Fondo per lo Studio: current rules and new updates

The new decree on the Fondo per lo Studio is on its way and will introduce significant changes to broaden students’ access to credit. As recalled by Consap’s president, Sestino Giacomoni, in the official statement, the Fondo will be “relaunched, streamlined, and refinanced to ensure a future for students.”

Let’s clarify what the Fondo currently provides and what the main upcoming changes will be.

The Fondo per lo Studio today

At the time of submitting the loan application, students who are up to date with university fees and enrolled at public or private universities, or at AFAM institutions (Academies and Conservatories), can access the loan if pursuing one of the following programs:

• Single-cycle Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (minimum grade requirement: 75/100 in high school diploma)
• Master’s degree (minimum grade requirement: 100/110 in Bachelor’s degree)
• First- or Second-level University Master’s program (minimum grade requirement: 100/110 in degree)
• Specialization school in Medicine and Surgery (minimum grade requirement: 100/110 in single-cycle Master’s degree)
• PhD program abroad (with a legal duration of at least three years)

Alternatively, access is also granted to those attending a language course of at least 6 months, recognized by an accredited certification institution.

Current amounts:

The amounts currently available through the Fondo per lo Studio can reach up to a total maximum of €25,000.
The loan is not disbursed in a single payment, but in annual installments ranging from a minimum of €3,000 to a maximum of €5,000, calculated on the basis of the number of years of study remaining at the time of application.

Upcoming changes with the new decree

The decree broadens the scope and significantly increases the resources available.

New beneficiaries:

• All specialization schools (no longer limited to Medicine and Surgery);
• PhD programs in Italy, with no duration requirements;
• Training pathways at ITS (Higher Technical Institutes).

New amounts:

• Up to €50,000 for those studying in Italy;
• Up to €70,000 for those choosing to study abroad (an entirely new measure).

Repayment: how the pre-amortization period works

With regard to repayment, no changes are foreseen compared to the current rules. The loan repayment plan cannot in any case begin before 30 months have passed since the disbursement of the last installment. This safeguard is designed to allow students to complete their studies and enter the job market before starting to repay the loan.

Repayment terms: once the pre-amortization period has elapsed, students may negotiate directly with the bank the overall repayment duration, from 3 to 15 years, and consequently the amount of the installments, in order to adapt the repayment plan to their personal and professional needs.

The new decree on the Fondo per lo Studio marks a turning point: more students will have access to credit, with higher amounts and repayment conditions designed not to weigh immediately on their educational and professional path.

Would you like to find out which banks are partnered with the product, under what conditions, and receive support from our staff throughout the application process?