Italian student loan fund: how Fondo Studio works
The Italian student loan fund, known as Fondo Studio, aims to improve access to higher education in Italy through State-backed financing solutions. The initiative is designed to help students manage university costs, including tuition fees, housing and transportation expenses. During the “Credito al Credito” conference organised by ABI in Milan, Consap president Sestino Giacomoni encouraged Italian banks to join the agreement promoted with the Department for Youth Policies. The goal is to expand the programme nationwide and increase access to university education.
How the Italian student loan fund works
Fondo Studio relies on a public guarantee managed by Consap, the Italian State guarantee mechanism. Thanks to this structure, university students can apply for subsidised loans to support education-related expenses. The programme complements existing student support measures in Italy, such as scholarships and regional financial aid. Moreover, the initiative seeks to help young people continue their studies even when family resources are limited. Estimates discussed during the conference suggest that more than 280,000 university students could benefit from the measure. In this case, the model takes inspiration from similar systems already operating in countries such as Germany.
Support for rising study costs
University expenses have increased significantly in recent years. Housing, commuting and everyday costs can become major barriers for many families. For this reason, the Italian student loan fund is considered a possible tool to reduce the risk of students interrupting their academic path. Each year, thousands of high school graduates could use these loans to start or complete a degree without placing the entire financial burden on their households. At the same time, the banking sector views the initiative as sustainable because historical data show a default rate below 2% over the last fifteen years.
Why the measure matters
Beyond its financial role, the programme also reflects a broader cultural shift. Academic merit and educational potential are increasingly being recognised as important factors in access to credit for young people. Higher investment in education could increase the number of graduates and strengthen Italy’s human capital. In addition, stronger cooperation between public institutions and banks may help reduce social inequalities while supporting long-term economic growth. Within this framework, the Italian student loan fund is presented as a possible way to make university education more accessible and inclusive for students across Italy.
