Are you dreaming of studying in the historic cities of Florence, Pisa, or Siena without the burden of tuition fees? The Italy DSU Regional Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious financial aid programs for international students. As a fully funded scholarship in Europe, the DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) ensures that talented students from all over the world can access high-quality education regardless of their financial background.
In this guide, we will break down the DSU scholarship requirements, the application timeline for the 2026/2027 session, and tips to increase your chances of selection.
What is the DSU Regional Scholarship?
The DSU is a “need-based” scholarship provided by the Italian regional governments (most notably DSU Toscana). Unlike merit-based awards that only look at your grades, this program focuses on your family’s economic situation. If you are looking for a study in Italy with living stipend opportunity, this is it.
Types of Benefits Included
Winning the DSU scholarship provides a massive boost to your student life. The benefits typically include:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: You won’t have to pay university taxes.
- Annual Stipend: A cash grant of up to €7,500 (paid in two installments).
- Free Meals: One or two free meals per day at university canteens.
- Accommodation: Free or highly subsidized stays in university student halls.
- Extra Benefits: Additional funds for sporting activities and books.
Eligibility Criteria (Simplified)
The Italy university scholarship eligibility is straightforward. You do not need a high GPA to qualify for the first year, but you must meet the following:
- University Admission: You must be enrolled or have a pre-enrollment letter from a participating university in Italy (like the University of Pisa or University of Florence).
- Income Limit: Your family’s ISEE Parificato (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) must be below the regional threshold, which is usually around €25,000–€26,000.
- Degree Level: Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
- No Previous Degree: You cannot apply if you already hold a degree of the same level (e.g., applying for a second Master’s).
Required Documents for International Students
To rank among the successful applicants for this international student financial aid Italy, you must prepare these documents early. All documents must be translated into Italian and legalized by the Italian Embassy in your home country.
- Family Composition Certificate: A document showing all members of your household.
- Income Certificate: Proof of the total gross income earned by all family members in the previous calendar year.
- Property Certificate: Proof of any real estate owned by the family or a “No Property” certificate.
- Passport/ID: A valid copy of your identification.
- Codice Fiscale: Your Italian tax code (obtained from the embassy or the Italian tax office).
Pro Tip: The ISEE Parificato calculation is the most critical part. Ensure your documents clearly state the currency and are issued by official government bodies to avoid rejection.
Step-by-Step Application Process 2026
- Apply for University Admission: Secure your spot at an Italian university between February and June 2026.
- Prepare Financial Documents: Start gathering your income and property certificates by May 2026.
- Translate and Legalize: Get your documents translated into Italian by authorized translators and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Italian Embassy.
- Submit Online DSU Application: The portal usually opens in July 2026. Fill out the form on the official regional DSU website.
- Calculate ISEE Parificato: Submit your documents to a CAF (Tax Assistance Center) in Italy or through the DSU portal to get your economic score.
- Check Rankings: Provisional rankings are released in late September, and final rankings in November.
Important Dates for 2026/2027 Cycle
| Event | Expected Date |
| Call for Applications Published | Early July 2026 |
| Online Application Deadline | Early September 2026 |
| Document Submission Deadline | Mid-September 2026 |
| Provisional Ranking Release | September 30, 2026 |
| Final Ranking Release | November 30, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for the DSU scholarship without IELTS?
Yes! The DSU scholarship itself does not require IELTS. However, your university might require English proficiency for admission.
2. Is it possible to get a 100% scholarship in Italy?
Absolutely. The DSU is a fully funded scholarship in Italy for international students, covering almost all major costs.
3. What happens if I don’t get university housing?
If the university halls are full, the DSU will often provide a “rent supplement” (extra cash) to help you pay for a private apartment.
4. Can I work while on a DSU scholarship?
Yes, your Italian student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week, but be careful not to exceed income limits that might affect your scholarship eligibility.
Official Website Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official regional portals:
- Official DSU Toscana Website
- Universitaly – Official Portal for International Students
- MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Scholarships
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