Imagine pursuing your higher education in the beautiful region of Tuscany, Italy, without worrying about financial constraints. Well, the DSU Scholarship makes this possible by covering tuition fees, accommodation, and more for both EU and non-EU students.
DSU Scholarships programs are offered by the Agenzia Regionale Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU). This scholarship can significantly ease your academic journey of pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs. Students can apply online via Sportello Studente before the annual deadline (typically mid-July). Let’s explore details like amount, benefits, eligibility criteria, documents, 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 fully-funded scholarship in Italy 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. | Both EU and non-EU students |
| 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.
- Step 1: Visit the Sportello Studente Portal and create an account.
- Step 2: Fill out the online application form with personal, academic, and financial details.
- Step 3: Upload all required documents before the deadline.
- Step 4: Wait for provisional rankings (announced by the end of September).
- Step 5: Check the final results (published by November) and confirm acceptance if awarded.
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.
DSU Scholarship Renewal Criteria
The DSU Scholarship is awarded for one academic year, meaning students must reapply each year to continue receiving financial support. To qualify for renewal, students must meet specific academic and financial criteria set by the Agenzia Regionale Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU).
Here are the key renewal requirements:
- Academic Performance – Students must complete a minimum number of credits (CFUs – Crediti Formativi Universitari) required by their university to prove satisfactory academic progress. The credit requirement may vary depending on the course and university.
- Enrollment in the Next Academic Year – Students must be enrolled in the subsequent year of the same degree program (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral). Those who change courses may need to reapply as new applicants.
- Income Eligibility – The ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) of the student’s family must still fall within the scholarship’s financial limits. If the student’s economic situation improves significantly, they may lose eligibility.
- Residency Compliance – If the scholarship includes free accommodation, students must continue residing in university-approved housing or meet DSU residency requirements.
- No Overlapping Scholarships – Students cannot receive the DSU Scholarship alongside another scholarship that offers similar financial benefits.
Failure to meet any of these conditions may result in ineligibility for renewal, requiring students to seek alternative funding options.
Additional Funding Options if a Student Doesn’t Qualify for Renewal
If a student fails to meet the renewal criteria or loses eligibility due to financial or academic reasons, there are still several ways to fund their education in Italy:
1. Italian Government Scholarships
Students can apply for Italian government scholarships, such as:
– MAECI Scholarships are offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs.
– Invest Your Talent in Italy – A merit-based scholarship for students in specific fields like engineering and economics.
2. University-Specific Grants & Merit-Based Scholarships
Many Italian universities provide merit-based scholarships for academically outstanding students. Some institutions also offer tuition fee waivers for high achievers.
3. Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students in Italy can work up to 20 hours per week. Universities also offer on-campus jobs, such as administrative roles, library assistance, and research projects.
4. Student Loans for International Students
If other funding options are unavailable, students can consider education loans from Italian banks or international financial institutions like Prodigy Finance and MPOWER Financing.
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 is a fully funded Italian regional scholarship that can provide financial assistance of up to EUR 6,806. However, the final grant amount depends on the student’s income status and ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator). If the scholarship includes free hostel accommodation and two daily meals, the cash grant is adjusted accordingly.
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 own 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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