Study shows rising costs of university in Italy mean an increase in benefits to help combat this

 ROME - With the start of the new academic year, attention is once again focused on the costs of attending university. According to a study conducted earlier this year by Federconsumatori, attending an online university costs between €2,000 and €4,290, which can drop to between €1,500 and €3,000 per year if students manage to access special agreements or discounts.

 The costs are slightly higher for students attending a physical university:

• €9,379 per year for those living at home (i.e., residing in the same city as the university),
• €10,293 per year for commuters, and
• €17,498 for students living away from home.

 These costs include transportation, accommodation, tuition fees, and other expenses. To reduce living costs, discounts and bonuses available to students and their families become particularly attractive.

 One of the most important documents for accessing financial aid when enrolling in a university is the University ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator). Having this document on hand is essential to qualify for reduced tuition fees based on declared income. It’s also required to apply for certain scholarships.

 If a student does not submit the University ISEE, they will be required to pay the maximum tuition fees set by the university.

 Another important benefit for university students is the tax deduction of education-related expenses. The Italian Revenue Agency confirms on its website that taxpayers are entitled to a 19% tax deduction on expenses incurred for attending undergraduate courses at any public or private university.

 This benefit also applies to postgraduate or specialization courses, provided they are held at accredited Italian institutions. Taxpayers can claim deductions for:

• university tuition fees,
• specialization and master’s programs,
• entrance test fees,
• additional fees for exams or graduation,
• and even courses at technical institutes, Conservatories, and state-approved higher education courses.

 Students who are behind schedule in their studies can also claim deductions for their registration fees.

 Off-campus students may be eligible for a housing rent bonus, funded through the Off-Campus Student Fund. To access this benefit, the student must have an ISEE under €20,000, and the bonus amount is €279.21.

 Students who do not qualify for this bonus may still be eligible for a tax deduction on rent expenses, provided they live at least 100 km away from their family residence.

 This tax deduction is also set at 19%, with a maximum deductible rent amount of €2,633, leading to a maximum deduction of €500.

• If the student’s family income is below €120,000, the deduction is fully applicable.
• If the income is between €120,000 and €240,000, the deduction is partial.

Two other interesting benefits are available for students who have just turned 18.

• The Merit Card is reserved for students who graduated high school with top honors (100 with distinction), provided they did so before turning 19. It is available to students residing in Italy or holding a valid residence permit and has a value of €500.
• The Culture Card is for students born in 2006. To be eligible, the family ISEE must be below €35,000. This benefit also provides €500.

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