Paying for university in Italy can be difficult, especially when you also have to think about rent, food, transport, and other daily expenses. This is where ADISU Scholarships can be very helpful for eligible students studying in Puglia.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the scholarship can provide up to €7,172 for students who qualify as living away from home. Other students may receive €4,191 or €2,891 depending on their residence category. The support is not limited to money. Students may also get help with accommodation, meals, international mobility, and other university-related services.
International students at the University of Salento can also apply. However, there is an important point to understand from the beginning: ADISU Puglia manages the scholarship, not the University of Salento.
That means students should follow the ADISU Puglia rules, application system, notices, and deadlines when applying.
This guide explains the important parts of the 2026/2027 scholarship in simple language, including the amount, eligibility, income limits, documents, deadlines, application process, and benefits.
Table of Contents
What Is the ADISU Scholarship?
ADISU Puglia is a regional agency that provides support to university students in Puglia, Italy.
The aim is quite simple. Students who meet the required financial and academic conditions can receive help with the cost of studying and living while attending an eligible institution.
For a University of Salento student, this can be a valuable source of support.
The University of Salento explains that international students who are regularly enrolled can apply for ADISU benefits. The university also makes it clear that the scholarship competition is handled by ADISU Puglia.
So, there are two separate things to keep in mind.
Your university admission and enrolment are one matter. Your ADISU scholarship application is another.
Keeping these processes separate will save you from a lot of confusion later.
Official University of Salento ADISU Scholarships page
How Much Is the ADISU Scholarship in 2026/27?
The amount depends mainly on the student’s living situation.
For 2026/2027, the basic amounts are:
| Student category | Basic scholarship amount |
|---|---|
| Living away from home (fuori sede) | €7,172 |
| Commuting student (pendolare) | €4,191 |
| Living at home (in sede) | €2,891 |
These are the basic figures announced for the new academic year.
The highest amount is for students classified as fuori sede, which generally means they live away from their family home because of their studies.
That difference matters. A student who has moved to another city for university may have to pay rent and deal with much higher living costs than someone who remains at home.
There are also situations where the scholarship can be increased.
For example, the 2026/2027 regional framework provides a 20% increase for students enrolled in STEM programmes under the applicable conditions. A further increase can apply to students with particularly low ISEE, subject to the rules of the call.
So, don’t assume that the three basic amounts are the final amount for every student.
Your final benefit can depend on your personal situation.
Also Check: Fully Funded KGSP 2026: Win Your Dream Study in Korea
What Benefits Does ADISU Provide?
The cash scholarship gets most of the attention, but it is not the only reason students apply.
ADISU also covers several services that can reduce the everyday cost of studying.
Financial scholarship
This is the main benefit.
Depending on your category, the basic amount can be as high as €7,172 for 2026/2027.
For students coming from another country, this support can make a real difference. Moving to Italy means dealing with costs that may not exist at home, including accommodation, food, local transport, study materials, and other personal expenses.
Student accommodation
Housing is another important part of the ADISU programme.
Students who move to Puglia for university may be able to access ADISU accommodation, subject to availability and the conditions of the annual call.
This is particularly useful for students who cannot afford private rent or who want to reduce the cost of living while studying.
One thing is important here.
Applying for the scholarship does not mean that a student should automatically assume a room will be available. Accommodation has its own rules and conditions, so read the housing section of the current call carefully.
Meals and catering services
Food is another expense that quickly adds up when you are studying away from home.
ADISU includes catering or meal services among its student benefits. The exact way these services work depends on the applicable rules and arrangements.
For a student working with a tight monthly budget, meal support can be just as useful as part of the cash benefit.
Graduation award
The 2026/2027 programme also includes a graduation award.
This is separate from the normal annual scholarship. Students who are close to completing their degree should therefore check the specific conditions instead of assuming that the graduation award is automatic.
International mobility
Students who spend part of their studies abroad may also find support for international mobility within the ADISU programme.
This can be useful for students taking part in approved study-abroad opportunities, including mobility connected with their university studies.
Again, the conditions matter. The mobility contribution is not something students should assume they will receive simply because they travel abroad.
Check the current ADISU rules before making financial plans.
What Are the ADISU Income Limits?
Income is one of the main parts of the application.
For 2026/2027, the Puglia Region has confirmed these maximum economic limits:
- ISEE: €26,000
- ISPE: €56,000
ISEE looks at the economic situation of the household.
ISPE relates to the household’s assets or property situation.
Both can matter when ADISU checks whether a student meets the financial requirements.
But there is a common misunderstanding here.
Being below the income limit does not automatically mean you will receive the scholarship.
You also need to meet the other conditions in the annual call, including the applicable academic and administrative requirements.
So think of the income limit as one part of the application, not the whole application.
What About International Students?
Yes, international students can apply if they meet the relevant conditions.
The University of Salento specifically states that international students who are regularly enrolled at the university can apply for ADISU benefits.
However, international students often have more paperwork to deal with.
Why?
Because their family income and assets may be outside Italy.
If your family lives abroad, you may need official information about income, property, financial assets, and the number of people in your household.
This is one of the parts of the application where you should not wait until the last few days.
Getting an official certificate from another country can take time.
Then you may need to have it translated into Italian. Depending on the document and country, legalisation or an apostille may also be required.
In other words, the scholarship application may be online, but preparing the documents can take considerably longer.
What Documents Do International Students Need?
The exact documents depend on your situation and the requirements in the current ADISU call.
However, the University of Salento highlights several important types of information for students who are not resident in Italy.
You may need documents showing:
- Your family’s income abroad.
- Movable assets held abroad.
- Property or real estate held abroad.
- The number of people in your household.
- Official certification from the competent authority in your country.
- Italian translations where required.
- Legalisation or apostille where required.
- Documentation needed for the applicable ISEE calculation.
Do not simply download a random income certificate from your country’s online system and assume it will be accepted.
The format and certification requirements matter.
It is much safer to read the current instructions first and then ask the relevant authority in your country for the correct documents.
This is especially important for first-time international applicants.
University of Salento scholarship and international-student information
What Is the Difference Between Fuori Sede, Pendolare and In Sede?
You will see these Italian terms when reading about the scholarship.
They describe where the student lives in relation to the university.
In sede refers to a student who lives at home or within the category defined by the applicable rules.
Pendolare refers to a commuting student.
Fuori sede generally refers to a student who lives away from home because of university.
This classification is important because the scholarship amounts are different.
For 2026/2027, the basic amounts are:
- Fuori sede: €7,172
- Pendolare: €4,191
- In sede: €2,891
If you are an international student renting accommodation near the university, do not simply choose the highest category because it looks more suitable.
The residence category has specific requirements.
Read the current call and provide the documents requested by ADISU.
ADISU Scholarship 2026/27 Important Dates
Dates are something you should check twice.
For students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and single-cycle master’s programmes, the 2026/2027 application period starts at 8:00 a.m. on July 14, 2026.
The deadline is 12:00 p.m. on August 13, 2026.
That means you should not treat August 13 as a midnight deadline.
The application closes at noon.
For students enrolled in research doctorate programmes and schools of specialisation, the dates are different.
Their application window is:
Opening: 8:00 a.m. on October 1, 2026
Closing: 12:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026
Always check the official ADISU notice before submitting because dates and instructions can be updated.
Official ADISU Puglia 2026/2027 announcement
How to Apply for the ADISU Scholarship
The application is submitted online through the ADISU Puglia system.
Here is the process in a simple form.
1. Read the current call first
Don’t rush straight to the application form.
Read the current “Benefici e Servizi” call first.
It contains the rules that determine who can apply, which documents are needed, how the application works, and what students must do after submitting it.
A few minutes spent reading the rules can prevent hours of trouble later.
2. Check your eligibility
Look at your course, academic year, income situation, residence status, and other conditions.
If you are an international student, also check the rules for foreign income and property documentation.
3. Collect your documents
Start early.
This is especially important if your documents come from outside Italy.
Make sure your certificates are issued by the proper authority and that you understand whether translation, legalisation, or apostille is required.
4. Enter the online portal
ADISU uses its online student system for applications and other scholarship-related services.
The official portal information also refers to digital authentication methods such as SPID Level 2, CIE and CNS.
International students should check the current portal instructions to understand which access method applies to them.
ADISU Puglia Student Portal information
5. Fill in the application carefully
Enter your personal and academic information exactly as shown on your official documents.
Pay particular attention to:
- Your university details.
- Your degree programme.
- Your year of study.
- Household information.
- Economic information.
- Residence status.
- Accommodation details, where applicable.
Don’t guess when entering financial information.
6. Submit before the closing time
This sounds obvious, but it is one of the easiest mistakes to make.
If the deadline is noon, don’t wait until 11:55 a.m.
Websites can become busy. Internet connections can fail. A document upload can take longer than expected.
Give yourself enough time.
After submitting, save your confirmation and keep copies of the documents you provided.
7. Keep checking your account
Your application does not mean you can forget about ADISU.
Continue checking the portal and official notices.
There may be rankings, requests for corrections, document checks, or other instructions after the initial submission.
Do International Students Need an ISEE?
International students need to follow the economic assessment rules that apply to their situation.
The University of Salento specifically refers to documentation for foreign income and assets and notes the importance of the ISEE documentation applicable to right-to-study benefits.
This is why international applicants should not assume that the standard documents used by an Italian family will be enough for them.
If your parents live outside Italy, your economic situation may need to be documented through foreign certificates and the procedures specified by ADISU.
If you are unsure which documents apply to you, check the current official instructions before preparing your application.
Can Students From Any Country Apply?
The official University of Salento information does not provide a simple country-by-country list of eligible nations.
So it would be misleading to publish a list of countries and present it as an official ADISU eligibility list.
International students should instead check the citizenship and enrolment conditions in the current ADISU call.
The important point is that being an international student does not, by itself, prevent you from applying.
Your complete eligibility depends on the rules of the programme and your individual situation.
Special Information for 2026/2027
There are a few changes and points in the 2026/2027 framework that students should know about.
The Puglia Region has included provisions connected with the new “filter semester” system for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine.
The regional framework also pays attention to international students and students from countries affected by armed conflicts.
For some students in difficult international circumstances, special arrangements may apply where obtaining normal foreign income documentation is difficult.
These provisions are not something to interpret broadly on your own.
If you believe you fall into one of these categories, read the relevant section of the current call carefully.
Can STEM Students Receive More?
Potentially, yes.
The 2026/2027 regional framework provides a 20% increase for students enrolled in STEM programmes, subject to the applicable requirements.
There is also a further increase for certain students with very low ISEE, again subject to the conditions of the programme.
This is one reason why looking only at the headline €7,172 figure can be misleading.
Your actual benefit may depend on several factors.
Read the complete call rather than trying to calculate the final amount from one figure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A scholarship application does not have to be complicated, but small mistakes can cause unnecessary problems.
Here are some things worth avoiding.
Waiting until the deadline
Foreign documents can take time.
Start early.
Using old information
Scholarship rules change.
A friend who received ADISU support two years ago may have followed different rules.
Use the current 2026/2027 call.
Ignoring the residence category
Your living situation can affect the scholarship amount.
Make sure your classification is supported by the required documents.
Assuming income eligibility is enough
It isn’t.
Academic and other requirements also matter.
Forgetting about follow-up notices
Submitting the form is not necessarily the final step.
Keep checking your ADISU account and official announcements.
Trusting unofficial websites for deadlines
Scholarship information spreads quickly online.
Unfortunately, old deadlines can stay online for years.
When there is a conflict, check the official ADISU Puglia notice.
Why Should Students Apply?
For many students, the biggest advantage is not just the money.
Imagine moving to Lecce for university.
You have rent to pay. Then food. Transport. Study materials. Everyday expenses.
Even a moderate amount of financial support can make the first year much easier.
Now add possible accommodation and meal services to the picture.
That is why the programme is worth looking at carefully if you are eligible.
The 2026/2027 figures are also significant. A qualifying student living away from home can have a base scholarship of €7,172 before considering any applicable increases or other services.
Of course, receiving the benefit depends on meeting the programme’s conditions.
There is no automatic award simply because you submit an application.
Final Thoughts
The ADISU Scholarships programme is one of the important funding options for students studying in Puglia.
For 2026/2027, the basic scholarship can reach €7,172 for students living away from home. Students in other residence categories can receive €4,191 or €2,891. The programme can also include accommodation, meal services, graduation support, and international mobility assistance.
For international students, the financial-documentation part deserves special attention.
Don’t leave it until the last week.
Get your foreign income and property documents ready. Check whether translation and legalisation are required. Then read the current call carefully before completing the online application.
Also remember that the University of Salento and ADISU Puglia have different roles. UniSalento provides information to its students, while ADISU Puglia manages the scholarship competition and related services.
Most importantly, check the official sources before making a decision. If a blog post, social-media post, or old forum discussion gives you a different deadline or requirement, the current official ADISU notice should be your first reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the ADISU scholarship in 2026/2027?
The basic amount is €7,172 for students living away from home, €4,191 for commuting students, and €2,891 for students living at home.
Can international students apply for ADISU?
Yes. Regularly enrolled international students at the University of Salento can apply, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
What is the ISEE limit for 2026/2027?
The confirmed maximum ISEE is €26,000. The ISPE limit is €56,000.
When is the main deadline?
For bachelor’s, master’s and single-cycle master’s students, the deadline is 12:00 p.m. on August 13, 2026.
When can PhD students apply?
For research doctorate and specialisation students, the application period runs from October 1 to October 30, 2026, with the published opening and closing times applying.
Does the scholarship include accommodation?
Accommodation is among the benefits provided through the ADISU programme, subject to the applicable rules and availability.
Does ADISU provide meals?
Yes. Meal and catering services are included among the benefits covered by the programme.
Can STEM students receive an increased amount?
The 2026/2027 regional framework provides for a 20% increase for eligible STEM students, subject to the applicable conditions.
Official Link
For the latest application instructions, requirements, notices, documents, and updates, always check the official University of Salento ADISU page and the ADISU Puglia website.
University of Salento — ADISU Scholarships
ADISU Puglia — Official Website
Haseeb Ahmad (Hasib Maqbol) is an education advocate with a Master’s degree in Computer Science and over 10 years of experience in academic institutions, including Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), SINA Institute of Networks and Aesthetics, and National College of Science and Information Technology.
After years of working closely with students and educational systems, he founded NextScholarPK to help students find authentic scholarships, fellowships, and global study opportunities with clear and reliable guidance.
His mission is to make international education accessible to every deserving student by bridging the information gap and promoting verified opportunities worldwide.