University loans in Italy: what they are and how they work

University loans in Italy are financial solutions designed to help students cover the costs of higher education, such as tuition fees, rent, and living expenses. Unlike traditional personal loans, they usually do not require proof of income and often allow repayment to start after the completion of studies.

In this guide, we explain what university loans are, how they work, and when it may make sense to consider them.

What is meant by university loans

The term university loans refers to forms of financing specifically designed for university students.
These loans are requested directly by the student, not by their parents.

Compared to traditional personal loans, university loans:

• do not require a payslip or employment income;
• often do not require a guarantor;
• are structured to be repaid after the end of the study programme.

What expenses can university loans cover

A university loan can be used to cover all expenses related to a student’s educational path, including:

• tuition fees;
• rent and housing costs for students living away from home;
• books, study materials, and technological tools;
• transport and everyday living expenses;
• educational experiences abroad, such as Erasmus programmes.

The loan is not tied to a single specific expense. The key requirement is that it is requested by a student enrolled in an eligible educational institution.
During the evaluation phase, students can use informational tools to verify whether their institution is eligible and to compare the loan products available on the market.

How university loans work

University loans generally follow this process:

• Enrolment
  The student must have formally enrolled in the university, including payment of the enrolment fee.
• Loan application
  The student checks eligibility requirements and available options.
• Loan disbursement
  The total amount is usually paid in instalments (tranches) over time, based on the remaining duration of the study programme.
• Grace period
  After the final disbursement, a grace period is applied (typically up to 30 months), during which the principal is not repaid.
• Repayment
  Repayment takes place through instalments agreed with the bank, over a period that can extend up to 10–15 years, depending on the chosen product.

University loans and state guarantees

In Italy, some university loans are supported by a public guarantee, such as the Fund for Credit to Young People (Fondo per il Credito ai Giovani), which reduces risk for banks.

This guarantee:

• allows access to loans without personal or income guarantees;
• is subject to requirements related to age, enrolment status, and academic merit.

You can learn more about how the Fund for Credit to Young People (also known as Fondo per lo Studio) works and about potential updates introduced by new regulations.

When it makes sense to consider a university loan

A university loan may be useful, for example, if:

• the student lives away from home and rent significantly impacts the family budget;
• the family cannot cover all expenses upfront;
• the student wants to avoid working excessive hours during their studies;
• the educational path is long (bachelor’s + master’s degree).

In these cases, a university loan is often considered an investment in education, rather than an immediate expense.

Frequently asked questions about university loans in Italy

What is a university loan?
A student loan is a form of financing designed for students enrolled in post-secondary education, with repayment often starting after the completion of the study programme.

Do I need a payslip or a guarantor to apply?
Generally, no. Many university loans, especially those backed by a state guarantee, do not require proof of income or a guarantor.

When does repayment start?
Typically after the end of the studies, following a grace period that can last up to 30 months from the final disbursement.

How to navigate the available options

Understanding which university loans are accessible depends on several factors, including:

• type of course;
• duration of studies;
• eligibility requirements;
• conditions offered by banks.

Habacus operates as a certifying and facilitating entity, helping students to:

• understand how university loans work;
• compare available options;
• navigate requirements, timelines, and repayment terms.

Habacus does not provide loans directly, but supports students in making more informed decisions about financing their education.