The IUPALS (Italian Universities for Palestinian Students) initiative offers fully funded scholarships to Palestinian students residing in the Palestinian Territories. The External Academic Relations Office is pleased to announce the fully funded IUPALS Scholarships for Palestinian Students offered by the University of Parma in Italy. This opportunity is part of a broader initiative coordinated by the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Italy in Jerusalem, to support Palestinian students through higher education in Italy.
The IUPALS Scholarships for Palestinian Students support enrollment in Master’s or Second Cycle degree programs in the University of Parma, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The program includes mandatory language course from June to October 2025. The Application Deadline is May 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Rome time).
University and Scholarships Details:
- Host University: University of Parma
- Host Country: Italy
- Location: Parma, Italy
- Ranking: It is ranked #951-1000 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
- Programs Offered: English-taught Master’s degrees
- Duration: 2 years
Available fields of study:
Nine English-taught Master’s programs at Parma University:
- Communication Engineering
- Engineering for the Food Industry
- Food Safety and Food Risk Management
- Functional and Sustainable Materials
- Global Food Law: Sustainability Challenges and Innovation
- Language Sciences and Cultural Studies for Special Needs
- Advanced Molecular Sciences for Health Products
- Data Science for Management
- Environmental Engineering for Risk Mitigation
IUPALS Scholarships for Palestinian Students Benefits
Each IUPALS scholarship provides:
- Each scholarship is worth €10,000 per year
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and partial food
- Health insurance or private policy
- Visa-related costs
- Academic materials, support services, and integration program
Scholarship Renewal Requirements:
- Year 1: Obtain at least 10 ECTS by August 10, 2026
- Year 2: Obtain 54 ECTS by August 10, 2027
- Graduate by March/April 2028 (extension possible based on merit)
Benefits Not Included
- Personal expenses beyond the provided stipend
- Travel costs to and from Italy (unless specified by the university)
- Expenses for dependents
Eligibility Criteria for IUPALS Scholarships for Palestinian Students
Applicants must:
- Must hold Palestinian nationality and reside in the Palestinian Territories (verified by Italian Consulate)
- Must have a degree qualifying for a second-cycle (Master’s) program in Italy
- English proficiency at B2 level (tested during interview)
- Must not have been previously enrolled at the University of Parma
- Only one application per student; cannot be combined with other scholarships
- Mandatory 5-month Italian language and culture course (June–October 2025)
Selection Criteria:
- Academic background and GPA
- Relevance of previous studies to the chosen program
- Quality of CV
- Interview evaluating motivation and English (only for those scoring at least 26/40 in the first phase)
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Motivation letter
- Any additional documents specified by the chosen university
IUPALS Scholarships for Palestinian Students Application Process
- Express Interest: Indicate your interest in the IUPALS scholarship.
- University Registration: Register on the chosen university’s application portal (e.g., ESSE3 for the University of Parma).
- Document Submission: Submit all required documents for pre-evaluation.
- Program Enrollment: Apply for the desired degree program through the university’s pre-admission portal.
- Language Course Registration: Enroll in the mandatory Italian language course by the specified deadline (e.g., May 23, 2025, for the University of Parma).
- Confirmation Email: Forward the confirmation receipt of your application to the university’s External Academic Relations Office
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Gather all necessary documents well in advance.
- Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate your academic goals and how they align with the program.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any academic or professional experiences pertinent to the chosen field of study.
- Prepare for the Interview: Practice speaking about your motivations and qualifications in English.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhere strictly to application guidelines and deadlines.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Italy
While the scholarship covers many expenses, students should budget for additional costs:
- Food and Groceries: Approximately €150–€250
- Transportation: Around €25–€50
- Personal Expenses: Varies based on lifestyle
Why Choose the IUPALS Scholarship?
- Comprehensive Support: Covers tuition, accommodation, and more.
- Cultural Integration: Mandatory Italian language course facilitates smoother adaptation.
- Academic Excellence: Opportunity to study at renowned Italian universities.
- Career Advancement: Enhances employability with international qualifications.
- Networking: Connect with a diverse student body and professionals in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply to multiple universities under the IUPALS program?
A: Yes, but you must submit separate applications to each university and cannot accept more than one scholarship.
Q2: Is the Italian language course mandatory for all students?
A: Yes, participation in the 5-month Italian language and culture course is mandatory.
Q3: What happens if I don’t meet the renewal criteria?
A: Failure to meet the academic requirements may result in the discontinuation of the scholarship.
Q4: Can I work while studying under the IUPALS scholarship?
A: Yes, international students in Italy can work part-time, but it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t interfere with academic commitments.
Q5: Are family members covered under the scholarship?
A: No, the scholarship benefits are solely for the recipient.
Official Links for More Details and Application
