Studying in Italy on a Scholarship If Your Income Is Low

If your family’s income is low, studying in Italy is actually where you are most accessible: income-based grants, fee exemptions and economical cities together. In this post we set out the paths for low-income students.

The DSU: your primary channel

For low-income students the strongest support is the income-based DSU grants. A cash grant, halls, canteen and a fee exemption come together; students from Turkey generally qualify for the highest amount. If your family’s income is below the threshold, the DSU is the most comprehensive door onto studying in Italy.

Low, income-based fees

At Italian public universities the fee is tiered by your family’s income (the ISEE). If your income is low, even without a grant the fee you pay is low; you may even get a fee exemption. So preparing your income documents correctly is very valuable financially.

Prepare the ISEE Parificato

The key to using your income advantage is the ISEE Parificato document, which translates your family’s income into the Italian system. Without this document you cannot evidence your income and lose the advantage. For detail, see our ISEE Parificato page.

Choose an economical city

The choice of city is the most important factor setting your budget. The southern and inland cities (Naples, Bari, Palermo, Perugia) are far more economical than the north. In an economical city, an education supported by income-based grants becomes very sustainable financially.

Possible without a scholarship too

Even if you do not win a scholarship, thanks to the low public fees, income-based pricing, fee exemptions and economical cities, studying without a scholarship is within reach for many students. For detail, see our studying without a scholarship page.

Part-time work

International students may work part-time within a certain hourly limit under the residence permit. This can be an extra income source; but it must not disrupt your studies and must follow the work rules.

A holistic plan

When the DSU + a fee exemption + an economical city + part-time work if needed come together, an education in Italy becomes genuinely within reach for a low-income student. Prepare your income documents early; you can take a free translation quote.

Preparing income documents correctly

Turning a low income into an advantage depends on documenting it correctly. The documents showing your family’s income and assets (salary/pension, title-deed, bank) must be apostilled and sworn-translated; then an ISEE Parificato is drawn up in Italy through a CAF. A gap or inconsistency in the documents can show you in a higher income band than you are and destroy your advantage. So you must prepare your income documents carefully and early.

Lowering housing costs

For low-income students the largest outgoing is usually housing. A DSU hall (residenza) right lifts most of this burden; if no hall is available, the region often pays a housing contribution. Also, in economical cities, flat-sharing, using the canteen (mensa) and student discounts lower the cost further. Planning the housing strategy together with the choice of university is one of the most important decisions setting your budget.

Long-term financial planning

A sustainable plan for a low-income student in Italy brings together the DSU grant, a fee exemption, an economical city and, where needed, part-time work. Renewing the grant each year usually depends on a certain academic progress (credit) condition; so progressing steadily in your courses protects your financial security too. For a holistic plan, see our studying without a scholarship page too.

Student discounts and support

In Italy students enjoy significant discounts on transport, culture and some services; many museums and events are free or discounted for students. These small savings make a meaningful difference by the end of the month for a low-income student. Also, the universities’ student offices may offer extra help with books, materials and emergency support. Researching these supports eases your budget.

Keeping the grant each year

The DSU grant is reassessed each year on income and academic progress. To keep your grant you must gather a certain number of credits and present your income situation with current documents. Progressing steadily in your courses protects both your graduation and your financial security. So taking your academic plan seriously after winning the grant is especially important for low-income students.

A plan for emergencies

Studying on a low budget, it is wise to build a small buffer against unexpected costs. Have an emergency plan for a late grant payment, an exchange-rate shift or a sudden expense. The universities’ student-support offices and the regional agencies can sometimes provide extra support for students in difficulty. Knowing these sources in advance lets you act fast in a crisis.

Frequently asked questions

Which scholarship if my income is low?

The income-based DSU grants are your primary channel; they offer cash + halls + canteen + a fee exemption.

Are fees high if I do not get a grant?

At public universities the fee is tiered by income; if your income is low your fee is low too, and an exemption is possible.