Habacus is the first certifying body in Italy specialized in verifying students’ academic performance. Habacus supports financial institutions in evaluating students’ academic profiles and achievements. Once it obtains the status of credit broker—currently in progress—Habacus will also facilitate connections and interactions between students and financial institutions. As a certifying body, Habacus integrates its academic performance certification into banking processes, helping banks determine students’ eligibility for loans. This certification confirms that students meet the specific requirements set by various financial products.
Additionally, Habacus offers guidance services for post-secondary education and financial education services to help students better understand the opportunities related to the right to education and make more informed decisions about their future.
Does Habacus provide student loans?
No, Habacus does not provide financing. We are a certifying body that connects students, post-secondary education institutions, and financial institutions.
What we do:
Certification: We collect and analyze students’ academic data to certify their eligibility for student loans.
Support: We assist banks in evaluating students’ academic profiles and merits as part of their loan approval processes. Once Habacus obtains the status of credit broker—currently underway—we will also facilitate the connection between students and financial institutions.
Ongoing verification: We check that students continue to meet the requirements set by banks before each loan disbursement tranche.
Important note: Students do not sign contracts directly with Habacus. To access the loans, they must open an account and sign a contract with the selected bank.
I need assistance, who can I contact?
You can contact us by email at info@habacus.com or via WhatsApp chat from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at +393492360070.
What is the government guarantee ‘Fondo per il Credito ai Giovani’?
The ‘Youth Credit Fund’ is a government guarantee managed by Consap to support banks in providing student loans. It protects the bank and makes credit access easier for eligible individuals.
What is a student loan?
Yes, obtaining or applying for a scholarship does not prevent you from applying for a student loan.
Are there income requirements to apply for a student loan?
No income requirements are needed to apply. Eligibility is mostly based on academic performance, although the final decision rests with the bank, which may conduct credit checks.
What are the requirements to access a state-guaranteed student loan?
To be eligible for a state-guaranteed student loan, the following conditions must be met:
– Age between 18 and 40 years;
– Regular enrollment in an educational institution included in the approved network;
– Completion of the previous level of education with a minimum grade: high school diploma ≥ 75/100, or university degree ≥ 100/110;
– Not being behind schedule with the academic program;
– No outstanding financial obligations with the educational institution.
In addition to the requirements listed above, banks may require proof of residence in Italy as a fundamental condition for granting the loan.
For more details, you can visit the website politichegiovanili.gov.it in the section dedicated to Fondo per il credito ai giovani.
Can student loans be combined with scholarships?
Yes, obtaining or applying for a scholarship does not prevent you from applying for a student loan.
What expenses can be covered with a student loan?
Student loans can cover more than tuition: they can also be used for rent, books, devices like laptops or tablets, and transportation costs.
Is a parent’s signature required?
No. Student loans are personal and generally do not require a parent’s signature.
Is a university admission letter enough to get a student loan?
No. You must be formally enrolled through the payment of the enrollment fee.
Why must I already be enrolled to apply for a student loan?
Unlike traditional loans, student loans don’t require job contracts or guarantors, but enrollment in a recognized institution is mandatory, along with basic requirements like age and possibly a minimum grade.
Can I apply for a loan even if I haven’t chosen a university yet?
You need to be enrolled in a post-secondary institution to apply. Our tool shows which institutions are eligible.
My diploma grade is low: can I still apply for a loan?
Loans with a state guarantee require a minimum diploma score (≥ 75/100) or degree score (≥ 100/110). Some banks offer loans without state guarantees, using more flexible criteria.
Is the loan valid if I participate in Erasmus?
Yes. The loan can be used to cover study-abroad programs like Erasmus, as long as your enrollment at a recognized institution remains valid.
Who sets the repayment period, can it be negotiated with the bank?
Yes, the repayment duration is agreed between the student and the bank based on personal needs and the selected product’s terms.
Are there differences between public and private universities?
No, there are no differences as long as the university is within the eligible scope. Use our tool to check eligibility.
What is the maximum amount I can request with a student loan?
It depends on the product. State-guaranteed loans can offer up to €5,000 per remaining year of study, up to a maximum of €25,000.
Does the loan cover only tuition or also rent and living expenses?
Student loans can be used for all education-related expenses, including living costs, rent, deposits, and materials. They are not restricted to tuition.
If I move to another city to study, can I request more money?
Some products offer higher amounts for students studying away from home. Generally, you can request up to €5,000 per year remaining in your studies.
Can I use the loan to buy a computer, tablet, or technical equipment?
Yes. Since it’s a personal loan, you can use it to buy tools or equipment like a computer or tablet needed for your studies.
Is the interest rate on student loans fixed or variable?
The interest rate is fixed and disclosed at the time of contract signing, giving you clarity on installment amounts and total interest.
How do I fill out a student loan application?
Each bank has its own process. The Habacus site tool helps guide you through options and identify whom to contact.
What happens after the loan is approved?
If the loan is a lump sum, the full amount is disbursed at once. If in installments, disbursements are scheduled and conditioned on academic progress, verified by Habacus.
How are student loan disbursements managed?
Before each installment, checks ensure the student still meets requirements (e.g., enrollment, attendance, or credits earned). If not, the bank may suspend further disbursements and start the repayment grace period.
What happens if I can’t find a job right after graduation?
The grace period helps students transition from school to work. Family support can also help during this time.
When is the money disbursed after the loan request?
After application, the bank checks documents, possibly awaits state guarantee approval, and verifies credit conditions. If approved, the student may need to visit a branch to sign the contract before disbursement.
If the loan is in installments, can I know the dates in advance?
Yes, banks can give a general timeline for annual checks, which depend on when the loan was initiated.
If I fail an exam or delay my studies, do I risk losing the installment?
Yes. If you fail to meet requirements (e.g., insufficient credits, inactive enrollment), the bank may withhold the installment and terminate the loan.
Are the checks for receiving loan installments automatic or must I submit documentation?
To continue receiving loan installments, you must submit official documentation (exam records, credit achievements, paid enrollment fees) from your institution.
When does the repayment of the student loan begin?
Repayment starts after the grace period, which follows the final disbursement. During this period, you may only pay interest.
What happens if I change universities while having a student loan?
Student loans are tied to your specific academic program. If you drop out, the disbursement ends and the grace period before repayment begins.