The Politecnico di Torino (PoliTO) is Italy’s premier technical university for Engineering, Architecture, and Design. PoliTO offers substantial financial aid to attract top international talent. The university provides two main scholarship pathways for international students. The merit-based TOPoliTO grants reward academic excellence. The need-based DSU/EDISU grants provide comprehensive financial support. Students can secure funding for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
PoliTO’s financial aid opportunities significantly reduce the cost of studying in Italy. The regional DSU scholarship offers the most complete coverage. This award includes a full tuition waiver, a cash stipend, and housing benefits. The university requires all applicants to demonstrate English proficiency. However, PoliTO waives the IELTS requirement, if applicants provide an official document from their previous institution.
International students should submit an application for all relevant awards. Successful applicants fund their education at a top European university. A flexible language requirement makes the application process easier. Students meet eligibility criteria using either a test score or an English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. This streamlined approach allows students to focus on strengthening an application with academic achievements.
Available Programs
The Politecnico di Torino serves as the Host Institution. PoliTO is located in Turin, Italy. PoliTO offers fully funding scholarships for three academic levels: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. programs.
- Bachelor of Science (Laurea Triennale): PoliTO offers scholarships for Engineering, Architecture, and Design programs. Students secure funding, if they meet entrance test score requirements.
- Master of Science (Laurea Magistrale): This is the main target level for international students. Programs include Automotive Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. TOPoliTO targets Master’s applicants.
- Ph.D. Programs (Dottorato di Ricerca): PoliTO provides fully-funded Ph.D. positions. Positions are available in all technical departments. Ph.D. scholarships include three funding options: own research topic, predefined research topic, and reserved positions.
Scholarship Coverage and Details
PoliTO offers four main types of financial aid. The coverage varies by program and application type.
| Scholarship Program | Funding Type | Coverage Details |
| DSU/EDISU Regional Grant | Provides | Full tuition waiver, cash stipend, and subsidized housing. |
| TOPoliTO Scholarships | Offers | A merit-based stipend of €8,000 gross per year. |
| Ph.D. Scholarships | Grants | An annual gross stipend of approximately €18,854.52 and a full tuition fee waiver. |
| Other Grants | Supplies | Specific funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) or for refugee students (CRUI). |
The Ph.D. stipend is tax-exempt. Ph.D. recipients also receive additional research funding, equal to 10% of the total scholarship amount.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria for both admission and the specific scholarship.
DSU/EDISU Scholarships (Need-Based)
Applicants must demonstrate low family income. International students must present certified financial documentation from their home country. The DSU scholarship requires merit fulfillment. Students must earn a minimum number of university credits (CFU) by specific deadlines.
TOPoliTO Scholarships (Merit-Based)
These awards target first-year Master of Science students. Selection relies heavily on GRE General Test scores. Applicants must meet three minimum GRE scores: Verbal Reasoning: 156/170, Quantitative Reasoning: 157/170, and Analytical Writing: 3.5/6. The TOPoliTO grant is incompatible with other major Italian public grants.
English Language Exemption (No IELTS Required)
The university requires a B2 level of English proficiency. You can secure admission without submitting the IELTS or TOEFL, if you provide one of two documents:
- An official certificate confirming that English was the medium of instruction (MOI) for your previous degree (for at least three years).
- An equivalent test score from an accepted alternative (e.g., Cambridge, TOEIC).
Application Process
The scholarship application process involves three main stages.
- Admission Application: You must submit an application for admission to a degree program first. You submit applications through the Apply@polito platform.
- TOPoliTO Application: You flag your interest in the TOPoliTO grant within the Apply@polito form. You must upload supporting academic documents, such as GRE score reports, transcripts, and CVs.
- DSU/EDISU Application: You must submit a separate application to the regional agency. You access the application via the EDISU Piemonte website. This application requires specific foreign documentation about your family’s economic standing.
To successfully craft a personal statement or research proposal, tailor the content to the specific program. Applicants must highlight achievements, showcasing prior research experience, leadership roles, and academic awards.
Deadline
Deadlines are subject to change annually. You must check the official PoliTO website for the 2026/2027 academic year. The following are the three most important typical deadlines:
| Scholarship Program | Application Period | Typical Deadline |
| Master’s Admission (Early Bird) | Opens in | October 2025 |
| DSU/EDISU Regional Scholarship | Closes in | Late September/October 2026 |
| Ph.D. Programs (Second Session) | Closes in | November 2026 |
