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Scholarships
What they are, their purpose, how to obtain them, and the types of scholarships offered by NABA
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Scholarships are an essential resource for both national and international students wishing to pursue their academic and university studies without the financial burden associated with the costs involved. They are financial aids offered by universities, academies, and other institutions designed to promote equitable access to higher education and to recognise and support talent and merit. Scholarships cover university expenses (either entirely or partially, depending on the specific scholarship) and often include assistance with accommodation, study materials, and other day-to-day student needs. Let’s explore what scholarships are, how they work, the benefits they provide, the types of scholarships NABA offers, and how to apply for them.
What are scholarships, and how do they differ from student loans?
As mentioned, scholarships are financial grants awarded to selected students to support them in their educational journey. Depending on the specific case, they can cover a wide range of expenses to varying degrees – including tuition fees, accommodation costs, study materials, and other daily necessities for those wishing to continue their studies.
How are scholarships awarded? Scholarships are typically granted to students based on various criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, artistic or athletic talent, or the applicant’s extracurricular activities. Some scholarships may be specifically allocated to particular groups, such as ethnic minorities, women in STEM fields, or international students.
How does a scholarship differ from a student loan? The difference is simple: scholarships do not require repayment, whereas student loans are sums of money students must repay after completing their studies. These loans, provided by financial institutions or government agencies, often accrue interest, meaning the amount repaid exceeds the amount initially received. However, thanks to a special agreement with the Academy, no interest will be applied to student loans taken out to study at NABA.
The purpose of university scholarships
In addition to making higher education more accessible to a greater number of national and international students, regardless of their financial circumstances, scholarships attract talented students who positively contribute to the academic environment with their skills and innovative ideas. By offering support to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, they promote diversity and inclusion, serve as a powerful tool for identifying and rewarding merit, and encourage academic and artistic excellence.
Scholarships are also a means for academic institutions to build and strengthen their reputations, demonstrate a commitment to excellence and inclusion, stimulate research and innovation, and support projects that have the potential to bring significant advancements in various fields of study.
How to obtain a scholarship?
The process for applying for scholarships offered by Italian universities and academies varies depending on the institution and specific programmes, but these are the most common steps:
- Monitor the publication of scholarship announcements: Regularly check the university/academy website in the section dedicated to scholarships and their social media accounts. You will see periodic announcements of new scholarships, including the instructions and eligibility criteria for applying, the deadlines for submitting your application, and the required documentation.
- Check the eligibility requirements: Carefully review the scholarship announcement, checking the specific eligibility criteria you must meet to qualify for financial aid. These may include proof of academic merit, financial need, involvement in extracurricular activities, or various research projects.
- Prepare the documentation: You will generally need to submit various documents with your application, including a CV, cover letters, recommendation letters, and a portfolio (link articolo portfolio) demonstrating your talent.
- Submit your application: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, submit your application by the deadline specified in the announcement. Remember that late applications will not be considered.
- Check if there are additional steps in the selection process: Review the conditions stated in the scholarship announcement to see if, after an initial shortlisting, selected students will be required to undergo further evaluations, such as interviews, assessments of submitted work, and discussions on the content of their cover letters and recommendations. If so, prepare in advance.
NABA scholarships
NABA offers financial support to students enrolled in undergraduate programmes, as well as those wishing to pursue a Master of Arts or Academic Master’s degree, by providing a variety of scholarships:
- Scholarships for undergraduate students: The academy offers financial aid based on the student’s income, family assets, and academic profile. Examples include the “Dai spazio al tuo talento” and DSU (Diritto allo studio Universitario) scholarships.
- Scholarships for talented students wishing to enrol in a Master of Arts or Academic Master’s programme: NABA offers merit-based financial aid, such as the DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) scholarships.
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NABA scholarships: required documentation for application
To participate in the selection process for a NABA scholarship, whether for the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Academic Master’s programmes, the following documentation is generally required:
- Your portfolio, a curated collection of the best projects you have worked on during your academic or personal studies, designed to showcase your skills, style, and potential;
- A cover letter explaining why you wish to study – or continue your studies – at NABA;
- Academic and school documents listed in the scholarship announcement.
Discover all NABA Scholarships: