Italy’s Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) scholarship is not just a program it’s a promise. It pledges a transformative educational experience by offering financial relief for both tuition and daily living expenses. Whether you’re an Italian, EU, or international student, DSU ensures that financial constraints don’t stand between you and your academic ambitions.
DSU is a fully funded, need-based program designed to support students enrolled in Italian public universities, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, and often a stipend for extras like books or transportation. The benefits vary slightly by region and student status (local, commuter, or away from home), ensuring aid fits individual needs.
What makes DSU unique is its regional approach. Administered by regional agencies like DSU Toscana, each area from Tuscany to Lombardy, tailors the scholarship coverage, deadlines, and documentation requirements to reflect local realities. This system allows students to explore campuses in Pisa, Milan, Siena, and beyond, under rules that honor regional flavor and fairness.
DSU is even more powerful when paired with fully funded scholarships in Italy. Combining regional DSU aid with broader grants can cover almost every cost, freeing you to focus 100% on your academic journey. Explore how this synergy works through our in-depth guides about fully funded opportunities in Italy.
Eligibility Criteria
- Financial Need: Family income must be below regional ISEE thresholds (approx. USD 13,500 – 26,000 depending on region) .
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or specialization programs in a participating public Italian university.
- Degree Level: Applicants are not allowed to already hold an equivalent or higher degree than the program they are applying for.
- Academic Merit (for renewal): Continuing students must meet CFU credit requirements to retain funding.
- No Concurrent Scholarships: Not eligible if receiving another scholarship for the same year .
- Documentation for Non-EU Students:
- Developing countries: Need diplomatic certification proving not from a high-income or high-status family; must be legalized by Italian Prefecture.
- Other non-EU: Provide translated and legalized documents for family status, income, assets.
Scholarship Coverage
DSU offers a comprehensive package of support:
- Tuition fee waiver
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Free or discounted meals at university canteens
- Cash stipend—up to around €7,000 per year for books, transportation, personal expenses.
- Additional perks may include mobility grants for international study and post-graduation awards.
- Even if not fully awarded, eligible non-winners may still receive free meals, housing at reduced cost (~€250/month), and tax exemptions.
Documents
- Italian students: ISEE certificate via INPS or CAF; enrollment proof; ID.
- Non-EU students:
- If from developing countries: diplomatic certification of non-high-income status (legalized).
- Others: translated and legalized documents for family status, income, assets, etc.
- General: Passport, admission/enrollment evidence, family composition, academic transcripts, bank statements, property certificates as specified by region.
Application Process
- Prepare ISEE/Parificato in advance (quick processing recommended).
- Apply online via regional portal or university system—e.g. DSU Toscana’s Sportello Studente or Politecnico di Milano’s portal.
- Submit documents:
- Italian: all online.
- With foreign income/assets: print online receipt, then send via registered mail or courier to designated regional address.
- Monitor rankings:
- Provisional lists by late September.
- Final rankings by November.
- Disbursement:
- Typically first half paid December; remainder after verifying academic performance by mid-year or end of year.
Available Universities & Programs
- Tuscany (Pisa, Florence, Siena): Open for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students in all subjects.
- Politecnico di Milano: Covers undergraduate, Master’s, specialization, and PhD programs, with extra support like mobility grants and awards for graduates.
- University of Milan (Statale): Gives tuition waiver, €1,500 yearly grant, free meals, housing help, and no IELTS if earlier studies were in English.
- Other Public Universities: Many other Italian universities also provide DSU support through their regional offices.
Deadline Schedule (2025–2026)
- Tuscany (DSU Toscana):
- Bachelor’s/Master’s: Submit by 5 September 2025.
- PhD/Specialization: Submit by 14 November 2025.
- Politecnico di Milano:
- Application window aligned with DSU call; follow official dates (likely July–September).
- University of Milan:
- Application period: 18 July – 30 September 2025; results in Autumn 2025.
- Other regions: Typically July–September, but some PhD calls may extend to November.
Success Stories
- A student who received the DSU in northern Italy shared: “This financial aid covers the full tuition, provides a yearly scholarship of €7,000, and includes free meals and accommodation.” (Leverage Edu, abroadstudyinfo, UniPage).
- From the University of Milan: Recipients enjoy tuition waiver, a €1,500 annual grant, free meals, and even housing help—and no IELTS if prior studies were in English. (ScholyHub).
