Italian university scholarships 2026/2027: updated grant amounts
The Italian university scholarships 2026/2027 have been updated following the annual adjustment required by Italian legislation. Through Director’s Decree No. 175 of 10 February 2026, the MUR, the Italian Ministry of University and Research, increased the minimum scholarship amounts in line with the 2025 Italian consumer price index, which rose by 1.4%. The adjustment is designed to preserve the value of financial support as living costs continue to change. This annual revision also enables the regional authorities responsible for student financial aid to publish their calls for applications using the updated minimum scholarship values.
Italian university scholarships 2026/2027: updated amounts
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the minimum scholarship amounts have been set at:
- €7,171.11 for students living away from home;
- €4,190.71 for commuter students;
- €2,890.16 for students living at home.
These figures reflect the annual inflation adjustment based on official ISTAT data. As a result, the purchasing power of scholarships is better protected without changing the eligibility criteria established under the Italian student financial aid system.
Italian university scholarships 2026/2027 remain one of the main financial support measures available to eligible students in Italy. Access depends on both economic circumstances and academic merit, according to the rules established by each regional authority.
Rising costs remain a challenge
Although the increase is welcome, many students continue to face higher education costs that exceed the available financial support. Rental prices, utility bills, transport and everyday living expenses have all increased significantly in many Italian university cities over recent years. Students who move away from home are often the most affected. While inflation adjustments help maintain the real value of scholarships, the total cost of attending university may still be considerably higher than the financial aid received. Naturally, the impact varies depending on the city, accommodation costs and each student’s personal situation. For this reason, discussions about the adequacy of Italian university scholarships 2026/2027 continue. Alongside public scholarship schemes, many students also consider additional financial support to cover tuition fees, housing, study materials and mobility expenses.
Additional financial support
Among the available options is the Fondo per lo Studio, the Italian State-backed student loan fund managed through Consap. Eligible students may access financing designed to support university and higher education programmes. The fund can be particularly useful for students who do not qualify for a scholarship or for those whose scholarship is not sufficient to cover all education-related expenses, including tuition, accommodation, mobility and study materials. Overall, the latest update by the MUR helps preserve the value of public financial aid. However, the continued rise in the cost of studying highlights the importance of complementary funding tools that can make higher education more financially sustainable for students in Italy.
