Job Description

Opportunity Description

The University of Trento Foundation Year 2025/26 offers a fully funded opportunity for international students from conflict zones to begin or continue their higher education journey in Italy.

This special program aims to support up to 10 students who are unable to study safely in their home countries due to war, instability, or real danger. Selected participants will complete a one-year academic preparation program (Foundation Year), which includes Italian language courses, subject-specific classes, and preparatory courses for future bachelor’s or master’s studies at the University of Trento.

The program provides a €7,200 scholarship, full fee exemptions, free accommodation and meals, travel coverage, and extensive academic and psychological support — helping students integrate academically and socially in Italy.

Short Details of University of Trento Foundation:

Host Country Italy
Host University University of Trento
Program Name Foundation Year for Students from Conflict Zones 2025/26
Degree Level Foundation / Preparatory Program
Program Duration 1 year (Academic Year 2025/26)
Number of Awards Maximum 10 students
Eligible Nationalities Non-EU citizens from conflict-affected countries
Funding Type Fully Funded
Application Deadline 20 November 2025 (12:00 noon CET)
Program Start Date 2025/26 Academic Year
Minimum Qualification Completion of 12 years of schooling (eligible for university admission in Italy)

Scholarship Benefits

Selected students will receive a comprehensive fully funded package covering all academic and living costs during the Foundation Year:

  • Scholarship amount: €7,200 (paid in two installments)

  • Tuition Fee Waiver: Full exemption from university fees

  • Free Courses:

    • Italian language (up to B2 level)

    • English language (as required for degree programs)

  • Travel Coverage: Round-trip travel from the country of residence to Trento

  • Accommodation: Free housing in a shared double room at Opera Universitaria di Trento

  • Meals: Two free meals per day (7 days a week)

  • Health Insurance: National Health Service or private insurance coverage

  • Public Transport: Free annual pass for urban and regional transport in Trento

  • Additional Support:

    • Academic tutoring and guidance

    • Psychological and legal counselling

    • Sports and integration activities with UniTrento and local associations

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the University of Trento Foundation Year 2025/26, applicants must meet all the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of a non-EU country

  • Be residing outside Italy

  • Originate from a conflict zone

  • Be currently unable to study safely due to conflict, instability, or real danger

  • Have completed at least 12 years of schooling and hold a qualification granting access to higher education in Italy

  • Demonstrate motivation and academic potential through the application form

Required Documents

Applicants must upload the following materials through the online application portal:

  1. Copy of a valid identity document (passport)

  2. Final secondary school qualification (minimum 12 years of study)

    • OR a bachelor’s degree for applicants pursuing master’s-level entry

  3. Any additional educational documents or transcripts

  4. Letter of motivation explaining personal circumstances and educational goals

  5. Language certificates (if available)

  6. CIMEA or EQPR comparability certificates (optional)

  7. If official education documents are unavailable due to conflict, applicants must submit the “Study History” form (available at unitn.it/en/students-at-risk)

Application Procedure

  1. Apply online through the official University of Trento application portal:

  2. Complete all sections of the application form and upload the required documents.

  3. Submit your application before 12:00 (CET) on 20 November 2025.

  4. Applications will be evaluated based on:

    • State of risk

    • Personal and academic background

    • Motivation and potential

  5. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a remote interview.

  6. Results will be published on the official website and communicated by email.

Location