With a total budget of 1,189 million euros, the Ministry of University promotes Studiosì, an initiative aimed at financing university studies (master's and single-cycle degrees, second-level Advanced Professional Courses, specialisation courses).

Fund recipients are students residing in the 8 target regions of the PON (National Operational Programme on Research and Innovation 2014-20): Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Apulia, Sardinia and Sicily, who are attending or will attend university degree programmes and advanced professional courses in Italy or other countries, in the academic year 2020-2021. Students not residing in Southern Italy who are attending or are pre-enrolled/admitted to tertiary education at universities in Southern Italy (up to Students may apply for a grant of up to 50 thousand euros, and their studies must be completed by December 31, 2025.

The StudioSì Fund, co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), is managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) which, through two financial operators, provides zero-interest loans, with no personal or third-party guarantees, and further favourable conditions to support enrolment fees and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the student's university experience. To apply for funding, students who meet the requirements must apply directly to the two banking groups selected by the EIB: Intesa San Paolo and Gruppo Bancario Cooperativo ICCREA.

Through the National Operational Programme on Research and Innovation 2014-20, Italy contributes to improving the quality of higher education and strengthening research, technological development and innovation, achieving the objectives of the European Union's cohesion policy in favour of its most disadvantaged territorial areas.

Please click on the "Links" section for the official Notice issued by the Ministry.