Politecnico di Milano admissions for September 2027 are officially open, offering international students the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at Italy’s highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Students interested in engineering, architecture, design, computer science, technology, and related disciplines can explore 45 Master of Science programs, many of which are taught entirely in English.
Even more importantly, eligible international applicants can compete for merit-based scholarships that provide full tuition-fee waivers. Some awards also include an additional financial allowance of up to €10,000 gross per year.
However, prospective scholarship applicants should pay particular attention to 1 December 2026. This is the deadline for the €50 early-bird application period and an important eligibility requirement for the university’s 2027/2028 merit-based international scholarship call.
This guide explains the available master’s programs, international rankings, admission requirements, scholarships, mandatory documents, application fees, and deadlines.
Politecnico di Milano Admissions 2027/2028: Overview
Politecnico di Milano is a public technical university established in 1863. Located in Italy, it specializes in engineering, architecture, design, and advanced scientific and technological education.
Its Master of Science programs, known in Italy as Laurea Magistrale, generally take two years to complete.
These programs provide advanced academic training and specialized knowledge for graduates seeking professional careers, research opportunities, or further postgraduate education.
International applicants with recognized foreign bachelor’s qualifications can apply through the university’s online admissions system.
Table 1: Politecnico di Milano Admissions 2027 at a Glance
| Admission details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Politecnico di Milano |
| Country | Italy |
| Academic year | 2027/2028 |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Study level | Master of Science |
| Program duration | Generally 2 years |
| Available programs | 45 listed MSc programmes |
| Teaching languages | English, Italian, or both |
| Early-bird application fee | €50 |
| Standard application fee | €150 |
| Early-bird deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Scholarships | Competitive merit-based international scholarships |
| Scholarship benefits | Full tuition waiver; additional allowance for some awards |
| Maximum program choices | Two per semester |
| Application method | Online |
The university has separate admission periods for engineering, architecture, and design. Therefore, applicants should check the timetable for their preferred study area.
Why Study at Politecnico di Milano?
Politecnico di Milano is internationally recognized for its technical education, research, and innovation.
The university has established a strong reputation in engineering, architecture, design, and several interdisciplinary fields.
Furthermore, its location in Milan provides access to one of Italy’s major economic and industrial centers.
Milan is associated with manufacturing, technology, architecture, fashion, design, and international business. As a result, students may benefit from exposure to companies, professional networks, and research institutions.
Politecnico di Milano Is Ranked Italy’s Best University in QS 2027
According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, Politecnico di Milano is ranked 87th worldwide and No. 1 in Italy.
The university improved by 11 places from its previous global position of 98th.
It also achieved strong results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, particularly in engineering, architecture, and design.
Table 2: Politecnico di Milano International Rankings
| Ranking category | Position | Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Overall university ranking | 87th worldwide | QS 2027 |
| National university ranking | 1st in Italy | QS 2027 |
| Engineering and Technology | 20th worldwide | QS 2026 |
| Architecture and Built Environment | 6th worldwide | QS 2026 |
| Art and Design | 7th worldwide | QS 2026 |
These rankings make Politecnico di Milano an attractive destination for international students seeking technical and creative postgraduate education.
Nevertheless, applicants should consider program suitability, academic requirements, and financial circumstances alongside university rankings.
Available Master’s Programmes at Politecnico di Milano for 2027
Politecnico di Milano lists 45 Master of Science programs across its campuses and partner institutions.
The programs cover traditional engineering disciplines as well as emerging fields such as cybersecurity, computational genomics, artificial intelligence-related technologies, sustainability, and advanced computing.
Many courses are taught entirely in English, while others are offered in Italian or in both languages.
Table 3: Selected English-Taught Master’s Programmes
| Master’s program | Campus or location |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineering | Milano Bovisa |
| Agricultural Engineering | Cremona |
| Automation and Control Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Bioinformatics for Computational Genomics | Milano Leonardo / Partner University |
| Chemical Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Computer Science and Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Cyber Risk Strategy and Governance | Milano Leonardo / Partner University |
| Digital and Interaction Design | Milano Bovisa |
| Electrical Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Electronics Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Food Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Geoinformatics Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| High Performance Computing Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Management Engineering | Milano Bovisa |
| Mathematical Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
| Nuclear Engineering | Milano Bovisa |
| Space Engineering | Milano Bovisa |
| Telecommunication Engineering | Milano Leonardo |
Other available programs include biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental and land planning engineering, architectural engineering, communication design and urban planning, and policy design.
How to Choose a Suitable Master’s Programme
Applicants should select programs that correspond closely to their undergraduate qualifications.
For example, graduates in computer science may explore computer science and engineering, while applicants with strong mathematical backgrounds may consider mathematical engineering.
Similarly, graduates in relevant engineering disciplines may investigate management engineering.
However, the university evaluates whether previous academic studies provide adequate preparation for the selected master’s program.
Therefore, applicants should review the academic prerequisites before submitting their applications.
Politecnico di Milano Application Deadlines for September 2027
Application deadlines vary according to the study area.
Engineering programs generally offer multiple application rounds. Architecture and design programs follow a different general admission calendar.
The university also provides an additional application period for EEA applicants and certain eligible non-EEA residents in Italy.
Table 4: Politecnico di Milano 2027 Application Deadlines
| Application round | Opening date | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering — First Call | 1 October 2026 | 1 December 2026 |
| Engineering — Second Call | 12 January 2027 | 25 February 2027 |
| Architecture and Design — General Call | 1 October 2026 | 28 January 2027 |
| Combined study-area early-bird period | 1 October 2026 | 1 December 2026 |
| Combined study-area later period | 12 January 2027 | 28 January 2027 |
| Additional eligible EEA/resident call | 1 March 2027 | 18 March 2027 |
The published deadlines close at 11:59 PM Central European Time (CET).
According to the university’s published schedule, admission outcomes are expected by the end of May 2027.
Important Information for Non-EU Students Living in Italy
The additional March application period is not available to every international student residing in Italy.
Non-EEA applicants must hold a qualifying residence permit under the categories specified by the university.
These include certain work, family, asylum, and religious residence categories.
Students holding other residence permits should not assume they qualify for the additional application period.
Applicants should verify their eligibility before selecting this round.
Why the First Application Round Matters
The first admission round is particularly important for scholarship applicants.
For the 2027/2028 merit-based international scholarship call, Politecnico di Milano requires eligible students to submit their admission applications and pay the application fee during the early-bird period.
Therefore, students seeking this particular scholarship should complete their admission applications by 1 December 2026.
Applying early also reduces the application fee.
Politecnico di Milano Application Fee 2027/2028
The university charges different application fees depending on the submission period.
Students applying during the early-bird period pay €50, while applicants using later eligible periods generally pay €150.
Table 5: Early-Bird and Standard Application Fees
| Application period | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 October – 1 December 2026 | €50 |
| Later eligible application periods | €150 |
| Savings through early application | €100 |
The early-bird fee represents a reduction of approximately 66.7% compared with the standard application fee.
However, applicants should not rush to submit incomplete applications.
Politecnico di Milano states that uploaded documents cannot be modified or supplemented after payment of the application fee.
Therefore, students should carefully review their academic documents before completing payment.
Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships 2027/2028
Politecnico di Milano offers competitive merit-based international scholarships for eligible students applying to English-taught Master of Science programs.
These scholarships recognize academic excellence and support talented international applicants.
All awards under the published merit-based scholarship scheme include a full tuition-fee waiver.
Some scholarships also provide an additional gross allowance of up to €10,000 per year.
Table 6: Politecnico di Milano Scholarship Benefits
| Scholarship component | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Full waiver |
| Additional allowance | Up to €10,000 gross annually for certain awards |
| Administrative fee | Approximately €170 remains payable |
| Selection basis | Academic merit and application assessment |
| Automatic scholarship after admission | No |
Scholarship recipients are still required to pay the non-refundable administrative fee.
Furthermore, the additional allowance is not available under every scholarship award.
Applicants should therefore review the conditions of the specific scholarship they receive.
Who Is Eligible for the Merit-Based Scholarships?
The university’s published 2027/2028 scholarship call is intended for eligible international applicants who:
- Apply for the first year of an English-taught Master of Science programme.
- Submit their admission application during the early-bird period.
- Pay the application fee between 1 October and 1 December 2026.
- Meet the relevant academic and scholarship eligibility requirements.
- Complete the separate scholarship application form.
- Submit acceptable English language documentation within the required deadline.
The university specifies 4 March 2027 as the deadline for providing valid English language proficiency documentation for scholarship consideration.
Is a Separate Scholarship Application Required?
Yes.
Eligible applicants must complete the scholarship application form through Politecnico di Milano’s Online Services.
Admission to a Master’s programme does not automatically complete the scholarship application.
Applicants should check the scholarship call for the form submission period and all additional requirements.
How Are Scholarship Recipients Selected?
Selection is based on academic merit and the strength of the application.
The university considers previous education, academic grades, the relevance of the Bachelor’s qualification and the submitted supporting documents.
Where required, a portfolio may also contribute to the assessment.
Therefore, applicants should prepare a complete and competitive academic dossier.
Another Italian University Offering International Excellence Scholarships
Students interested in studying in Italy should also consider the University of Padua.
The university’s 2027/2028 admissions include English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, alongside the competitive Padua International Excellence Scholarship.
Eligible scholarship recipients can receive €8,000 gross per year and a tuition-fee waiver.
Unlike Politecnico di Milano’s merit-based scholarship procedure, eligible Padua applicants are automatically considered for the Excellence Scholarship through their degree application, without a separate scholarship application.
For a detailed explanation of Padua’s admission rounds, scholarship benefits, tuition waivers and application requirements, read our University of Padua Admissions 2027/28 and International Excellence Scholarship Guide.
Applicants should compare both universities and select programmes that match their academic backgrounds and career objectives.
Admission Requirements for International Students
International applicants must meet Politecnico di Milano’s academic and language requirements.
The university also applies additional country-specific conditions to qualifications obtained in certain countries.
1. Recognised Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree or be completing one.
The qualification must be obtained before enrolment.
It must also provide access to postgraduate education corresponding to Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework.
Additionally, the undergraduate degree should contain subjects closely related to the selected Master’s programme.
Applicants with unrelated qualifications may not satisfy the requirements for direct admission.
2. Bachelor’s Degree Is Used for Academic Evaluation
Applicants who already hold both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees should understand that Politecnico di Milano evaluates their application on the basis of the Bachelor’s qualification.
Therefore, students must submit the required undergraduate academic records even if they have already completed further postgraduate education.
3. Country-Specific GPA Requirements
Politecnico di Milano applies strict minimum GPA requirements to qualifications obtained in certain countries.
These requirements vary according to the country and educational system.
Applicants whose cumulative GPA falls below a published mandatory minimum will not proceed to academic evaluation.
Therefore, students should verify their country-specific requirements before paying the application fee.
Can Cameroonian Students Apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants from Cameroon can apply to Politecnico di Milano’s international Master’s programmes.
Cameroon is not among the countries with separately listed minimum GPA requirements in the published country-specific list discussed here.
However, this does not mean that all Cameroonian qualifications are automatically accepted.
Applicants must still satisfy the university’s general academic requirements, degree-recognition conditions and programme-specific prerequisites.
English Language Requirements: Can You Apply Without IELTS?
Politecnico di Milano requires applicants to provide acceptable evidence of English language proficiency.
However, IELTS is not compulsory for every applicant.
The university accepts several recognised English language examinations.
It also provides an exemption pathway for students whose Bachelor’s degrees were taught in English.
Table 7: Selected Accepted English Language Qualifications
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 59 |
| TOEFL iBT, tests taken until 20 January 2026 | 78 |
| TOEFL iBT, tests taken from 21 January 2026 | 4.5 |
| LanguageCert ESOL | B2 Communicator, four skills |
| Qualifying English-medium Bachelor’s degree | Accepted university-certified documentation |
Applicants should confirm the current accepted certificates, validity periods and conditions before arranging an English language test.
English Language Exemption for English-Taught Bachelor’s Degrees
Students may qualify for an exemption if they can prove that English was the medium of instruction for their Bachelor’s degree for at least three years.
In this case, the university requires an official document confirming that at least 75% of the courses in the Bachelor’s programme were taught in English.
This can be particularly useful for eligible graduates from English-medium universities.
However, applicants should ensure that their university-issued document satisfies the published requirements.
Is Italian Language Proficiency Required?
Italian language proficiency is not necessarily an admission requirement for programmes taught entirely in English.
Nevertheless, students must demonstrate the required Italian language knowledge before graduation.
Students who already hold an accepted Italian B2 certificate may submit it during enrolment.
Those without the certificate can access the university’s Italian language learning and assessment arrangements.
For programmes taught entirely or partly in Italian, separate Italian language admission requirements apply.
Documents Required for Politecnico di Milano Master’s Applications
Applicants must prepare their supporting documents before starting the online application.
Politecnico di Milano distinguishes between mandatory documents, documents compulsory for specific programmes and optional supporting documents.
Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
Table 8: Mandatory Application Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| University qualification | Official Bachelor’s qualification or applicable documentation for students completing their degree |
| Academic transcript | Official Bachelor’s transcript showing subjects, grades and relevant credit information |
| Cumulative GPA statement | Official documentation confirming the applicant’s cumulative GPA |
| Curriculum vitae | Academic and professional CV |
University Qualification
Applicants must provide the required documentation relating to their undergraduate qualification.
Students who have already graduated should prepare their official Bachelor’s degree certificate.
Those who are still completing their undergraduate studies should follow the university’s instructions for submitting the applicable qualification documentation.
The final recognised Bachelor’s degree must be obtained before enrolment.
Academic Transcript
The academic transcript must be issued by the university’s Registrar’s Office or another authorised academic office.
It should show the courses taken, grades obtained and the relationship between credits and hours where applicable.
The university accepts original transcripts bearing official stamps and signatures.
Alternatively, certain documents verifiable through official links or QR codes may be accepted.
Applicants must upload clear scans of both sides where relevant.
Only the Bachelor’s transcript is considered for academic evaluation.
Cumulative GPA Statement
The cumulative GPA statement is mandatory.
It provides official evidence of the applicant’s overall undergraduate academic performance.
Applicants should ensure that the information is consistent with their academic transcript.
Curriculum Vitae
A CV is compulsory for all applicants.
The document should present academic qualifications, relevant professional experience, internships, research activities, technical skills and other achievements.
An academic CV is generally more suitable for postgraduate admission than a generic employment CV.
The university requires the CV to be submitted in English or Italian.
Documents Required for Specific Programmes
Certain programmes have additional compulsory requirements.
Portfolio Requirements
A portfolio is mandatory for applicants to Architecture, Urban Planning and Policy Design, and Design programmes.
The portfolio should follow the instructions of the selected programme.
Applicants should review any programme-specific portfolio requirements before submitting their applications.
Language Proficiency Documentation
Language proficiency documentation is mandatory for the relevant after-admission process.
Applicants must comply with the university’s published deadlines.
Students seeking merit-based scholarships should also remember the English language documentation deadline of 4 March 2027.
Optional Documents That Can Strengthen Your Application
Politecnico di Milano allows applicants to submit additional supporting documents.
These documents are optional under the general Admissions Office checklist, although individual programmes may publish additional requirements.
Table 9: Optional Supporting Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test | Optional supporting test for Engineering and Architecture applicants |
| Letter of recommendation | Provides academic or professional references |
| Letter of motivation | Explains academic preparation and reasons for choosing the programme |
| Detailed study programmes or course descriptions | Helps evaluators understand previous coursework |
Is the GRE Compulsory?
The GRE General Test is listed as an optional supporting document for Engineering and Architecture applicants.
Therefore, students should not assume that every Master’s programme requires GRE scores.
Applicants with strong results may consider submitting them where permitted.
Should You Submit a Recommendation Letter?
Although recommendation letters are optional under the general checklist, a strong academic reference may support an application.
An appropriate referee could be a lecturer, research supervisor or another person familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities.
The letter should provide meaningful evidence of academic performance and suitability for postgraduate study.
Is a Motivation Letter Required?
A motivation letter is also listed among the optional supporting documents.
Nevertheless, it may help applicants explain their academic interests, relevant preparation and reasons for choosing a particular Master’s programme.
Applicants should avoid generic statements and focus on the academic relevance of their background.
Accepted Document Languages and Translation Requirements
Politecnico di Milano accepts official academic documents in English, Italian, French or Spanish.
These include academic transcripts, university qualifications, GPA statements, detailed study programmes and recommendation letters.
If an academic transcript or university qualification was issued in another language, an official translation is required.
The translation must contain the original stamp and/or signature of an official translator.
CVs, motivation letters and portfolios must be submitted in English or Italian.
All uploaded documents should be saved in PDF format.
Applicants must upload scans of original documents rather than scans of photocopies.
Furthermore, filenames should not contain accents or special characters.
Declaration of Value and CIMEA Requirements
International students may need additional documentation to establish the recognition or comparability of their academic qualifications.
Depending on their circumstances, applicants may be asked to provide a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA Statement of Comparability.
Politecnico di Milano reserves the right to request these documents at any stage of the evaluation.
Students who cannot provide the required qualification-recognition documentation for enrolment may be unable to register even after receiving a positive admission decision.
Therefore, applicants should investigate these requirements early.
How to Apply to Politecnico di Milano for 2027/2028
The application process is completed online through the university’s official services.
Applicants may select up to two Master of Science programmes in one application semester.
Step 1: Choose Your Preferred Master’s Programme
Review the available courses and identify programmes related to your undergraduate qualification.
Check the teaching language, campus, curriculum and academic prerequisites.
Step 2: Verify Your Academic Eligibility
Confirm that your Bachelor’s degree is recognised and satisfies the requirements for postgraduate admission.
Review any country-specific minimum GPA requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your Bachelor’s qualification, academic transcript, cumulative GPA statement and CV.
Prepare a portfolio if your chosen programme requires one.
You may also prepare relevant optional supporting documents.
Step 4: Register Through Online Services
Create an account on the university’s official Online Services platform.
Use a personal email address that you check regularly.
Step 5: Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal and academic information accurately.
Select your preferred Master’s programme and, if applicable, a second choice.
Design applicants should choose carefully because their second choice is evaluated only if admission is not granted to their first choice.
Step 6: Upload Your Documents
Upload all mandatory and applicable programme-specific documents.
Check that every file is clear, complete and correctly labelled.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the applicable fee through the university’s payment system.
Students applying during the early-bird period pay €50.
Applicants in later eligible periods generally pay €150.
Remember that uploaded documents cannot be modified after payment.
Step 8: Monitor Your Application Status
Log in regularly to check your application status.
The International Admissions Office may send important messages through the platform.
Step 9: Complete the Scholarship Application
Eligible students seeking merit-based scholarships must follow the separate scholarship application procedure.
Submit the required scholarship form and supporting documentation within the published deadlines.
Step 10: Prepare for Enrolment
Successful applicants should follow the university’s post-admission instructions.
Depending on their circumstances, they may need to complete qualification recognition, visa procedures, accommodation arrangements and other enrolment requirements.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Several avoidable mistakes can affect an applicant’s chances.
First, some students choose Master’s programmes that do not match their undergraduate qualifications.
Second, others overlook country-specific GPA requirements.
Third, incomplete academic documents may prevent an application from being processed.
Another mistake is paying the application fee before reviewing uploaded documents.
Finally, scholarship applicants sometimes assume that admission automatically guarantees financial support.
Applicants should carefully distinguish between admission eligibility, scholarship eligibility and competitive scholarship selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Politecnico di Milano accepting applications for 2027?
Yes. Applications for the September 2027 intake opened on 1 October 2026 for the published international admission rounds.
Is Politecnico di Milano the best university in Italy?
Politecnico di Milano is ranked No. 1 in Italy in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 87th worldwide.
What is the application fee?
The early-bird application fee is €50. The standard fee for later eligible application periods is €150.
What is the first application deadline?
The first Engineering application call closes on 1 December 2026. This is also the early-bird deadline relevant to the university’s 2027/2028 merit-based international scholarship call.
Does Politecnico di Milano offer fully funded scholarships?
The university offers merit-based scholarships that include full tuition waivers. Some awards also provide a gross allowance of up to €10,000 annually.
However, applicants should not assume that every scholarship covers all living, travel and personal expenses.
Can I apply without IELTS?
Eligible applicants whose Bachelor’s degrees were taught in English may submit official university-certified proof of their language of instruction instead of a separate English language test certificate, subject to the university’s requirements.
Is the GRE compulsory?
The GRE General Test is listed as an optional supporting document for Engineering and Architecture applicants under the general Admissions Office requirements.
Is a recommendation letter compulsory?
A recommendation letter is optional under the general application checklist. However, applicants should check whether their selected programme has additional requirements.
Is a motivation letter compulsory?
A motivation letter is generally listed as optional in the Admissions Office checklist. Nevertheless, it may strengthen an application.
Is a portfolio compulsory?
A portfolio is mandatory for Architecture, Urban Planning and Policy Design, and Design applicants.
Can final-year Bachelor’s students apply?
Yes. Eligible final-year students can apply, provided they obtain the required recognised Bachelor’s qualification before enrolment.
Can African students apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other African countries can apply, subject to academic and programme-specific requirements.
Can I apply for two Master’s programmes?
Yes. Applicants can generally select up to two programmes per application semester, subject to the relevant study-area rules.
When will admission results be released?
The university’s published schedule indicates that outcomes are expected by the end of May 2027.
Which Is Better for Scholarships: Politecnico di Milano or the University of Padua?
Both universities offer competitive funding for eligible international students.
Politecnico di Milano’s merit-based scholarships provide full tuition waivers, with some awards offering up to €10,000 gross annually.
The University of Padua’s International Excellence Scholarship provides €8,000 gross annually and a tuition-fee waiver for selected students.
However, the application procedures differ. Politecnico di Milano requires a separate scholarship application, while eligible Padua applicants are automatically considered through their degree application.
Students should compare programme availability, academic eligibility, scholarship conditions and application deadlines before deciding.
Final Thoughts
Politecnico di Milano admissions for 2027/2028 provide an important opportunity for international students interested in postgraduate education in Italy.
As the highest-ranked Italian university in the QS World University Rankings 2027, Politecnico di Milano is particularly attractive to applicants interested in engineering, architecture, design and advanced technology.
The university offers a broad selection of Master’s programmes, including many English-taught courses, alongside competitive merit-based scholarships.
However, applicants should carefully review the admission requirements and application deadlines.
They must verify their academic eligibility, prepare all mandatory documents, understand the language requirements and follow the correct application procedures.
For students seeking the 2027/2028 merit-based international scholarships, 1 December 2026 is particularly important.
Applying during the early-bird period also reduces the application fee from €150 to €50.
Prospective students should begin preparing their documents early and complete their applications through the university’s official admissions system.
Official Links
- Politecnico di Milano — International Master’s Admissions: https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students/how-to-apply/admission-to-laurea-magistrale/foreign-qualification
- Politecnico di Milano — Merit-Based Scholarships: https://www.polimi.it/en/prospective-students/how-much-does-it-cost/scholarships
Disclaimer: PrimStudyAbroad provides educational information and application guidance. Applicants should confirm the latest deadlines, eligibility requirements and scholarship conditions with the university before submitting their applications.
