POLIMI Graduate School of Management, in collaboration with the Accademia Teatro alla Scala and the Gianluca Spina Association, is offering three scholarships to support the participation of exceptional candidates in the Global Master in Performing Arts Management.

Established by Accademia Teatro alla Scala in partnership with POLIMI Graduate School of Management, and in collaboration with Piccolo Teatro di Milano, this Master’s programme equips students with the managerial skills needed to excel in the performing arts sector.

Participants are trained to operate in various fields such as:

  • Superintendencies
  • Artistic and production direction
  • Fundraising and sponsorship
  • Marketing and communication

The programme includes intensive classroom learning with practical experience, including an internship at prestigious institutions such as the Teatro alla Scala, as well as field-projects in Berlin, New York and Delft in collaboration with leading European and American universities.

For more information, visit Global Master In Performing Arts Management websites: www.gsom.polimi.it/mpam or www.accademialascala.it/mpam 

Degree level

Master's

Deadlines

Deadline to apply for scholarship: 18 June 2025

The Master's programme uses a rolling admissions system. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as spots may fill before the final deadlines.

Application Deadlines & Interview Dates:

  • 13 February → 25 February 2025
  • 19 March → 26 March 2025
  • 22 April → 29 April 2025
  • 20 May → 28 May 2025
  • 11 June → 18 June 2025
  • 8 July → 15 July 2025
  • 17 September → 24 September 2025 (last round for non-EU citizens)
  • 1 October → 7 October 2025 (EU citizens only)

Submit your application at least 10 days before the interview dates.

Programme Areas 

  • General Management
  • Economics & Management
  • Production
  • Marketing & Communication
  • Cultural and Performing Arts History
  • Development & Fundraising
  • Administration
  • Present & Future Perspectives in the Sector

Who can apply?

The programme welcomes:

  • Graduates (Bachelor’s or equivalent) who wish to pursue a career in the performing arts or cultural sector
  • Candidates with formal education in music, arts, or dance looking to gain managerial skills
  • Professionals (without a degree) with 3–5 years’ experience seeking a career change (knowledge of the non-profit sector is a plus)
  • Candidates under 35 years 

What the scholarship offers

  • EUR 11,750 gross

Note: Applicants will need to make provision for all expenses not covered by the scholarship.

Application process

To apply for the Gianluca Spina Scholarship, submit your application by 18 June 2025 via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: “GMPAM Borsa di Studio Spina 2025/2027”

Your application must include the following documents:

  • Copy of your university degree and final score
  • Letter of admittance to the Global Master in Performing Arts Management
  • A 1,000-word essay on the following topic: Opera Houses are facing several challenges linked to financial, social, and cultural sustainability. Defining the value a theatre aims to create is therefore essential. Using a major international Opera House as your reference (e.g. Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House, Metropolitan Opera), address the following:
    • What is the value they create, and who is it for?
    • How do you measure the value created?

For the Master's Programme

Step 1: Submit Application

Apply through the GSoM application platform, and upload:

  • CV
  • Motivational letter
  • Two reference letters
  • Passport or EU ID
  • University transcript
  • English certificate (if available)
  • One passport-style photo

A €100 application fee is required to proceed.

Step 2: Written Test

You’ll receive a written assignment from the programme team. Submit it before your interview to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Step 3: Interview

Held online (Microsoft Teams) or in person.

Step 4: Final Decision & Enrolment

If accepted, you’ll receive an email with further instructions to sign your contract and pay the first instalment to complete your enrolment.

Contact

For general programme info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
For scholarship-related queries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
For application assistance: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Documents and links

Gianluca Spina Scholarship Announcement

Global Master In Performing Arts Management website

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.