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The Siena International Excellence Scholarship is one of the most competitive funding opportunities offered by the University of Siena in Italy. Designed to attract high-achieving international students, it supports selected Master’s degree applicants with financial assistance and access to English-taught programs across multiple academic fields.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know in a clear, structured way so you can quickly understand eligibility, benefits, application steps, and key requirements.
WhatsApp ChannelWhat is the Siena International Excellence Scholarship?
The Siena International Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award offered by the University of Siena to outstanding non-Italian students applying for Master’s degree programs taught in English.
It is part of the university’s strategy to strengthen its international student community and attract talent from around the world.
Each year, a limited number of scholarships are awarded to top candidates across selected academic areas.
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Scholarship Value and Duration
Successful applicants receive:
- €6,000 per year (gross amount)
- Duration: 1 academic year
- Renewable for a second year based on academic performance
- Total possible funding: €12,000 over two years
This makes it a partial but significant support option for international students studying in Italy.
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Eligible Study Programs
The scholarship is linked to specific English-taught Master’s degrees across four main academic areas:
Economics and Law
- Economics
- Finance
- International Accounting and Management
Political, International, Social, and Cognitive Sciences
- Language and Mind: Linguistics and Cognitive Studies
- Public and Cultural Diplomacy
- European Studies (Scienze Internazionali)
Biomedical and Medical Sciences
- Medical Biotechnologies
- Biotechnologies of Human Reproduction
Mathematics and Experimental Sciences
- Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Sustainability-focused programs in science and industry fields
Each area typically has a limited number of scholarships, making competition highly selective.
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Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is specifically designed for international students. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Must hold a non-Italian citizenship
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree obtained outside Italy
- Must apply for eligible Master’s programs at the University of Siena
- Must not be a resident of Italy at the time of application
Important exclusions
You may not be eligible if:
- You already live in Italy under certain residence conditions
- You hold Italian citizenship without meeting specific dual citizenship rules
- You have long-term residence status in Italy, which removes visa requirements
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Application Requirements
To apply for the Siena International Excellence Scholarship, students must first apply for admission to a Master’s program at the University of Siena.
Once the admission application is submitted, the scholarship application requires:
1. Motivation Video (1 minute)
Applicants must record a short video explaining:
- Why do they want to study the chosen program
- Their academic and professional motivation
- Their future goals
2. Program Selection
Applicants must clearly indicate the Master’s program(s) they are applying for.
3. Admission Documents
The selection committee uses documents already submitted for admission, including:
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Passport
- Other required documents
4. Application Fee
- €10 non-refundable fee is required
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Choose a Master’s Program
Select an eligible English-taught Master’s degree on the official University of Siena portal.
Step 2: Submit Admission Application
Upload the required documents and complete your course application.
Step 3: Apply for the Scholarship
Access the scholarship section using the same account used for admission.
Step 4: Submit Motivation Video
Upload a short video explaining your academic intent and motivation.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
Complete the €10 payment to finalize submission.
Selection Criteria
Although official scoring is not publicly detailed, selection is typically based on:
- Academic performance and GPA
- Quality of academic background
- Motivation and clarity of goals
- Relevance of the chosen Master’s program
- Overall competitiveness of the applicant profile
Only a small number of students are selected each year, making this a highly competitive scholarship.
Why Study at the University of Siena?
The University of Siena is one of the oldest universities in Europe, with a strong reputation in research and international education. It offers:
- Fully English-taught Master’s programs
- Affordable tuition compared to other European universities
- Strong focus on research and innovation
- A growing international student community
- Central location in Tuscany, Italy
Key Deadlines
- Application deadline (2026/2027 cycle): May 6, 2026
Late applications are not accepted, so early preparation is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
The Siena International Excellence Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students seeking to study in Italy with partial financial support. While it does not fully cover tuition and living costs, it significantly reduces the financial burden and opens doors to a respected European education.
Strong applicants typically prepare early, submit complete documentation, and present a clear academic direction through their motivation video.
