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Studying in Italy is a dream for many, but the cost of living and tuition can be a hurdle. Fortunately, Italy offers one of the most robust “Right to Study” (Diritto allo Studio) programs in the world. Unlike competitive merit-based awards, these regional scholarships are primarily need-based, making them a golden ticket for international students looking for a fully funded experience without the stress of rigid merit requirements.
In this guide, we break down how the regional system works for the 2026/2027 academic cycle, specifically comparing the major agencies: DSU, EDISU, and LazioDiSCo.
What Are Italian Regional Scholarships?
Regional scholarships are financial aids provided by local Italian authorities to support students from lower-income backgrounds. These awards are designed to cover the essentials, allowing you to focus on your academics:
- Tuition Fee Exemption: Complete or partial waiver of university fees.
- Cash Stipend: A yearly payment to help with living expenses (often up to €7,900 for non-resident students).
- Free or Subsidized Meals: Access to university canteens (mensa) for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
- Accommodation: Access to student residences, often prioritized for scholarship winners.
Because these are decentralized, there is no single “Italian Scholarship.” Your funding agency depends entirely on the region where your university is located.
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DSU vs. EDISU vs. LazioDiSCo: Understanding the Agencies
Italy’s regions manage their own funds. Here are the most prominent agencies that will be accepting applications for the 2026/2027 cycle:
- DSU (Toscana): Serves students in the Tuscany region (e.g., University of Florence, University of Pisa).
- EDISU (Piemonte): Manages benefits for students in the Piedmont region, primarily centered around Turin (University of Turin, Polytechnic of Turin).
- LazioDiSCo (Lazio): Covers the Lazio region, which includes Rome (Sapienza, Tor Vergata, Roma Tre).
While the administrative names change, the eligibility criteria remain remarkably similar: they all rely on your family’s financial situation, calculated through an indicator called the ISEE Parificato.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
These scholarships are open to international students from both EU and non-EU countries. The most critical requirement is that you must demonstrate financial need.
- No IELTS requirement: Unlike many other global scholarships, these do not require specific English language certificates like IELTS. You only need to meet your university’s admission requirements.
- Income Documentation: You must prepare to prove your family’s income and assets for the 2024 tax year to be eligible for the 2026/2027 cycle.
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The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Securing a fully funded spot requires careful documentation. Here is the roadmap for 2026/2027:
1. Collect Your Financial Documents (The “ISEE” Phase)
You need to gather tax and income documents for your family members for the 2024 tax year. These documents must be translated into Italian and legalized by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
2. Arrival in Italy and CAF Appointment
Once you reach Italy, take your legalized documents to a CAF (Centro di Assistenza Fiscale). They will convert your foreign income documents into an ISEE Parificato, a document that tells the Italian government your economic status relative to Italian standards.
3. Online Application
Access the portal of your specific regional agency (e.g., LazioDiSCo or EDISU) and submit your application online before the deadline—typically between July and September for the 2026/2027 intake.
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Official Links & Resources
To begin your application, you must access the specific portal for your host region.
- LazioDiSCo (Rome/Lazio): https://laziodisco.it
- EDISU Piemonte (Turin): https://www.edisu.piemonte.it/en
- DSU Toscana (Florence/Pisa): https://www.dsu.toscana.it
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are these scholarships truly fully funded?
Yes, for many international students, the regional scholarship covers tuition, provides a yearly cash stipend, and offers subsidized housing and meals, effectively functioning as a fully funded opportunity.
Do I need a high GPA to get the scholarship?
No, these are need-based, not merit-based. You do not need top-tier grades to apply; however, you must earn a minimum number of university credits (CFU) annually to maintain the scholarship for the 2027 academic period.
Can I apply for both a regional scholarship and other grants?
In most cases, yes. Regional scholarships are generally compatible with other university-level merit grants or external funding, but you must always check the “incompatibility” section of the specific “Call for Applications” (Bando) for your region before applying for the 2026/2027 cycle.
Final Thoughts and Advice from ScholarshipsHive
Navigating the Italian regional scholarship landscape requires patience and meticulous attention to documentation. Because these systems are managed regionally, the specific rules can vary slightly; therefore, always prioritize the official Bando (Call for Applications) released by your specific agency. By securing your income documents early and staying proactive during the ISEE Parificato process, you significantly increase your chances of obtaining a fully funded education. In 2026, these regional systems remain your most reliable path to sustaining your studies in Italy, so treat your application with the professional rigor it deserves.