University of Siena International Excellence Scholarship 2025: €12,000 for Nigerian Students

One of Italy's oldest and most prestigious universities is offering substantial scholarships to exceptional international students, including Nigerians. The University of Siena's International Excellence Scholarships provide €6,000 annually (renewable for a second year, totaling €12,000) for Master's degree programs taught entirely in English. With a May 6, 2025 deadline approaching, here's your complete application guide.

Scholarship Value and Coverage

Financial Award

• Year 1: €6,000 (gross amount)
• Year 2: €6,000 (renewal based on academic performance)
• Total potential: €12,000 over two years

What This Covers

€6,000 annually provides substantial support for living expenses in Siena, a mid-sized Italian city where cost of living is lower than major Italian cities like Rome or Milan. This amount helps significantly with accommodation, food, local transport, and study materials.

Important note: This scholarship doesn't automatically cover tuition fees. You'll still need to pay University of Siena tuition, though international student fees at Italian public universities are generally moderate (typically €1,500-€4,000 per year depending on family income).

Eligibility for Nigerian Students

Basic Requirements

Citizenship: Hold non-Italian citizenship. Nigerian students fully qualify.

Educational qualifications: Your bachelor's degree must have been earned from an institution outside Italy. Nigerian universities and recognized foreign universities all qualify.

English proficiency: Since all eligible programs are taught in English, you must demonstrate English language competence. Requirements vary by program, but generally expect IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent.

Academic Excellence

Only the most talented applicants receive these five scholarships. Strong academic records from your undergraduate studies are essential. The university assesses both your GPA and the rigor of your previous academic work.

Eligible Master's Programs

Scholarships apply only to specific English-taught Master's programs. While the full list changes, recent programs included:

Sciences and Engineering

• Computer and Automation Engineering
• Environmental Sciences and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Business and Economics

• Economics (various specializations)
• Finance
• Strategic Management

Social Sciences and Humanities

• Language, Society and Communication
• Public and Corporate Communication
• International Relations

Critical: You must apply for admission to at least one eligible program before applying for the scholarship. Check apply.unisi.it for the current year's complete list of participating programs and their specific requirements.

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Master's Program Admission

Before scholarship application, you must submit admission applications to your chosen program(s) through apply.unisi.it. Follow each program's specific procedures and meet their individual deadlines.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Academic Transcripts: Complete transcripts from your bachelor's degree showing all courses, grades, and final classification

Degree Certificate: Your bachelor's degree certificate. If not yet conferred, a provisional certificate may be accepted.

English Language Proof: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test results meeting program requirements

Motivational Video: Record a self-made video (maximum 1 minute) explaining your motivations for studying at Siena and why you deserve the scholarship. This personal video allows selection committees to assess your communication skills and genuine interest.

CV/Resume: Comprehensive curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements, relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, and skills

Passport Copy: Valid Nigerian passport for identification verification

Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application

Complete the online scholarship application form through the official portal. Pay the non-refundable €10 application fee and submit before the May 6, 2025 deadline.

Selection Criteria

Academic Merit

Your undergraduate academic record carries significant weight. Strong grades, particularly in subjects relevant to your chosen Master's program, improve your chances substantially.

Motivation and Clarity

Your one-minute video and written motivations must clearly articulate why you've chosen this specific program at Siena and how it aligns with your career goals. Generic statements weaken applications—specificity matters.

Diversity and Background

The university values international diversity. Your unique background, perspectives, and experiences contribute to the selection decision.

Professional Potential

Selection committees assess your likely contribution to your field after graduation. Clear career direction and professional ambition strengthen applications.

Scholarship Renewal for Second Year

The €6,000 award renews automatically for your second year if you:

• Pass all first-year exams within the academic year
• Maintain good academic standing
• Remain enrolled in your original Master's program

Renewal isn't competitive—it's performance-based. Meet academic requirements, and funding continues.

Living in Siena as a Nigerian Student

City Characteristics

Siena is a historic Tuscan city with about 54,000 residents, roughly 20,000 of whom are students. It's smaller and more affordable than Rome or Milan, with a strong sense of community and manageable cost of living.

Cost of Living Estimates

• Accommodation: €250-€400/month for student housing or shared apartments
• Food: €150-€250/month for groceries and occasional dining out
• Transport: €20-€30/month (Siena is walkable; most students bike)
• Miscellaneous: €100-€150/month for books, phone, entertainment
• Total monthly: €520-€830

Your €6,000 annual scholarship provides €500/month, covering a significant portion of these costs. Combined with part-time work opportunities (international students can work part-time in Italy), finances become manageable.

Nigerian Student Community

Italy hosts a growing Nigerian student population. While Siena's Nigerian community is smaller than in larger cities, international student associations provide support networks and cultural connections.

Visa and Residence Permit

Study Visa Application

After receiving both admission and scholarship confirmation, apply for an Italian study visa at the Italian Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos. Required documents typically include:

• University admission letter
• Scholarship award notification
• Proof of financial means (scholarship covers this)
• Health insurance
• Accommodation confirmation

Residence Permit

Upon arrival in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 working days. The university's international office provides guidance through this process.

Important Dates

• Master's program application deadlines: Vary by program (check individual program pages)
• Scholarship application deadline: May 6, 2025
• Results announcement: Typically late May/early June
• Academic year starts: September/October 2025

Application Tips for Success

Start Early

Don't wait until the deadline. Gathering transcripts from Nigerian universities can take weeks. English tests require scheduling 2-3 weeks in advance. Apply for program admission first, then immediately submit scholarship applications.

Create a Compelling Video

Your 60-second video is unique among application materials. Practice beforehand, speak clearly, make eye contact with the camera, and be genuine. Avoid reading from scripts—natural, authentic communication resonates more than polished performances.

Be Specific About Program Choice

Research your chosen program thoroughly. Reference specific courses, faculty research interests, or program features in your motivation. This demonstrates genuine interest rather than generic scholarship hunting.

Highlight Relevant Experience

If you have work experience, research projects, or extracurricular activities relevant to your chosen program, emphasize these connections. Show how past experiences prepared you for this specific Master's program.

Contact Information

Official Website: www.unisi.it

Application Portal: apply.unisi.it

International Admissions: admission.unisi.it

Email: Check individual program pages for specific contacts

Why Consider University of Siena?

Historic Academic Excellence

Founded in 1240, Siena is one of Europe's oldest universities with nearly 800 years of academic tradition. It consistently ranks among Italy's top universities, particularly strong in economics, law, and sciences.

English-Taught Programs

All scholarship-eligible programs are taught entirely in English, eliminating Italian language barriers for initial admission. However, learning Italian during your stay enriches the experience and expands job opportunities.

Strategic Location

Siena sits in Tuscany's heart, with Florence 30 minutes away by bus and Rome 90 minutes by train. This provides access to major Italian cities while maintaining Siena's quieter, more affordable character.

Post-Study Opportunities

Italy offers post-study work visas allowing graduates to remain and seek employment. Siena's location in economically developed Tuscany provides job opportunities, particularly in business, technology, and tourism sectors.

Final Thoughts

With only five scholarships available, competition will be intense. However, Nigerian students bring valuable international perspectives and academic strength. If you have a strong undergraduate record, clear career goals, and genuine enthusiasm for your chosen program, this scholarship represents an excellent opportunity to study in one of Europe's most historic academic settings.

Don't delay. Master's program applications likely have earlier deadlines than the May 6 scholarship deadline. Visit apply.unisi.it today to begin your admission application, then immediately follow with your scholarship submission. European university opportunities like this remain underutilized by Nigerian students—make yourself an exception.