Are you dreaming of studying in Italy on a funded scholarship? The University of Brescia STAR Scholarships 2026 could be your golden ticket. This prestigious scholarship program is specifically designed for talented non-EU students from developing and priority countries who want to pursue quality higher education in the heart of northern Italy. Whether you are interested in Medicine, Engineering, Economics, or Law — this scholarship opens the doors to world-class learning with real financial support.
In this complete guide, you will find everything you need to know about the STAR Scholarship Italy 2026/2027 — from eligibility and benefits to the application process and pro tips for winning the award.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
| Detail | Information |
| Scholarship Name | STAR Scholarships for Non-EU Students |
| Host Country | Italy 🇮🇹 |
| Host University | University of Brescia (Università degli Studi di Brescia) |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Number of Awards | 17 total (4 STAR “Students at Risk” + others) |
| Study Level | Foundation Year + Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 (12:00 PM Italian time – Master’s track) |
| Application Platform | PICA Online Platform (pica.cineca.it) |
| Official Website | unibs.it |
The application deadline for the Master’s (LMINT) STAR track is March 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM Italian time — so act fast and prepare your documents without delay.
University / Institution Details
The University of Brescia — locally known as Università degli Studi di Brescia — is a prestigious Italian public university located in Brescia, Lombardy, in northern Italy. Founded in 1982, the university has grown into a recognized center of academic excellence, offering programs across Medicine, Engineering, Economics, and Law — four powerful pillars that attract students from around the world.
Brescia itself is a historically rich, safe, and well-connected city in Italy — an easy train ride from Milan — making it a practical and exciting destination for international students. The University of Brescia is committed to global diversity and consistently offers structured scholarship programs to support talented non-EU students.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
Available Programs
- Master’s degrees taught in Italian or English
- Listed in the official Call for Applications
- B2 Italian required for Italian-taught programs
- B2 English required (or previous degree in English) for English-taught programs
Economy and Law:
- Banking and Finance (Banca e finanza)
- Labor Consultancy and Business Law (Consulente del lavoro e giurista d’impresa)
- Digital Economy and Business Management (Economia e azienda digitale)
- Business Economics and Management (Economia e gestione aziendale)
- Political and Social Sciences (Scienze politiche e sociali)
Medicine:
- Biotechnology (Biotecnologie)
- Nursing – Brescia campus (Infermieristica)
- Dental Hygiene (Igiene dentale)
- Obstetrics (Ostetricia)
- Motor Sciences (Scienze motorie)
- Biomedical Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Radiology Techniques
- Prevention Techniques in the Environment and Workplace
Engineering and Sustainable Agricultural Systems:
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental and Land Engineering
- Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering
- Computer Engineering (Ingegneria informatica)
- Industrial Automation Engineering
- Management Engineering
- Medical Engineering
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems (Sistemi agricoli sostenibili)
- Industrial Product and Process Techniques
This is an impressive and diverse lineup, meaning nearly every science and social science student has a chance to find a matching program.
University of Brescia STAR Scholarships Benefits
The University of Brescia STAR Scholarship 2026 is one of the most well-rounded funding packages available for non-EU students in Italy. Here is exactly what you receive:
- €6,132.10 grant
- Exemption from 2nd and 3rd tuition instalments
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Subsidized catering service
- Discounted public transport pass
- €500 refund for Italian health insurance
For the Foundation Year + Bachelor’s track specifically, the scholarship also includes a full waiver of Foundation Year tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year and may be renewed for subsequent years upon meeting academic performance requirements.
Benefits NOT Included
While the scholarship is highly generous, there are some costs you must cover yourself. Be financially prepared for:
- International flight tickets (travel to and from Italy)
- Visa application fees (you must apply and pay independently)
- Regional tax (~€156) which remains payable even with fee exemption
- Personal and leisure expenses
- Books, stationery, and laptop costs
- IELTS/language test fees (if required for your chosen program)
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Brescia STAR Scholarships
Before investing time in your application, confirm you meet every eligibility requirement. The scholarship is strictly reserved for students who:
- Citizen and resident of:
- A particularly poor/developing country or
- Cuba, Egypt, El Salvador, Jordan, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestinian Territories
- Degree obtained in a non-EU country
- First-time enrollment in an Italian university
- Final grade: Minimum 80/100 or GPA 3.2/4
- Language requirement:
- B2 Italian (for Italian programs)
- B2 English or English-taught degree (for English programs)
- Renewal Requirements
- Earn at least 24 ECTS credits by 10 August 2027
- Attend Italian language course (80% attendance)
OR - Pass Italian language test at the Linguistic Center
Required Documents for the Application
Gather and prepare the following documents carefully before starting your application on the PICA platform:
- Valid passport (international travel passport — strongly preferred)
- Academic degree certificate (high school diploma for bachelor’s / university degree for master’s) with:
- Name and level of qualification
- Final grade achieved (showing minimum and maximum possible scores)
- Year of completion
- Full name and address of the issuing institution
- Official academic transcripts (all years)
- Certificate of enrollment (if your final degree is not yet obtained)
- Proof of nationality and residence in an eligible country
- Motivation letter (explaining your goals and choice of program)
- Updated CV / Resume
- Language proficiency proof (for English-taught programs — check program-specific requirements)
University of Brescia STAR Scholarships Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for the University of Brescia STAR Scholarship 2026 is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Step 1 — Read the Official Call
Download and carefully read the official STAR Call for Applications from the University of Brescia website (unibs.it). Confirm your eligibility and understand all rules.
2nd Step — Choose Your Program
Select ONE eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree program from the approved list. You can only apply for one program and one scholarship per application.
Step 3 — Prepare All Documents
Collect every required document in the correct format. Get translations certified if needed. Make sure your academic grades meet the minimum requirements.
4th Step — Register on the PICA Platform
Create an account on the PICA online application platform (pica.cineca.it). This is the official portal used by Italian universities for scholarship applications.
Step 5 — Complete and Submit the Online Application
Fill in all required fields including name, surname, gender, date of birth, nationality, address, email, and telephone number. Upload all supporting documents.
6th Step — Print, Sign, Scan, and Re-Upload
After completing the form, you must print the application, sign it, scan it, and re-upload it to the PICA platform. This step is mandatory.
Step 7 — Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your full application before March 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM Italian time. Late submissions will not be considered.
8th Step — Apply for Student Visa via Universitaly
Once you receive the scholarship award notification, apply for your Italian student visa through the Universitaly portal within 10 days of the notification. Missing this window will result in your scholarship being revoked.
Tips for a Successful Application
Getting one of the 4 STAR “Students at Risk” awards is competitive but very achievable with the right approach. Here are practical tips:
- Apply early — do not wait until the last day. Technical issues on the PICA platform can cause delays.
- Tailor your motivation letter — clearly explain why you chose the University of Brescia, your career goals, and why you deserve this scholarship.
- Ensure your grades are above the minimum — a GPA of 3.2/4.0 is the threshold, but competitive applicants typically score higher.
- Double-check every document — missing or incorrectly formatted files are the most common reason for disqualification.
- Choose a program that genuinely matches your background — the selection committee looks for academic consistency.
- Get translations certified in advance — do not leave translations until the last minute.
- Check language requirements — if applying for an English-taught program, confirm whether you need an IELTS/TOEFL score beforehand.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Italy (USD)
Brescia is significantly more affordable than Milan or Rome, making it one of the best cities in Italy for student budgeting. Here is a realistic monthly expense estimate:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation (campus/shared flat) | $300 – $600 |
| Food and groceries | $200 – $350 |
| Local public transport | $30 – $60 |
| Utilities and mobile/internet | $50 – $100 |
| Books and study materials | $30 – $80 |
| Personal and leisure | $80 – $150 |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | $690 – $1,340 |
Keep in mind that the STAR Scholarship covers free on-campus accommodation, subsidized meals, and a discounted transport pass — which can reduce your actual monthly out-of-pocket expenses significantly below $700/month.
Why Choose the University of Brescia STAR Scholarship? (5 Strong Reasons)
1. Real Financial Relief — Not Just a Tuition Discount
The STAR Scholarship delivers a €6,132.10 cash grant plus free accommodation, meal subsidies, transport discount, and €500 health insurance reimbursement. This is one of the most comprehensive non-EU student funding packages in Italy.
2. Access to World-Class Italian Education
The University of Brescia is a respected public research university with strong programs in Engineering, Medicine, Economics, and Law. A degree from here carries genuine value in the European and international job market.
3. A Dedicated Category for Developing Country Students
The STAR “Students at Risk” category specifically targets students from Cuba, Egypt, El Salvador, Jordan, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestinian Territories, and other developing nations — meaning you are not competing against wealthy European or North American applicants.
4. Programs Available in Both English and Italian
Unlike many European scholarships that only support English-taught tracks, the STAR Scholarship covers both English-taught and Italian-taught programs, giving applicants far more flexibility in choosing the right degree.
5. Italian Student Visa Support Built Into the Process
The University of Brescia actively confirms your eligibility on the Universitaly portal — the same system used by Italian embassies and consulates to issue study visas. This official confirmation makes your visa process much smoother and more reliable.
6. A Gateway to Europe
Studying in Brescia means you are living in the heart of the EU’s Schengen Zone. You can travel freely across Europe, build professional networks, and potentially pursue career opportunities within the European Union after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the University of Brescia STAR Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
It is a highly funded scholarship that covers a €6,132.10 grant, tuition fee exemption, free accommodation, subsidized meals, a transport pass, and €500 health insurance support. However, it does not cover flights or visa fees, so it is not technically “fully funded” in the traditional sense.
Q2: What is the deadline for the STAR Scholarship 2026?
The deadline for the Master’s (LMINT) track is March 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM Italian time. Do not miss it — no exceptions are made.
Q3: How many STAR scholarships are available for 2026/2027?
There are 4 STAR “Students at Risk” scholarships within the overall 17-scholarship call for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Q4: Can students from Bangladesh apply for this scholarship?
Yes! Bangladesh is a developing country, and applicants from developing nations per Italian Decree No. 440/2024 are eligible to apply for the STAR Scholarship.
Q5: What platform is used to apply?
Applications must be submitted through the PICA online platform at pica.cineca.it.
Q6: Can I apply if I haven’t completed my degree yet?
If your final degree is not yet awarded, you must provide a certificate of enrollment as proof. However, all requirements must typically be met by the application deadline — check the official call document for exact rules.
Q7: Is knowledge of Italian required?
It depends on your chosen program. English-taught programs do not require Italian, but Italian-taught programs will expect language proficiency. For the Foundation Year track, Italian language instruction is part of the curriculum (240 hours).
Q8: Can I hold this scholarship alongside another grant?
No. The scholarship cannot be combined with other grants from Italian public bodies for the same academic year.
Application Deadline
- March 15, 2026 (12:00 PM)
- Apply here: https://pica.cineca.it/unibs/ammissionelaurea2026
Official Link:
The University of Brescia STAR Scholarships 2026 represent a remarkable opportunity for driven students from developing and priority countries to gain a high-quality Italian education with strong financial backing. With an application deadline of March 15, 2026, the window is short — so start preparing your documents today, choose your program wisely, craft a compelling motivation letter, and take that important step toward building your future in Italy.
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