University of Milan DSU Scholarship 2027 in Italy (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Italy remains one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, and the University of Milan is one of the biggest draws for international students chasing a fully funded scholarship. Its DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) benefits package is a regional right-to-study scheme, not a university-specific prize, so it’s renewed every academic year with fresh deadlines and updated income thresholds.
For the 2026/27 intake, the University of Milan (La Statale) confirmed on its official site that applications for regional scholarships open through the Online Helpdesk. This guide breaks down eligibility, benefits, documents, and the visa steps that follow once you’re admitted.
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Unlike many “fully funded scholarship” programmes abroad that require a separate, competitive application essay or interview, DSU benefits work more like an entitlement scheme. If your family’s financial situation and academic record fall within the published thresholds, you’re awarded support automatically — there’s no committee interview to prepare for. This makes it one of the more predictable funding routes for students planning a move to Italy, especially compared to highly competitive merit scholarships elsewhere in Europe.
That said, “fully funded” doesn’t mean unlimited. The scheme is capped by a regional budget each year, so places are ranked by need and merit rather than granted to everyone who applies. Understanding this distinction early helps you set realistic expectations and plan a backup budget alongside your scholarship application.
University of Milan DSU Scholarship 2027 Details:
| University: | University of Milan |
| Degree level: | Bachelors, Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Italy |
| Last date: | 30 September 2026 |
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Financial Benefits
DSU support is calculated individually based on your household income (ISEE/ISEEU equivalent for international families), the distance of your home city, and your academic merit. It isn’t a single fixed cash number — the official call for applications sets the exact bands each year.
Broadly, successful applicants can expect a combination of the following support:
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| Benefit | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Cash Grant (Borsa di Studio) | Paid in instalments across the academic year, amount varies by income bracket |
| Tuition Waiver | Reduction or exemption from university contribution fees |
| Housing Support | Access to subsidised university residences for eligible out-of-town students |
| Meal Service | Discounted meals at university canteens |
| Merit Top-Ups | Additional university-level scholarships, such as the 30 European Futures Scholarships worth €10,000 each for EU master’s students |
Because figures shift yearly, always confirm the exact grant amount in the current official bando before budgeting your move.
Available Study Programs
Bachelor’s Degrees (Laurea): Three-year first-level programmes across sciences, humanities, law, agriculture, and political science. Several are taught fully in English.
Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale): Two-year second-level programmes, including popular English-taught tracks in data science, food science, and international relations.
Single-cycle degrees: five- or six-year combined programmes, most notably medicine and surgery, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.
PhD & Postgraduate Schools: Doctoral research programmes and specialisation schools, generally excluding students already funded through another research fellowship.
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Top Universities
Milan hosts three major public universities that participate in the regional DSU scheme. Each has a distinct academic identity worth comparing before you apply.
| University | City | QS World Ranking 2026 | Approx. Annual Tuition | DSU Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale) | Milan | 276th | €800 – €4,000 (income-based) | Yes |
| Politecnico di Milano | Milan | 98th (1st in Italy) | €900 – €4,000 (income-based) | Yes |
| Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca | Milan | 542nd | €900 – €3,500 (income-based) | Yes |
Politecnico di Milano became the first Italian university to break into the QS World Top 100 in 2026, largely on the strength of its engineering, architecture, and design programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
You don’t need a separate scholarship application form for DSU benefits—eligibility is checked automatically once you register through the Online Helpdesk. Still, you need to meet these baseline conditions:
- Hold a valid admission offer or active enrolment at a Milan public university for the relevant academic year
- Submit financial documentation to calculate an equivalent economic indicator (ISEE for Italian families and an international equivalent for foreign applicants.
- Meet minimum academic progress requirements if you’re a returning student
- Satisfy the English or Italian language proficiency level required by your chosen program
- Not already hold an equivalent degree at the same or higher level (for most programs)
First-year students are assessed mainly on financial need, while continuing students must also show they’ve earned the required course credits by the deadline set in the annual call.
International applicants often ask how their family income gets converted into the Italian ISEE framework, since most home countries don’t issue an equivalent certificate. In practice, universities ask for notarised income statements, bank records, and property declarations from your home country, which their financial aid office then converts into a comparable indicator. It’s worth starting this paperwork months in advance, since document legalisation and translation can take longer than the visa process itself.
Students already holding a degree at the same level they’re applying for are usually excluded from DSU benefits, though exceptions exist for students moving from a bachelor’s to a master’s programme or for PhD candidates who aren’t already funded through a university research contract.
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Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport copy | Identity verification |
| University admission letter | Proof of enrolment eligibility |
| Academic transcripts | Merit and program eligibility check |
| Family income certificate | Used to calculate the equivalent ISEE indicator |
| Certificate of asset ownership (property, savings) | Part of the financial assessment |
| Language proficiency certificate | English (IELTS/TOEFL) or Italian (CILS/CELI), as required |
| Passport-size photo | Student ID and portal registration |
| SPID or university login credentials | To access the Online Helpdesk |
Application Process
Step 1: Choose your programme and confirm it’s offered at a Milan public university participating in the DSU scheme.
Step 2: Apply for admission through Universitaly or the university’s own admissions portal and secure your offer letter.
Step 3: Register on the university portal (or verify your account with SPID if you already have an Italian digital identity).
Step 4: Gather income and asset documents from your home country and, if required, get them translated and legalised.
Step 5: Log in to the Online Helpdesk once the application window opens (10 July for the 2026/27 cycle).
Step 6: Fill in the DSU benefits application, uploading your financial documents and enrolment details.
Step 7: Submit before the official deadline — 30 September 2026 — for the current cycle.
Step 8: Wait for the provisional ranking list, usually published by late October.
Step 9: Review your ranking and file an appeal within the stated window if you believe your documents were assessed incorrectly.
Step 10: Once the final ranking is confirmed, the first instalment (typically 50% of the grant) is disbursed.
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Student Visa Guide
Non-EU students staying in Italy for more than 90 days need a national visa for study purposes, known as the type D visa. It’s mandatory before you travel, regardless of your scholarship status.
- Pre-enrolment: Complete the university pre-enrolment process before booking a visa appointment
- Financial proof: Consulates typically require evidence of several thousand euros per year in accessible funds — the exact figure varies by consulate, so confirm the current threshold with your local Italian embassy
- Health insurance: Minimum coverage of around €30,000 is generally required
- Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo captured at the visa application centre or consulate
- Processing time: Ranges from 2 to 12 weeks depending on the consulate and season — apply as early as possible
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | National Visa (Type D) for courses over 90 days |
| Visa Fee | Approx. €50 |
| Financial Proof | Varies by consulate; confirm current amount with your local embassy |
| Health Insurance | Minimum ~€30,000 coverage |
| Post-Arrival Step | Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 working days of arrival |
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for every non-EU student applying for an Italian study visa, with a minimum coverage benchmark of roughly €30,000 for illness and accident.
You can meet this requirement through a private international student policy purchased before departure, or by registering with Italy’s National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) after arrival, which usually involves a modest annual fee for students. Costs for private cover typically range from €30 to €100 per month depending on the provider and coverage level.
Accommodation & Living Costs
Milan is one of Italy’s more expensive cities, but DSU-eligible students get priority access to subsidised university residences, which significantly cuts housing costs.
- University Housing: Roughly €200 – €400/month, subject to availability and income bracket
- Private Shared Apartment: Roughly €450 – €700/month for a room
- Private Studio/Solo Rental: Roughly €800 – €1,200/month
- Monthly Living Expenses (food, transport, utilities): Roughly €500 – €800/month
Milan will also open new student housing built for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which is expected to expand residential capacity for La Statale students in the coming intakes.
Beyond rent, budget realistically for public transport, groceries, and the occasional weekend trip — Milan’s compact metro and tram network are affordable, with monthly student passes typically costing well under €40. Grocery shopping at local markets rather than central supermarkets can noticeably cut your food budget, and student meal cards at university canteens bring a full lunch down to just a few euros.
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Post-Study Work Opportunities
Graduates of Italian universities can apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione, a one-time, non-renewable job-search residence permit valid for up to 12 months after graduation.
During this period, you can look for employment or start a business without needing a separate work permit. If you secure a job offer, you convert directly to a work permit, and student-permit holders are exempt from the annual Decreto Flussi quota that limits work permits for other categories.
Milan’s economy is strong in finance, fashion, design, engineering, and life sciences, giving graduates from Politecnico di Milano and La Statale a wide pool of hiring industries to target, particularly in multinational corporate hubs based in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DSU scholarship only for low-income students?
It’s primarily need-based, but merit and academic progress also factor into the ranking, and students across a range of income brackets can qualify for partial benefits.
Do I need a separate scholarship application form?
No. You apply through the university’s online helpdesk during the DSU application window after securing admission.
Can I apply before receiving my admission offer?
You generally need at least a pre-enrolment or admission confirmation before submitting your DSU application.
Is IELTS mandatory for English-taught programmes?
Not always — some universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate instead, depending on the course.
How long does the student visa take to process?
Typically 2 to 12 weeks depending on your consulate, so apply well ahead of your intake date.
Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes, non-EU students on a study permit can work up to 20 hours per week.
What happens if I lose eligibility for the scholarship?
If you fail to meet the required academic credits by the annual deadline, you may need to repay the benefits already received.
Is there a pathway to permanent residency after graduating?
After converting your study permit to a work permit and completing five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for the EU long-term residence permit.
Conclusion
The University of Milan’s DSU benefits remain one of the most accessible routes into Italian higher education for international students, combining a real tuition waiver with income-based cash support and subsidised housing. Because deadlines, income thresholds, and grant amounts are reset every academic year, always cross-check the current call for applications before you commit.
Apply only through official university and government channels, keep your financial documents organised early, and start your visa process the moment you receive your admission offer.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scholarship (DSU / Regional Scholarships) | unimi. it – Regional Scholarships | 30 September 2026 (A.Y. 2026/27) | Applications Open |
| University Admissions | unimi. it – Official Site | Varies by Program | Official |
| International Scholarships (University-Level) | unimi. it – International Scholarships | Expected to Open (Next Intake) – Check Official Website | Varies |
| Student Visa | Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Portal | N/A | Official |
| Immigration / Residence Permit | Italian State Police – Residence Permit Guide | N/A | Official |
Disclaimer: Scholarship amounts, deadlines, and visa financial thresholds are set annually by Italian authorities and can change. Always verify current figures on the official websites linked above before applying.