University of Siena (Siena/Italy) - SOLIDARITY FUND

Benefit

You will receive a partial or full waiver of your university fees. This will be used to settle any outstanding tuition fees on your student account, including any late payment charges. This is not a cash payment. The University of Siena administers this fund each year for students facing financial or personal hardship. Two types of fee are never covered and must still be paid by you: the regional tuition fee and the virtual stamp duty. The exemption applies only to fees that remain outstanding as of the cut-off date; fees that have already been paid cannot therefore be refunded.

Eligibility

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the University of Siena.
• Your situation: You are facing a serious personal, family or financial hardship which you can prove, even if it is only temporary.
• Typical cases: Pupils from areas affected by earthquakes or natural disasters, pupils with a recognised disability, and children of people who receive a disability pension.
• Field of study: All subjects.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Age: No age limit.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via your personal ‘Segreteria online’ account under ‘Incentivi, premi di studio, borse’. Please upload the application form and a letter setting out the evidence of your financial hardship. The process takes place every year in late winter or spring; the deadline for 2026 was on 6 March at 12:00. A committee chaired by the Vice-Chancellor decides who is awarded the exemption.

How realistic are your chances?

This fund is intended exclusively for students at the University of Siena who are in a proven situation of hardship; therefore, the pool of applicants is limited to those who can demonstrate genuine hardship. If you clearly fall into one of the recognised categories and can substantiate this with valid supporting documents, your chances are good. Payments depend on the university’s annual budget; therefore, a well-reasoned application is more important than a perfectly worded one.