If you are researching fully funded opportunities in Italy, you have likely seen the term "UniME ST&A" circulating in international student forums.
Let's clear up the terminology first: "ST&A"
is a popular shorthand used by international applicants that stands for "Stipend,
Tuition, & Accommodation." While the University of Messina (UniME)
absolutely offers this massive 360-degree financial coverage, the official
legal names for these funding streams are the ERSU Regional Scholarship
and the Casa UniME Grant.
Located on the beautiful island of Sicily, UniME is rapidly
becoming a top destination for international students due to its low living
costs, English-taught programs, and highly accessible financial aid. Here is
your verified, deep-dive guide to securing full ST&A coverage for the
2026/2027 academic year.
1. The ERSU Messina Scholarship (The Core
"ST&A" Provider)
The Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario
(ERSU) is the regional agency that guarantees financial aid in Sicily. Because
it is an income-based grant rather than a strictly merit-based one, you
do not need a perfect academic record to qualify. If your family income falls
below the Italian threshold (usually around €24,335 equivalent), you are
eligible.
What the ERSU Package Covers:
- 100%
Tuition Waiver: Complete exemption from UniME's tuition fees (you only
pay a regional tax of approx. €156).
- Massive
Cash Stipend: An annual allowance of up to €6,656+ for
"off-site" international students, paid directly to your bank
account.
- Free
Accommodation: A guaranteed spot in an ERSU student dormitory.
- Free
Meals: Access to free daily meals at the university dining halls.
2. Casa UniME (The Backup Rent Grant)
What happens if the ERSU dormitories fill up before you
arrive? UniME has one of the most innovative backup plans in Italy: the Casa
UniME program.
- The
Benefit: If you rent a private room or apartment in the municipality
of Messina with a registered contract of at least 10 months, the
university will reimburse you up to €2,000 per year to cover your
rent.
- Why
It Matters: Rent is the biggest expense for international students.
Between the ERSU cash stipend and the Casa UniME rent reimbursement, your
living costs in Sicily can drop essentially to zero.
3. Verified Admission & Scholarship Timeline (2026)
To get the scholarship, you must secure your
university admission first. UniME operates on a strict "Call" system
for non-EU students requiring a visa.
Here are the verified dates for the 2026/2027 intake:
- 2nd
Admission Call: February 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026 (Currently
Open!)
- 3rd
Admission Call: April 13, 2026 – May 10, 2026.
- Summer
2026 (Document Prep): You must obtain your ISEE Parificato
(legalizing your family’s income and property certificates at the Italian
Embassy). This process takes months, so start immediately after getting
admitted.
- July
– September 2026: The official ERSU Scholarship portal opens. You will
submit your application and your legalized income documents here.
Your Application Strategy
UniME allows you to apply for up to two degree programs with
a single €30 application fee. Because the 2nd Call is closing at the end of
March, your immediate priority should be perfecting your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
and Motivation Letter to secure that critical acceptance letter.
- Official
UniME Admissions: UniME Application Portal
- Official
Scholarships Info: UniME Fees & Funding
Also Check: University of Trieste 2026: Fully Funded via the ARDiS Regional Scholarship