Giulia is a university student navigating life in Italy, balancing academic deadlines with tight budgets and the complexities of the Italian bureaucracy. This hub covers the essential national support systems, from tuition fee waivers to transport discounts and healthcare, that help her survive and thrive across any Italian city.
🎓 Keeping tuition and costs down
University fees in Italy are income-dependent, and knowing how to prove your financial status is the difference between paying nothing and paying thousands.
ISEE Università
national · INPS
Who qualifies
Students from families with an equivalent economic situation indicator (ISEE) below a certain threshold.
What you get
Significant reduction or total exemption from university tuition fees.
What it actually costs you
Requires an annual ISEE declaration; takes about 10 days to process.
Common gotcha
You must renew it every single year before the enrollment deadline.
20states & territories — open one to see what it offers.
Abruzzo
Abruzzo offers targeted regional support for students in mountain communities and those attending the University of L'Aquila, focusing on housing and transport accessibility.
🏠 Making ends meet while studying
ADSU L'Aquila DSU Scholarship
Borsa di studio ADSU L'Aquila
state · Azienda per il Diritto agli Studi Universitari L'Aquila
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at the University of L'Aquila with an ISEE below €24,335.
What you get
Annual cash grant plus free canteen meals and potential housing access.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application by September; strict credit requirements.
Common gotcha
The deadline is very early in the academic year; missing it means no funding for the whole year.
Students with high GPA (30/30 average) in their final year of studies.
What you get
One-time cash prize of €1,000 to €2,000.
What it actually costs you
Official transcript and graduation certificate.
Common gotcha
Only open to students graduating within the standard duration of the course.
Abruzzo Regional Research Fellowship
Assegno di ricerca regionale
state · Regione Abruzzo
Who qualifies
Post-graduate students working on projects relevant to Abruzzo's economy.
What you get
Monthly stipend for 12-24 months of research.
What it actually costs you
Detailed research proposal and academic supervisor recommendation.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires alignment with regional innovation priorities.
Basilicata
Basilicata offers targeted regional support for university students to offset the costs of living in a rural-heavy region and to encourage local academic excellence.
💶 Money for my studies and living
ARDSU Basilicata Scholarship
Borse di studio ARDSU
state · Azienda Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at the University of Basilicata with an ISEE below a specific threshold.
What you get
Annual financial grant, free canteen meals, and potential accommodation assistance.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application before the autumn deadline.
Common gotcha
The ISEE calculation must be updated every year; missing the deadline means losing the entire year's benefit.
Students with high GPA and credits earned by the end of the academic year.
What you get
One-time cash bonus ranging from €500 to €1,500.
What it actually costs you
Automatic assessment based on university records, no separate application needed.
Common gotcha
Only counts exams registered by the official end-of-year cutoff date.
Student Transport Subsidy
Agevolazioni trasporto studenti
state · Regione Basilicata / Cotrab
Who qualifies
Students commuting to university campuses in Potenza or Matera.
What you get
Discounted monthly or annual bus passes.
What it actually costs you
Proof of enrollment and residence in the region.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every semester to reflect current enrollment status.
Off-campus Housing Contribution
Contributo affitto fuori sede
state · Regione Basilicata
Who qualifies
Students living away from their family home to attend university in Basilicata.
What you get
Partial reimbursement of rent costs for private apartments.
What it actually costs you
Registered rental contract and proof of payment.
Common gotcha
Only applies to regular rental contracts (contratti registrati); informal sublets are ineligible.
🚀 Internships and extra training
Regional Internship Program
Tirocini formativi regionali
state · Regione Basilicata
Who qualifies
Recent graduates or students in their final year of university.
What you get
Monthly stipend for internships hosted in regional companies or public offices.
What it actually costs you
Active search via regional job portals and CV submission.
Common gotcha
The internship must be approved by the university office to count as academic credit.
Digital Skills Voucher
Voucher competenze digitali
state · Regione Basilicata
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in STEM or digital-focused degree programs.
What you get
Voucher to cover 80% of costs for certified coding or digital marketing courses.
What it actually costs you
Enrollment in an accredited training provider.
Common gotcha
Vouchers are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out.
Calabria
Calabria offers targeted regional support for students navigating higher education in the south, focusing on reducing the heavy burden of transport and accommodation costs.
💶 Keeping my studies affordable
University of Magna Graecia DSU Scholarship
Borse di studio DSU - Università Magna Graecia
state · Fondazione Università Magna Graecia
Who qualifies
Students with an ISEE (equivalent economic situation indicator) below 24,335 Euro.
What you get
Annual cash grant plus free canteen meals and potential accommodation.
What it actually costs you
Requires annual ISEE certification and academic credit threshold; application via online portal.
Common gotcha
The ISEE must be updated every year; missing the deadline means losing the entire benefit.
Calabria Region Merit Scholarship
Borse di Studio al Merito Regione Calabria
state · Regione Calabria
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in Calabrian universities with high GPA and specific academic progress.
What you get
One-off excellence bonus ranging from 500 to 1,500 Euro.
What it actually costs you
Requires official transcript of records and certificate of enrollment.
Common gotcha
Often announced late in the academic year; keep checking the regional bulletin.
🚌 Moving between home and campus
Calabria Student Bus Pass Subsidy
Agevolazioni tariffarie studenti - Trasporto Pubblico Locale
state · Regione Calabria - Dipartimento Infrastrutture
Who qualifies
Students under 26 enrolled in regional universities or secondary schools.
What you get
Up to 50% discount on annual regional bus and train season tickets.
What it actually costs you
Requires student ID and proof of residence in Calabria.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific regional transport companies; check if your bus line is covered.
Ferrovie della Calabria Student Fare
Tariffa agevolata Ferrovie della Calabria
state · Ferrovie della Calabria
Who qualifies
All registered students using regional rail lines.
What you get
Reduced fare on daily commute tickets.
What it actually costs you
Must show valid university ID card at the ticket office.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to high-speed national trains, only regional lines.
Campania
Campania offers specific regional support for university students through the ADISURC agency, focusing on tuition waivers and transport subsidies for those living in the Naples metropolitan area and beyond.
🎓 Money to keep studying
ADISURC Regional Scholarship
Borsa di studio ADISURC
state · Azienda per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario della Regione Campania
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in Campania universities with an ISEE indicator below 24,335 EUR.
What you get
Annual cash grant plus free meals at university canteens and tuition fee exemption.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification, online application via SPID, and maintaining minimum academic credits.
Common gotcha
The deadline is strict and usually falls in early autumn; missing it means losing the entire year's benefit.
Students from low-income families who have already exhausted national transport vouchers.
What you get
Additional reimbursement for annual public transport subscriptions.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of purchase of the annual pass and ISEE documentation.
Common gotcha
Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis once the portal opens.
Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna offers some of the most robust regional support for university students in Italy, particularly through ER.GO, which makes living in expensive student hubs like Bologna significantly more affordable.
💶 Money to help me study and live
ER.GO Diritto allo Studio
Borse di studio ER.GO
state · Azienda Regionale per il Diritto agli Studi Superiori
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in regional universities with an ISEE below €24,335.
What you get
Requires ISEE certification and meeting merit-based credit requirements.
Common gotcha
The deadline is very strict and usually falls in late summer before the academic year starts.
You must renew your ISEE every year to keep the exemption.
🏥 Staying healthy on a budget
Supporto Psicologico Universitario
Sportello di ascolto psicologico
state · Azienda USL Emilia-Romagna
Who qualifies
Students registered at regional universities.
What you get
University ID card and booking via student portal.
Common gotcha
Waiting lists can be long; check your specific university's portal.
Regional Health Registration
Scelta del medico di base
state · Servizio Sanitario Regionale
Who qualifies
Students living away from home for study purposes.
What you get
Requires proof of domicile and university enrollment.
Common gotcha
You must cancel your previous GP registration in your home town.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers some of Italy's most generous regional study grants and transport subsidies for students attending the University of Trieste and Udine.
💶 Money to keep me studying
ARDIS Regional Study Grant
Borsa di studio ARDiS
state · Agenzia Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at FVG universities with an ISEE below 24,335 EUR.
What you get
Annual cash grant ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 EUR plus free canteen meals.
What it actually costs you
Online application via SPID; requires ISEE certification by September.
Common gotcha
The ISEE deadline is strict; missing it means automatic disqualification.
Liguria offers specific regional support for university students through ALiSEO, focusing on transport subsidies and housing aid for those studying in Genoa or La Spezia.
💶 Money to keep me studying
ALiSEO Regional Scholarship
Borsa di studio ALiSEO
state · ALiSEO Liguria
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at the University of Genoa with an ISEE under 24,335 euro.
What you get
Annual cash grant plus free canteen meals and potential housing support.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application via ALiSEO portal by September.
Common gotcha
The ISEE deadline is strict; if you miss it, you lose eligibility for the entire year.
Students with high GPA and specific credit requirements in their degree program.
What you get
One-off cash bonus for academic excellence.
What it actually costs you
Self-certification of academic records through the student portal.
Common gotcha
Often requires a minimum number of CFU credits earned by August.
🚌 Getting to class
Liguria Student Transport Discount
Agevolazione trasporti studenti Liguria
state · Regione Liguria / AMT
Who qualifies
Students under 26 enrolled in Ligurian universities.
What you get
Discounted annual bus and train pass for commuting.
What it actually costs you
Enrollment certificate and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every academic year; the discount is often applied directly to the AMT pass.
Trenitalia Liguria Student Top-up
Sconto treni studenti Liguria
state · Regione Liguria / Trenitalia
Who qualifies
Students commuting by regional train within Liguria.
What you get
Reduced fare on regional train monthly passes.
What it actually costs you
Application through the Trenitalia portal with student ID.
Common gotcha
Only valid for regional trains, not Intercity or Frecciabianca.
LombardyLombardia
Lombardy offers the most robust regional support for students in Italy, featuring extensive transport subsidies and merit-based grants that bridge the gap between high tuition costs and living expenses in Milan.
💶 Money for my studies and rent
Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) Scholarship
Diritto allo Studio Universitario
state · Regione Lombardia
Who qualifies
Students with an ISEE value below 24,335 EUR and ISPE below 52,900 EUR.
What you get
Annual cash grant, free canteen meals, and potential accommodation support.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application via university portal; strict deadlines in late summer.
Common gotcha
The ISEE calculation is complex; if you don't update it annually, you lose eligibility automatically.
Students in Marche benefit from a highly integrated regional support system focused on affordable housing and transport, managed primarily through the regional agency ERDIS.
🏠 Money for housing and food
ERDIS Regional Scholarship
Borsa di studio ERDIS
state · Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at Marche universities with an ISEE indicator below a specific threshold.
What you get
Annual monetary grant, free canteen meals, and potential accommodation in student residences.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application via the ERDIS portal before the autumn deadline.
Common gotcha
The ISEE deadline is strict; missing it means automatic disqualification even if you are eligible.
Students under 26 years old enrolled in regional universities.
What you get
Reduced rates on regional bus and train season tickets.
What it actually costs you
Requires a student certificate from your university portal.
Common gotcha
The discount is often applied directly at the ticket office or via the regional transport app.
ATMA Student Pass
Abbonamento ATMA studenti
municipal · ATMA Ancona
Who qualifies
Students residing or studying in the Ancona province.
What you get
Discounted monthly or annual pass for urban bus lines.
What it actually costs you
Requires a passport photo and student ID.
Common gotcha
You must renew the student status annually to keep the discount active.
Molise
Molise offers unique regional support for students in the South, focusing on reducing the cost of living and transport in a rural, mountainous landscape.
💶 Keeping my studies affordable
ESU Molise Diritto allo Studio
Borse di Studio ESU Molise
state · Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at the University of Molise with an ISEE below a specific threshold.
What you get
Annual scholarship covering tuition fees, a cash stipend, and free canteen meals.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and submission of online application before the autumn deadline.
Common gotcha
The ISEE deadline is strict; if you miss it, you lose eligibility for the entire academic year.
Students with a high GPA (media voti) in their final year of high school or university.
What you get
One-time cash bonus ranging from €500 to €1,500.
What it actually costs you
Requires official transcript and application during the summer window.
Common gotcha
Often limited to specific STEM or regional-priority degree programs.
🚌 Moving between campuses and home
Agevolazioni Trasporto Studenti Molise
state · Regione Molise / Trasporti
Who qualifies
Students under 26 residing in Molise using regional bus or rail lines.
What you get
Up to 50% discount on monthly or annual regional transport passes.
What it actually costs you
Requires student ID and residency certificate; processed at local transport hubs.
Common gotcha
Only valid for regional lines; does not apply to inter-regional trains (e.g., to Rome or Naples).
Bonus Mobilità Sostenibile Molise
state · Regione Molise
Who qualifies
Students purchasing a bicycle or e-bike for commuting to university.
What you get
Reimbursement of 30% of the purchase price up to €200.
What it actually costs you
Receipt of purchase and proof of university enrollment.
Common gotcha
Limited annual budget; funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
PiedmontPiemonte
Piedmont offers students in Turin and across the region significant support for higher education costs, regional transportation subsidies, and specialized housing grants that make living in a historic university hub affordable.
🎓 Money to study and stay in school
EDISU Piedmont Scholarship
Borsa di studio EDISU
state · Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at Piedmont universities with an ISEE (financial indicator) below a specific threshold.
What you get
Annual cash grant plus free or subsidized meals at university canteens.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification; application deadline is usually in late summer.
Common gotcha
The ISEE value must be updated every year; missing the deadline means losing eligibility for the entire academic year.
Students commuting between different provinces in Piedmont.
What you get
Discounted integrated travel across different transport operators in the region.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid university ID and proof of residence.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every semester to match the academic calendar.
ApuliaPuglia
Puglia offers students significant regional support for university fees, transport, and cultural access through the ADISU system and regional mobility grants.
🎓 Making Uni affordable
ADISU Puglia DSU Scholarship
Borsa di Studio ADISU Puglia
state · ADISU Puglia
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in Puglia universities with an ISEE indicator below 24,335 EUR.
What you get
Annual cash grant, free canteen meals, and potential accommodation support.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application via the ADISU portal before the autumn deadline.
Common gotcha
The ISEE must be updated every year; failing to renew it by the deadline disqualifies you automatically.
Sardinian graduates seeking to pursue post-graduate studies outside the island.
What you get
Full or partial coverage of tuition fees and living expenses for master's programs abroad.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application with academic CV and project proposal.
Common gotcha
You must commit to returning to Sardinia to work after the program ends.
Regional No-Tax Area Top-up
state · Regione Sardegna
Who qualifies
Students with low household income who exceed the national no-tax threshold.
What you get
Full exemption from university regional taxes.
What it actually costs you
Automatic application based on ISEE declaration.
Common gotcha
It only covers regional taxes, not university administrative fees.
🚌 Getting around the island
Student Transport Subsidy
Agevolazioni tariffarie studenti
state · ARST Sardegna
Who qualifies
Students under 26 enrolled in Sardinian universities.
What you get
Reduced rates on regional buses and ARST trains.
What it actually costs you
Requires a student ID card and proof of enrollment, issued at transport hubs.
Common gotcha
The discount is not valid on private bus lines, only ARST-operated routes.
Territorial Continuity Discount
Continuità territoriale
state · Regione Sardegna
Who qualifies
Residents of Sardinia, including students studying on the mainland.
What you get
Fixed, reduced airfare prices for flights between Sardinia and major Italian hubs like Rome or Milan.
What it actually costs you
Must show proof of residency at check-in.
Common gotcha
Seats are limited; book well in advance during peak holiday seasons.
SicilySicilia
Sicily provides specific regional support for students navigating the challenges of island geography, high youth unemployment, and the need for regional mobility.
💶 Keeping my studies affordable
ERSU Regional Study Grant
Borse di studio ERSU
state · Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in Sicilian universities with an ISEE below a specific threshold.
What you get
Requires ISEE certification and meeting credit accumulation targets.
Common gotcha
The credit requirement is strict; if you don't pass enough exams by August, you have to pay the money back.
Requires annual ISEE submission and proof of enrollment.
Common gotcha
It does not cover the regional tax (tassa regionale) which must be paid separately.
🚌 Moving around the island
Student Transport Pass Subsidy
Agevolazioni trasporti studenti Sicilia
state · AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti)
Who qualifies
Students under 26 commuting to university via regional bus lines.
What you get
Requires student ID and proof of residence.
Common gotcha
Only valid on specific regional lines; doesn't cover city-specific metro/tram tickets in Palermo or Catania.
Regional Train Student Discount
Offerta studenti Trenitalia Sicilia
state · Trenitalia / Regione Siciliana
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in Sicilian universities using regional trains.
What you get
Requires 'Carta Tutto Treno' or regional student certification.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every academic year; doesn't work on high-speed trains.
Trentino-Alto Adige
Trentino-Alto Adige offers unique regional autonomy, providing robust student mobility grants and specialized language-based support for university students in the Alps.
💶 Money for my studies and living
Opera Universitaria Scholarship
Borsa di studio Opera Universitaria
state · Opera Universitaria di Trento
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at the University of Trento meeting specific ISEE income thresholds.
What you get
Annual financial grant plus free or subsidized canteen meals and accommodation.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE-U certificate; deadline usually in late summer.
Common gotcha
The ISEE-U calculation is strictly based on family income; ensure your tax records are updated before June.
Students renting private accommodation in Bolzano.
What you get
Monthly contribution toward private rent costs.
What it actually costs you
Registered rental contract (contratto di locazione) required.
Common gotcha
The contract must be officially registered with the Revenue Agency.
Bilingualism Support Program
Servizio bilinguismo
state · Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano
Who qualifies
Students needing language certification for regional employment.
What you get
Free language courses and certification exams.
What it actually costs you
Registration time; exam slots fill up months in advance.
Common gotcha
The 'Patentino' is essential for public sector jobs in the region.
TuscanyToscana
Tuscany offers some of the most robust regional financial support for university students in Italy, particularly through DSU Toscana, which makes higher education accessible regardless of family income.
💶 Money to study and live
DSU Toscana Scholarship
Borsa di studio DSU Toscana
state · Azienda Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in Tuscan universities with an ISEE (equivalent economic situation indicator) below 26,000 EUR.
What you get
Annual cash grant, free canteen meals, and potential accommodation in student residences.
What it actually costs you
Requires annual ISEE certification and online application via DSU portal before the autumn deadline.
Common gotcha
You must maintain a minimum number of ECTS credits per year to keep the scholarship; falling behind means paying it back.
Students commuting to university using bicycles or public transport.
What you get
Voucher to cover 50% of the cost of a new bicycle or annual transit pass.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of purchase and university enrollment status.
Common gotcha
Funds are released in batches; you must monitor the regional portal for the 'bando' opening.
Umbria
Umbria offers specialized regional support for university students in Perugia and Terni, focusing on housing subsidies and local transport integration.
🏠 Keeping a roof over my head and food on the table
ADISU Umbria DSU Scholarship
Borsa di studio ADISU Umbria
state · Agenzia per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at University of Perugia or Perugia for Foreigners with ISEE below €24,335.
What you get
Annual cash grant plus free or subsidized meals at university canteens.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application via ADISU portal by late August.
Common gotcha
The deadline is strict; missing it means you lose the benefit for the entire academic year.
Reduced fare for the automated transit system connecting the city center to the outskirts.
What it actually costs you
Must show valid university ID at the ticket office.
Common gotcha
The discount is often loaded onto the same smart card used for Busitalia.
Aosta ValleyValle d'Aosta
As a student in Italy's smallest autonomous region, you benefit from unique regional tuition waivers and transport subsidies tailored to the alpine geography.
🎓 Keeping my studies affordable
Regional DSU Scholarship
Borsa di studio DSU Valle d'Aosta
state · Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at the University of Valle d'Aosta with an ISEE below 24,000 EUR.
What you get
Annual cash grant plus free canteen meals and potential tuition fee exemption.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certificate and online application via the regional portal in late summer.
Common gotcha
You must maintain a minimum number of university credits (CFU) by August to keep the scholarship for the next year.
Students enrolled in regional schools or universities.
What you get
Reduced seasonal ski pass for all Aosta Valley resorts.
What it actually costs you
Proof of enrollment and a passport-sized photo.
Common gotcha
Must be purchased before the season starts in November.
VenetoVèneto
Veneto offers specific regional support for students through ESU (Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario) which manages scholarships, housing, and canteen access for those attending universities like Ca' Foscari or Padova.
💶 Money for uni and daily life
ESU Regional Scholarship
Borsa di studio ESU
state · Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in Veneto universities with an ISEE below a specific threshold.
What you get
Annual financial grant plus fee exemption and free/discounted meals.
What it actually costs you
Requires ISEE certification and online application before the autumn deadline.
Common gotcha
The ISEE deadline is very strict; if you miss it, you lose the scholarship for the year.
