DSU Toscana - Supplementary Economic Contribution for Students with Disabilities

What you get

You will receive an annual grant of 1,000 EUR for the current academic year. Depending on whether you live near your university or away from home, you may also receive free canteen meals and/or free student accommodation in addition to, or instead of, the cash payment. The grant is provided by DSU Toscana, the regional authority for the right to higher education in Tuscany, as part of the regional youth programme ‘Giovanisì’.

Who can apply

• Disability: You have a disability recognised under Italian law 104/1992 (Art. 3, para. 1) or a proven degree of disability of at least 66%.
• University: You are studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the University of Florence, Pisa or Siena, at IMT Lucca, at the Italian Institute for Human Sciences, or at a Tuscan academy of fine arts or conservatoire.
• No double funding: You are not already receiving other cash benefits from DSU Toscana for the same academic year.
• Study progress: You are still within the standard duration of your degree programme. As a student with a disability, you are entitled to an extension: this extension may be for up to three semesters beyond the standard duration of your degree programme.
• Income: Your household’s ISEE (an Italian measure of family income and assets) is 34,600 EUR or less, and your ISPE (the asset component) is 70,000 EUR or less.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, including international students and Italians living abroad.
• Field of study: All subjects count.

How to apply

Apply online via the DSU Toscana ‘Sportello Studente’ portal; paper applications will not be accepted. You will need a valid DSU/ISEE certificate. DSU Toscana retrieves its data automatically from the national social security system (INPS).

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is very restricted in scope. You must have a recognised disability, be studying at one of the listed Tuscan universities and meet the income thresholds, meaning that the number of people eligible for the grant is small. However, the income limits are far more generous than those for the general scholarship, which is an advantage. If you clearly meet these criteria and apply with a valid ISEE certificate, your chances are good.