Free Study in Italy
via Regional Scholarship
Zero tuition fees + annual stipend + free housing and meals — no Italian language certificate required for English-taught degrees
University of Bologna library — Europe's oldest university, est. 1088
What Is the DSU Scholarship?
The Italian regional scholarship system, widely referred to as DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) (Right to University Study), is a welfare program funded by regional governments in Italy. Designed to ensure educational equality, it is awarded based entirely on family financial status rather than academic GPA or competitive testing. Family wealth is evaluated through a standardized index called ISEE parificato. Qualifying students receive complete university tuition waivers, free student accommodation, dining hall vouchers, and a significant annual cash stipend.
What Does This Scholarship Cover?
The comprehensive set of welfare benefits and waivers provided to scholarship recipients
Full Tuition Waiver
State university tuition fees are completely waived for all students.
Annual Cash Stipend
Between €5,200 and ~€7,000 per year depending on your accommodation type.
Free Student Housing
Free or highly subsidized rooms in fully-furnished regional dormitories.
Free University Meals
Daily free or subsidized meals at official campus canteens.
Regional Fee Exemption
Full waiver of the regional registration tax (Tassa Regionale).
Annually Renewable
Easily renewable for all study years by passing the minimum required credits.
Scholarship Agencies in Different Regions
Every region in Italy operates a dedicated student welfare agency covering local public universities
ER.GO
Emilia-Romagna — Bologna
DSU Toscana
Tuscany — Florence & Pisa
EDISU Piemonte
Piedmont — Turin
DiSCo Lazio
Lazio — Rome
ADiSU Puglia
Puglia — Bari
ERSU / DSU Milano
Lombardy — Milan
Eligibility & Documents Required
Who Is Eligible?
- Securing a temporary or final admission letter from an Italian public university.
- Proving family economic indicators fall below the regional financial ceiling.
- Not holding a prior academic degree of the same level as the application.
- Meeting the age requirements corresponding to the target degree.
Required Documents for ISEE Parificato
- Salary slips of the family head representing the previous fiscal year.
- Property deed or rental contract with official registration number.
- Official Italian translation of financial files authenticated by ministries.
- Identity documents including family registers and student passport.
- Bank statements reflecting official balances for the specified fiscal year.
Important Notice:
Ceilings and stipend sums are updated annually by regional offices. The figures displayed here represent the latest current values and are approximate.
Your Journey with Apply Midonito
From initial consultation and mapping to secure enrollment and dorm check-in
Free Profile Assessment
Our experts analyze your academic history and family financial background.
Region & University Selection
We choose the ideal university and regional agency matching your academic profile.
Admission Application
We submit your academic file and secure a formal acceptance letter from the university.
Financial Files & ISEE
Translate and authenticate family income slips, deeds, and obtain the official ISEE parificato.
Scholarship Submission
We register and upload all financial records to the regional DSU portal before deadlines.
Visa & Travel
Prepare your study visa application for the embassy, get approved, and book your flight.
Start Your Free European Education Today
Your first advisory session is completely free, private, and non-obligatory
Book Free SessionOnce you're in Italy, Erasmus is within your reach too
Funded exchange semesters, European traineeships, and fully-funded Erasmus Mundus degrees
Common Questions About DSU
Yes. If your family financial status meets the regional criteria and you secure the DSU scholarship, tuition is waived. Additionally, you receive free student housing, daily free university meals, and a cash stipend. This is need-based, so satisfying the financial documents is key.