Are you dreaming of pursuing your higher education in Italy without the burden of tuition fees and living costs? The University of Milan DSU Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year might just be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been searching for.
This fully funded scholarship program, a cornerstone of Italy’s “Diritto allo Studio Universitario” (Right to University Study) initiative, is designed to empower talented students, both domestic and international, by providing comprehensive financial support. If you’re ready to explore how you can make your Italian academic aspirations a reality, keep reading to discover what this prestigious scholarship entails and how it can pave the way for your future.
Eligibility Criteria For The University of Milan DSU Scholarship
While specific requirements can be detailed in the official call for applications, generally, the eligibility criteria include:
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be enrolled or intend to enroll for the first time in a Bachelor’s, Single-Cycle Master’s, Master’s, Specialization, or PhD program at the University of Milan for the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Income Requirements: This is a crucial aspect. Eligibility is determined primarily by the student’s family income, as assessed through the Italian ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) for university use. There will be specific ISEE thresholds for the 2025/2026 academic year that applicants must meet. For international students whose families reside abroad, a certificate verifying their family’s income and assets in their home country, issued by an Italian diplomatic representative or their country’s diplomatic body in Italy and legalized by the Italian Prefettura, will be required.
- Merit Requirements:
- First-Year Students: For students enrolling in their first year, eligibility is initially based on income. However, to maintain the scholarship throughout the academic year, they must achieve a specific number of university credits (CFU) by a set deadline (e.g., typically by August of the following year).
- Students in Subsequent Years: For students already enrolled in their second or subsequent years, both income and academic merit (based on the number of credits obtained and average exam results) are considered for eligibility and renewal of the scholarship.
- No Other Scholarships: Applicants generally must not be receiving other significant scholarships from other institutions for the same academic year that cover similar benefits (e.g., tuition, accommodation, living costs).
- Full-Time Enrollment: Students enrolled in part-time programs or as repeating students for a level they have already attended are typically not eligible.
- No Prior Equivalent Degree: Students who already hold an Italian degree at the same or higher level than the program for which they are applying for the scholarship are generally not eligible.
Application Process For University of Milan DSU Scholarship
Here’s a general overview of the steps:
- Obtain Your ISEE (or equivalent for international students): This is the most critical first step. You need to calculate your ISEE “for university use” within the specified deadlines. For international students, this involves collecting and legalizing all necessary financial documents from your home country.
- Apply for University Admission: While you can apply for the DSU scholarship even before you’ve officially enrolled, you must secure an admission offer from the University of Milan by the university’s enrollment deadlines to be eligible for the scholarship.
- Access the Online Service Desk: The DSU application is typically submitted online through the university’s or DSU agency’s dedicated online service portal. The link and precise instructions will be provided in the official call for applications.
- Fill in the Application Form: Carefully complete the online application form, providing all required personal, academic, and financial details.
- Submit Required Documents: Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your ISEE documentation (or equivalent for international students), proof of enrollment or admission, and any other documents specified in the call.
- Save the Application Receipt: After submission, ensure you save a copy of your application receipt for your records.
- Monitor Ranking Lists: DSU will publish provisional and then final ranking lists of eligible and awarded students. You’ll need to check these lists on the DSU agency’s website or your personal online portal.
Benefits Of The University of Milan DSU Scholarship
The benefits generally include:
- Full Tuition Fee Exemption: Scholarship recipients are fully exempt from paying university tuition fees for the academic year.
- Free Accommodation: Students living far from home are eligible for free accommodation in university residences, significantly reducing living expenses.
- Free Daily Meals: Recipients receive free meals at university dining halls, usually covering at least one meal per day from Monday to Saturday.
- Cash Stipend: A substantial cash stipend is provided to cover other living expenses such as books, transportation, and personal needs. As mentioned, this can range from approximately €2,850 to €7,070 per year, depending on your student status and ISEE.
- Additional Benefits (where applicable):
- International Mobility Integration: Students participating in approved international exchange programs (e.g., Erasmus+) may receive an additional integration to their scholarship to help with expenses abroad.
- Graduation Award: Students who obtain their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree within the regular duration of their program may be eligible for a graduation award.
Deadline For The University of Milan DSU Scholarship
The application deadline for the University of Milan DSU Scholarship is September 2025. Visit the Scholarship official website to know the exact dates.
Conclusion
This fully funded scholarship not only covers tuition fees, accommodation, and meals, but also provides a substantial cash stipend, ensuring that your focus remains on your studies and cultural immersion in the vibrant city of Milan.
As you prepare your application, remember the importance of accurate financial documentation, especially for international students, and the need to meet academic merit requirements to secure and maintain this valuable award.