Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Apr 27, 2026
The DSU (short for Diritto allo Studio Universitario) Toscana Scholarship is one of the most important funding options for international students planning to study in Italy, especially in Tuscany. It is a need-based scholarship offered by the regional government that provides financial support through cash grants, free accommodation, meals, and tuition fee waivers.
For Indian students targeting universities in Italy like the University of Pisa, the University of Florence, and the University of Siena, this scholarship can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying in Italy.
(Diritto allo Studio Universitario - translates to "right to university education”)
Explore: Study in Italy
What is the DSU Toscana Scholarship?
The DSU Toscana scholarship is a financial aid program provided by the Tuscany Regional Council under the Giovanisì initiative and co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF+) 2021-2027.
The scholarship includes:
- Annual monetary grant (based on financial condition)
- Free or subsidised accommodation
- Free meals at university canteens
- Exemption from university tuition fees
- Additional support for books, sports, and personal expenses
Even students who are eligible but not selected can still access subsidized services like meals and accommodation (paid at a reduced cost).
What Does DSU Cover? The Full Benefits Package
The DSU support package consists of three main components, which can be provided either together or separately, depending on the region and the applicant's financial profile.
1. Cash Stipend:
The estimated cash payment range for 2025-2026 is €2,500 to €7,900 (₹2.76 to ₹8.73 lakhs) per year for non-resident students (those who relocated for their studies and do not live with a host family). Students with the lowest verified income receive the maximum amount. Payments are made in two installments in December and May-June.
2. Accommodation:
A place in a student dormitory is provided on a competitive basis. Spaces are limited; in large cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence, there are significantly fewer available places than applicants. If a dormitory place is not secured, students may receive a monetary compensation for rent - a borsa alloggio (housing stipend). The amount and terms of this stipend are determined by the regional agency and depend on the average market rent in the specific city.
3. Meals & Additional Benefits:
Students on the DSU beneficiary list are generally entitled to one free or reduced-price meal per day in the university canteen. Lunch at the student mensa costs €5-8 (₹554-885) for a regular student, while for a DSU recipient it is practically free. Some regions also offer discounts on public transportation, partial reimbursement of study materials, and discounted access to university sports facilities.
4. Tuition Fee Waiver:
The most significant benefit is the full tuition fee waiver, which eliminates the cost of university enrollment. Some universities completely waive tuition fees, while others provide significant discounts.
5. Study Abroad Top-Up (at select universities):
At institutions like Politecnico di Milano, if you participate in an international mobility program of at least two months (up to a maximum of ten months), you can request an integration of the DSU scholarship to meet the expenses you bear abroad. Additionally, if you obtain your master's degree within its preestablished duration, you can receive a degree award upon graduation.
Also read: Scholarships to study abroad
(Exchange rate used: €5 = ₹110.62 as of April 27, 2026)
Who Can Apply for a DSU Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to students who:
- Are enrolled in or planning to enroll in:
- Bachelor’s programs
- Master’s programs
- PhD or postgraduate programs
- Study at institutions in Tuscany, including:
- University of Pisa
- University of Florence
- University of Siena
- Fine arts academies and conservatories
Eligibility Criteria for DSU Scholarship Italy
DSU scholarship eligibility is based on two core pillars: financial need and, from the second year onward, academic merit.
- Financial criteria: The family income (as determined by the ISEE or ISEE Parificato) must not exceed the regional threshold (usually between €25,000 and €30,000 per year or ₹27.65 and ₹33.18 lakhs). If the family income is below approximately €13,560-€14,000 (₹15-₹15.48 lakhs), the student is eligible for the full support package:
- Cash payment
- Dormitory accommodation
- Meals, and
- A full waiver of tuition fees
- Partial benefits and reduced tuition fees are available for those with incomes up to €25,000-€30,000.
- Academic criteria: In the first year of a bachelor's degree, academic requirements are not applied. From the second year onward, a mandatory academic achievement criterion is added:
- Students must earn a minimum number of credit units (CFU) by specified dates. For example, second-year students must earn approximately 25 CFU, while third-year or continuing students are generally expected to have around 80 CFU accumulated.
- Other conditions:
- The student must be enrolled or have confirmed pre-enrollment at an Italian university
- Must not hold a degree of the same level (DSU cannot be obtained for a second bachelor's or second master's degree)
- Must not have exceeded the maximum permitted period of study. There is no age limit for participation.
Special Considerations:
- Students with disabilities receive:
- Higher income limits
- Additional financial support
- Priority accommodation
- Student athletes and students with children may have adjusted criteria
Documents Required for Indian Students
Indian students need to submit the following documents in Italian and legalized by the Italian embassy/consulate:
- Proof of family income
- Details of assets (movable and immovable)
- Family composition certificate
DSU Toscana Scholarship Application Process
The application is fully online and must be completed through the official DSU Toscana portal.
The call for applications (bando) is published every mid-July on the respective DSU regional website. The provisional ranking list is usually confirmed every year by the end of September, and final rankings are approved by the end of November.
Here is the general step-by-step process:
Step 1: Get university admission or pre-enrollment. Only enrolled university students or those with a pre-enrollment letter can apply. Include the acceptance letter or pre-enrollment letter in the DSU application package.
Step 2: Obtain ISEE Parificato. Gather all financial documents (income certificates, bank statements, property documents) for all family members, translated and apostilled, and visit a CAF office in Italy to obtain this certificate.
Step 3: Apply online. Applications are submitted online via the regional DSU portal (e.g., Sportello Studente for DSU Toscana), by the call's deadline, usually published in July.
Step 4: Submit supporting documents. Non-EU students must submit all documents translated into Italian and legalized by the competent Italian diplomatic representatives of their home country.
Step 5: Await ranking. DSU draws up a single ranking list including both international and Italian students. No personal written communication is provided to applicants regarding results - check the regional DSU website and your personal area.
The Key Document - ISEE Parificato:
The financial assessment is the backbone of the DSU application. ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) is an Italian indicator of a family's financial situation, calculated based on combined family income for the previous year and assets, including real estate, bank accounts, and securities. The lower the ISEE value, the more government support a student can receive.For international students, those whose family income and assets are wholly or partially outside Italy cannot obtain a standard ISEE - they require an ISEE Parificato (or ISEEU Parificato), an equivalent document calculated based on foreign financial documentation.The documents need to be translated into Italian or English, notarized, and apostilled for all income certificates and bank statements. The ISEE Parificato is then processed through a CAF (Centro di Assistenza Fiscale) office in Italy.
Application Timeline (2025-26):
- Bachelor’s & Master’s students:
- July 15, 2025 - September 5, 2025
- PhD & Specialization programs:
- September 25, 2025 - November 14, 2025
Note: The official timeline for the 2026-27 academic year is not yet published.
Important Considerations for Indians:
- Annual renewal is required. The grant is valid for only one academic year, so students must repeat the application every academic year.
- Dormitory is not guaranteed. Accommodation places are awarded separately and competitively from the cash stipend (receiving one does not guarantee the other).
- Deadlines vary by region. Always check your specific regional bando-missing the deadline means losing eligibility for that entire year.
- Early preparation significantly increases DSU approval rates. Aim to begin accumulating required financial documents 3-4 months before July.
DSU Scholarship Duration
Based on your study level and chosen program, the scholarship duration differs.
- Annual scholarships: October 2026 - September 2027
- 6-month scholarships: October 2026 - March 2027
- PhD students: January 2026 - December 2026
Payment Structure
Scholarship money is paid in installments via bank transfer (SEPA/Italian IBAN required).
Bachelor’s First Year Example:
- 1st installment: 20-50% (Nov-Dec of the enrolling year)
- 2nd installment: After meeting academic requirements (mid of next year)
Master’s First Year:
- First payment by December of the enrolling year
- Second payment after merit verification
For later years:
- Payments are split between December and June
Pro tip: Apply for DSU regardless of whether you think you qualify. The ISEE Parificato calculation process often yields a lower figure than expected, and many international students are pleasantly surprised by their eligibility.
The DSU Toscana Scholarship is a regional funding option for Indian students who want to study in Italy but have budget constraints. While the process involves documentation and strict deadlines, the benefits, especially free tuition, accommodation, and meals, make it one of the most valuable scholarships in Europe.
FAQs
Ques. Who is eligible for DSU scholarship in Italy?
Ans. The DSU scholarship is open to international students (including Indians) who:
- Are enrolled or planning to enroll in bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs in Tuscany (e.g., Pisa, Florence, Siena)
- Meet financial eligibility criteria based on family income (ISEE/ISEE Parificato)
- Do not already hold a degree at the same level
- Meet academic requirements from the second year onward (minimum credits/CFU)
Ques. Is the DSU scholarship easy to get?
Ans: It is accessible but competitive. Selection mainly depends on your family income level, not just academics.
- Students with lower income have a higher chance of receiving full benefits
- However, limited dorm seats and strict documentation requirements make the process competitive
- Many students still qualify for partial benefits, even if they don’t get the full scholarship
In short: not “easy,” but definitely achievable with proper documentation and early preparation.
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