FAQ

The information in English on this page is purely given to provide guidance and assistance to international students as regards the procedures to apply for the scholarships/accommodation offered by DiSCo. In case of doubt or any kind of legal dispute, the legally binding document to which students must refer to is the Italian version of the Call for Applications as published here.

General information

Who can participate?
Participation is open to students enrolled for any the following courses:
a) Ministerial decree no. 509/1999 (post-1999/ “new” system):

  • Three-year degree;
  • Second-cycle specialization degree;
  • Single-cycle specialization degree;
  • Post-graduate school, except for medical students who are the beneficiaries of scholarships, internship contracts or other benefits and remuneration;

b) Ministerial decree no. 270/2004 (post-2004/ “latest” system):

  • First-cycle Bachelor’s Degree;
  • Second-cycle Master’s degree;
  • Single-cycle Master’s degree;

c) PhD programmes, except for students benefitting from scholarships or any other grants from the University or other Institutions.

Amount of the scholarship

The maximum amounts of the scholarship are as follows:

  • Euro 1.981,75 for in-town students;
  • Euro 2.898,51 for commuter students;
  • Euro 5.257,74 for out-of-town students.
Income thresholds

The income and assets thresholds for the a. y. 2021/2022 are the following:

  • ISEE (Indicator of the Equivalent Economic Situation): € 23.626,32
  • ISPE (Indicator of the Equivalent Assets Situation): € 51.361,58
  • ISEEUP (ISEE Universitario Parificato): € 23.626,32
  • ISPEUP (ISPE Universitario Parificato): € 51.361,58

The scholarship amount is proportionally reduced, up to being halved, if the ISEE/ISEEUP is higher than two thirds and up to reaching the threshold itself.

Should one of these thresholds be exceeded, the student shall be excluded from all the benefits of this call for applications.

I haven't completed enrollment at the University; can I participate?

Participation is also open to those awaiting the results of their admission tests or awaiting the qualification required for enrollment.

Any change of course of studies/faculty/university compared to what is stated on the application form shall be notified to the office of reference by opening a ticket on the student’s account.

The deadline for enrollment is set by the call at February 18, 2022.

I am attending a joint study programme. May I participate?

The students enrolled in joint study programmes may apply for this call for applications.

They shall be declared eligible/beneficiary only after their regular enrolment in a Lazio-based university within the 18th February 2022, and the payment of the regional tax have been verified.

Which scholarships are compatible with the scholarships provided by DiSCo?

Grants provided for the integration of study or research activities abroad, internship grants by the Universities (what is commonly called “150-hour-grant”) as well as other benefits that can be accumulated by law are considered compatible.
For the purposes of this call, international mobility grants and 150-hour grants must not be declared when the application is filed.
Students who are awarded another scholarship or grant for housing services, i.e. who are granted free or discounted access to a university residence/campus (e.g. Calls for applications for Dormitories), are classified as “calculated commuters”.

Which scholarships are incompatible with the scholarships provided by DiSCo?

The scholarships granted by DiSCo are incompatible with scholarships and/or other benefits aimed at supporting the Right to Education, awarded by other public and private bodies/entities, including those provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Universities (e.g.: Wanted the Best, Don’t Miss Your Chance etc.).

Should a student win another scholarship/benefit, he/she may maintain the benefits provided by DiSCo by opening a ticket and producing the waiver presented to the other institution that granted the incompatible benefit, as well as the documentation certifying the repayment of any amounts already used.

I read the FAQs, but could not find an answer to my problem. How do I contact the offices?

Any communication with the offices shall take place primarily by opening a ticket on the student’s account.

Problems concerning the access to the student’s account can be flagged by sending an email to urp@laziodisco.it.

Opening a ticket is the only way to obtain information on personal situations, in fact, the office for public relations (URP) has no access to the students’ individual positions.

The only method DiSCo uses to notify the payment issuance dates is the section “Payments/outcomes history” (Storico esiti/pagamenti), in the student’s account.

Requesting the benefits

How do I file my application?

The application for the Call for Applications – Right to Education 2021/2022 can exclusively be filed by filling in the online form in the student’s account by July 28, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CEST.

Access to the application form follows different procedures, depending on the student type (See the FAQ “How to access the application form”).

The students who wish to apply for DiSCo’s benefits must fill in the form in all its sections, stating that all the data presented are true under art.76 of the Presidential Decree 445/2000. Once completed, the system requires transmission and, where necessary, specific documentation to be attached.

How to access the application form
Type of student  Ways to access the application form Further indications
Students aged 18 or above in possession of an identity document issued by the Italian authorities (e.g. ID card) also if in possession of DiSCo credentials Access via SPID only and then click on “Add request” This provision also applies to students already in possession of a PIN number in previous years.
International students with residence in Italy and document issued by Italian authorities Access via SPID only and then click on “Add request” This provision also applies to students already in possession of a PIN number in previous years.
International students in possession exclusively of an identity document issued by foreign authorities and already in possession of DiSCo credentials Access through the DiSCo credentials they already have and then click on the “Add Request +” button. Face-to-face recognition is not required if the student is in possession of the Pin Disco issued in previous years after sending, by registered mail, the release form or has already been identified by video call during the academic year 2020/2021.
International students in possession exclusively of an identity document issued by foreign authorities and NOT in possession of DiSCo credentials Registration is required before accessing the application form and then clicking on the “Add Application +” button. For this category of students, face-to-face recognition is required, and must be carried out at the CAF office when filling out the ISEEUP form.
Underage students residing in Italy Registration is required before accessing the application form and then clicking on the “Add Application +” button. Acknowledgement is required according to the procedures and times communicated through a message on the student’s account.
Underage students NOT residing in Italy and NOT in possession of a document issued by the Italian authorities Registration is required before accessing the application form and then clicking on the “Add Application +” button. Face-to-face identification is required, and must be carried out at the CAF office when filling in the ISEEUP form.

The CIE access mode will be available on DiSCo’s website as soon as the authorisation from the Ministry has been granted.

I made a mistake when entering my personal details during registration, what can I do?
  • If you have access to your Student’s account, open a ticket and require that the data to be changed using the form “Generic Declaration” (Dichiarazione generica),
  • If you don’t have access to the student’s account but you have a PEC (a special type of certified Italian email account), fill in the aforementioned Generic Declaration and send it to protocollo@pec.laziodisco.it
  • If you do not have access to the student’s account and you only have an ordinary e-mail address, please send the form “Generic declaration” to urp@laziodisco.it
What is the “Unlock” function for?

In the event of errors/omissions, the student who has already submitted the application may make changes using the “unlock” function.

This function cancels the application and attachments previously sent.

After unlocking, the application and attachments must be submitted again, otherwise students will be excluded from all benefits/services.

Activation of the “unlock” function cancels the application even in cases where no changes have been made.

In both cases, therefore, whether or not changes have been made, the student must send the application and the required attachments by the deadline of July 28, 2021, at 12:00.

Students who by July 28, 2021, at 12:00 have not completed all the sections in the application form and have not transmitted it, attaching any documentation required, will be declared ineligible.

The failure to (re-)submit the application after previously unlocking it constitutes an irremediable cause for exclusion.

Registration, SPID, PIN

Who should register on www.laziodisco.it

All international students not residing in Italy, who are participating in a DiSCo call for applications for the first time, in order to apply for the call for the right to education 2021/2022, must first register on the website www.laziodisco.it.

Registration is also required for underage international and Italian students without distinction.

I am an Italian student or residing in Italy and I have a PIN issued in previous years. Am I also required to log in with SPID?

Yes.

I am an international student who was already identified in previous years and has a PIN number. Do I have to register?

Registration is not required for students in possession of the DiSCo Pin issued in previous years after the release form was sent by registered mail or for students who have already been identified by video call during the academic year 2020/2021.

Filling in and submitting the application

How do I fill in the form?

Login to your account according to your student type, and then click on the “Add Request +” button.

The form is divided into several sections: they must be filled in in sequence.

It is not possible to move to the next section unless all the required data have been filled in and transmitted first.

The system indicates in red if the fields are incomplete or contain incorrect data.

I finished filling in all the sections, but I cannot send the application. What can I do?

Try closing the browser, clearing the cache or logging in with a different browser.

If the problem persists, open a ticket on your account.

If you do not have access to your account, please notify urp@laziodisco.it.
Reports must be received at least three working days before the deadline of the call and must have as subject “Problem accessing my account”.

When is the deadline to send my application?

The deadline for submitting the application is July 28, 2021, at noon (12:00 p.m. CEST). Applications sent after this date will not be accepted.

Can I access the second phase if I have not submitted my application by July 28 at 12:00?

Only those who have submitted their application by July 28, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CEST are admitted to the second phase.

What is the second phase for?

From August 4, 2021 to August 11, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CEST, it is possible to amend or integrate data already submitted.

Please note that the deadline for making corrections to the following is 12:00 p.m. CEST on August 11:

  • Year of course attended,
  • credits/exams,
  • willingness to pay for accommodation in the municipality where the student studies,
  • family composition and number of family members not living in Italy.

The correction of any errors or the integration of data must therefore take place, under penalty of exclusion, by August 11, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CEST.

Any requests for correcting applications relating to the above categories will be rejected if submitted after this date.

DOV – Declaration of value

What is the declaration of value (DOV)?

The “Declaration of value” (DOV) is a document certifying the value of a qualification obtained in an educational system other than the Italian one.
It is drawn up in Italian and issued by the Italian Diplomatic Representations abroad (Embassies/Consulates) “competent by area”, i.e. those closest to the city in which the institution that issued the foreign qualification is located.

It generally contains information on

  • legal status and type of issuing institution;
  • access requirements for the programme resulting in the qualification;
  • legal duration of the study programme and/or overall commitment required of the student in terms of credits or hours;
  • value of the qualification in the system/country where it was issued, i.e. for academic and/or professional purposes.

The declaration of value generally includes at least the following information:

  • surname, first name, date and place of birth of the holder
  • institution under whose authority the last qualification was issued
  • date of issue of the last qualification obtained
  • educational institution at which the courses were completed or attended
  • field, specialization
  • duration of the course of study
  • grading system
I don’t manage to have the declaration of value issued before the deadline of the call. What should I do?

In absence of the declaration of value, you can for now simply upload a self-declaration containing the details of the foreign qualification (e.g. legal status and type of issuing institution, legal duration of the study programme and/or credits/hours required to complete the programme, value of the qualification in the issuing country for academic/professional purposes, etc.).

As long as you attach such a self-declaration you have then time to provide the actual declaration of value – as released by the Italian embassy/consulate – by latest February 18, 2022, via the ticket system.

I don’t have a declaration of value. Can I use the certificate of comparability issued by CIMEA instead?

Yes. You may provide a certificate issued by ENIC-NARIC centres (such as CIMEA) that contain all the information usually listed in the declaration of value and required for the evaluation of the qualification.

Student classification

What is a “calculated commuter”?

The status of “Calculated commuter” is ascribed to students who, despite meeting the requirements for “out-of-town” students, do not produce by November 30, 2021, a 10-month or longer rental contract for an accommodation in the Municipality in which the university course is held.

Students who, while having signed a rental agreement of a minimum of 10 months, receive economic contributions/subsidies from public or private bodies to cover the accommodation costs for the same academic year are also considered “Calculated commuters”.

What is an out-of-town student?

“Out-of-town students” are students who reside in Regions other than Lazio, or in the municipalities listed in Annex C hereunder, or who live over 50 kilometres from the municipality in which the university course is taught, who sign a rental contract, against payment, for a minimum of ten months between October 1, 2020, and September 31, 2021.

In the event of the persistence of the emergency measures adopted following the Covid-19 pandemic, for students using distance learning, the Administration reserves the right to redefine their status by classifying them in the “in-town-students” category.

I am eligible to be considered an out-of-town student and I am the recipient of a grant to cover the costs I will incur for rent. Will this affect my classification?

Students who have been awarded a housing service subsidy or who have free or reduced-rate access to a university residence/campus (e.g. Calls for Applications for Residential Accommodation) will automatically be granted the status of “Calculated commuters”.

What is an independent student?

For an Italian or international student to be considered independent, all the following requirements must apply:

  1. independent residence from the family of origin for at least two years prior to the application date in an accommodation not owned by any family members;
  2. an income of at least € 6500 per year in the two years prior to the application. Such an income must derive either from a regular employment contract or similarly have been declared for tax purposes.

Should these requirements not apply, the student must integrate his/her income with that of his/her family of origin via the CAF (Tax Advisory Centre) or the INPS portal, by no later than December 31, 2021, under penalty of exclusion from the benefits.

How to fill in the section “Enrollment” (Iscrizione)

I am still waiting for the admission test results, and I am not yet sure which faculty I should enroll in. How do I fill in the form?

Choose the course you are most likely to enroll in. You can communicate changes of course, faculty and university by opening a ticket on your account.

I applied as a freshman for a second-cycle degree but unfortunately I was unable to graduate. Have I lost my scholarship?

No, you can communicate your enrollment in the first year beyond the legal duration of the programme by opening a ticket on your account.

I cannot find my course of study. What can I do?

A discrepancy between the course name indicated and that of the course actually attended does not affect the award of the scholarship.
If you cannot find your course, please select the “Other” option, giving priority to the course type (three-year, single-cycle, or master’s degree, etc.).

Which year should I enter in the field 'course year'?

The call for applications refers to the academic year 2021/2022: therefore, the course year to be inserted is the one you will attend in the academic year 2021/2022.

For the purpose of meeting the merit-based requirement, can I count credits from internship hours that I have not yet taken the examination for?

Yes. Please note that if you declare internship credits, you must attach the relevant documentation, even if provisional, by August 11th at 12.

The University credits deriving from internship activities will be valid to attain the merit-based requirement only if you pass the final exam by October 31st 2021, unless this is impossible for reasons attributable to the University.

In this case, the practical internship examination must be taken and passed by the first available exam session.

Where should I put the University credits derived from qualifying examinations (idoneità)?

The University credits derived from the qualifying examinations (idoneità) should exclusively be placed in the “Total sum of credits” field.

I cannot recall how many bonus points I have; how can I know?

If your credits are insufficient, and you need a bonus, apply for it when filling out the application form.  If you still have some, the system will automatically award you the necessary bonus points.

Change of programme/transfer and withdrawal from the studies

This year I changed course/faculty/university, can I participate again?

Unless a formal waiver of studies has been submitted, the merit-based requirement is determined by taking into account the years of enrollment for the degree course prior to the transfer.

In case of changing the degree programme or transfer to another university, the course year must be consistent with the year of first enrollment and is calculated including the years of enrollment in the degree programme prior to the change/transfer.

In order to re-enroll as a first-year student, it is necessary to formally withdraw from the studies and return any amount relating to scholarships/services already used, even if provided by other regions.

I have withdrawn from my studies. Can I enroll to a first year?

Yes, provided that:

  • the university has not recognized any credits or exams obtained in the previous academic courses;
  • any money received as a scholarship in the years before the withdrawal have been returned (even if provided by other bodies).

Please note that in order to participate again in the call for applications for the right to education as a first-year student, you must have repaid, in a single instalment and prior to participation in the competitions, any amounts received during the period in question or relating to the cost of any services used.

Students who have received benefits from a different body for the right to education must produce evidence, by means of appropriate documentation (bank transfer receipt), that any amount received in the withdrawal period has been returned.

I have a three-year degree and I would like to enrol in a single-cycle degree course. Can I participate?

Yes. Students with a first-cycle three-year or bachelor’s degree who enrol in a single-cycle degree are eligible for these benefits only starting from the 4th year and for the remaining years admissible to complete the single-cycle degree (calculated from the year of first enrolment).

Supporting economic documentation – Students with income obtained in Italy

I am a student with income produced in Italy, what documentation is required?

To access the benefits provided for the a. y. 2021/2022, the ISEE indicator specific for benefits regarding the right to education is required.

To apply for any of the benefits provided by this call for applications, only DSUs filed between January 1, 2021, and July 28, 2021, shall be deemed valid.

The DSU must be signed on the INPS portal or through a Tax Advisory Centre (CAF), and shall refer to income and assets for the year 2019 (two thousand and nineteen).

It is not needed to attach the documentation regarding the ISEE calculation to the application: DiSCo acquires the ISEE/ISPE values automatically by querying the INPS database.

For the a. y. 2021/2022, the limits regarding the income and assets related indicators are as follows10:

  • ISEE (Indicator of the Equivalent Economic Situation): € 23.626,32
  • ISPE (Indicator of the Equivalent Assets Situation): € 51.361,58

Students exceeding either limit will not be eligible for the benefits under this call for applications.

Under no circumstance, shall the option be given to confirm the income/assets declared in the previous years.

Submitting a DSU after July 28, 2021, is a cause for exclusion.

Supporting economic documentation – Students with income obtained outside of Italy

My family produces income in a country other than Italy, how must I submit the documentation?

The economic situation of international students (with a family residing abroad, i.e. outside of Italy), and of Italians residing abroad who are not registered in AIRE, is defined through the Equalized Indicator of the Equivalent Economic Situation abroad (so called ISEEUP or ISEE Universitario Parificato). This indicator is calculated as the sum of the income received by each family member in 2019 and 20% of the assets owned on December 31, 2019, divided by the equivalence parameter (which is based on the number of family members).

To participate to the call for applications for the right to education 2021/2022 the ISEEUP is valid only if it is signed at one of the CAF (Tax Advisory Centre) recognized by DiSCo by December 31, 2021

Exclusively for students coming from countries where there are proven difficulties in obtaining the certification by the competent Italian Embassy, as eventually identified by DiSCo, the documentation may be provided by the competent foreign diplomatic or consular representations in Italy based on the form in Annex D of this call for applications. If necessary, this certification must be legalised by the Prefecture.

Do I have to submit the ISEEUP even if I am an EU citizen?

Yes.

What documentation shall I submit to the CAFs (Tax Advisory Centre) recognized by DiSCo in order to issue the ISEEUP?

The documentation needed for requesting the release of the ISEEUP-indicator at a recognized CAF is as follows:

  • the family composition relative to the year 2021, including the name, last name and date of birth of each family member, as well as the possible absence of one or both parents, in order to calculate the correct equivalence parameter;
  • the gross annual income received in 2019 by each family member (any lack of income must be specified in the documentation);
  • any real estate owned by each family member as on December 31, 2019, indicating the surface area of the buildings, as well as any movable assets available on the same date (any absence of movable assets must be expressly specified in the documentation);
  • any rent paid for the family’s residence.

These documents must be issued by the competent authorities of the foreign country. The documents must be legalized by the Italian diplomatic authorities competent for the territory or – if foreseen – apostilled. All documents must be translated to Italian.

Declarations in lieu, self-certifications, affidavits, or any other kind of sworn statements cannot be accepted.

My income and my household have not changed with respect to the documentation issued last year. Do I still have to request the ISEEUP?

Yes

I am a political refugee. What documentation shall I submit?

Non-EU students with a recognized status as refugee must submit the Dichiarazione Sostitutiva Unica – DSU by no later than July 28, 2021.

The Italian embassy in my country does not issue the required certification. What should I do?

Notify the problem by opening a ticket from the student’s account.

The offices will contact the embassy and inform you whether you can submit the documentation issued by the competent foreign diplomatic or consular representations in Italy using the form in Annex D to this call for applications.

Do not apply to the representation of your country in Italy if you have not first obtained the approval of the office.

Payment methods

How will I be paid for my scholarship?

The payment of the scholarship to beneficiary students may be carried out as follows:

  • via bank transfer to an Italian bank account (IBAN IT) held or co-held by the student, with no charges to the beneficiaries (Postal Saving Books and similar accounts cannot be accepted);
  • by means of a bank card with an Italian IBAN (e.g. Postepay Evolution) in the name of the student or co-owned, with no charges to the beneficiaries;
  • by means of the card “Ateneo + DiSCo”, to be requested free of charge at the branches of Banca Popolare di Sondrio.

If the IBAN code indicated for the payment is incorrect or the account is in the name of a person other than the beneficiary, any penalty applied by the Treasury will be charged to the student and therefore any subsequent reissues will be paid to the student net of the penalty.
Any student who encounters difficulties in the collection of payments issued in his or her name shall promptly report them by opening a ticket. In the event of errors attributable to DiSCo, a new payment order will be issued.
International students who have difficulties in opening a bank account in Italy may enter a foreign IBAN, provided it is part of the SEPA circuit. In this case, DiSCo takes no responsibility for any delays or payment failures. Any transaction costs related to unsuccessful payment orders will be deducted from the scholarship.

How and when shall I communicate the chosen method of payment?

The method of payment chosen must preferably be communicated when filling out the application form and in any case within 6 months of being declared “beneficiaries” of the scholarship.

The “Payment method” function in the Student’s account will allow you to communicate your payment method or change the IBAN code for the credit.

I don't have a bank account, can I use my parents’ one?

No. The account must be in your name, or possibly co-held.
Payments to accounts with names other than the student will not be successful.

Can I ask for my scholarship to be credited to a Postal Saving Book?

No. The IBAN entered must necessarily be associated with a current account, or a prepaid card with IBAN.

I am an international student and I have difficulty opening a bank account in Italy. What can I do?

International students who have difficulties in opening a bank account in Italy may enter a foreign IBAN, provided it is part of the SEPA circuit.

In this case, DiSCo takes no responsibility for any delays or payment failures.

Any transaction costs related to unsuccessful payment orders will be deducted from the scholarship.

When will I be credited with the first instalment of my scholarship?

Notifications related to payments are provided exclusively through the “Payment/outcome history” section of the student’s account, and/or in the “Communications” section of the institutional website www.laziodisco.it.

The first instalment of the scholarship is paid within two months of the publication of the final ranking, subject to the availability of funds.

  • First-year beneficiary students will receive 25% of the total scholarship amount they are entitled to.
  • Post-first-year beneficiary students will receive 50%of the total scholarship amount they are entitled to.

For students who have been granted an accommodation, a sum of € 450 shall be deducted from the first instalment as down payment for the accommodation costs, and a further € 2 as cost of the tax receipt.

When will I receive the second instalment?

Notifications related to payments are provided exclusively through the “Payment/outcome history” section of the student’s account, and/or in the “Communications” section of the institutional www.laziodisco.it.

The second instalment, i.e., the balance of the scholarship, is granted to students after all the requirements specified in this call have been duly checked. These checks specifically include the regularity of the rental agreement registration with the Italian Revenue Agency, as well as the number of credits registered by the university secretariats.

Students who do not vacate their accommodation by July 31, 2022, are not entitled to the balance of the scholarship.

  • First-year students, who have met the merit-based based requirements (as specified in art. 6.1 of this call) by August 10, 2022, shall receive the second instalment starting from October 2022.
  • Post-first-year students will receive the second instalment earliest by the end of June 2022 upon availability of the funds provided by the Lazio Region. The balance amounts to 50% of the total sum of the scholarship the students are entitled to.
  • Accommodation winners shall receive the second instalment in September 2022 upon verification that they left the dormitory by July 31, 2022.
  • For students enrolled in PhD programmes and post-graduate schools, the balance of the scholarship will be paid upon verification of the enrolment in the following year of course and in accordance with the timeframes listed in points a) and b).
  • For accommodation winners the second instalment will be paid upon verification that they left the dormitory by July 31, 2022. The costs for the accommodation (calculated from the date the accommodation was granted) will be deducted from the second instalment. An additional € 2 shall be deducted as cost of the tax receipt.

In any case, the balance of the scholarship will be paid upon verification of the correct registration with the University secretariats and the availability of funds provided by the Lazio Region.