Contents
Nithya Dharmapuri enrolled in a master’s at IULM University in Milan. In her testimonial, she describes the patience and practical reasoning she valued from ApplyAZ while deciding how to approach her applications.
Destination: IULM University, Milan
Study: Master’s
Teaching language: English
Funding: Scholarship-supported study
“that time gave me a lot of clarity”
Nithya Dharmapuri, excerpt
Time to understand her options
Nithya recalls learning that universities could have several admission rounds, each with its own timing. Sara and Sam helped her work through what that meant for her choices.
One conversation stands out. When she was considering taking an entrance test before she felt prepared, the team discussed the cost and the option of allowing more preparation time. She appreciated being given a reasoned view rather than being pushed into an immediate decision.
IULM had already been among the options she wanted to pursue. She says the time to think helped her gain clarity and remain confident in her choice.
Why ApplyAZ supports IULM as a carefully selected exception
ApplyAZ focuses on Italian public universities, with a small number of carefully selected exceptions. IULM is one of them: although it is private, its DSU route can make a suitable course financially accessible through scholarship support and tuition-fee relief.
Under IULM’s 2026/27 rules, qualifying students can receive full exemption from enrolment fees and university contributions. First-year students pay fees first; reimbursement follows the required merit checks, with the current call setting it by spring 2028. The benefit depends on meeting the call’s conditions. See IULM’s official scholarship rules.
ApplyAZ has no tie-up with IULM and receives no commission from it. We consider IULM, and a small number of other exceptions, when the course, funding route and overall cost make sense for the student. Our advice is based on the student’s interests and circumstances.
The value of a considered recommendation
Nithya’s account shows why that approach matters to her. She appreciated the team taking her preparation and spending seriously, and giving her room to make a clear decision. Her story brings a personal voice to the principle behind ApplyAZ’s recommendations: understanding what works for the student.
Questions about this student’s experience
Where did Nithya Dharmapuri enrol?
Nithya enrolled in a master’s at IULM University in Milan.
Does ApplyAZ receive commission from IULM?
No. ApplyAZ has no tie-up with IULM and receives no commission from it. IULM is considered as a carefully selected exception when it suits the student’s academic and financial circumstances.
Explore your own study options
Want to compare the academic fit and full cost of studying in Italy? Start with an eligibility check and discuss your options with ApplyAZ.
Explore English-taught programmes in Italy · How ApplyAZ supports the application process · DSU scholarship guide
Independent advice, with the student’s interests first
ApplyAZ has no private-university tie-ups and receives no university commissions. Our main focus is Italy’s public universities. We consider selected exceptions when their academic options and financial support fit the student’s needs, including IULM’s DSU route. Recommendations are based on the student’s goals and academic profile.
How to assess a study in Italy consultancy · How ApplyAZ supports your application
Video transcript
Yes, I think the major issue was like my anxiety when it came to like application deadlines. I did not know there were so many, you know, tiers of admission that keeps happening, like the rounds of admission. I always thought the last date of admission that they mentioned uh on the website was the like I had a lot of time I do not know the whole process but I think both Sara and sam had a lot a lot of patience with me. especially uh when I had this huge fickle decision with uh you know whether should I apply for Bocconi and take the test uh in the middle of the night where I wasn't sure what I was going to do uh I think anybody would have been like just go for it uh you know give it a shot but they gave me like really good rationale they're saying if you take it now and you're not prepared you'll be wasting like a huge amount of money and we can help you with everything but again wait for the next round see how it goes and I think that time gave me a lot of clarity to think about which direction because I think Bocconi came later on but IULM has always been in the mark for me so I stuck to my decision and glad to see it kind of like fulfilled.
Student and family feedback shared with permission.
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