Need-based scholarships in Italy provide essential financial aid to students from low-income families. These grants ensure that economic status does not prevent qualified individuals from pursuing higher education. Regional governments fund these programs to protect the “Right to Study” for both local and international students.
Regional agencies manage these scholarships based on the financial situation of the student’s household. The primary tool for assessing this need is the ISEE-U certificate, which measures family income and assets. Students who meet the income thresholds receive a combination of cash stipends, free meals, and university accommodation.
Italian universities collaborate with regional bodies to distribute these funds across all levels of study. You can apply for these grants regardless of your nationality, provided you are enrolled in a recognized Italian institution. Maintaining the scholarship requires you to earn a specific number of academic credits each semester.
Types of Scholarships with Details
Italy offers regional scholarships that focus on the economic welfare of the student. Each of the 20 Italian regions has its own agency dedicated to the “Right to Higher Education.”
DSU Toscana supports students in cities like Florence, Pisa, and Siena by providing free housing and canteen access. EDISU Piemonte serves students in Turin, offering significant financial grants and subsidized services. In the Lazio region, DiSCo Lazio provides scholarships to those studying in Rome, covering tuition fees and living costs. ER-GO operates in the Emilia-Romagna region, assisting students at the University of Bologna with various subsidies.
These agencies prioritize students whose family income falls below a specific limit, usually around €26,000 per year. The grants differ from merit-based awards because they focus on financial barriers rather than high test scores. However, you must still pass your exams to keep the funding throughout your degree.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
- Location: All 20 regions of Italy, including Lombardy, Tuscany, and Piedmont.
- Institution(s): Public universities and AFAM institutions, such as the University of Milan and University of Padua.
- Program Period: The duration of the chosen degree, ranging from 3 to 5 years.
- Course offered: All academic fields including Medicine, Engineering, Fine Arts, and Economics.
- Deadline: Most regional applications close between August and September 2026.
Scholarship Coverage
Need-based scholarships in Italy provide four major financial benefits to eligible students. First, the grant includes a full tuition fee waiver, meaning you pay only a small regional tax and stamp duty. Second, recipients receive a cash stipend deposited into their bank accounts in two installments.
Third, the scholarship covers one free meal per day at university canteens or affiliated restaurants. Fourth, students living far from their family home receive free or highly subsidized accommodation in university residences. These services reduce the cost of living in Italy by approximately €8,000 to €10,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet three primary eligibility requirements to qualify for Italian need-based funding. First, your family’s ISEE-U (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) must be below the threshold set by the region, which is typically €26,306.25 for 2026. Second, your ISPE (Equivalent Asset Situation Indicator) must not exceed the limit of approximately €52,000.
Third, you must be a “non-resident” or “commuter” student to receive the maximum funding amount. International students must provide legalized and translated documents from their home country to prove their family’s financial status. You must also maintain a clean academic record by completing at least 20 to 35 credits per year to renew the grant.
Application Process
The application process for need-based scholarships in Italy involves five critical steps. You must first secure admission to an Italian university and obtain your student ID or matriculation number. Next, you must collect your family’s financial documents, such as income tax returns, bank statements, and property ownership certificates.
Third, you must have these documents translated into Italian by a certified translator and legalized by the Italian Embassy or through an Apostille. Fourth, you must contact a CAF (Tax Assistance Center) in Italy to request the ISEE-U Parificato certificate. The CAF office will process your foreign documents and generate the official economic indicator needed for the application.
Finally, you must log in to the specific regional portal, such as the DSU Toscana or EDISU website, to fill out the online application form. You must upload a digital copy of your passport, your ISEE-U certificate, and your university enrollment proof. Submit the form before the deadline, as regional agencies do not accept late applications under any circumstances. Also start your appplication process to Italian American Scholarships.
Deadline
The deadlines for need-based scholarships vary by region but generally follow a strict timeline.
- DSU Toscana: Late August 2026.
- DiSCo Lazio: Mid-July 2026.
- EDISU Piemonte: Early September 2026.
- ER-GO Emilia-Romagna: Late August 2026.
Apply Now
Access the official regional portals to begin your application:
