scholarship to study in Italy Fully Funded in 2026/27? 🇮🇹 The University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 is now open for eligible students, including international students studying at the University of Milan.

The scholarship is part of Italy’s DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) system, which aims to support students who meet specific academic and financial requirements.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Milan states that applications for the Regional Scholarship can be submitted online from 10 July to 30 September 2026.

The scholarship can provide significant financial support and may include a scholarship payment, university-fee benefits, and access to subsidized or free meals depending on the student’s award status and the conditions of the official call.

This opportunity can be particularly valuable for international students who want to study in Milan but are concerned about the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Important: The University of Milan Regional Scholarship should not be described as a guaranteed fully funded scholarship for every applicant. Benefits depend on the student’s financial situation, academic requirements, enrollment status, and the official scholarship call.

University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 – Quick Overview

The University of Milan states that regional scholarships are funded by the Lombardy Region and the Italian Ministry of University and Research.

What Is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship?

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship, also known as a DSU scholarship, is a financial-support program designed to promote access to higher education.

It is not simply a merit-based scholarship. Eligibility is assessed using requirements relating to economic circumstances and academic merit.

The scholarship is awarded annually through a public competition.

According to the University of Milan, eligible students may receive a financial award and free access to university refectory services.

This means that students from lower-income families may be able to receive substantial assistance while studying at the university.

Is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship Open for 2026/27?

Yes.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Milan states that applications for the Regional Scholarship can be submitted through the Online Helpdesk from:

10 July 2026 to 30 September 2026

Prospective students must be registered on the University of Milan portal in order to access the application system.

Students should not wait until the final day to apply because international applicants may need additional financial documentation.

Who Can Apply?

The Regional Scholarship is available to students who are regularly enrolled in an eligible degree program at the University of Milan and satisfy the requirements established by the official call.

The university states that eligibility is based on both:

• Economic requirements
• Academic merit requirements

International students can also apply, provided they meet the applicable requirements and provide the necessary documentation relating to their family’s income and assets abroad.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The University of Milan lists several categories that are generally not eligible for regional scholarships.

These include:

• Students already receiving similar benefits for the same academic year
• Part-time students
• Students enrolled on a shortened career path
• Repeating students
• Students who already hold an Italian qualification at the same or higher level than the program for which they are applying

There are also specific exclusions for certain postgraduate and doctoral students who are already receiving another scholarship or research grant.

Applicants should carefully read the official 2026/27 call because individual circumstances can affect eligibility.

Scholarship Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of the University of Milan Regional Scholarship is that the benefits are not limited to a simple tuition discount.

Depending on the student’s status and award classification, the scholarship can provide several forms of support.

1. Financial Scholarship

Successful applicants can receive a scholarship payment according to the conditions and categories established in the official call.

The exact amount is not the same for every student.

It can depend on factors such as:

• Economic condition
• Student status
• Accommodation status
• Academic requirements
• Enrollment year
• Other conditions established in the call

For this reason, students should check the official 2026/27 call for the exact financial amounts applicable to their situation.

2. University Fee Exemption

The University of Milan states that scholarship winners are entitled to complete exemption from university fees under the applicable conditions.

Partial winners receive a 50% exemption.

This can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Italy.

However, students should distinguish between tuition exemption and other university or administrative charges.

3. Free University Meal

Scholarship winners are entitled to one free midday meal from Monday to Saturday, according to the University’s regional scholarship information.

This benefit can help reduce daily living costs for students studying in Milan.

4. Support for International Students

International students can apply for the regional scholarship by providing documentation about their family’s economic situation.

The University of Milan has specific procedures for assessing the economic condition of students whose family income and assets are located outside Italy.

This is particularly important for students coming from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions outside Italy.

Academic Requirements

The scholarship is not based solely on financial need.

Academic merit also plays an important role.

First-Year Students

Students entering the first year are initially assessed according to their economic situation, but they must subsequently achieve the required academic merit within the deadline specified in the call.

For 2026/27 first-year students, the university states that they must earn the required number of credits by 10 August 2027, with a possible bonus of five CFU credits for students enrolled in bachelor’s or single-cycle degree programs.

If the required academic progress is not achieved, the student may lose the scholarship and may have to repay amounts already received.

Students in Later Years

For students enrolled in the second or later years, ranking is based on factors including:

• Number of credits earned
• Average examination results

The university uses academic performance together with the applicable financial criteria when determining eligibility and ranking.

Financial Requirements for International Students

For international students whose families live and earn income outside Italy, the University of Milan requires documentation concerning the family’s economic and financial situation.

This can include information about:

• Family income
• Family members
• Property ownership
• Financial assets
• Other relevant economic information

The documents may need to be translated, legalized, or prepared according to the University’s requirements.

Because documentation requirements can differ according to the country of origin, applicants should carefully follow the instructions in the official call.

Do not submit unofficial or incomplete financial documents.

How to Apply for the University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27

The application process is online.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting the application, make sure you meet the scholarship requirements.

Check:

• Your degree program
• Enrollment status
• Academic requirements
• Economic requirements
• International-student documentation requirements
• Any restrictions listed in the official call

Step 2: Register on the University Portal

Prospective students must register on the University of Milan portal to access the Online Helpdesk.

Students who are already enrolled can use their university credentials where applicable.

Step 3: Prepare Your Financial Documents

International students should begin preparing documentation relating to their family’s income and assets abroad.

This step can take time because documents may require:

• Translation
• Legalization
• Certification
• Verification

Start this process early.

Step 4: Access the Online Helpdesk

Submit your application through the University’s Online Helpdesk.

The application period for the 2026/27 Regional Scholarship is:

10 July 2026 – 30 September 2026.

Step 5: Complete the Application Carefully

Enter your personal, academic, and financial information accurately.

Double-check all information before submitting the application.

Incorrect financial information or missing documents could affect your eligibility.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all documents requested by the University.

International students should pay particular attention to the requirements for foreign income and assets.

Step 7: Save Your Application

After submitting the application, keep a copy or confirmation of your submission.

It is also recommended to keep copies of all documents you uploaded.

Important Deadlines

For the University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27, the current official deadline is:

📅 Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

The application period starts on 10 July 2026.

The University of Milan indicates that the provisional ranking is generally published by the end of October, followed by the final ranking generally by the end of November.

Students should regularly check their Online Helpdesk account for updates.

When Will Scholarship Payments Be Made?

For students enrolled in the first year of a 2026/27 program, the University of Milan states that the first installment, representing 50% of the total, is scheduled for December 2026.

The second installment is paid after the university verifies that the required academic merit has been achieved.

For students in years after the first, the first installment is also scheduled for December 2026, with the second installment scheduled by June 2027 according to the University’s current information.

What Is the University of Milan?

The University of Milan, also known as Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), is a major public university in Italy.

It offers degree programs across numerous academic fields and welcomes international students.

For international applicants, the university provides access to regional scholarships, university scholarships, international scholarships, tuition-related benefits, and other forms of financial support.

Other Scholarships at the University of Milan

The Regional Scholarship is not the only financial opportunity available.

The University of Milan also offers university and international scholarships.

University Scholarships

For the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Milan states that it is awarding 1,055 university scholarships, each worth €1,800.

Applications are also submitted through the Online Helpdesk from 10 July to 30 September 2026.

These university scholarships are different from the regional scholarships and have their own eligibility requirements.

European Futures Scholarships

The University of Milan also established the European Futures Scholarships for eligible students from European Union countries.

For 2026/27, the university lists 30 scholarships worth €10,000 each for eligible students entering master’s degree programs. The award includes full tuition-fee exemption and priority access to 30 university-residence beds, subject to the program’s conditions.

However, this specific scholarship is intended for eligible students from EU countries and is therefore different from the Regional Scholarship.

Can International Students Apply Without IELTS?

The Regional Scholarship itself is a financial-support program, not an English-language admission program.

Therefore, whether you need IELTS or another proof of language proficiency depends primarily on the degree program and its admission requirements, rather than simply on the scholarship.

International applicants should check the language requirements of their chosen University of Milan program before applying.

Do not assume that applying for the Regional Scholarship automatically means that IELTS is not required for admission.

Is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship Fully Funded?

This is one of the most common questions from international students.

The answer is: it can provide substantial financial support, but applicants should not assume that every student receives a package that covers every expense.

The regional scholarship can include:

✅ Financial scholarship benefits
✅ University-fee exemption for scholarship winners
✅ Free midday meals
✅ Other benefits under the DSU system

However, students should also consider expenses such as:

• Accommodation
• Food outside the covered meal
• Transportation
• Visa expenses
• Residence permit costs
• Flights
• Books
• Personal expenses
• Health-related costs
• Other living expenses

The exact benefits depend on the student’s award and the conditions of the official call.

Tips for International Students

Apply Before the Deadline

Do not wait until September 30 to begin the process.

International applicants may need additional documents for their financial situation.

Prepare Financial Documents Early

Documents from outside Italy may require translation and legalization.

Start preparing them as soon as possible.

Read the Official Call

The University’s webpage provides a summary, but the official call contains the detailed rules.

Read it carefully before submitting your application.

Keep Your Academic Performance Strong

First-year students must meet the required academic merit conditions to maintain the scholarship.

Do not treat the scholarship as automatic funding for the entire degree.

Monitor Your Online Account

Check your University of Milan Online Helpdesk regularly for:

• Application status
• Requests for additional documents
• Ranking results
• Scholarship decisions
• Payment information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 open?

Yes. The University of Milan states that applications for the 2026/27 Regional Scholarship are open from 10 July to 30 September 2026.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International students can access the regional scholarship if they meet the applicable enrollment, economic, and academic requirements. Special documentation rules apply to students whose family income and assets are abroad.

What does the scholarship cover?

Benefits can include a financial scholarship, university-fee exemption for winners, and a free midday meal from Monday to Saturday. Exact benefits depend on the official call and student’s status.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2026/27 Regional Scholarship application is 30 September 2026.

Is the scholarship available for bachelor’s students?

The regional scholarship is available to eligible students enrolled in degree programs at the University of Milan, subject to the specific requirements of the call.

Is it available for master’s students?

Yes, eligible master’s students can apply, provided they meet the requirements established by the University.

Can students from Africa apply?

International students from outside Italy can be eligible. However, applicants must satisfy the University’s requirements and provide the required documentation concerning their family’s financial situation abroad.

Do I need IELTS for the scholarship?

The scholarship itself does not establish a universal IELTS requirement. Language requirements depend on the admission rules of the specific degree program.

What happens if I do not meet the academic requirement?

First-year students who fail to achieve the required academic merit within the specified deadline can lose the scholarship and may be required to repay amounts already received.

Where can I apply?

Applications are submitted through the University of Milan’s Online Helpdesk after registering on the University portal.

Official Application and Information

Applicants should use the official University of Milan website for the latest information and application instructions.

👉 Official University of Milan Regional Scholarships:
University of Milan – Regional Scholarships 2026/27

👉 Official University of Milan – Scholarships:
University of Milan – Financial Support and Scholarships

👉 Official University of Milan – International Students:
University of Milan – Fees, Scholarships and Opportunities

Final Thoughts

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 is an important funding opportunity for students who want to study in Italy.

For the 2026/27 academic year, applications are open from 10 July until 30 September 2026, giving eligible students time to submit their applications and supporting documents.

The scholarship can provide substantial financial assistance through scholarship benefits, tuition-fee exemptions, and meal benefits.

International students should pay particular attention to the financial-documentation requirements because applicants whose families live outside Italy may need to provide additional evidence of income and assets.

If you are planning to study at the University of Milan, start your application early, prepare your financial documents carefully, maintain good academic performance, and always check the official University of Milan call for the latest requirements.

Good luck with your application! 🇮🇹🎓