Scholarship FAQ

Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association strives to offer up to four scholarships each year to study Italian at the world-famous University for Foreigners (Università per Stranieri) in Perugia, Italy. The University for Foreigners, founded in 1921, is the oldest and most prestigious institution of its kind devoted to language and cultural studies for foreign students. More information can be found at: https://www.unistrapg.it

The following are frequently asked questions about the program:

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

SPSCA members who want to improve their Italian language skills, experience the
culture and life in one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities, and who meet the
following criteria are ideal candidates and qualified to apply for this scholarship:

  1. Must be a member in good standing of the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association for at least one year before submitting an application. If you are not a member or if your membership has lapsed, please JOIN / RENEW so that you may qualify to apply in 2026.
  2. Must remain a member of the SPSCA while attending Università per Stranieri.
  3. Must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.
  4. Must have some basic knowledge of the Italian language.
  5. To further our mission, must commit to supporting SPSCA through volunteering for a minimum of one year after attending Università per Stranieri.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD?

The scholarship includes tuition for one month of study at the University and a stipend that can be used to defray travel or living expenses while abroad. In most cases, scholars can choose the month of study that works best for them.

WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS DUE?

The 2025 application period closed March 31. The 2026 application period will be announced in early 2026. Please be sure you are eligible by renewing your membership and carefully reading the “Applicant Criteria And Process” here.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Interested applicants must be SPSCA members. To apply, carefully read APPLICANT CRITERIA AND PROCESS, then complete the APPLICATION FORM (online or PDF version) and submit it via by the stated deadline. Details are provided on the aforementioned forms.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

After reviewing all applications, the scholarship committee will select applicants to interview either in person or via Zoom. Following interviews, the committee will make a recommendation to the SPSCA Board for approval and then all candidates will be notified of the final selection as soon as possible.

IS THE SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE (TUITION AND STIPEND) TAXABLE?

The tuition is taxable and must be included as gross income on the scholar’s income tax return. The tuition is tax free (excludable from gross income) ONLY IF: the individual is a candidate for a degree and the degree program accepts this course as meeting the requirements for the degree, and the scholar provides to SPSCA written documentation of the acceptance. The stipend, which is intended for room and board and living expenses, is always taxable without exception.

Recipients of an SPSCA scholarship package will need to provide their legal name, address and social security number to SPSCA. This information will be used to prepare an IRS Form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC for the taxable amount of the scholarship package received for the calendar year in which the tuition is paid.

SPSCA advises recipients of its scholarship package to consult a tax advisor for advice as to the tax implications on their individual tax return. SPSCA is not qualified to provide tax advice or consultation to its scholarship recipients.

ARE THERE ANY EXPECTATIONS OF SCHOLARS AFTER THEIR SCHOLARSHIP AND STUDIES ARE COMPLETED?

Yes. Scholarship recipients are required to commit to supporting SPSCA through at least one year of volunteer activities following their month of study. This may include serving on the Board; volunteering at events such as the Annual General Meeting / Membership Picnic, Festa Italiana, Cinema Italian style; supporting a specific committee, etc. Recipients are also expected to submit a short summary of their experience to be included on the SPSCA website and potentially also to be included in the SPSCA newsletter, and scholars may be asked to make a short, 10-minute presentation of their experience at a future board meeting.

Questions? Write to: SPSCA Scholarships