How to Study in Italy for Free: DSU Scholarship Guide for Pakistani Students (2027)

Italy is one of the few European countries where international students can study at a public university with little or no tuition and receive money towards living costs. The reason is the regional right-to-study scholarship, usually called the DSU scholarship (Diritto allo Studio Universitario). This guide explains how it works and how Pakistani students can apply for the September 2027 intake.

What is the DSU scholarship?

Each Italian region runs its own agency that supports university students, for example in Lombardy, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont or Tuscany. These agencies offer scholarships based mainly on family income and assets, and on academic progress after the first year.

Depending on the region and your family's financial situation, the scholarship can include:

• A full or partial tuition fee waiver at the public university
• A yearly cash stipend paid in instalments
• Subsidised or free accommodation in student residences
• Meals at university canteens

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is decided by the regional agency, not by the university. In general you need:

• An admission (or pre-enrolment) at a public university in that region
• Family income and assets below the limits set in that year's call
• Official family income and property documents from Pakistan, translated and legalised as required
• After the first year, enough academic credits (ECTS) to keep the scholarship

Documents you will usually need

• Passport
• Family income certificates and tax documents for the required year
• Property / asset documents (or a certificate stating there are none)
• Family composition certificate
• Translations and legalisation or apostille, as the region requires
• University admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment summary

Timeline for the September 2027 intake

1. 1
   Now – early 2027: choose programmes and apply to universities. Many open applications from late autumn onwards.
2. 2
   Spring 2027: receive admission and complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for the visa.
3. 3
   Spring – summer 2027: prepare income documents and apply for DSU when the regional call opens, often in summer.
4. 4
   Summer 2027: apply for your student visa at the embassy.
5. 5
   September 2027: start classes. Scholarship results and payments follow the region's calendar.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting too late. Income documents and legalisation take weeks.
• Choosing a university only by ranking, without checking that region's scholarship rules.
• Incomplete or inconsistent family income documents.
• Missing the DSU deadline. It is separate from the university deadline.

Can we help?

Career Counselors guides students through university shortlisting, admission, Universitaly pre-enrolment, DSU documentation and the visa file. Message us with your academic details and we'll tell you honestly which options fit your profile.

Frequently asked questions