DSU Scholarships provides financial support to all those students who plan higher studies in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Italy This program, offered by the Agenzia Regionale Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU), ensures financial ease and access to quality education. The scholarship applies to both EU and non-EU students. Students can apply online via Sportello Studente before the annual deadline (typically mid-July). Let’s explore major details like amount, benefits, eligibility criteria, documentation, and application process for DSU Scholarships.
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Overview of DSU Scholarships
DSU Scholarship is a financial aid offered by Agenzia Regionale Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU). It is designed to support students studying at universities in Tuscany. This grant aims to make higher education accessible by providing financial assistance to students, ensuring their academic pursuits are not hindered by financial constraints. Those ineligible for scholarships can take student loans to study in Italy.
DSU grant holders can receive merit-based grants from selected Italian universities in their first academic year, as long as the total benefit amount does not exceed EUR 6,500 gross annually. The scholarship grant is applicable for one academic year. To avail of it in the following years of higher studies, you must re-apply and fill out the application form each academic year.
| Offered By | Agenzia Regionale Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) |
| Universities under DSU Scholarship. | Università di PISA (UNIPI) Universit of SIENA (UNISI) University of FLORENCE (UNIFI) Universit of SIENA (UNISI) University of FLORENCE (UNIFI) Polytechnic University of Milan (POLIMI) University of MILAN (UNIMI) |
| Level of Course | Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate |
| Eligible Students | Both, EU and non-EU students |
| Online Application Link | Sportello Studente Portal |
| Application Deadline | – Applications begin in mid-July every year – Results declared by the end of November |
Also Read: Check here all about Amsterdam Merit Scholarships to study at the University of Amsterdam. Know eligibility, amount and more.
Benefits of DSU Scholarships
The DSU Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students seeking affordable education in Italy. By covering essential costs like accommodation, meals, and tuition, it ensures that financial barriers do not hinder academic success. With its focus on inclusivity, it offers support to both local and international students. Recipients of the DSU Scholarship are entitled to several benefits-
- Free accommodation and housing facilities for students in university residences.
- Free meals and access to university dining halls.
- Financial support for books, sporting activities, and other miscellaneous costs.
- Full waiver of university tuition fees.
Who is Eligible for the DSU Scholarships?
The DSU Scholarship is open to new and enrolled students. Those already enrolled or are planning to enrol in a degree program at selected Italian universities are eligible to apply for DSU Scholarships. However, the students must not already qualify for the same level. Please note that the family’s economic status must also meet the scholarship’s criteria.
- Students intending to join a degree program at the selected universities for the first time can apply for the DSU scholarship. These students may be preparing for their first academic year or waiting for admission confirmation.
- Current students who are pursuing a degree at the university but need financial assistance can also apply for the scholarship.
- Applicants must not already possess a degree of the same academic level as the program they wish to pursue. For instance, a student applying for a bachelor’s degree should not already hold another bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree applicant should not have a previous master’s qualification.
This ensures that the scholarship supports individuals advancing their academic journey, rather than funding a repeat of an already-acquired qualification. If you’re interested in studying in Italy but not in one of the universities listed for DSU Scholarships, you can explore various Italian government scholarships available for Indian students to help fund your education.
Also Read: Discover how FAFSA scholarships can help fund your education in the USA. Learn about the application process and alternative funding options.
How to Apply for the DSU Scholarships?
The application process for DSU Scholarships is straightforward. All applications are submitted via the Sportello Studente platform. The application window opens annually, typically in July, and the deadline is set by the university you are applying to.
Students can apply before they are officially enrolled. It means that you can submit your application even if you’re still awaiting acceptance into the program. However, the grant is valid only for one academic year, so students need to reapply each year if they wish to continue receiving support.
- Complete the online application via Sportello Studente by the specified deadline.
- Submit all required documents to support the application.
- Await the provisional and final ranking lists based on financial need and academic merit. Provisional rankings are usually announced by the end of September, with final results released by November.
This process ensures that both EU and non-EU students are assessed fairly, with documentation verification carried out to ensure eligibility based on economic status and academic potential. Students must ensure that their application is complete and accurate to avoid disqualification.
Documents Required for DSU Scholarships
To apply for the DSU Scholarship, students need to submit a set of essential documents. These include proof of family income, a valid identity document, and academic records. For foreign students, additional documents are required, such as a certificate from the Italian embassy confirming family status and income.
Non-EU students from developing countries must submit a certificate verifying their low-income status, legalized by the Italian Prefecture. All documents should be translated into Italian and legalized by the relevant Italian diplomatic authorities. Check all the documents below-
| Category of Students | Document Requirements |
| Foreign Students (Income from Abroad) | Apply online and print a confirmation receipt from Sportello Studente. |
| Submit a document proving the family’s economic status and a valid identity document. | |
| EU Students | Complete and submit the specific declaration available at the end of the online application. |
| Non-EU Students from Developing Countries | Submit a certificate proving they do not belong to a high-income family |
| The certificate must be issued by the Italian diplomatic representatives (Embassy/Consulate) in the home country or Italy. | |
| Legalize the document by the Italian Prefettura. | |
| Other Non-EU Students | Submit translated documents in Italian proving family status, income, real estate, and movable assets. |
| Legalize these documents by the Italian diplomatic authorities in the home country or as per international legalization rules. |
Application Deadline
The application process for the DSU Scholarship begins each year in mid-July. The official call for applications is published on the DSU Toscana website, where students can find the necessary details and the online platform to submit their applications.
After applications are submitted, the DSU scholarship committee evaluates all applicants and compiles the ranking list. This list includes both Italian and foreign students who applied for the scholarship. The provisional rankings are typically confirmed by the end of September each year. This list will indicate who has qualified for the scholarship, but it is subject to review.
After a thorough evaluation, the final ranking is generally approved by the end of November. This is when students will know for certain if they have been awarded the scholarship for that academic year.
| Event | Date |
| Call for Applications Published | Mid-July (Annually) |
| Provisional Ranking Confirmed | End of September (Annually) |
| Final Ranking Approved | End of November (Annually) |
The final results, including the grant allocation, are published on the official DSU Toscana website. Students can also access the results via their area on the website. It is important to note that DSU does not send personal written communication regarding the outcome of applications.
This was all about DSU Scholarships for international students to study in Italy. If you meet the eligibility criteria, ensure you apply on time and submit all required documents. This scholarship can transform your academic journey in Italy!
To learn more about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex, banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
FAQs
The DSU Scholarship is a financial aid program offered by the Regione Toscana for students planning to study in Tuscany. It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and some additional expenses.
International students who are planning to enrol or are already enrolled in a degree program at the selected Italian university are eligible. Students from both EU and non-EU countries can apply, provided they meet specific income and academic criteria.
International students must meet the following requirements:
– They must not already hold a qualification at the same level as the degree they are applying for.
– Non-EU students must submit documents proving they do not come from a high-income background (especially for students from developing countries).
– Students must meet the income criteria set by the DSU to be eligible for the scholarship.
The DSU Scholarship covers-
– Free accommodation and meals at university dining halls.
– A contribution for additional expenses like books and sporting activities.
– Exemption from university tuition fees.
The DSU Scholarship includes various financial benefits, including the cost of accommodation, meals, books, and some extra contributions. The exact amount varies, but it covers most living expenses in Pisa, excluding travel costs.
The DSU scholarship call opens annually in mid-July. Applications are typically due by the end of September for provisional rankings and finalized by the end of November. Students are encouraged to check the DSU Toscana website for exact dates each year.
Applications are submitted online via the Sportello Studente platform. You must fill out the online form and submit the documents, such as proof of family income, identity documents, and a declaration of economic status. You can apply even if you’re not yet enrolled at the university.
The DSU Scholarship is specifically available to students enrolled at 7 selected Italian Universities. Other universities in Tuscany may have their separate scholarships.
Yes, students who are already enrolled in a degree program at the University can apply for the DSU Scholarship, provided they meet the income and academic criteria and have not already obtained a similar qualification.
The DSU Scholarship is available for students enrolled in any degree program at the University of Pisa, as long as it is their first degree at that level. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible, depending on the student’s academic status.
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