Basilicata launches expanded student scholarships and funds to eliminate health waiting lists
The Basilicata regional government announced a comprehensive plan to boost university enrolment and support graduate employment. The new strategy, presented by Regional Development Minister Francesco Cupparo and Ardsu president Enzo Summa, includes a regional scholarship scheme that can provide up to €7,700 annually for students living more than 50 km from campus, merit awards of €1,500 for 110 cum laude graduates, mobility grants, transport reimbursements, disability assistance and athlete support. Additional funding of more than €3.4 million will expand ITS Academy programmes in tourism, cultural heritage and agri‑food sectors, and new student housing is being opened in Matera and Potenza.
In parallel, the regional council approved a decree to slash specialist outpatient waiting lists. About €820,000 will be directed to the Potenza health agency and €350,000 to the Matera agency, with further €350,000 for accredited non‑contracted providers and €150,000 for additional services. The goal is to bring waiting times for 13 high‑demand diagnostic exams to zero by 31 December 2026, with monthly monitoring and reallocation of any unused budget. This follows a €3.9 million investment announced in March to boost additional health services.