University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026-2027 for International Students in Italy

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year presents a significant opportunity for both Italian and international students aspiring to pursue higher education at the prestigious University of Milan in Italy. This scholarship program is an integral component of the DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) financial aid system, a national framework designed to ensure that access to university education is not hindered by economic constraints. It provides crucial financial support to eligible students based on a comprehensive assessment of their financial need and academic performance. The initiative is generously funded by the Lombardy Region and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, reflecting a strong governmental commitment to fostering educational accessibility. International students are warmly welcomed to apply and are subject to specific financial assessment procedures that account for family income and assets located outside of Italy. It is important to note that while highly beneficial, this is a regional financial aid program rather than a fully funded scholarship. The support package is comprehensive, potentially including direct financial contributions, full or partial tuition fee exemptions, access to meal services, and other forms of assistance, all detailed within the official call for applications. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with university studies, enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the University of Milan Regional Scholarship, applicants must fulfill several key conditions:

• Candidates must be either Italian citizens or international students who are either applying for admission or are already enrolled in a full-time academic program at the University of Milan.

• The scholarship is open to students pursuing a wide range of degree levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, Single-Cycle Master’s, Doctoral Research, and various Postgraduate School programs offered by the University.

• Applicants are required to demonstrate both academic merit and financial need, as stipulated by the specific criteria outlined in the official scholarship announcement.

• A complete application, including all mandatory supporting documents, must be submitted by the designated deadline. For international applicants whose household income and assets are situated outside Italy, specific financial documentation is required to facilitate the assessment of their economic eligibility.

It is equally important for prospective applicants to be aware of the categories of students who are generally not eligible for this scholarship:

• Individuals who already hold an Italian academic qualification at the same or a higher level than the program for which they are seeking the scholarship.

• Students who are concurrently receiving another scholarship or financial aid package that serves a similar purpose for the same academic year.

• Those enrolled in part-time study programs are typically excluded.

• Students who are repeating a program year will generally not qualify.

• Applicants pursuing a shortened degree program are usually ineligible.

• Medical students who have a specialist training contract and are applying through postgraduate schools.

• Doctoral research students who are already beneficiaries of a scholarship or a research fellowship from another source.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Successful recipients of the University of Milan Regional Scholarship are entitled to a variety of valuable benefits, with the exact scope depending on their individual scholarship status and compliance with DSU regulations:

• Direct Financial Scholarship: Provision of monetary support designed to assist with living expenses, study materials, and other personal costs associated with university life.

• Tuition Fee Exemption: Full exemption from university tuition fees for students awarded the primary scholarship, significantly reducing the cost of education. Partial scholarship winners will receive a 50% exemption on their tuition fees.

• Meal Services: Access to one complimentary midday meal from Monday to Saturday, ensuring students have regular access to nutritious food.

• Graduation Incentive Award: An additional financial bonus for eligible students who successfully complete their degree within the standard duration of their academic program, serving as recognition for timely academic achievement, contingent upon available funding.

Furthermore, students who are recipients of the Regional Scholarship and choose to participate in a University-certified study abroad program may also be eligible for an International Mobility Allowance. This supplementary allowance is available once per study level and offers comprehensive support for international experiences:

• A monthly stipend of €600 for the duration of the approved study abroad period, up to a maximum of 10 months. This amount is inclusive of any other EU mobility grants the student might receive.

• Reimbursement for travel expenses, up to €100, for study abroad programs undertaken within European countries.

• Reimbursement for travel expenses, up to €500, for study abroad programs in countries located outside of Europe.

• Compensation for the free meals that were not utilized during the period of international mobility, ensuring no loss of benefits.

To qualify for the International Mobility Allowance, students must meet all Regional Scholarship requirements and be actively participating in a University-certified international mobility program.