The Smart US Alternative: Winning a Full Scholarship for Economics and Management at Bocconi University

For Vuk, the realization came early: his ambitions had outgrown his environment. After exploring the options available in Serbia, he knew that to satisfy his academic appetite, he needed to aim for a higher quality of education abroad.

Originally, his compass was set on the United States. However, the reality of tuition costs—even with scholarships—forced a strategic rethink. That pivot led him to discover the perfect fit closer to home, eventually securing a spot for Economics and Management at Bocconi University in Milan.

🎓 Student Snapshot

• Target Major: Economics and Management

• The "Spike": Math Competitions & Persistence

• Outcome: Full Scholarship at Bocconi University (Italy)

Equedu: Vuk, you decided to leave Serbia for your studies. How did you land on Italy and Bocconi specifically?

Vuk: To be completely honest, I had never even heard of Bocconi before Equedu suggested it. My eyes were fixed on the US, and I was completely unaware that one of the world's best business schools was right here in Europe.

Equedu analyzed my profile and my financial situation and pointed me toward Milan. They explained that Bocconi isn't just a good school; it is an academic powerhouse, consistently ranked among the top in the world for Economics and Management. They showed me why it was the perfect strategic move for me—offering Ivy League quality without the impossible US price tag. That one piece of advice was life-changing; without it, I would have missed this opportunity entirely.

Equedu: The application process for top schools can be intense. What was your biggest challenge?

Vuk: My biggest success wasn't just the grades; it was the persistence. The road to Economics and Management at Bocconi University is paved with SATs, TOEFL exams, and demanding motivation letters.

It was a completely different beast compared to the Serbian system. I was used to our local bureaucracy, but the Italian way of doing things was new and, honestly, quite confusing at times. Navigating that administrative maze was a challenge in itself, and I’m proud I managed to find my way through it.

Equedu: How did you feel when you got the acceptance letter?

Vuk: It was an incredible rush of excitement. In that moment, I knew that everything was about to change. It wasn't just about getting into a school; it was the realization that a massive door had just opened for me.

I immediately started thinking about the opportunities that lay ahead—the global network, the career paths, and the future that was suddenly within reach. After the long wait and the hard work, knowing that I had secured my place at such a prestigious institution was a feeling of pure triumph.

Equedu: You also received a full scholarship. How did that impact your decision?

Vuk: The scholarship news arrived at the same time as the acceptance letter, so the excitement was doubled.

To be honest, the scholarship was the deciding factor. Without it, my family and I couldn't have kept up with the tuition costs. Seeing that confirmation wasn't just about money; it was the final confirmation that I was definitely going to Bocconi.

"Boundaries are only there if you decide to accept them... my best advice is to aim high."

Equedu: Looking ahead, what excites you most about this new chapter?

Vuk: I am looking forward to the networking—meeting people from so many different cultures. I also can't wait to gain knowledge that will actually prepare me for a career.

But above all, it's the independence. I see this as the point where I enter the "world of adults" and start a somewhat independent life. It feels like the true beginning of adulthood.

Equedu: How did the collaboration with Equedu shape this outcome?

Vuk: As I mentioned, Equedu is the reason I am even going to Bocconi. But beyond the initial suggestion, they made the intangible tangible. They arranged a video call for me with a former Bocconi student so I could get first-hand info, and they turned a confusing bureaucratic process into a clear path.

Most importantly, what meant the most to us was the trust. Equedu provided full confidence to both me and my parents that they had our best interests at heart. We never felt like just another client; we felt supported by experts who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. They gave us a sense of security during a very stressful time, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Equedu: What advice would you give to other ambitious students?

Vuk: Enjoy life. It all goes by very fast, so it’s nice to stop for a moment and appreciate what you’ve achieved. But also: be ambitious. Believe in yourself and value your uniqueness. Boundaries are only there if you decide to accept them, so my best advice is to aim high.

Vuk turned a change of plans into a full scholarship with expert guidance. Ready to find your path in Europe? Contact our team.