Studying in the romantic, historic city of Verona famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a dream for many. But did you know that the University of Verona is also one of the most accessible and financially supportive institutions in Italy for international students?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the University of Verona is
rapidly expanding its English-taught Master's programs (STEM, Economics, and
Humanities). To attract global talent, it offers two distinct and highly
lucrative funding pathways: the Merit-Based International Master’s
Scholarships and the ESU Verona Regional Scholarship.
Here is the fully verified, comprehensive guide on how to secure your funding to study in Verona for free.
1. International Master’s Scholarships (Merit-Based)
Every year, the University of Verona publishes a specific
call to reward academic excellence. These scholarships are designed exclusively
for non-EU students residing abroad who are applying for an English-taught
Master’s degree.
What Does it Cover?
- Tuition
Fee Exemption: Top-ranking students are completely exempt from the
standard tuition fees (which are already quite low at around €1,000/year).
- Excellence
Grant: You can receive a merit-based stipend to help cover your living
expenses in Italy.
- Selection
Criteria: This is strictly based on your Bachelor's degree CGPA, your
CV, and your academic background. Your family's income is not
considered for this specific award.
Eligible English-Taught Master’s Programs (2026 Intake):
You must apply to one of the university's specific
international programs, which include:
- STEM:
Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Medical Bioinformatics, Molecular
& Medical Biotechnology, Mathematics, and Biology for Translational
Research.
- Economics:
Economics and Data Analysis, International Economics and Business.
- Humanities:
Linguistics, Languages, Literatures and Digital Culture.
How to Apply & Deadlines:
- Pre-Admission
Window: Applications for non-EU students for the 2026/2027 academic
year open in the Spring (usually March/April 2026).
- The Process: You must submit your application via the University of Verona's online portal. Top candidates are automatically evaluated or invited to apply for the merit scholarships during the admission phase.
2. ESU Verona Scholarship (Income-Based Regional Grant)
If you do not win the merit scholarship, you have an
incredible backup plan. Because Verona is in the Veneto region, international
students have full access to the ESU Verona Regional Scholarship.
This is an income-based "Right to Study"
grant. If your family income falls below the Italian threshold (typically
around €23,000 equivalent), you are legally entitled to this massive support
package.
The ESU Financial Package:
- 100%
Tuition Fee Exemption: You will pay absolutely zero university fees.
- Massive
Cash Stipend: Up to €7,000+ per year (depending on your
commuter status and income tier) paid directly into your bank account.
- Free
Accommodation & Meals: ESU provides either a free dorm room in a
student residence (or a rent subsidy) plus free or heavily discounted
daily meals at the university canteens.
- Part-Time
Work: Beneficiaries can also apply for "150-hour" part-time
student collaborations on campus to earn extra cash.
The Complex Document Process (Act Now!):
To win the ESU scholarship, you must obtain an ISEE
Parificato. This means you need to gather your family's Income
Certificates, Property Certificates, and Bank Statements from your home
country, translate them into Italian, and have them Legalized/Apostilled
by the Italian Embassy.
Verified Timeline for ESU 2026:
- Call
for Applications: Opens in July 2026.
- Deadline:
The strict deadline to submit your application and ISEE documents is
usually September 30, 2026.
- (Remember: You must secure your University Admission in the Spring before you can finalize your ESU scholarship in the Fall!)
Your Next Step: Secure Your Admission!
You cannot get the merit grant or the ESU regional funds
without an official acceptance letter from the University of Verona. Because
English-taught programs are highly competitive, your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
and Statement of Purpose must be perfectly tailored to European academic
standards.
If you need expert, professional academic writing services
to guarantee your admission dossier stands out, Tuition Free Trek is
here to help. Contact us today to ensure you secure your spot in Verona!
- Official
University of Verona Admissions: International Degree-Seeking Students
- Official
ESU Verona Site: ESU
di Verona