Hey, if you’re an international student planning to study at the University of Palermo (UniPa) in 2026, scholarships are a big deal because they can make your time in Sicily much more affordable. UniPa is one of Italy’s oldest and most respected public universities (founded 1806), with strong programs in medicine, engineering, humanities, law, sciences, and tourism and many English-taught Master’s.
Tuition for non-EU students is very low at public universities like UniPa (€156–€2,500/year based on family income/ISEE), but scholarships can cover tuition, give you monthly stipend, free meals, and even dorm accommodation. The main scholarships come from the regional ER.SU Palermo (Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario) and university-specific merit awards.
As of March 2026, applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are open or will open soon. Let’s go through the full process step by step so you can apply without missing anything.
Types of Scholarships at University of Palermo 2026
1. ER.SU Palermo Scholarships (Main Regional Scholarship – Best for All Levels)
This is the biggest scholarship opportunity for international students at UniPa. It’s need + merit-based and covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and stipend.
- Coverage:
- Full tuition exemption
- Free or very low-cost student housing (dorms)
- Free meals at university canteens
- Monthly stipend up to €5,200–€7,000 per year (depending on income and merit)
- Who can apply: All enrolled students (EU & non-EU), including international Bachelor’s, Master’s, single-cycle Master’s (medicine, law)
- Eligibility:
- Enrolled at UniPa for 2026/27
- Family income (ISEE Parificato for non-EU) below certain threshold (usually €23,000–€30,000 equivalent)
- Merit: Minimum credits passed in previous year (for renewals) or good high school grades (for first year)
- Application period: Usually July–September 2026 (after enrolment) check ersupalermo.it in summer 2026
This is the one most international students win it can make studying in Italy almost free + free food and housing.
2. UniPa Merit Scholarships (International Students)
University-specific merit awards for outstanding international applicants.
- Coverage: Partial or full tuition exemption (€500–€2,000 reduction/year)
- Who can apply: Non-EU students with high grades (90%+ equivalent in previous qualification)
- Application: Automatic during admission or separate form after enrolment
- Best for: High-achieving Bachelor’s/Master’s students
3. MAECI Italian Government Scholarships
Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs available for UniPa too.
- Coverage: Full tuition + monthly stipend €900 + health insurance
- Who can apply: Non-EU citizens for Master’s, PhD, research
- Application: March–June 2026 via studyinitaly.esteri.it
Very competitive but worth applying many Students get it every year.
4. Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship
For Master’s in specific fields (engineering, economics, architecture).
- Coverage: Full tuition + €900/month stipend + internships
- Application: Usually Nov 2025–Feb 2026 (check investyourtalentapplication.esteri.it)
5. UniPa Regional & Departmental Scholarships
Smaller merit/need-based awards from faculties (e.g., Engineering, Medicine).
- Coverage: €500–€3,000/year or tuition reduction
- Application: After enrolment check department websites
Application Process for Scholarships at UniPa 2026
- Get Admission First: Apply to UniPa programs (Jan–July 2026 for October start) via unipa.it/en/degree-programmes or Universitaly portal (mandatory for non-EU).
- Enrol at UniPa: After acceptance, pay enrolment fee and complete online enrolment.
- Apply for ER.SU Palermo Scholarship:
- Go to ersupalermo.it
- Register and fill the online application (ISEE Parificato for non-EU)
- Submit family income docs (translated & certified)
- Deadline: Usually September–October 2026
- Apply for MAECI or Invest Your Talent: Separate portals apply before admission if possible.
- Wait for Results: ER.SU results by December 2026; others earlier.
Key Deadlines 2026: UniPa Admission: Jan–July 2026 (varies by program) ER.SU Scholarship: Jul–Oct 2026 MAECI Scholarship: Mar–Jun 2026
Tuition Fees & Living Costs at UniPa
- Non-EU tuition: €156–€2,500/year (income-based most internationals pay minimum)
- Living in Palermo: €600–€900/month (rent €250–450, food €200, transport €30)
- With ER.SU scholarship: Tuition free + free dorms/meals + stipend total cost can be under €3,000/year
Tips for International Students 2026
- Start with admission scholarships come after enrolment
- Get ISEE Parificato done early (income declaration for non-EU costs €50–€100)
- No IELTS if degree in English (many programs accept MOI certificate)
- Italy Type D student visa: High approval rate show acceptance + funds (€6,000–€8,000/year)
- Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Start Your UniPa 2026 Application!
Degree Programmes: unipa.it/en/degree-programmes
ER.SU Palermo: ersupalermo.it
Universitaly Pre-enrolment: universitaly.it
Apply early 1st call January–March 2026!
