Studying in Italy is a dream for many international students, and the ARDSU Basilicata Scholarships for Foreign Students 2026–2027 provide an outstanding opportunity to make that dream a reality. The Regional Agency for the Right to University Education of Basilicata (ARDSU Basilicata) has officially opened applications for 12 scholarships for international students wishing to pursue eligible Master’s degree (MSc) programmes at the University of Basilicata (UNIBAS) during the 2026–2027 academic year.

The scholarship programme is part of the University of Basilicata’s internationalisation strategy and is designed to attract highly qualified students from around the world while strengthening international academic and scientific cooperation. The initiative is implemented through Memorandums of Understanding signed between ARDSU Basilicata and the participating departments of the University of Basilicata in June 2026.

Unlike many scholarships that only cover tuition, the ARDSU Basilicata Scholarship provides accommodation, meals, and a one-time financial contribution to assist with travel, visa, insurance, and other essential living expenses, making it an attractive opportunity for talented international students seeking postgraduate education in Europe.

About the ARDSU Basilicata Scholarship

The ARDSU Basilicata Scholarship is offered by the Regional Agency for the Right to University Education of Basilicata for the 2026–2027 Academic Year.

The programme supports foreign students enrolling in eligible Master of Science (MSc) programmes offered by three academic departments of the University of Basilicata.

The scholarship seeks to:

• Attract outstanding international students.
• Promote academic excellence.
• Strengthen global research collaboration.
• Enhance the internationalisation of the University of Basilicata.
• Encourage cultural and scientific exchange between Italy and the rest of the world.

Participating Departments

Scholarships are available for eligible Master’s programmes offered by the following departments:

1. Department of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences (DAFE-UNIBAS)

Students may pursue programmes related to:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Forestry
• Food Science
• Environmental Sciences
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Natural Resources

2. Department of Basic and Applied Sciences (DiSBA-UNIBAS)

Eligible fields include areas such as:

• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Applied Sciences
• Scientific Research

3. Department for Humanistic, Scientific and Social Innovation (DIUSS-UNIBAS)

Students interested in interdisciplinary and social sciences may apply for programmes covering:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Innovation
• Cultural Studies
• Social Development
• Public Policy

Applicants should carefully consult the department-specific annexes to determine which Master’s programmes are eligible under the scholarship scheme.

Number of Scholarships Available

ARDSU Basilicata will award:

12 scholarships reserved exclusively for foreign students enrolling in eligible Master’s programmes for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship is tenable for:

• 12 months
• From 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027

Students may also apply for renewal for the following academic year, provided they meet the required academic progress, including obtaining at least 18 university credits (CFU) and maintaining full-time enrolment.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

One of the strongest aspects of this programme is its comprehensive support package.

Successful applicants will receive:

1. Free Accommodation

Students will be accommodated free of charge in one of the ARDSU university residences located in:

• Potenza
• Matera

The residences include kitchen facilities for weekend meals.

2. Free Meals

Recipients will receive:

• Two meal vouchers per day
• Valid Monday to Friday
• Redeemable at the university canteens in Potenza or Matera campuses.

3. One-Time Financial Contribution

Students will receive a one-time grant to assist with:

• International travel
• Visa costs
• Mandatory health insurance
• Regional tax
• Tuition fees (where applicable)
• Local transportation
• Other essential living expenses

The amount depends on the distance between Italy and the applicant’s country of origin:

The grant is paid in two instalments:

• 50% by 31 October 2026 after enrolment verification.
• Remaining 50% by 31 December 2026 after verification of regular class attendance.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy several eligibility conditions.

Nationality

The scholarship is reserved for foreign (international) students.

Academic Qualification

Applicants must:

• Hold (or obtain by 1 August 2026) a Bachelor’s degree relevant to the chosen MSc programme.
• Meet the curricular requirements specified by the selected department.
• Hold qualifications that permit admission into the chosen Master’s programme.

Age Limit

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be no older than 26 years on the application deadline.

Academic Merit

Applicants must have:

• A GPA equivalent to at least 70% of the maximum grade available within their national grading system.

Applications are evaluated using an Italian grade conversion methodology based on GPA and final Bachelor’s degree results.

Language Requirements

Italian-Taught Programmes

Applicants may provide evidence of:

• Italian language proficiency from A1 level (CEFR) onward.

Students without Italian language skills may attend Italian language courses organised by UNIBAS.

English-Taught Courses

Where courses are taught in English, applicants may submit proof of:

• English language proficiency at B1 level (CEFR) or higher.

Applicants from English-speaking countries may self-certify their English proficiency.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following (PDF format):

• Completed application form.
• Valid passport.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate (or expected graduation declaration).
• Official academic transcript.
• Self-certification of curricular requirements.
• Proof of pre-enrolment through the UNIVERSITALY portal (or commitment to pre-enrol by 1 August 2026).
• Grading scale statement from the home university.
• Motivation letter.

Optional documents include:

• Letter of recommendation.
• Proof of Lucanian origin (where applicable).

Reserved Scholarships for Students of Lucanian Origin

Up to 2 of the 12 scholarships are reserved, on a priority basis, for foreign students of Lucanian descent (up to the third degree of kinship), provided they meet all admission requirements.

If these reserved places are not filled, they will be reallocated to other eligible applicants.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated by departmental selection committees.

The assessment considers:

• Compliance with eligibility requirements.
• GPA.
• Final Bachelor’s degree grade.
• Academic merit.

Where candidates have identical scores, preference is given to the younger applicant.

The provisional ranking will be published on the ARDSU website, while the final ranking is expected by 1 August 2026. Successful applicants will also receive notification by email.

Tuition Fees

International students benefit from special tuition arrangements based on their country of origin.

Regardless of tuition fees, all scholarship holders must pay the €150 regional tax.

Health Insurance

All non-EU students must obtain valid health insurance covering the full scholarship period, including medical evacuation and repatriation where applicable.

EU students are advised to hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically to the designated ARDSU contact email, with copies sent to the relevant department and ARDSU secretariat, using the prescribed subject line indicated in the call. All required documents must be attached in PDF format.

Applicants should also complete pre-enrolment through the UNIVERSITALY portal before the required deadline.

APPLY HERE

Important Dates

• Applications Open: Now Open
• Application Deadline: 21 July 2026 (12:00 PM Italian Time)
• Final Rankings Published: By 1 August 2026
• Scholarship Starts: 1 October 2026
• Scholarship Ends: 30 September 2027

Learn more HERE

Why You Should Apply

The ARDSU Basilicata Scholarship offers much more than financial assistance. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• Study at a respected Italian public university.
• Live in Italy with accommodation and meals covered.
• Receive financial assistance for travel, visas, insurance, and living expenses.
• Join an international academic community.
• Gain access to European research and career opportunities.
• Experience Italian culture while pursuing a postgraduate degree.

For ambitious international students seeking an affordable and high-quality Master’s education in Europe, this scholarship represents an excellent opportunity.

Visit the ARDSU Basilicata Scholarships for International Master’s Students at the University of Basilicata page for further details.

Conclusion

The ARDSU Basilicata Scholarships for Foreign Students 2026–2027 provide comprehensive support for talented international students wishing to pursue Master’s studies at the University of Basilicata. Through free accommodation, daily meals, travel assistance, and additional financial support, the programme significantly reduces the financial burden of studying abroad while promoting academic excellence and international collaboration.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and aspire to study in Italy, this scholarship is an opportunity worth pursuing. Be sure to prepare all required documents carefully and submit your application before 21 July 2026.

Discover more global Fully Funded Scholarship opportunities on OFY HERE.