University of Genoa (Genoa/Italy) - Benefits for foreign students

What you get

At the University of Genoa, you do not pay any tuition fees. This applies to the second and third of the three instalments. The only charge is the statutory stamp duty of 16 EUR. This is a fee exemption, not a monthly cash payment. It applies for the entire standard duration of your degree programme. The University of Genoa regulates this in accordance with its regulations on tuition fees under 2025-26.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the University of Genoa in Italy.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Full waiver, government scholarship holders: You are the recipient of a scholarship from the Italian government for international students under an agreement on development cooperation or cultural cooperation. As a result, you are fully exempt from paying tuition fees.
• Full waiver, refugees: You have been granted refugee status or international protection under the Geneva Convention 1951.
• Partial waiver, developing countries: You are from a developing country included on the Italian Ministry’s annual list and hold a valid residence permit for study purposes in Italy. You are entitled to a reduction in the fee.
• Income proof: You must provide proof of your income in the form of an ‘ISEE-U parificato’, the Italian income indicator for people whose income or family is based abroad.
• One benefit only: If you claim full exemption, you cannot also claim the benefit price.

How to apply

To apply for full fee exemptions (state grant or refugee status), please submit an application once a year by email to the University’s Office for Tuition Fees and Social Benefits. Please attach a copy of your photo ID and proof of your status. Partial fee exemption for students from developing countries is granted automatically on the basis of your ISEE-U parificato, without the need for a separate application.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not an award that one can win or lose. If you belong to one of the defined groups, the exemption simply applies. The two full exemptions are narrowly defined and restricted to recipients of state grants and recognised refugees, meaning that only a small number of people meet the criteria; however, those who do are covered. The partial exemption is aimed at a broader group from listed developing countries and depends on your proven income.