Ca' Foscari University of Venice - Economic facilities for refugees Students

What you get at Ca' Foscari University of Venice

If you have been granted refugee status in Italy, you will be studying at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice without paying tuition fees. When you enrol, you will only need to pay the regional education tax and a revenue stamp amounting to 16 EUR. This exemption applies for the entire duration of your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, provided you retain your refugee status. In addition, you can apply for one of 100 national scholarships (grants), which are funded each year by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research via the Italian Rectors’ Network. The funds are paid out by the university. Ca’ Foscari also offers its own support schemes, such as fee reductions, loans and graduation awards.

Who can apply

• Status: You have been granted recognised refugee status in Italy, including political asylum or subsidiary protection. If your status is still under review, you may initially enrol on individual courses and, once your status has been definitively recognised, commence a full degree programme.
• Level: You are enrolling on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme.
• Field of study: Almost all degree programmes are eligible. The only exceptions are two Bachelor’s degree programmes: one in tourism and hospitality, and one in digital management.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply. What counts is your protection status in Italy.
• Qualifications: If your school or university qualification was awarded abroad, you must first have it assessed, just like any international applicant.

How to apply

Enrolment takes place via the university’s online platform. You should then contact the Welcome Unit of the Office of International Relations to apply for exemption from tuition fees and to have any foreign qualifications recognised. The separate government scholarship is advertised every summer on the Italian Rectors’ Association website. Please note: it cannot be combined with certain other Italian government scholarships.

How realistic are your chances?

The fee waiver is not a selection process. Every enrolled student with recognised refugee status receives it; so if you meet this requirement, your chances are good. The additional cash grant is more limited, as there are only 100 places available across the whole of Italy, meaning competition for these places is greater. Having your qualifications recognised at an early stage makes enrolment easier.