The government of Sicily, in southern Italy, has proposed paying up to €30,000 to young people who complete university with top academic performance and remain on the island. The incentive is part of an effort to curb the departure of qualified professionals for other Italian regions and abroad.
The measure, called Giovani talenti Sicilia (Young Talents of Sicily), is included in the 2027-2029 stability bill, approved by Renato Schifani’s regional government on November 10, 2026. The text must still pass the Sicilian Regional Assembly before taking effect.
According to the official statement from the Sicilian Region, the proposal provides for aid totaling €30,000, distributed over three years, for the highest-rated graduates of the island’s universities who decide to remain in the region. €10 million per year has been earmarked for the initiative.
Who will be eligible for the incentive?
According to the ANSA news agency, the program covers students who earn a laurea magistrale, an Italian second-cycle university degree, in 2027 with a grade of 110 e lode, equivalent to the highest grade with academic distinction.
The same report says beneficiaries must remain residents of Sicily for at least two years after completing their degree, in order to work or continue their studies. TGcom24, meanwhile, mentions remaining for the entire three-year payment period. The final requirement will depend on the final wording approved by the regional Parliament and the implementing rules.
Not all selection criteria, potential age limits and specific eligibility conditions have yet been clarified. Therefore, it cannot be said that anyone who graduates with top grades, including from institutions outside Sicily, will be entitled to the money.
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How would the payment work?
The planned total is €30,000 over three years, equivalent to €10,000 per year. According to TGcom24, the funds would be awarded as nonrepayable grants, with no obligation to repay them or report on their use. These conditions still depend on final regulations.
The regional government intends to offer financial support to qualified young people at the start of their professional careers, including as an incentive to create economic activities on the island.
Proposal is part of the 2027 budget
The program is included in a budget package of approximately €1.7 billion for the 2027-2029 period, which includes measures related to employment, businesses, universities and social assistance.
Another provision in the bill sets aside €10 million per year to reduce interest on loans taken out by universities to improve student spaces.
Regional President Renato Schifani said in announcing the proposal that he intends to create opportunities for young people and enhance the talents educated in Sicily. Regional Economy Minister Alessandro Dagnino presented the incentive as part of a policy to make it possible for these professionals to remain on the island.
When will it be possible to apply for the €30,000?
The benefit is not yet available for applications. As of November 13, 2026, the text had been approved by the regional government but was pending consideration by the Sicilian Regional Assembly.
Only after possible approval and the definition of the rules will it be possible to know the application deadlines, required documents and final award criteria.
