University of Milan Scholarship 2026–2027 | Study in Italy

University of Milan Regional Scholarships 2026–2027 | Complete Guide for International Students

Explore the University of Milan Regional Scholarship. Learn about benefits, eligibility, application process, and financial support for international students.

Italy has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international students thanks to its world-class universities, affordable tuition fees, rich cultural heritage, and generous scholarship opportunities. Among the most valuable funding options available is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship (DSU Scholarship), a need-based financial support programme designed to ensure equal access to higher education.

Funded by the Lombardy Region and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, the Regional Scholarship provides financial assistance, tuition fee exemptions, and free or subsidized dining services for eligible students enrolled at the University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano).

Whether you are planning to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Italy, this guide explains everything you need to know about the University of Milan Regional Scholarships 2026–2027, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application procedures, and helpful tips for international applicants.

Scholarship Overview

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	University of Milan Regional Scholarship (DSU) 2026–2027
Host University	University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano)
Host Country	Italy
Funding Body	Lombardy Region & Ministry of University and Research
Eligible Degrees	Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD (subject to eligibility rules)
Scholarship Type	Need-Based Financial Support
Eligible Students	Domestic & International Students
Application Mode	Online
Tuition Fee Waiver	Available for Eligible Students

About the University of Milan

Founded in 1924, the University of Milan (UNIMI) is one of Italy’s leading public research universities. Located in the heart of Milan, the university is internationally recognized for excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and international collaboration.

The university offers hundreds of programmes across disciplines including:

• Medicine
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business
• Law
• Agriculture
• Environmental Science
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Political Science

With thousands of international students from around the world, UNIMI provides a multicultural learning environment and strong career opportunities across Europe and beyond.

What is the Regional (DSU) Scholarship?

The Regional Scholarship (DSU) is a financial aid programme that supports students with demonstrated financial need and satisfactory academic progress. The scholarship is awarded annually through a public competition and is intended to guarantee the right to higher education.

Eligible students may receive:

• Financial support
• Full or partial tuition fee exemption
• Free or subsidized university dining services
• Additional mobility support for study abroad in eligible cases

Scholarship Benefits

The exact amount of financial support depends on the student’s financial situation, residency status, and scholarship category.

Eligible students may receive:

Benefit	Availability
Financial Grant	✔
Full Tuition Fee Exemption	Eligible Students
Partial Tuition Fee Exemption	Selected Cases
Free or Subsidized Meals	✔
International Mobility Allowance	Eligible Students
Graduation Award (Selected Students)	Available

Students participating in approved international mobility programmes may also receive an additional allowance of €600 per month (up to 10 months), plus travel reimbursement within the programme limits.

Eligible Degree Levels

The Regional Scholarship supports students enrolled in eligible university degree programmes.

Degree Level	Eligible
Bachelor’s Degree	✔
Master’s Degree	✔
Single-Cycle Master’s	✔
PhD	Eligible under specific conditions
Professional Master’s	Generally Not Eligible

Students enrolled in vocational master’s programmes, postgraduate medical schools, and PhD programmes already funded by another scholarship or research grant are generally not eligible.

Popular Fields of Study

Students receiving the scholarship may study in almost every discipline offered by the University of Milan, including:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Biotechnology
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Finance
• Law
• International Relations
• Agriculture
• Environmental Science
• Psychology
• Education
• Political Science
• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Programme availability depends on university admission.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy both financial and academic merit requirements established in the annual call for applications.

General eligibility includes:

• Be enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible programme at the University of Milan.
• Meet the required income and asset thresholds.
• Meet academic merit requirements (where applicable).
• Maintain regular academic status.
• Submit the scholarship application before the deadline.

Applicants Generally Not Eligible

The following categories are generally excluded:

• Students already receiving an equivalent scholarship for the same academic year.
• Part-time students.
• Students enrolled on a shortened academic pathway.
• Repeating students.
• Students who already hold an Italian qualification of the same or higher level for the programme they are applying to.
• Certain postgraduate medical, vocational master’s, and already-funded PhD students.

Required Documents

International applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application.

Document	Required
Online Scholarship Application	✔
Valid Passport	✔
University Admission/Enrollment Proof	✔
Academic Certificates	✔
Academic Transcripts	✔
Family Income Documentation	✔
Family Asset Documentation	✔
Financial Certification (ISEE or Equivalent, where applicable)	✔
Residence Information	✔
Additional Supporting Documents	If Requested

Students whose families have income or assets outside Italy must submit the required financial documentation according to the university’s published procedures.

Tips Before Applying

To improve your chances of successfully obtaining the scholarship:

• Apply for university admission as early as possible.
• Carefully prepare all financial documents.
• Ensure your income certificates are accurate and properly translated if required.
• Review the official scholarship call before applying.
• Keep digital copies of all documents.
• Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship (DSU Scholarship) application is completed online during the official application period. Students must first apply for admission to the University of Milan and then submit a separate scholarship application through the university’s designated online system. Applicants are responsible for providing all required financial documentation within the specified deadlines.

Application Process

Step	Action
1	Apply for admission to an eligible programme at the University of Milan.
2	Carefully review the Regional Scholarship call for applications.
3	Prepare all required financial and academic documents.
4	Complete the online scholarship application.
5	Upload all required supporting documents.
6	Submit income and asset documentation according to the published guidelines.
7	Submit your scholarship application before the deadline.
8	Wait for the provisional ranking list.
9	If necessary, submit any corrections or appeals within the official timeframe.
10	Receive the final scholarship decision and complete enrollment requirements.

Scholarship Timeline

The Regional Scholarship follows an annual application cycle. Exact dates are announced each academic year.

Stage	Timeline
Scholarship Call Published	Annually
Online Applications Open	As Announced
Application Deadline	According to Official Call
Provisional Ranking	After Application Review
Appeals Period	If Applicable
Final Ranking Published	Before Academic Year Begins
Scholarship Payment	According to University Schedule

Applicants should regularly check the official University of Milan website for updated deadlines.

Selection Process

The Regional Scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic eligibility, following the criteria established in the annual scholarship call.

Evaluation Criteria

Criterion	Importance
Family Income	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family Assets	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Academic Merit	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enrollment Status	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Required Documentation	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Compliance with Eligibility Rules	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Applicants who meet both the financial and academic requirements have the best chance of receiving the scholarship.

Scholarship Payment & Benefits Distribution

Students selected for the Regional Scholarship may receive benefits in different forms depending on their eligibility.

Possible benefits include:

• Financial grant paid in installments
• Tuition fee exemption
• Free or subsidized university dining services
• International mobility allowance (for eligible exchange students)
• Graduation award (where applicable)

Payment schedules are determined by the University of Milan and may depend on enrollment confirmation and academic progress.

Accommodation & Living Costs in Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s most vibrant student cities. Although living costs are generally higher than in many other Italian cities, careful budgeting can help students manage their expenses.

Estimated Monthly Living Expenses

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation	€500–€900
Food	€200–€350
Transportation	€30–€60
Books & Study Materials	€40–€80
Personal Expenses	€150–€300
Health Insurance	Varies

Scholarship recipients who receive tuition fee exemptions and dining support can significantly reduce their overall study costs.

Student Visa Information

International students from countries outside the European Union generally require an Italian Student Visa before beginning their studies.

Typical required documents include:

Document	Purpose
Valid Passport	Identity Verification
University Admission Letter	Proof of Enrollment
Scholarship or Financial Evidence	Financial Requirement
Accommodation Details	Visa Processing
Health Insurance	Required
Visa Application Form	Embassy Requirement
Passport Photographs	Visa Processing

Applicants should check the requirements of the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country before applying.

Tips from Successful Applicants

Many scholarship recipients recommend:

• Apply for university admission early.
• Carefully prepare your financial documentation.
• Ensure all foreign documents are translated and legalized if required.
• Double-check every uploaded document before submission.
• Monitor the university portal regularly for updates.
• Keep copies of every submitted document.
• Submit applications well before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Missing the scholarship deadline.
• Uploading incomplete financial documents.
• Providing incorrect income or asset information.
• Ignoring document translation requirements.
• Failing to monitor provisional ranking announcements.
• Missing deadlines for corrections or appeals.
• Assuming university admission automatically includes scholarship consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the University of Milan Regional Scholarship?

Both Italian and international students enrolled or planning to enroll in eligible programmes may apply, provided they meet the financial and academic requirements.

2. Is the scholarship fully funded?

The Regional Scholarship is primarily a need-based financial support programme. Benefits may include financial assistance, tuition fee exemptions, subsidized dining services, and other support depending on eligibility.

3. Are international students eligible?

Yes. International students can apply if they satisfy the eligibility requirements and submit the required financial documentation.

4. Is IELTS required for the scholarship?

No. The scholarship itself does not require IELTS. However, applicants must meet the language requirements for admission to their chosen degree programme.

5. Can Bachelor’s students apply?

Yes. Eligible Bachelor’s, Master’s, and certain PhD students may apply.

6. Is accommodation included?

The scholarship itself does not automatically guarantee accommodation, although some students may be eligible for university housing depending on availability and programme conditions.

7. What is the most important selection factor?

Financial need is the primary criterion, together with compliance with academic and administrative eligibility requirements.

8. Can I receive another scholarship at the same time?

Eligibility depends on the conditions of both scholarships. Certain categories of students already receiving equivalent funding may not qualify for the Regional Scholarship.

9. Why choose the University of Milan?

The University of Milan is one of Italy’s leading public research universities, offering internationally recognized degrees, excellent research opportunities, affordable tuition, and a wide range of scholarship options.

10. Where can I find official scholarship information?

Applicants should always consult the official University of Milan website for the latest scholarship regulations, deadlines, and application procedures.

Conclusion

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026–2027 is an excellent opportunity for international students seeking affordable higher education in Italy. Through financial assistance, tuition fee exemptions, subsidized dining services, and additional support for eligible students, the scholarship helps make studying at one of Italy’s leading universities more accessible.

If you are planning to study at the University of Milan, begin preparing your admission and financial documents early, carefully follow the official scholarship guidelines, and submit your application before the deadline to maximize your chances of receiving this valuable financial support.