University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 in Italy | Financial Support for International Students

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 is an important financial aid opportunity for students enrolling at the University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano) in Italy.

The scholarship, commonly associated with the Italian DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) system, is designed to promote access to higher education by providing financial support to students who meet the required academic and economic conditions.

The programme is particularly attractive to international students because the eligibility assessment takes into account students' financial circumstances, including income and assets held abroad. Successful beneficiaries can receive financial support as well as important university benefits, including exemption from certain tuition fees and access to free meals.

For the 2026/27 academic year, applications for the regional scholarship can be submitted from 10 July to 30 September 2026 through the University of Milan's Online Helpdesk.

Students interested in studying at the University of Milan should understand that this is not simply an academic merit scholarship. The regional scholarship is primarily connected to the Italian right-to-higher-education system and considers both economic conditions and academic merit.

What Is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship?

The Regional Scholarship is a financial benefit designed to ensure that students have access to higher education regardless of their financial circumstances.

The programme is funded by the Lombardy Region and Italy's Ministry of University and Research.

Students who are regularly enrolled in an eligible degree programme at the University of Milan and satisfy the relevant financial and academic requirements can compete for the scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded every academic year through a public competition.

This means that students must submit an application during the specified application period and meet the requirements contained in the official call for applications.

University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 Overview

Scholarship: University of Milan Regional Scholarship
Academic Year: 2026/27
Host University: University of Milan
Host Country: Italy
Scholarship Type: Regional/DSU financial aid
Study Levels: Eligible Bachelor's, Master's and other qualifying degree programmes
Eligible Students: Students enrolled at the University of Milan who meet the requirements
Selection: Based on financial condition and, where applicable, academic merit
Tuition Benefit: Eligible beneficiaries receive exemption from the applicable university fees under the scholarship rules
Meal Benefit: Free midday meal for beneficiaries
Application Period: 10 July – 30 September 2026
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Application Method: Online
Official University: University of Milan

The University of Milan confirms that applications for the 2026/27 regional scholarship must be submitted through the Online Helpdesk between 10 July and 30 September 2026.

What Benefits Does the Scholarship Provide?

The benefits available to successful students depend on their status under the official scholarship regulations.

One of the major benefits is financial support.

The scholarship also provides important reductions in university costs and access to meals.

Tuition Fee Exemption

Students who are awarded the regional scholarship are entitled to an exemption from the applicable university fees according to the scholarship rules.

The University states that scholarship beneficiaries receive a complete exemption from the second instalment of university fees, while partial beneficiaries receive a 50% exemption.

This can substantially reduce the overall cost of studying at the University of Milan.

Free Meal

Scholarship beneficiaries are entitled to one free midday meal from Monday to Saturday.

This benefit can be particularly valuable for students who need to manage their living expenses while studying in Milan.

Financial Scholarship Payment

The regional scholarship also provides a monetary award.

The amount depends on the student's circumstances and the provisions of the annual call.

Payments are made through the student's Carta La Statale, the University of Milan's personal student card, which must be activated as a prepaid Flash Up Studio La Statale card to receive payments.

Who Can Apply?

The regional scholarship is intended for students who are regularly enrolled in an eligible degree programme at the University of Milan.

Applicants must satisfy the financial and academic requirements established in the annual call.

Both Italian and international students can be considered, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

For international students, the University has procedures for assessing income and assets held outside Italy.

This is particularly important for applicants from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan and other countries where family income and assets may be held outside Italy.

International applicants should carefully follow the University's instructions concerning documentation for foreign income and assets.

Academic Requirements

The scholarship considers academic merit.

However, the way academic performance is assessed depends on the student's year of study.

First-Year Students

For students entering the first year, the ranking is initially based on their financial condition, subject to meeting the required academic merit conditions within the specified deadlines.

Students must subsequently earn the required number of university credits to maintain their scholarship.

For first-year students in Bachelor's and single-cycle Master's programmes for 2026/27, the University states that the required credits must be earned by 10 August 2027, with a possible five-CFU bonus under the conditions specified in the call.

Students in Later Years

For students enrolled in the second or later years, the ranking takes into account academic performance, including the number of credits earned and average examination results.

This means that continuing students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible.

Who May Not Be Eligible?

The University of Milan identifies several categories that are generally excluded from the regional scholarship.

These include:

Students already receiving similar benefits for the same academic year
Part-time students
Students enrolled on shortened academic pathways
Students repeating a year
Students who already hold an Italian qualification at the same or higher level than the programme for which they are requesting the scholarship

Students enrolled in vocational Master's programmes and postgraduate medical schools may also be excluded under the applicable rules, while PhD students who are already receiving another scholarship or research grant are not eligible.

Applicants should carefully read the official 2026/27 call before applying because eligibility can depend on individual circumstances.

Application Deadline

The most important date for applicants is:

30 September 2026

Applications for the University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 are open from 10 July 2026 until 30 September 2026.

The application must be submitted through the University's Online Helpdesk. Prospective students must first be registered on the University of Milan portal to access the application service.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.

International students in particular should begin preparing their financial documentation early because documents relating to income and assets held abroad may require additional preparation, translation or legalization depending on the requirements.

How to Apply

The application process can be completed online.

Step 1: Choose Your Degree Programme

Before applying for the scholarship, identify the Bachelor's, Master's or other eligible degree programme you intend to study at the University of Milan.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Complete the University's admission process for your selected programme.

Scholarship applicants should make sure they understand the admission requirements and deadlines for their chosen degree.

Step 3: Register on the University Portal

Prospective students who are not already registered must create the necessary University of Milan account to access the Online Helpdesk.

Step 4: Prepare Financial Documents

International students should carefully prepare documentation concerning family income and assets held abroad.

The University provides specific procedures for assessing the financial circumstances of students whose family income and assets are outside Italy.

Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application

Access the Online Helpdesk and complete the regional scholarship application.

Make sure all required information is accurate.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

The completed application must be submitted by 30 September 2026.

Do not assume that starting an application is sufficient. Make sure the application is properly submitted according to the University's instructions.

Selection and Ranking

The University of Milan publishes scholarship ranking lists in stages.

A provisional ranking is generally published by the end of October.

Students who believe that their documentation has been assessed incorrectly can submit an appeal for review according to the University's procedures.

After the review process, the final ranking is generally published by the end of November.

Applicants should therefore regularly monitor the University's Online Helpdesk after submitting their application.

When Are Scholarship Payments Made?

For first-year students in the 2026/27 academic year, the University states that the first instalment, representing 50% of the total scholarship, will be paid in December 2026.

The second instalment will be paid after the University verifies that the required academic merit has been achieved, with payment expected by October 2027 under the stated conditions.

Students enrolled in years after the first are scheduled to receive their first instalment in December 2026 and their second instalment by June 2027.

International Students and Financial Documentation

International applicants should pay particular attention to the financial documentation requirements.

The scholarship is based partly on the student's economic situation, so applicants with family income or assets outside Italy must provide the documents required by the University for assessment.

Incomplete or incorrect financial documentation can affect the assessment of eligibility.

Students should therefore begin gathering relevant documents well before the September deadline.

Additional International Mobility Benefit

The University of Milan also provides an international mobility allowance linked to the regional scholarship.

Eligible scholarship recipients who participate in a University-certified study-abroad programme can receive an allowance of €600 per month, including other EU allowances received, for up to 10 months.

Travel expenses may also be reimbursed up to €100 for European destinations and €500 for destinations outside Europe, subject to the applicable rules.

This additional benefit can make the scholarship even more attractive for students who later participate in approved international mobility programmes.

Why Study at the University of Milan?

The University of Milan is one of Italy's major public universities and offers a wide range of degree programmes.

Students can pursue studies across fields including:

Economics
Business
Medicine
Law
Computer Science
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Political Science
Social Sciences
Humanities
Natural Sciences
Languages
Biotechnology

Studying in Milan can also expose students to one of Europe's important economic and cultural centres.

The city has strong connections with business, finance, technology, research, fashion and international organizations, providing students with a broad environment in which to develop academically and professionally.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Apply Early

Do not wait until September to begin preparing your application.

2. Check Your Financial Documents

International students should make sure their foreign income and asset documentation meets the University's requirements.

3. Read the Official Call

The annual call contains the detailed rules for eligibility, documentation, ranking and payments.

4. Maintain Academic Progress

Winning the scholarship does not necessarily mean you can ignore your academic performance. First-year students must meet the required credit conditions to maintain the benefit.

5. Monitor Your Online Account

After submitting your application, regularly check the University's Online Helpdesk for ranking updates and requests for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Milan Regional Scholarship fully funded?

It provides substantial financial support, tuition-related benefits and free meals, but the exact monetary amount and benefits depend on the student's circumstances and the official annual call.

What is the deadline for 2026/27?

The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Applications opened on 10 July 2026.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Eligible international students can apply, subject to the University's academic, financial and enrolment requirements.

Is the scholarship based only on academic merit?

No. Financial/economic conditions are an important part of the regional scholarship assessment. Academic merit is also relevant, particularly for students in later years and for maintaining the scholarship.

Do I need to be admitted before applying?

Applicants should follow the University's admission and scholarship procedures carefully. Prospective students must be registered on the University portal to access the Online Helpdesk for the scholarship application.

Do scholarship winners pay university fees?

Beneficiaries receive exemption from the applicable second instalment under the regional scholarship rules.

Official Application Link

University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27:

Application period: 10 July – 30 September 2026.

Applicants should use the official University of Milan website and Online Helpdesk to submit their application and verify the latest requirements.

Conclusion

The University of Milan Regional Scholarship 2026/27 is an excellent financial support opportunity for eligible students who want to study at the University of Milan in Italy.

The scholarship combines financial assistance with important educational benefits, including exemption from applicable university fees and free midday meals. Students who meet the relevant conditions can also benefit from additional opportunities such as international mobility support.

For international students, particularly those from families with limited financial resources, the programme can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Italy.

However, applicants should remember that eligibility is not automatic. Students must meet the University's enrolment, financial and academic requirements and provide accurate documentation.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the application window is 10 July to 30 September 2026.

If you are planning to apply, start preparing your admission and financial documents early, carefully read the official call, and submit your application before the deadline.

Official University of Milan scholarship page:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/financial-support/regional-scholarships