Calabria increases funding for Merit Income program

The Calabria region has increased its allocation for the ‘Reddito di Merito’ (Merit Income) program from 15 million to 20 million euros to accommodate a higher volume of applications. The initiative, championed by President Roberto Occhiuto, aims to encourage students to remain at universities within Calabria.

The program supports students at the University of Calabria, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, and Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria. For enrolled students, monthly contributions range from 500 to 1,000 euros based on their grade point average. Freshmen must meet specific high school graduation scores and admission test requirements. The annual contribution can reach up to 12,000 euros.

Critics have raised questions regarding the equity of the measure, noting that it does not require an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator). This allows students from high-income families to access the benefit provided they meet academic criteria. The first payments are expected to begin in the first week of November.