UNICO Maria and Paolo Alessio Southern Italy Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by UNICO Foundation (UNICO National)
About This Scholarship
Most UNICO Foundation scholarships are limited to residents of 14 states, but the Maria and Paolo Alessio Southern Italy Scholarship is the exception: it is open to students in all 50 states. The award is a one-time $2,500 grant for a current college student whose family roots are in southern Italy.
To qualify, at least one of your parents must come from Abruzzo, Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Latium (Lazio), Molise, Puglia, Sardinia or Sicily. The GPA floor is lower than on most UNICO awards, at 2.7, and the award is reserved for freshmen, sophomores and juniors who will keep studying full time in 2027-28.
UNICO membership is not required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in a campus-based program, since online degree programs are excluded.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen of Southern Italian descent with at least one parent originating from Abruzzo, Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Latium, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia or Sicily
- Current full-time college freshman, sophomore or junior at an accredited campus-based U.S. college or university
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Continuing studies in the 2027-28 academic year
- Open to residents of all 50 states; UNICO membership not required
- Online degree programs are not eligible
How To Apply
- Visit the UNICO scholarships page after the application opens on November 15, 2026
- Open the Maria and Paolo Alessio Southern Italy Scholarship application
- Complete the online application, including documentation of your parent's region of origin and your transcript
- Submit by March 15, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions count as Southern Italy?
Abruzzo, Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Latium, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily.
Can seniors apply?
No. The award is limited to college freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
Do I need to live in a UNICO state?
No. This is the one UNICO Foundation scholarship open to all 50 states.