A new international scholarship opportunity has just opened in Europe for students planning to begin their undergraduate education abroad. The University of Brescia in Italy has officially announced the STAR Scholarship Program for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering a structured study pathway that allows international students to begin with a preparatory Foundation Year and continue into a full Bachelor’s degree.

The scholarship is specifically designed for talented students from developing countries who want to pursue university studies in Italy but may need additional preparation in language, academic skills, and cultural integration before starting their undergraduate program.

Under this program, selected students will first complete a one-year Foundation Year consisting of 600 hours of academic preparation, which includes Italian language training and subject-specific academic courses. After successfully completing this preparatory year, scholars will continue directly into a three-year Bachelor’s degree program taught in Italian at the University of Brescia.

The competition is extremely selective. Only two STAR Scholarships are available for the 2026 intake, making this one of the most exclusive undergraduate funding opportunities currently open in Europe. One of the scholarships is specifically reserved for applicants from African countries.

This four-year academic pathway is designed to ensure international students adapt smoothly to the Italian higher education system while receiving financial support and academic preparation before entering their chosen degree program.

Financial Plan: What the STAR Scholarship Covers?

The STAR Scholarship provides a comprehensive support package that significantly reduces the financial burden of studying in Italy.

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:

• €6,132.10 scholarship funding
• Full tuition fee waiver for the Foundation Year
• Full tuition fee waiver for the three-year Bachelor’s degree if scholarship renewal conditions are met
• Free accommodation in university residences (shared room)
• Subsidized meals through the university canteen
• Discounted public transport pass
• €500 financial support to cover enrollment in the Italian National Health Service or private student health insurance.

These benefits can continue throughout the four-year study pathway provided that students maintain academic progress and meet attendance requirements set by the university.

Who Can Apply for the STAR Scholarship 2026?

This scholarship is aimed at international students from developing countries who are planning to enroll in their first university degree in Italy. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a citizen and resident of a developing or priority cooperation country
• Must be born in 2000 or later
• Must be applying for first-time enrollment in an Italian university
• Must possess a secondary school diploma obtained after at least 12 years of schooling
• The diploma must allow access to undergraduate programs in the issuing country
• The qualification must be issued by a non-EU educational system
• Must demonstrate Italian language proficiency at minimum CEFR A1 level
• Must not already hold an undergraduate degree.

Applicants who are still completing their final year of secondary school may apply if they obtain their diploma before July 2026.

Application Route Explained for International Students

The application process for the STAR Scholarship is completed entirely online and requires applicants to prepare several academic and personal documents before submission.

First, applicants should gather all required documents including a valid passport or identification document, secondary school diploma and academic transcripts, proof of Italian language course completion, and a short curriculum vitae.

Next, candidates must submit their application through the PICA online platform used by the University of Brescia, where they will upload the required documents and select the undergraduate degree program they intend to pursue after the Foundation Year.

After submission, applications will be evaluated by an academic selection committee that reviews the academic qualifications, educational background, and suitability of each candidate for the chosen degree program.

Successful applicants will receive a scholarship offer and must confirm acceptance within a short timeframe. After acceptance, candidates will begin the Italian study visa process through the Universitaly portal before traveling to Italy to start the Foundation Year program.

PDF: https://ambmaputo.esteri.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Call-for-applications_STAR-L.pdf
Non-EU Student Applicants: https://ambmaputo.esteri.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Infografica-STAR-L-scholarship-26_27.pdf

Application Deadline for Italy STAR Scholarship

The last date to apply for the STAR Scholarship 2026 offered by the University of Brescia in Italy is 15 March 2026 at 12:00 PM (Italian time).