DSU - Tuscan - Scholarships and accomodations

Scholarship and free accommodation from DSU Toscana

You will receive an annual financial grant, free meals in the university canteens and, if you need to move away from home, free accommodation in a student hall of residence. The amount of the financial grant depends on your family’s income and the distance between your home and the university. Students who live too far away to commute (more than 60 minutes by public transport) receive the highest grant. Commuters (60 to 90 minutes) receive less, and students living near the campus receive the lowest grant. Beneficiaries are also exempt from regional tuition fees. If you meet the eligibility criteria but there are not enough scholarship places available, you will still receive free meals, tax exemption and accommodation for 262.50 EUR per month. The funding comes from DSU Toscana, the regional agency for the right to higher education in Tuscany, and is co-financed by EU and national recovery funds.

Funding covers the standard duration of study plus a certain margin: up to 3 years and one semester for a Bachelor’s degree programme, up to 2 years and one semester for a Master’s degree programme, and the standard duration of study for Master’s degree programmes under the single-cycle model, doctoral programmes and specialisation programmes.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at a university in Tuscany – for example, in Florence, Pisa or Siena – or at a state conservatoire, an art academy or another recognised higher education institution in the region.
• Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme (single-cycle model), Master’s degree, PhD or specialisation programme. This must be your first degree at this level.
• Field of study: All subjects.
• Nationality: Everyone. Students from Italy, the EU and non-EU countries, including stateless persons, refugees and asylum seekers, are eligible to apply.
• Income: Your family’s ISEE (a certified statement of household income and assets) must not exceed 27,000 EUR, and the asset indicator must not exceed 60,000 EUR (limits: 2025/2026). To apply for the study grant, you will need a valid ISEE certificate.
• Grades: First-year students are assessed at the end of the year. From the higher semesters onwards, you must earn a minimum number of ECTS credits each year in order to retain your financial support.
• Not eligible: You already hold an equivalent or higher qualification, have already received this scholarship for the same academic year, or have interrupted your studies more than once.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the DSU Toscana student portal. Bachelor’s and Master’s students must apply by 05.09, whilst PhD students and those on specialisation programmes must apply by 10.10. Your ISEE declaration must be submitted by the same deadline in September. There is no interview. Ranking is based purely on objective criteria, taking into account your income and personal circumstances.

How realistic are your chances?

Selection is based on a set formula, not on essays or interviews. So, as long as you meet the income thresholds and maintain your academic performance, your place is guaranteed. The catch lies in the number of places available: anyone who misses out on a full scholarship but is still eligible will receive meals, tax exemption and cheaper accommodation – just not a free place in halls of residence. Apply as soon as the application window opens and submit your ISEE in good time, as a late or missing declaration will result in exclusion.