026 and a likely deadline in spring.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Italy
- University: University of Siena
- Study Level: Master’s Degree (English-taught programs)
- Scholarship Value: €6,000 per year (gross)
- Duration: 1 year (renewable for a second year)
- Total Value: Up to €12,000
- Number of Awards: Around 5 scholarships (based on latest call)
- Application Fee: €10 (non-refundable)
- Expected Deadline: Around May 2026 (based on previous cycle)
📚 Available Study Fields
Scholarships are offered across selected master’s programs, including:
1. Economics & Law
- Economics
- Finance
- International Accounting and Management
2. Social & Political Sciences
- European Studies
- Public and Cultural Diplomacy
- Language and Mind
3. Biomedical Sciences
- Medical Biotechnologies
- Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction
4. Mathematics & Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Artificial Intelligence & Automation Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Chemistry
💰 Scholarship Benefits
- €6,000 per year (paid in two installments)
- Renewable for a second year based on academic performance
- Paid via bank transfer (SEPA/IBAN account required)
- Selection based purely on academic merit
💡 Note: The scholarship does not cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel, or living expenses.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be non-Italian citizens
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree obtained outside Italy
- Not reside in Italy (with limited exceptions)
- Apply to at least one eligible master’s program
- Apply to a maximum of two programs
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
📄 Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare:
- Online application form
- Valid passport or ID
- CV (Europass recommended)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS)
- 1-minute motivation video (mandatory)
- Additional documents (if required by program)
📝 Application Process
- Choose up to two eligible master’s programs
- Apply for admission through the university portal
- Use the same account to apply for the scholarship
- Pay the €10 application fee
- Upload all required documents and video
- Submit before the deadline
- Wait for ranking results (usually released in summer)
- Accept the offer if selected
- Complete enrollment and meet academic requirements
📊 Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence
- Quality of previous studies
- Overall applicant profile
📌 In case of equal ranking, preference is given to the younger candidate.
💸 Estimated Living Costs in Siena
Students should budget approximately:
- Accommodation: $400 – $750/month
- Food: $220 – $350/month
- Transport: $25 – $60/month
- Utilities: $70 – $130/month
- Total Estimate: $875 – $1,600/month
📅 Important Dates
- Previous Deadline: May 6, 2025
- 2026 Call Expected: February 2026
- Estimated Deadline: May 2026
🌍 Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Study in one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities
- Access a wide range of English-taught master’s programs
- Receive up to €12,000 financial support
- Gain international academic and cultural experience
- Opportunity for additional funding through ranking lists
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully funded scholarship?
No, it provides €6,000 per year but does not cover all expenses.
Can I apply for more than one program?
Yes, up to two eligible programs.
Is a separate scholarship application required?
Yes, after applying for admission.
Is the motivation video mandatory?
Yes, it is a required part of the application.
🔗 Official Information
For accurate and updated details, applicants should visit the official University of Siena scholarship and admissions pages when the 2026 call is released.