University of Bergamo - Services and supports for students with disabilities

Support Services for Students with Disabilities at the University of Bergamo

At the University of Bergamo in Italy, you will receive a combination of fee waivers and practical financial support, depending on your recognised degree of disability. If your recognised degree of disability is above 66%, you will pay no tuition fees or university contributions at all. If it is between 46% and 65%, you will pay half. In addition, the university provides sign language interpreters, adapted examinations, as well as laptops and assistive software throughout your studies. You will also be assigned a personal tutor, a campus escort service if you have a visual or physical disability, and advice on drawing up an individual learning plan (a PDP for learning difficulties or a PEI for disabilities). If you are already receiving a grant and your degree of disability is 66% or higher, you can apply for an additional allowance. You can use this towards a place in student accommodation, an assistant or interpreter, or any assistive technology you require.

Who can apply

• University: You’re studying at the University of Bergamo.
• Disability: You have a recognised disability of at least 46% or a certified learning disability (SLD/DSA). A degree of disability of more than 66% is required for a full exemption from fees; a 50 per cent reduction in fees applies for a degree of disability ranging from 46% to 65%.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Degree level: Access at every level of study.
• Nationality: All nationalities welcome.
• Scholarship top-up: For the extra support, you must already hold a scholarship and have an invalidity of 66% or more.

How to apply

You can register via the online student helpdesk under ‘Student Office’ > ‘Other Services’ > ‘DSA Services – Communication’. The deadline is 31 January. To book a tutor, you must register at least 15 days before your exam date. To book the Campus Escort Service, you must register at least 15 days before the service begins.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not an award that you win in competition with other applicants. Rather, it is a support package linked to your recognised disability status. If you are studying at the University of Bergamo and can provide evidence of a disability of at least 46% (or a certified learning disability), you are legally entitled to the tuition fee reduction and the associated benefits. It is crucial for the outcome of your application that your documents are complete and that you submit your application in good time.