Are you aspiring to study in Italy for free or with comprehensive funding? The University of Pisa Scholarship 2026 offers international students a unique opportunity to pursue world-class education. This guide provides all you need to know, including application details, deadlines, eligibility, benefits, monthly living expenses, and expert tips for success.
Basic Information About the University of Pisa Scholarships 2026
- Scholarship Name: University of Pisa DSU Scholarship 2026 (also known as the DSU Toscana Regional Scholarship)
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, select PhDs
- Eligible Nationalities: All international students
- Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully funded for tuition, accommodation, meals, and living stipend (for the DSU Scholarship).
“The University of Pisa DSU Scholarship is a fully-funded opportunity for undergraduates and postgraduate applicants covering the full tuition fees and living stipends, accommodation, and meals.”
University/Institution Details
- University: University of Pisa (Università di Pisa)
- Location: Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Year Established: 1343 (one of the oldest universities in the world)
- Total Departments: 20
- Ranking: Among Italy’s top 8 universities; top 1-2% globally.
- Notable Alumni: Galileo Galilei, Enrico Fermi, Vito Volterra
The university is renowned for its research excellence, academic diversity, and vibrant student life. Pisa’s rich history, culture, and close-knit international community make it a prime destination for study abroad.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The University of Pisa offers 148 degree programs across six major areas:
- Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
- Humanities
- Engineering
- Medicine and Pharmacy
- Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences
- Legal, Economic and Social Sciences
New programs for 2025–2026 feature:
- Bachelor’s in Food Sciences
- Bachelor’s in Professional Education (Medicine)
- Master’s in Digital Intelligence and Change Management (Economics)
- Master’s in Environmental and Climate Sciences
English-taught Programs Include:
Scholarship Benefits
The DSU Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive scholarships in Europe:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Full tuition fee exemption |
| Annual Stipend | €7,200 (approx. $7,770) credited to your account each year |
| Accommodation | Free university-provided lodging |
| Meals | Free meals at university dining halls |
| Books & Extra Activities | Contribution for books, sport, cultural and extracurricular activities |
| Transport | Partial support via stipend |
Other merit-based and government scholarships (IYT, UNIPI Merit, MAECI) may offer tuition reduction, Italian language courses, or in-company training.
Benefits Not Included
- Visa/Residence permit fees
- Health insurance (mandatory for non-EU students)
- Travel expenses to/from Italy
- Personal expenses outside the covered stipend
- Non-university housing (unless specified)
- Graduate placement services
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
- You must be an international student
- You must apply/admit to a degree program at University of Pisa
- You must NOT already have a qualification of the same level as the target program (e.g., no Master’s if you already have a Master’s)
- No need for IELTS/TOEFL (proficiency in English mandatory for English-taught courses)
- You must document your family’s economic status, translated and legalized as required
- Academic merit may be considered for merit- and IYT-based scholarships
Required Documents for the Application
- Completed application form (via the official portal)
- Certificate of family economic status (translated and legalized)
- Valid passport copy
- Educational transcripts, degree certificates
- Language proficiency certificate (for English-taught/Italian-taught programs as applicable)
- Motivation letter (if required for certain scholarships like IYT)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – for select programs
- Other documents: Family status, income, property/assets (translated and legalized)
Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Apply for Admission
Apply to your chosen Bachelor’s/Master’s program at the University of Pisa online. - Access the Scholarship Portal
Register or login to the official “Sportello Studente” portal. - Complete the Scholarship Application
Fill out the DSU Scholarship (or relevant) application form online. - Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload all documents as required (make sure they are translated and legalized). - Submit Before Deadline
Ensure your application is submitted by September 5, 2025. - Provisional Rankings
Provisional lists are released in late September; check your status on the portal. - Final Rankings & Results
Final results usually published in November. - Visa & Pre-Departure
If awarded, proceed with the visa process using your official acceptance and scholarship confirmation.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start the process early (admissions and document legalization can take weeks).
- Carefully read all instructions on the official DSU and University of Pisa websites.
- Translate and legalize economic/family documents as soon as possible.
- Write a clear and personalized motivation letter if needed.
- Double-check the submission of all required documents.
- Maintain excellent grades (where merit scholarships are concerned).
- For non-EU applicants, prepare for the visa process in advance.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
While covered by the DSU scholarship, knowing average expenses is vital for budgeting:
| Category | Amount (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $280–$780 |
| Food | $170–$340 |
| Transportation | $28–$56 |
| Utilities/Internet | $56–$112 |
| Miscellaneous | $110–$220 |
| Total | $640–$1,500 per month |
Note: University scholarships often cover most essentials, but your budget may vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation type.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Fully Funded: Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and a generous stipend—minimizing financial stress.
- No IELTS/TOEFL Required: Most programs do not require expensive English tests, making it more accessible.
- World-Class University: University of Pisa is internationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence.
- Wide Range of Programs: Options in STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences, and more, with many English-taught programs.
- Cultural Immersion in Italy: Live in a picturesque, historical city, benefiting from Italian lifestyle, gastronomy, and arts.
Additional benefits: Internationally diverse student community, strong employability outcomes, and travel opportunities within the Schengen Area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the University of Pisa DSU Scholarship open to all nationalities?
A: Yes, both EU and Non-EU students can apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Q: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and a yearly stipend of approximately $7,770.
Q: Can I apply for more than one type of scholarship at Pisa?
A: Some scholarships may not be combined (e.g., IYT and DSU), so check each scholarship’s terms.
Q: Do I need to know Italian?
A: No, for many programs, English is sufficient. However, knowledge of Italian is helpful for everyday life. Some programs and courses are Italian-only.
Q: Do I need to be admitted to the University to apply for the DSU Scholarship?
A: You can apply for the DSU Scholarship even if admission is still being processed, but you must enroll if you win.
Q: How competitive is the scholarship?
A: Highly competitive—applicants should ensure a strong academic profile and complete, accurate applications.
Final Thoughts
The University of Pisa Scholarship 2026 is a golden opportunity to study at one of Italy’s historic universities with comprehensive financial support. Prepare early, submit a strong application before the September 5, 2025 deadline, and embark on an enriching academic journey in the heart of Tuscany!
Ready to apply? Begin your application process as soon as possible to maximize your chances of success!