University fees, ISEE and regional grants
What an Italian public university costs, how DSU grants work and what the study residence permit allows.
Fees based on income
At public universities, the annual contribution depends on the family's income and assets, measured by the ISEE. For an international student this is the « ISEE parificato », calculated from the family's income and asset documents, translated and legalised. Depending on income, fees can be reduced or waived entirely.
Each university publishes its own scale: our catalogue shows « fees based on income » when no range is published. Private universities, such as Bocconi and LUISS, set their own prices.
Regional grants (DSU)
Each Italian region funds right-to-study grants, run by regional bodies that publish a call for applications every year. They are awarded on family income and, from the second year, on credits earned; they can include a cash allowance, a place in a residence, meals and a fee waiver.
International students may apply. But for the visa, an application, or even eligibility, does not count as funds: only a grant actually awarded can be shown.
Working while you study
The study residence permit allows paid employment of up to 20 hours a week, within a limit of 1,040 hours a year.
According to the National Labour Inspectorate, the weekly limit applies all year round, summer included: a contract of more than 20 hours a week is not compliant, even below 1,040 hours a year. To work more, the residence permit must be converted into a work permit.
Planning your budget
Beyond fees, the budget covers housing, food, transport and insurance, and it varies a great deal from one city to another. The amount required for the visa, €10,179.85 a year, gives the minimum figure used by the Italian authorities.