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Ismit Ara Jiniya already had a master's degree. She is now doing a second one, World Politics and International Relations at the University of Pavia, a public university, taught in English, with a DSU scholarship that covers her accommodation, tuition fees and living expenses.
What is Ismit studying, and where?
World Politics and International Relations at the University of Pavia, a public university in Lombardy, about 35 km south of Milan. It is a two-year master's taught fully in English, and it is Ismit's second master's degree.
Can you get a scholarship when you already have a master's?
Many regional DSU calls exclude students who already hold a degree of the same level, so most people with a master's assume a scholarship is off the table and never apply. Ismit's case shows that this is not always true: whether a second master's qualifies depends on the first degree and the exact rules of the regional call.
This is the kind of question where specialist knowledge of the DSU rules makes the difference between paying full costs and studying on a scholarship, and it is one of the first things ApplyAZ checks for the students it works with.
Why we are selective, and what that buys you
A case like this is not a form you fill in once. It takes hours of reading the rules, checking documents and preparing the application properly. That is exactly why ApplyAZ is not an open-door service: we take on students whose profiles have a realistic path to an Italian public university, and then we put that level of work behind every file.
And because we work only with public universities, with no tie-ups with private ones, the advice starts from your profile, not from a university that pays commission.
What does the scholarship cover?
In the video, Ismit says it "will cover your accommodation, tuition fees and even your living expenses." DSU is Italy's regional right-to-study scholarship. It is need-based, and the package depends on the region and on the family's income and assets.
Why Italy?
Ismit points to the European job market: a degree from an Italian public university can help graduates look for work across the European Union.
What Ismit says about ApplyAZ in the video
"ApplyAZ makes everything super easy. If you want to study here in Italy in English, you just need to upload your documents once and ApplyAZ will handle all the admission process, scholarship and even visa process."
We don't need to push you toward a university because a university is paying us. We first check whether the public-university route in Italy genuinely makes sense for your profile.
How the ApplyAZ route works
- Check your eligibility. A free, two-minute check of whether your profile fits the public-university route.
- Book an Italy consultation. If it does, you speak with one of our Italy experts.
- Get your Italy roadmap. Realistic university options, admission strategy, scholarship pathway, visa process and next steps, laid out before you enrol.
- Enrol with ApplyAZ. Only if the roadmap makes sense to you.
- We handle the process A to Z. Shortlisting, CV and SOP, programme-specific documents, applications, DSU scholarship, student visa, and pre-arrival and arrival guidance.
Reality check
- A second master's does not always qualify. It depends on your first degree and the exact rules of the regional call. We check this before you pay for anything, and we tell you if the answer is no.
- Scholarships are need-based and renewed yearly. Income documents, deadlines and credits passed all matter.
- A job in the EU is not automatic. Italy lets graduates stay to look for work, but you still need an employer and a work permit.
Could this work for you?
Read our guide to a master's in Italy and the DSU scholarship guide 2026-27. Then take the first step: check your eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a second master's in Italy?
Yes. Italian public universities accept applicants who already hold a master's degree, as long as they meet the course's entry requirements.
Can I get a DSU scholarship for a second master's?
Sometimes. Many regional calls exclude students who already hold a degree of the same level, so most applicants assume they cannot qualify. The answer depends on your first degree and the exact rules of the call, which is why it should be checked case by case before you apply.
Does ApplyAZ take every student who applies?
No. ApplyAZ first checks whether a profile has a realistic path to an Italian public university. Eligible students can book an Italy consultation and see their roadmap before deciding to enrol.
What does a DSU scholarship cover?
Usually a cash grant plus a tuition waiver, and in many regions housing or meals. The exact package depends on the region and your family's income and assets.
Already have a master's degree?
