The Università di Brescia has published a public notice seeking sponsors and donors to support the IUPALS project – Italian Universities for Palestinian Students, a national initiative promoted by the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), with the aim of offering young Palestinians the opportunity to undertake university studies in Italy.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the University has already funded three scholarships, awarded to three young people residing in the Gaza Strip, who will have access to a structured training programme: a first semester of induction, during which they will improve their knowledge of the Italian language and basic skills in the legal, economic and engineering fields, followed by attendance of the first year of their chosen degree course.
However, considering that there are 24 eligible candidates and that only three scholarships have been covered with the University's own funds, the University is now inviting companies, foundations, public and private bodies, associations and individual citizens to contribute to the financing of additional scholarships, with the aim of ensuring that a greater number of deserving students have the opportunity to continue their academic studies. It is possible to support the initiative through sponsorship, which provides institutional visibility, or through a donation, without any obligation for visibility.
The indicative amount of each scholarship is €10,000 per year, for a maximum of four years, to cover the costs of food, accommodation, pocket money, integration and educational support. It is also possible to contribute partially, and all contributions will be added together to reach the necessary target.
Those interested can contact the university offices at [email protected], specifying the details of the applicant, the chosen method of contribution, the indicative amount and the method of payment by 30 September 2025 to allow for the timely activation of the scholarships (although the call for applications will remain open).
In addition to financial support, the University, through its Student Centre, will launch initiatives dedicated to the integration and promotion of the psychological and physical well-being of scholarship recipients. Thanks to collaboration with local organisations and entities – the Municipality of Brescia, Cooperativa Kemay and Centro Migranti ETS – additional services will also be offered, such as free urban transport passes, the purchase of a SIM card upon arrival in Italy and coverage of residence permit expenses.