University of Pisa Scholarship 2027: Eligibility, Deadline & Process

The University of Pisa Scholarship 2027 is an opportunity worth watching if you want to study in Italy without carrying the full cost of tuition, accommodation and everyday living expenses yourself.

For most international students, the main funding opportunity connected to the University of Pisa is the DSU Toscana Scholarship. It is a regional scholarship available to eligible students attending universities in Tuscany, including the University of Pisa.

The attractive part is that the DSU scholarship is not restricted to Italian students. The University of Pisa states that students from any country who intend to enrol or are already enrolled in an eligible degree programme can apply. Successful applicants may receive a tuition fee exemption, free accommodation or a housing contribution, free meals and a cash allowance for other expenses.

For Nigerian and other non-EU applicants, however, there is an important point to understand. The 2027/2028 DSU scholarship call has not yet been released as of August 2026. The current 2026/2027 application opened on 20 July 2026 and closes at 1:00 p.m. Italian time on 7 September 2026 for bachelor’s and master’s students.

This article therefore explains how the University of Pisa scholarship works, what it covers, who can apply and how students preparing for 2027 entry can get ready without relying on unconfirmed deadlines.

What Is the University of Pisa Scholarship 2027?

When students talk about the University of Pisa Scholarship, they are usually referring to the DSU Toscana Scholarship, rather than a single scholarship funded directly by the University of Pisa.

DSU Toscana is the regional organisation responsible for the right to university education in Tuscany. It provides scholarships, accommodation, meals and other student support to eligible students studying at institutions in cities such as Pisa, Florence and Siena.

At the University of Pisa, the scholarship can support students enrolled in:

• Bachelor’s degree programmes
• Single-cycle degree programmes
• Master’s degree programmes
• Eligible specialisation programmes
• PhD programmes, provided the student is not already receiving a PhD scholarship

The University of Pisa confirms that DSU and the university itself are different institutions. Scholarship applications are handled by DSU Toscana, not through the normal University of Pisa admission portal.

This means you will normally deal with two processes:

1. Admission to the University of Pisa
2. A separate application for the DSU Toscana scholarship

Understanding this difference can save you from applying on the wrong portal.

University of Pisa Scholarship Benefits

The DSU Toscana scholarship provides more than a simple tuition discount.

According to the University of Pisa, the scholarship may include:

• Exemption from university tuition fees
• Free accommodation in a DSU university residence or a rent contribution for eligible students living away from home
• Free meals at DSU university canteens
• A monetary allowance for additional expenses such as books, study materials and other student needs

The value of the cash component is not the same for every student.

The amount depends on factors such as the applicant’s financial circumstances and whether the student is classified as living on-site, commuting or living away from home.

For this reason, be careful with websites that advertise one fixed amount as the “University of Pisa Scholarship 2027 amount”. The final amount is determined according to the applicable DSU rules for that academic year.

Does the Scholarship Cover Full Tuition?

Eligible DSU scholarship recipients receive an exemption from university tuition fees.

This can be particularly valuable for international students.

For comparison, the University of Pisa states that its maximum all-inclusive tuition contribution for the 2026/2027 academic year is €2,900, although reductions are available depending on a student’s financial situation.

A DSU award can therefore remove a significant part of the cost of studying at Pisa.

Students may still encounter certain administrative or statutory charges depending on their circumstances and the rules applicable for the year, so always read the final 2027/2028 scholarship notice when it becomes available.

Can Nigerian Students Apply for the University of Pisa Scholarship?

Yes.

The University of Pisa states clearly that the DSU scholarship is open to students from any country who intend to enrol or are already enrolled in an eligible University of Pisa programme.

This includes Nigerian applicants.

As a Nigerian applicant, you will fall under the rules for students from outside the European Union. This means your financial documentation may need additional preparation.

DSU Toscana states that documentation for non-EU students must generally be translated into Italian and legalised through the appropriate Italian diplomatic authorities.

This is one reason Nigerian students should start preparing months before the scholarship deadline.

University of Pisa Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

The exact eligibility thresholds for 2027/2028 will be published in the new DSU call.

However, the scholarship generally considers two important areas:

Financial circumstances

DSU is primarily a right-to-study scholarship. Your household income and assets are important parts of the assessment.

International applicants may need to provide documents showing their family’s financial position, including income, property and financial assets.

Academic requirements

Students must also meet the academic or merit conditions stated in the annual scholarship call.

The requirements may differ between first-year students and students continuing into later years.

For a new international applicant, your immediate priority should be gaining admission to an eligible University of Pisa programme and meeting the financial requirements in the DSU call.

You must not already have an equivalent degree

The University of Pisa states that applicants who already hold a qualification at the same level for which they are requesting the scholarship are not eligible.

For example, if you already have a master’s degree and are enrolling for another master’s degree, you cannot receive the DSU scholarship for that second qualification.

Required Documents for International Students

Document preparation is one of the most important parts of the application, especially for Nigerian and other non-EU students.

DSU Toscana’s current rules require foreign applicants to provide financial information based on their family circumstances.

Common documents include the following.

Family composition certificate

You may need an official document showing the members of your family.

This normally identifies parents, siblings and other relevant members of the household.

Special documents may also be required if:

• A parent is deceased
• Parents are divorced
• A parent is missing
• A guardian is responsible for the student
• The applicant is an orphan

DSU provides specific instructions for these situations.

Family income documents

International applicants must provide evidence of the income earned by adult members of the family during the relevant reference year.

For the current 2026/2027 application, DSU requests financial information relating to income earned in 2025.

The reference year for the 2027/2028 application may be different, so do not prepare your final documents using the 2026/2027 year without checking the new call.

Property documents

Applicants may be required to declare properties owned by members of their household.

DSU currently requires information on buildings and other real estate, including ownership and size.

Bank and other financial assets

Information about bank accounts, deposits, prepaid cards, investments and other financial assets may also be required.

DSU Toscana publishes detailed rules explaining which financial assets foreign applicants must report.

Academic documents

Depending on your programme and admission stage, you should also prepare:

• International passport
• Secondary school certificate for bachelor’s applicants
• Bachelor’s degree certificate for master’s applicants
• Academic transcript
• Proof of language proficiency where required
• Curriculum vitae for programmes that request it
• Any programme-specific documents

The university admission requirements are separate from the financial documents required for DSU.

Translation and Legalisation for Nigerian Applicants

Nigerian applicants should pay close attention to this requirement.

DSU Toscana states that documentation from non-EU countries must generally be translated into Italian and legalised by the Italian diplomatic authorities in the country of origin.

Do not assume that uploading an English document is always enough simply because English is Nigeria’s official language.

The DSU financial-document rules are separate from the University of Pisa’s admission requirements.

Before spending money on translation or legalisation, check the final 2027/2028 DSU instructions because document procedures can be updated.

University of Pisa Scholarship 2027 Deadline

The official deadline for the 2027/2028 DSU Toscana Scholarship has not yet been announced as of August 2026.

For reference, the current 2026/2027 call:

• Opened on 20 July 2026 at 12:00 noon
• Closes on 7 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Italian time for bachelor’s, master’s and single-cycle degree students

The 2026/2027 call was officially published on 20 July 2026.

Based on this timetable, students interested in the University of Pisa Scholarship 2027/2028 should begin monitoring the DSU Toscana website from around July 2027.

That is a preparation recommendation based on the current cycle, not an announced 2027 deadline.

Do not publish or rely on a specific September 2027 closing date until DSU Toscana releases the official call.

Do You Need Admission Before Applying for the DSU Scholarship?

You do not necessarily have to complete final enrolment before submitting the DSU application.

The University of Pisa states that the scholarship is open both to students already enrolled and those who wish to enrol in an eligible programme.

However, your scholarship will ultimately depend on your enrolment in an eligible institution and programme.

For an international student, the safest approach is to begin your University of Pisa admission process as early as possible rather than waiting for the DSU application to open.

How to Apply for University of Pisa Admission

International applicants should first find a suitable programme and check its individual admission requirements.

The University of Pisa offers bachelor’s, master’s, single-cycle and postgraduate programmes. It also currently offers 17 master’s degree programmes and an MBA taught entirely in English.

For English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes that use the University of Pisa International Office portal, applicants can apply through:

University of Pisa International Admission Portal:
https://applymscenglish.unipi.it/

The university states that this portal allows international candidates to apply for admission to eligible bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes taught in English.

Admission procedures can differ by course, so always open the programme page before applying.

How to Apply for University of Pisa Scholarship 2027

The scholarship process should look like this.

Step 1: Choose a University of Pisa programme

Visit the University of Pisa website and select an eligible bachelor’s, master’s or other supported programme.

Check:

• Academic requirements
• Language requirements
• Admission deadline
• Course language
• Application procedure
• Visa requirements

Do not choose a course simply because you want the scholarship. Choose a programme that matches your academic background and career plans.

Step 2: Apply for University of Pisa admission

Complete the required university admission process.

For relevant English-taught programmes, the official international application portal is:

Upload clear and accurate copies of all required academic documents.

Step 3: Prepare your DSU financial documents

Do not wait until July to start collecting Nigerian documents.

Prepare documents covering:

• Family composition
• Household income
• Property
• Bank and financial assets

Because non-EU documentation may require Italian translation and legalisation, leaving this until the final weeks can create problems.

Step 4: Wait for the 2027/2028 DSU call

Monitor the official DSU Toscana website:

The official University of Pisa DSU information page is also useful:

Once the new call appears, read it from beginning to end before submitting anything.

Step 5: Create or access your DSU account

Scholarship applications are submitted online through the official Sportello Studente portal.

For the current cycle, the University of Pisa identifies this as the official DSU application platform.

Official DSU student portal:

Step 6: Complete the scholarship application

Enter your personal, academic and financial information carefully.

Upload the required supporting documents in the requested format.

Do not provide estimates when an official financial document is required.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline

DSU deadlines are strict.

Aim to complete the application several days before closing, especially if you are uploading foreign documents.

Save your submission receipt and any confirmation generated by the portal.

Step 8: Complete admission and enrolment requirements

A scholarship application does not replace university admission.

Continue with your University of Pisa admission, pre-enrolment and visa procedures as required.

Non-EU students who need an Italian study visa generally also complete the required pre-enrolment process through the official Universitaly system.

Is IELTS Required?

There is no single IELTS requirement for the DSU scholarship itself.

Language requirements come mainly from your chosen University of Pisa degree programme.

An English-taught master’s programme may require proof of English proficiency, while an Italian-taught programme may have Italian language requirements.

Some programmes accept different forms of language evidence.

Always check the specific degree page instead of assuming that every University of Pisa applicant needs IELTS.

Is There an Application Fee for the DSU Scholarship?

The DSU scholarship application is submitted through the official regional portal.

Applicants should never pay an agent merely to obtain the scholarship form.

If someone asks you to pay a “University of Pisa Scholarship application fee” into a personal bank account, verify the request through the official DSU or university website before making any payment.

Other Scholarships Available at the University of Pisa

DSU Toscana is not the only funding route that international students may encounter.

MAECI Scholarship

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commonly called MAECI, offers scholarships to eligible international students each year.

For 2026/2027, the scholarship provides €10,800 for nine months and an exemption from university tuition fees, although recipients still pay the regional tax and stamp duty.

Eligible programmes include master’s degrees, research projects, some PhD-related study and Italian language and culture courses, subject to the official rules.

Applications are made through the Italian government’s Study in Italy portal:

The 2027/2028 MAECI call has not yet been released, so applicants should check the new country list and requirements when it opens.

Invest Your Talent in Italy

The University of Pisa also participates in selected programmes under Invest Your Talent in Italy.

For 2026/2027, the award provides €10,800, tuition fee exemption, an Italian language course and a mandatory internship with an Italian company.

However, Nigeria is not included in the 2026/2027 list of eligible countries published on the University of Pisa page.

Nigerian applicants should therefore not plan around this scholarship unless Nigeria is added when the 2027/2028 call is released.

University of Pisa Merit Scholarships

You may also find older information online about UniPi Merit Scholarships.

The current University of Pisa merit scholarship page still describes awards made for the 2024/2025 academic year, including 17 awards for selected international students.

This should not be treated as confirmation that the same scholarship will be available for 2027/2028.

For a 2027 applicant, DSU Toscana is the more important funding programme to monitor until the university publishes a new merit scholarship call.

University of Pisa Tuition Fees

If you do not receive a scholarship, you should still understand the likely tuition cost.

For 2026/2027, the University of Pisa states that the maximum annual all-inclusive tuition contribution for students studying within the normal duration of their programme is €2,900.

The university also allows eligible international students to apply for income-based tuition reductions.

The 2027/2028 amount may change, so treat €2,900 as a current reference rather than a guaranteed 2027 fee.

How Competitive Is the University of Pisa Scholarship?

DSU is different from a conventional merit scholarship where only applicants with the highest CGPA receive funding.

Financial circumstances play a central role, while students must also satisfy the academic conditions specified in the annual call.

This means having a First Class degree does not automatically guarantee a DSU award, and having a lower grade does not automatically exclude you if you meet the admission and scholarship requirements.

The best strategy is to submit accurate financial documents, follow the application instructions and meet every deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting for admission before preparing financial documents

Some Nigerian documents can take time to obtain, translate and legalise. Begin preparing early.

Using the wrong scholarship portal

University admission and DSU scholarship applications use different systems.

Do not submit your scholarship request through the University of Pisa admission portal.

Assuming the 2026 deadline applies in 2027

The September 7 deadline belongs to the 2026/2027 call.

Wait for the 2027/2028 announcement before publishing or relying on a final deadline.

Submitting untranslated financial documents

Non-EU students must follow DSU’s translation and legalisation requirements.

Providing incomplete family information

Income alone may not be enough. The DSU assessment can also require information about family composition, properties and financial assets.

Applying for a second degree at the same level

Applicants who already hold a qualification at the same level are not eligible for the DSU scholarship for another qualification at that level.

Paying unofficial agents

The scholarship application is handled through official Italian and university platforms.

No private individual can guarantee that you will receive a DSU scholarship.

Important Official Links

Use these official websites when preparing your application:

University of Pisa DSU Scholarship page:
https://www.unipi.it/en/education/registration/enrolment-and-registration/enrolment-for-international-students/dsu-scholarship-university-of-pisa/

DSU Toscana official website:
https://www.dsu.toscana.it/

DSU Scholarship application portal:
https://sportellostudente.dsu.toscana.it/

University of Pisa international application portal:
https://applymscenglish.unipi.it/

Italian Government Study in Italy portal:
https://studyinitaly.esteri.it/

These are the main links most international applicants need. Avoid copying application links from random social media posts when the official pages are available.

When Should You Start Preparing for the 2027 Scholarship?

If you want to begin studying at the University of Pisa in 2027, preparation should start well before the DSU scholarship opens.

A sensible approach is to:

• Research your programme in late 2026
• Check when your University of Pisa admission window opens
• Apply for admission as early as your programme permits
• Prepare passport and academic documents
• Start organising family financial documents
• Check translation and legalisation requirements
• Monitor DSU Toscana from around July 2027
• Apply immediately after the 2027/2028 call opens

Waiting for the scholarship announcement before starting everything else can put you under unnecessary pressure.

Conclusion

The University of Pisa Scholarship 2027 can make studying in Italy much more affordable for international students.

The main opportunity to watch is the DSU Toscana Scholarship, which is open to eligible students from any country and can provide tuition fee exemption, accommodation or housing support, free meals and a monetary allowance.

Nigerian students can apply, but they should pay particular attention to the requirements for foreign financial documents, Italian translation and legalisation.

As of August 2026, the 2027/2028 DSU scholarship deadline has not been announced. The current 2026/2027 cycle opened on 20 July 2026 and closes on 7 September 2026, so students targeting 2027 should begin monitoring the official DSU website around mid-2027 rather than relying on an invented deadline.

Start with your University of Pisa admission plans, prepare your financial documents early and submit the scholarship application only through the official DSU Toscana portal.

FAQs About University of Pisa Scholarship 2027

What is the University of Pisa Scholarship 2027?

The main scholarship for international students at the University of Pisa is the DSU Toscana Scholarship. It provides financial support to eligible students based largely on economic circumstances and the academic requirements stated in the annual call.

Is the University of Pisa Scholarship fully funded?

The DSU scholarship can cover university tuition and provide free meals, accommodation or housing support and a monetary allowance. The exact package depends on the student’s circumstances and the rules for that year.

Can Nigerian students apply for the University of Pisa Scholarship?

Yes. The University of Pisa states that DSU scholarships are open to students from any country who intend to enrol or are already enrolled in an eligible programme.

When is the University of Pisa Scholarship 2027 deadline?

The 2027/2028 deadline has not yet been announced. The current 2026/2027 DSU deadline is 7 September 2026, but applicants must wait for the new call before assuming a 2027 closing date.

Do I need IELTS for the University of Pisa Scholarship?

The DSU scholarship itself does not have one general IELTS requirement. You must meet the language requirement of the University of Pisa programme you want to study.

Can I apply for DSU before receiving admission?

The scholarship is open to students who intend to enrol as well as those already enrolled. However, you must eventually meet the University of Pisa admission and enrolment requirements for an eligible programme.

What does the DSU scholarship cover?

It may provide tuition fee exemption, free university accommodation or a housing contribution, free meals and a cash allowance for other student expenses.

What documents do Nigerian applicants need?

Applicants may need academic documents as well as official evidence of family composition, household income, property and financial assets. Non-EU financial documents generally need to follow DSU translation and legalisation rules.

Where do I apply for the University of Pisa Scholarship?

The DSU scholarship application is submitted through the official DSU Toscana Sportello Studente portal at https://sportellostudente.dsu.toscana.it/.

Is there a University of Pisa merit scholarship for 2027?

A 2027/2028 University of Pisa merit scholarship has not been announced as of August 2026. The current university page still describes an older 2024/2025 merit scholarship scheme, so applicants should not assume it will be available in 2027.

Can I apply for both admission and scholarship at the same time?

The processes are separate and their application periods can overlap. You should follow your course admission procedure while separately completing the DSU application within its deadline.

Is the DSU scholarship available for master’s students?

Yes. DSU supports eligible bachelor’s, master’s, single-cycle, specialisation and certain PhD students.

Does University of Pisa charge high tuition fees?

For 2026/2027, the maximum annual all-inclusive tuition fee is €2,900, with reductions available for eligible students. DSU scholarship recipients may receive tuition exemption.