DSU Toscana - Extraordinary Economic Contributions

Extraordinary Economic Contributions (DSU Toscana)

You will receive a one-off payment of up to 125 EUR if an unexpected event seriously disrupts your financial situation whilst you are studying in Tuscany. This is a one-off payment, not a monthly allowance. It is intended for students affected by a sudden crisis at home, within their family or in their own personal lives. The funds come from the DSU Toscana (ARDSU), the regional authority for the right to higher education in Tuscany.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at a university in Tuscany (Florence, Pisa or Siena) or at another higher education institution, art academy or conservatoire in Tuscany.
• Degree level: Any level counts, from a bachelor's (Laurea) through a master's, doctorate or specialisation school.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• A sudden hardship: An unexpected event over the last 15 months or so has significantly worsened your financial, personal or family situation.
• Financial need: Your family’s income and assets are below the thresholds set by the DSU Toscana, which are determined on the basis of the ISEE and ISPE indicators used for student grants.
• First time: You have not yet received this payment and are not currently in receipt of a regular DSU study grant. The two benefits cannot be combined.

How to apply

Applications to DSU Toscana are made via the student portal (Sportello Studente) or the branch office responsible for your town. The call for applications is published every year. Applications are usually accepted during several application periods throughout the year. You will receive a decision approximately two months after the end of the relevant application period.

How realistic are your chances?

This is emergency financial assistance, not a merit-based grant, and is therefore aimed at a narrowly defined target group: students who can provide evidence of a genuine, recent financial crisis. If you can clearly demonstrate that you meet the income thresholds and explain what has happened and how this has affected your situation, your chances are good. A well-reasoned application is far more important here than your grades.