University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27

University of Milan Regional Scholarships 2026/27 in Italy

Apply for the University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27. Check benefits, eligibility, documents, deadline, application process and FAQs.

Studying in Italy can be significantly more affordable for international students through regional DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) scholarships. The University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano – La Statale) offers regional scholarships funded by the Lombardy Region and Italy’s Ministry of University and Research to support eligible students with financial need and academic merit.

For the 2026/27 academic year, applications for the University of Milan regional scholarship are open from 10 July to 30 September 2026 through the university’s Online Helpdesk. The scholarship can provide a financial award, free access to university refectory services, and—depending on the student’s status—full exemption from the second tuition instalment.

Unlike many traditional merit-only scholarships, the regional scholarship considers both financial circumstances and academic merit. This makes it particularly relevant for international students who need financial assistance while studying at the University of Milan.

Scholarship Overview

The University of Milan’s Regional Scholarship is part of Italy’s Right to Higher Education (DSU) system. It is awarded annually through a public competition to eligible students enrolled in degree programmes at the university.

The scholarship consists of a financial amount plus access to university refectory services. Scholarship recipients also receive an exemption from the second tuition instalment, while partial scholarship recipients receive a 50% exemption.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
University	University of Milan – La Statale
Country	Italy
Region	Lombardy
Scholarship	Regional Scholarship / DSU
Academic Year	2026/27
Degree Levels	Bachelor’s, Master’s, Single-Cycle Master’s and eligible programmes
Funding	Financial award + meal benefits
Tuition Benefit	Full second-instalment exemption for beneficiaries
Partial Award	50% second-instalment exemption
Funding Bodies	Lombardy Region & Ministry of University and Research
Application Period	10 July – 30 September 2026
Application Method	UniMi Online Helpdesk
Selection Basis	Income + academic merit
Location	Milan, Italy

The scholarship is awarded through a competitive annual call, so satisfying the basic requirements does not automatically guarantee an award.

University Overview

The University of Milan, commonly known as La Statale, is a major public research university located in Milan, Italy.

It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, single-cycle Master’s, doctoral and other advanced study opportunities across a broad range of academic disciplines.

The university’s location in Milan is particularly attractive for students interested in business, economics, technology, medicine, life sciences, humanities and social sciences.

For students concerned about the cost of studying in Italy, the regional scholarship is one of the university’s most important financial-support mechanisms.

Country Overview

Italy is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international students, offering a combination of historic universities, relatively accessible tuition structures and a wide range of academic programmes.

The country also operates regional financial-support systems, such as DSU, which are designed to make higher education more accessible to students who meet financial and academic criteria.

Milan is Italy’s major economic and business centre, but it is also one of the country’s more expensive cities. Students should therefore prepare a realistic budget for accommodation, food, transportation and other expenses even if they receive a scholarship.

Why Study at the University of Milan?

Major Public Research University

La Statale is a large public university with a broad academic and research profile.

Study in Milan

Students have access to one of Europe’s major economic, cultural and international cities.

Wide Academic Choice

The university offers programmes across numerous academic fields, allowing students from diverse educational backgrounds to find suitable options.

Financial Support

The regional scholarship can provide financial assistance and meal benefits, while scholarship recipients can receive exemption from the second tuition instalment.

International Opportunities

The university provides several forms of financial support for international students in addition to regional scholarships, including international scholarships and other awards.

Degree Levels

The regional scholarship can be relevant to students enrolled in eligible degree programmes at the University of Milan.

Bachelor’s Degree

International students applying for eligible Bachelor’s programmes can potentially apply for the regional scholarship if they meet the financial, academic and programme requirements.

Master’s Degree

Eligible Master’s students can also apply. Students should check the specific call and programme requirements before submitting the application.

Single-Cycle Master’s

Students enrolled in eligible single-cycle Master’s programmes may also be considered.

Other Programmes

The university has separate rules for doctoral, postgraduate and other programmes. Certain categories are specifically excluded from the regional scholarship, so applicants should carefully read the annual call.

Available Fields of Study

The University of Milan offers programmes across areas such as:

• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Biotechnology & Life Sciences
• Computer Science
• Engineering & Technology
• Economics & Management
• Law
• Political & Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Languages
• Psychology
• Environmental & Natural Sciences
• Mathematics & Physics

The scholarship is not restricted to one particular academic discipline; eligibility depends on enrolment in an eligible University of Milan degree programme and satisfaction of the scholarship requirements.

Scholarship Benefits

The University of Milan regional scholarship provides more than simply a cash award.

Financial Scholarship

Eligible beneficiaries receive a financial scholarship amount determined according to the rules in the annual call.

Free Meal Benefit

Scholarship beneficiaries are entitled to one free midday meal from Monday to Saturday.

Tuition Fee Benefit

Full scholarship beneficiaries receive complete exemption from the second university tuition instalment.

Partial beneficiaries receive a 50% exemption from the second instalment.

Payment Schedule

For first-year students in 2026/27, the first instalment—equal to 50% of the total scholarship amount—is scheduled for December 2026. The second instalment is paid after the required academic merit has been verified.

International Mobility Allowance

Regional scholarship beneficiaries participating in university-certified study-abroad programmes may also qualify for an international mobility allowance.

The allowance is €600 per month, including applicable EU allowances, for up to 10 months. Travel expenses may also be reimbursed up to €100 for European destinations or €500 for destinations outside Europe, subject to the programme’s rules.

Hidden Costs

Although the scholarship provides meaningful support, students should not assume that every expense associated with studying in Milan is automatically covered.

Potential Cost	What to Consider
Accommodation	Milan has relatively high rental costs
Food	Only the specified meal benefit is covered
Transportation	Budget for daily travel
Visa/residence permit	Non-EU students may have related costs
Health insurance	Check applicable Italian healthcare requirements
Airfare	International travel is generally separate
Books & study materials	Programme-dependent
Deposit	Private accommodation may require a security deposit
Personal expenses	Phone, clothing and daily necessities
Tuition balance	Check your individual fee position
Documentation	Translation/legalisation may be necessary for foreign documents

The University’s 2026/27 fee structure shows that students generally pay a first instalment of €146, consisting of €130 regional tax and €16 stamp duty, while the second instalment varies depending on programme, student status and applicable financial assessment. Regional scholarship recipients are entitled to exemption from the second instalment.

Eligibility Criteria

The regional scholarship is intended for students who meet both financial and academic requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

• Be regularly enrolled in an eligible University of Milan degree programme.
• Meet the income/economic requirements specified in the annual call.
• Meet the applicable academic merit requirements.
• Submit the application within the stated deadline.
• Provide the required financial and academic documentation.

Certain students are excluded, including students already receiving similar benefits for the same academic year, part-time students, repeating students and students who already hold an Italian qualification of the same or higher level as the programme for which they are applying.

Students enrolled in vocational Master’s programmes and postgraduate medical schools, as well as certain PhD students already receiving a scholarship or research grant, may also be ineligible.

Required Documents

International applicants may need additional documentation to demonstrate their family’s income and assets abroad. The exact requirements depend on the student’s circumstances and the annual call.

✓	Document	Purpose
☐	Passport	Identity and nationality
☐	University admission/enrolment information	Confirms academic status
☐	Academic documents	Demonstrates educational background
☐	Family income documents	Financial assessment
☐	Family asset/property documents	Economic assessment
☐	Bank/financial documentation	Where required
☐	Household/family composition document	Determines family unit
☐	Translated/legalised documents	For foreign financial documents where required
☐	ISEE/ISEE-equivalent documentation	Financial eligibility assessment
☐	Scholarship application	Official application submission
☐	Additional supporting documents	Depending on individual circumstances

International students with income and assets abroad should pay particular attention to the University’s requirements for assessing their financial condition. The University provides specific information for students whose family unit has income and assets abroad.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for the 2026/27 regional scholarship is online and requires applicants to pay close attention to financial documentation.

Step	Action	Practical Guidance
Step 1	Choose your University of Milan programme	Make sure the degree programme is eligible
Step 2	Check scholarship eligibility	Review income and academic requirements
Step 3	Prepare financial documents	International students should prepare evidence of family income and assets
Step 4	Prepare academic information	Keep admission/enrolment details available
Step 5	Register on the UniMi portal	Prospective students must register to access the Online Helpdesk
Step 6	Access Online Helpdesk	Use the University’s scholarship/benefits service
Step 7	Complete the regional scholarship application	Enter financial and personal information carefully
Step 8	Upload supporting documents	Follow the University’s document specifications
Step 9	Submit before the deadline	The 2026/27 deadline is 30 September 2026
Step 10	Save confirmation	Keep evidence/reference of your submission
Step 11	Monitor provisional ranking	Check the Online Service Desk
Step 12	Request review if necessary	Applicants can challenge an incorrect assessment during the review period
Step 13	Check final ranking	Final scholarship results are generally published by the end of November
Step 14	Activate Carta La Statale	Required for receiving scholarship payments
Step 15	Meet academic requirements	Especially important for first-year students
Step 16	Receive scholarship instalments	Payments follow the schedule specified in the call

For 2026/27, applications are accepted through the Online Helpdesk from 10 July through 30 September 2026.

Application Timeline

The University has published the following key dates for the 2026/27 regional scholarship.

Stage	Date/Timing
Applications open	10 July 2026
Application deadline	30 September 2026
Provisional ranking	Generally by end of October
Final ranking	Generally by end of November
First scholarship instalment for first-year students	December 2026
First-year merit deadline	10 August 2027
Second instalment for first-year students	After merit verification
Second instalment for continuing students	June 2027

Applicants should not wait until the final day because preparing foreign financial documentation can take considerable time.

Selection Criteria

The regional scholarship is not based exclusively on academic grades.

Financial Condition

The student’s economic circumstances are an important component of eligibility and ranking.

Academic Merit

First-year students are initially evaluated primarily on their financial situation, subject to fulfilling the required academic merit later. Students in subsequent years are ranked based on factors including credits earned and examination average.

Programme Status

Students must be properly enrolled in an eligible degree programme and satisfy the rules established in the annual call.

Accommodation & Living Costs

Milan is one of Italy’s most internationally connected cities, but accommodation can represent a significant expense.

Students can explore:

• University residences
• Shared apartments
• Private student rooms
• Private apartments
• Other student housing options

The regional scholarship should therefore be viewed as part of a broader financial plan rather than the only source of funding.

Students should also check the University’s separate accommodation services and application procedures.

Part-time Jobs

International students may work in Italy subject to the conditions attached to their immigration status.

However, students should not rely entirely on part-time employment to finance their studies.

A better approach is to secure sufficient funding for initial expenses and then consider part-time work as supplementary financial support.

Student Visa Process

Students from outside the EU generally need to complete the appropriate Italian study-visa and residence-permit procedures.

A practical sequence is:

University admission → Scholarship application → Financial preparation → Student visa → Travel to Italy → Residence permit → University enrolment

Scholarship applicants should remember that applying for a regional scholarship does not automatically replace the financial and immigration requirements for obtaining a student visa.

International students should also prepare the financial documentation required for the Italian authorities.

Tips from Previous Applicants

• Apply for the DSU scholarship as early as possible.
• Start preparing foreign financial documents before the application opens.
• Check translation and legalisation requirements carefully.
• Keep copies of every submitted document.
• Do not confuse admission with scholarship approval.
• Monitor the provisional ranking and appeal if an error appears.
• Activate your Carta La Statale when required for payments.

Common Mistakes

• Missing the 30 September 2026 deadline
• Submitting incomplete financial documents
• Providing inconsistent family-income information
• Assuming admission automatically means receiving the scholarship
• Ignoring academic-credit requirements after receiving the award
• Failing to check the provisional ranking
• Assuming the scholarship covers every living expense

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship?

It is a DSU/right-to-higher-education scholarship funded by the Lombardy Region and Italy’s Ministry of University and Research. It provides financial support and access to university meal services for eligible students.

2. Who can apply?

Students regularly enrolled in eligible University of Milan degree programmes who satisfy the financial and academic requirements can apply.

3. Can international students apply?

Yes. International students can apply, but students with income and assets abroad must provide the documentation needed for financial assessment.

4. What is the application deadline for 2026/27?

The application period runs from 10 July to 30 September 2026.

5. Is the scholarship fully funded?

It provides substantial financial support, but applicants should not automatically interpret it as a conventional fully funded scholarship covering all living expenses. The exact benefits depend on the scholarship award and applicable rules.

6. Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?

Full beneficiaries receive exemption from the second tuition instalment, while partial beneficiaries receive a 50% exemption.

7. Is food included?

Scholarship beneficiaries are entitled to one free midday meal from Monday to Saturday.

8. When is the first scholarship payment made?

For first-year students in 2026/27, the first instalment—50% of the total scholarship amount—is scheduled for December 2026.

9. What happens if a first-year student does not earn enough credits?

The student can lose the scholarship benefit if the required merit conditions are not fulfilled by the specified deadlines. In some circumstances, previously received amounts may need to be returned.

10. Can I apply if I already receive another scholarship?

Students who already receive similar benefits for the same academic year are generally not eligible for the regional scholarship.

11. Can part-time students apply?

Part-time students are generally excluded from the regional scholarship.

12. Where do I apply?

For 2026/27, applications are submitted through the University of Milan’s Online Helpdesk after registering on the UniMi portal.

13. When are the scholarship rankings published?

The provisional ranking is generally available by the end of October, followed by the final ranking generally by the end of November.

14. Can scholarship recipients receive support for study abroad?

Yes. Eligible regional scholarship beneficiaries participating in university-certified study-abroad programmes may receive an international mobility allowance of €600 per month for up to 10 months, subject to the applicable rules.

15. Is there other financial support at the University of Milan?

Yes. The university also offers university scholarships, international scholarships, study awards, accommodation support and other forms of financial assistance.

Conclusion

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 is an important financial-support opportunity for students who want to study in Italy and meet the required financial and academic conditions.

The scholarship can provide a financial award, free midday meals, and significant tuition support. For full beneficiaries, the second tuition instalment is completely waived, while partial beneficiaries receive a 50% exemption.

For international students, the most important part of the application is often the financial documentation. Students with family income and assets outside Italy should begin preparing the necessary documents well before the deadline.

For the 2026/27 academic year, applications are open from 10 July to 30 September 2026.

If you are planning to study at the University of Milan, start by selecting your programme, checking admission requirements and preparing your financial documentation. Then submit your regional scholarship application through the official UniMi system before the deadline.

Always check the latest official call for applications before submitting your documents, as scholarship rules, financial thresholds and deadlines can change.