Students deprived of liberty
The Tuscan University Penitentiary Hub was established in 1999 through collaboration between the University of Florence, the Prison Volunteering Association, and the Supervisory Judiciary.
In 2000, it was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between the University, the Prison Administration, and the Tuscany Region, becoming the second university hub of its kind in Italy.
Today, the PUP operates within a Collaboration Agreement between the Tuscany Region, Tuscan universities, and the Regional Directorate of the Prison Administration.
The aim of the Hub is to guarantee people serving sentences the effective right to university education through a structured system of services and educational opportunities.
The University of Florence currently provides services at:
- La Dogaia Prison (Prato)
- Sollicciano Prison
- Mario Gozzini Male Prison (Sollicciano)
- Juvenile Detention Centre G.P. Meucci
- REMS Empoli
- Massa Prison
- San Gimignano Prison
Who it is for
The Hub is intended for:
- inmates and detainees, both Italian and international, held in penitentiary institutions;
- individuals serving sentences outside prison facilities;
who meet the legal requirements for enrolment in university degree programmes.
Activities are governed by the Regulation governing the University Penitentiary Hub of the University of Florence.
It is possible to enrol in all degree programmes offered by the University.
For limited-access programmes, it is necessary to take the admission test within the established deadlines. For open-access programmes, the initial knowledge assessment test (TOLC) is required.
Services, opportunities and financial support
The Hub provides:
- support with enrolment and registration procedures;
- coordination with prison authorities for teaching activities and examinations;
- facilitation of access to study materials and university services;
- coordination with lecturers and academic structures.
Fees
Students enrolled in the PUP are required to pay the regional fee for the right to higher education (€140 per year) and the stamp duty (€16).
Scholarships and financial contributions
Students may access the measures provided by the Regional Agency for the Right to University Education (DSU), based on the economic requirements set out in the call.
For detained students, merit requirements and the duration of scholarships are aligned with those provided for students with disabilities, taking into account the specific study conditions within the penitentiary context.
It is also possible to apply for extraordinary financial support in case of unforeseen hardship.
Delegates and contacts
Where we are
You will be welcomed at the Novoli Campus (Building D1)
- e-mail: unifiinclude.pup@unifi.it
- phone: 055 2759005 - available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 12:30; Friday from 9:30 to 11:00
The activities of the University Penitentiary Hub of the University of Florence (PUP - Unifi) are coordinated by the Rector’s Delegate for Inclusion and Diversity, Prof. Maria Paola Monaco, in collaboration with the School Delegates for the University Penitentiary Hub:
- School of Agriculture: Prof. Elena Bresci
- School of Architecture: Prof. Maddalena Rossi
- School of Economics and Management: Prof. Giovanni Belletti and Prof. Marco Bellucci
- School of Law: Prof. Sara Benvenuti
- School of Engineering: Prof. Luca Facchini
- School of Psychology: Prof. Benedetta Emanuela Palladino
- School of Human Health Sciences: Prof. Massimo Gulisano
- School of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences: Prof. Gianmarco Bet
- School of Political Science: Prof. Ivana Acocella
- School of Humanities and Education: Prof. Giovanni Alberto Cecconi and Prof. Lorenzo Gnocchi
Legal framework and guidelines
The Hub is based on a regulatory framework that recognizes the right to education for detained individuals, including:
- Article 27, paragraph 3, of the Italian Constitution
- Law 354/1975, Article 19
- Presidential Decree 431/1976, Article 42
Activities are also governed by the Guidelines of the National Conference of University Penitentiary Hubs (CNUPP).
Last update
02.04.2026