Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship to Study in Italy 2025

Pursuing higher education in Italy is a dream for many, but the financial realities of studying abroad can often be a major obstacle. That’s where the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship comes in. This vital program, a cornerstone of Italy’s commitment to accessible education, offers a lifeline to deserving students from around the world. The DSU scholarship for the academic year provides a comprehensive and generous package of benefits designed to alleviate financial pressure and let you focus on your studies. Coverage typically includes a full tuition fee waiver, free or subsidised accommodation, and free meals at university canteens. Furthermore, recipients can receive a yearly cash stipend that can be up to EUR 7,073, which can be used to cover other essential costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses.

This blog post will be your guide to understanding the DSU scholarship to study in Italy, its benefits for the upcoming academic year, and how you can navigate the application process to secure this life-changing opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria for the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship to Study in Italy 2025

International students, including those from EU and non-EU countries, are eligible to apply if they meet the following key requirements:

1. Enrollment in Academic Course

Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enrol full-time in the first year of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme at a recognised Italian public university or an equivalent private institution accredited by the respective regional DSU authority.

2. Financial Need Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate economic disadvantage. The equivalent family income, calculated through ISEE for EU students or ISEE Parificato for non-residents, must not exceed the limit set by the regional DSU office. For 2025, this threshold is generally around EUR 26,000, though the exact amount will be confirmed in each region’s official call.

3. Submission of Documents

Non-EU applicants are required to provide certified and legalised documents verifying income, assets, and family composition. All documents must be officially translated into Italian and authenticated by the relevant Italian diplomatic authorities.

4. Academic Standing or Renewal

• For first-year students, meeting the financial requirements is typically sufficient.
• For scholarship renewal in subsequent years, students must achieve the minimum number of academic credits (CFU) set by their university within the specified timeframe.

5. No Same-Level Degree

Applicants should not already possess a qualification equivalent to the degree level for which they are applying (for instance, applying for a Master’s while already holding a Master’s degree).

6. Incompatibility of the Scholarship

Students receiving the DSU Scholarship cannot simultaneously hold another full scholarship or research grant covering the same academic level and year, unless stated otherwise in the official call.

7. Additional Requirements (subject to region or university)

Non-EU students must hold a valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) for study purposes. Some calls may specify language proficiency criteria, although prior English-medium education is often accepted. Age limits are rarely applied and may vary across regions, so applicants should review the specific requirements of their chosen university or DSU body.

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Application Process for Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship 2025

Building on the eligibility overview, understanding the application process for the DSU Scholarship is essential for students planning to study in Italy. While regional authorities administer the scholarship independently, the overall procedure across Italian universities follows a largely uniform pattern for the 2025/26 academic year.

Applicants must first ensure they meet the citizenship, financial, and academic requirements described earlier. Once eligibility is confirmed, they can proceed through the following key steps:

1. Preparation of Documents

Begin by collecting official documentation related to your family’s financial situation, including income and property certificates, as well as proof of university admission or enrolment. Non-EU students must provide legalised and translated copies of income and family composition records, issued by recognised authorities in their home country and authenticated by Italian diplomatic offices.

2. ISEE or ISEE Parificato Certification

The next step involves obtaining the Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente (ISEE) or ISEE Parificato, which determines financial eligibility. EU students can apply for the ISEE through authorised CAF offices in Italy. Non-EU students must instead obtain an ISEE Parificato, using verified foreign income documents that are translated into Italian and properly legalised.

3. Online Registration and Application Submission

Applications are submitted online through the respective regional DSU portals, such as:

• dsu.toscana.itfor Tuscany
• laziodisu.it for Lazio
• dsu.regione.lombardia.it for Lombardy

Most portals open between early July and mid-September 2025, though exact deadlines vary by region and university. Applicants may register and apply even if their university enrolment is still pending.

During the online application, candidates are generally required to upload:

• A valid passport or identity document and residence permit (for non-EU students)
• Proof of admission or enrolment at an Italian university
• ISEE or ISEE Parificato certificate
• Certified family income documentation
• Academic transcripts and translated copies of previous qualifications (if applicable)

4. Review  of Application and Rankings

Applications are assessed based on financial need and, for continuing students, academic merit. Rankings are published in two stages: provisional results typically appear in late September or early October, followed by final rankings around November. Students who wish to contest the outcome can submit an appeal within the timeframe specified by their regional DSU office.

5. Award and Disbursement of the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship

Successful applicants receive a combination of benefits, including tuition fee waivers, accommodation support, meal subsidies, and an annual financial allowance. Scholarship funds are usually transferred directly to the recipient’s Italian bank account in instalments, once enrolment verification is complete.

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Selection Factors for the DSU Scholarship (2025-26 Academic Year)

After completing the application process, the selection and ranking of candidates for the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year are determined through a combination of economic need and academic performance. Based on the official guidelines published by regional bodies such as ARDSU Toscana, these two criteria form the core of the evaluation system, with their relative importance varying depending on the year of study.

1. Economic Need (ISEE / ISEE Parificato): Primary Factor in the First Year

For first-year applicants, the family’s financial condition remains the primary selection criterion. As stated in the Toscana regional guidelines, for the first year of application, family income is taken into account. The income and asset thresholds are established annually by each regional DSU authority and are generally around EUR 23,000–26,000 for 2025, though the exact figure is confirmed only in the official regional call.

International (non-EU) students must provide an ISEE Parificato, which includes all declared income and assets from abroad, duly legalised and translated into Italian. Failure to submit these verified documents within the stipulated deadlines may lead to ineligibility or exclusion from ranking.

While some regions may introduce additional provisions, such as partial bonuses or priority for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, these vary across Italy and should always be verified through the specific regional DSU call

2. Academic Merit: Increasing Importance from the Second Year Onward

From the second year onward, academic achievement becomes a significant factor in scholarship renewal and ranking. Regional calls, such as those from Toscana, specify that merit, measured through the number of passed exams, acquired credits, and grades, is also taken into consideration.

Students are expected to complete a minimum number of Crediti Formativi Universitari (CFU) within a defined timeframe to remain eligible. While the exact credit requirements differ by region and university, Toscana’s published tables suggest:

• Second-year students must earn approximately 25 CFU.
• Third-year or continuing students are generally expected to have around 80 CFU accumulated.

For PhD students or specialised programmes, merit is assessed according to progress reports and academic performance indicators defined by their institutions. It is important to note that entrance exam results (such as TOLC scores) do not influence DSU rankings, as selection is based solely on academic records earned during university studies.

3. Enrolment and Residency Requirements for the DSU Scholarship

The DSU Scholarship applies exclusively to students enrolled full-time in first-cycle (Bachelor’s), second-cycle (Master’s), or single-cycle degree programmes at universities within the region, such as the Universities of Florence, Pisa, and Siena in Tuscany. Courses conducted entirely abroad or through unrecognised institutions are not eligible.

Non-EU students must also hold a valid permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) for study purposes, and their documentation concerning income and family composition must meet legalisation standards outlined by Italian diplomatic authorities.

4. Additional Considerations for  DSU Scholarship

Applications are ranked only after all documents are verified. Missing or incomplete submissions, particularly for foreign income and assets, can delay evaluation or lead to provisional ranking until full verification. Students with disabilities may receive extended benefit durations or adjusted criteria, as specified in the official DSU calls.

While some universities or regions may apply additional favourable conditions, such as consideration for under-represented groups or families affected by special circumstances—these provisions differ locally and are clearly indicated only in the regional call for applications.

How to Find the Correct Official Website for Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship 2025

Following the understanding of eligibility, selection, and application procedures, the next critical step for applicants is locating the official regional website through which the DSU Scholarship application must be submitted. Since the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) is administered separately by each Italian region, students must apply through the specific regional authority responsible for financial aid in the area where their chosen university is located.

Recognising the correct regional portal ensures students access verified information, submit applications accurately, and meet authentic deadlines. To begin, identify the region where your university is based. For instance, the University of Bologna is located in Emilia-Romagna, while the University of Milan falls under Lombardy. Each region has its own designated body overseeing DSU scholarships and related student services.

To locate the correct portal, use the following search format:

– [Region Name] diritto allo studio universitario or [Region Name] DSU scholarship.

For example: Lombardia diritto allo studio universitario or Piemonte DSU scholarship.

Region for the purpose of the Regional Post Registration	Official Agency	Universities covered under the Region
Emilia-Romagna	ER-GO	Universities of Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara
Piemonte	EDISU	University of Turin, Politecnico di Torino
Toscana	DSU Toscana	Universities of Florence, Pisa, Siena
Lazio	Laziodisu	Universities of Rome La Sapienza, Roma Tre, Tor Vergata
Puglia	ADISU Puglia	Universities of Bari, Foggia, Lecce
Campania	ADISU Campania	Universities of Naples Federico II, Salerno, Benevento

Students are strongly advised to verify that the official website address ends with .it and belongs to a recognised government or university domain, such as www.er-go.it or www.edisu.piemonte.it. Checking the authenticity of the site helps avoid misinformation and ensures applications are submitted through legitimate regional portals.

Benefits of the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship

Following the explanation of how to locate the official DSU scholarship portal, it is equally important to understand the advantages that make this scholarship a preferred choice for both EU and non-EU students studying in Italy.

The Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship is one of Italy’s most inclusive financial aid programs, designed to make higher education accessible to students from economically weaker backgrounds. It provides far more than just a tuition reduction — the scholarship ensures that students can study, live, and thrive in Italy without financial strain.

The DSU Scholarship offers a financial grant of up to EUR 7,073 per year, which helps substantially lower both tuition and living costs. The benefits of Diritto allo Studio Universitario generally include:

• Full or partial exemption from university tuition fees, allowing students to pursue their degrees without major financial barriers.
• A direct cash allowance to assist with daily living costs, generally distributed in two installments. The amount depends on regional guidelines and the student’s living status , whether residing at home, commuting, or living independently.
• Eligible students may receive free university housing or a housing allowance if on-campus residence is unavailable.
• Free or discounted meals are offered at university canteens and dining facilities, reducing everyday expenses.
• Some regions also provide support for essential educational materials, transportation, or special needs.

The Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship stands as a cornerstone of Italy’s commitment to educational inclusivity. By offering financial aid, housing, and meal support, it ensures that deserving students, irrespective of nationality or background, can pursue quality higher education at Italy’s public universities. Beyond financial relief, the DSU Scholarship opens doors to global exposure, cultural learning, and strong academic growth, making it one of the most valuable opportunities for international students in 2025.

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