Scholarships in Italy

Italy has two main scholarships for international students, and they work in completely different ways. The DSU grant is based on your family’s income and is paid by the region where you study. The MAECI scholarship is a government award based on merit. Many students apply for both.

DSU vs MAECI

DSU grantMAECI scholarship

Based onFamily incomeMerit
Who paysYour regionItalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
LevelsBachelor’s, master’s, PhDMaster’s, PhD, research, Italian language courses
Key documentISEE ParificatoAdmission to an Italian programme
GuideDSU guideMAECI guide

Why Your Region Matters
Each Italian region runs its own DSU office, with its own deadlines, amounts and rules. A grant in Lombardy is not the same as one in Tuscany. Compare them in our DSU by region guide.

The Document That Decides Your DSU Grant
Your DSU amount depends on a family income figure called ISEE Parificato. International students must prepare it with documents from their home country, and mistakes here are the most common reason for losing the grant. Use our ISEE Parificato calculator and step-by-step guide.

Common Questions
Can I get both DSU and MAECI?
Check the rules of both calls carefully. Many scholarships do not allow you to hold two public grants at once, so you may have to choose.
When is the MAECI deadline?
For the 2026-27 call, the deadline was 26 March 2026. The next call is usually announced in early spring. Check the official Study in Italy portal.

Checked October 2026. Always confirm details with your regional DSU office and the official MAECI call.