Italy expands student financial aid with new INPS scholarships and university tuition cuts

The National Institute of Social Security (INPS) announced a scholarship programme for the 2026‑2027 academic year, offering up to €13,000 to students who reside in recognised merit‑based university colleges or CampusX facilities in Chieti, Rome and Bari. Applicants must be under 26, unemployed or inactive, and meet income and conduct criteria. Applications are accepted online from 7 July to 30 July 2026 via the INPS Welfare portal.

Separately, the University of Perugia introduced merit‑based tuition reductions and additional support measures. Students with a university ISEE below €30,000 and meeting academic merit requirements can be exempted from enrolment fees. Similar benefits apply to scholarship recipients, students with disabilities, high‑scoring graduates, new parents, and those meeting specific income thresholds. Further incentives include modest cash contributions for STEAM students, reduced fees for public‑sector employees, and programmes to combine study with sport or work.

Both initiatives aim to broaden access to higher education by linking financial support to family income and academic performance.