Many overseas students move to Italy to continue their education, and securing a student loan in Italy is an essential step in managing the costs of their studies during this educational journey. While Italy is generally more affordable for higher studies compared to other European countries, the living and studying expenses can still add up quickly. This is where a student loan in Italy comes into play.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide all the essential information regarding student loans in Italy, including the types of student loans available, how to apply for them, and much more. Let’s get started without further delay!
Table of contents
- Types of Student Loans for Italy
- How to Get Student Loans in Italy?
- Eligibility Criteria for Student Loan in Italy
- Factors to Consider Before Applying for Student Loan in Italy
- Cost to Study in Italy
- Lenders Who Provide Student Loans in Italy
- Expenses Covered in an Education Loan
- FAQs on Student Loan In Italy
Why Consider a Student Loan in Italy?
The decision to study in Italy requires a significant investment. Beyond tuition fees, there are living expenses, travel costs, and additional fees that can add up quickly. For international students, securing a student loan in Italy can be a crucial step in managing these costs. This financial support becomes even more important when personal savings or family funding aren’t enough to cover the full expense of studying abroad.
In Italy, students from both within the European Union (EU) and outside of it can benefit from various funding options, including student loans in Italy. These loans are specifically designed to help students cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. For many students, student loan in Italy is crucial to ensure they can focus on their studies without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
Types of Student Loans for Italy
There are various types of student loans in Italy available for students and these loans are classified into secured and unsecured loans. Understanding these options will help you choose the one that best suits your financial situation and study needs. Here are the types of student loans in Italy:
- Secured Education Loan: An education loan with collateral, often known as a secured loan for education, is one that requests security from the borrower. Both movable assets, like fixed deposits and LIC insurance, and immovable assets, such as non-agricultural land and residential or commercial property, can serve as this security. It is important to note that almost all public banks in India require collateral before approving an education loan for international studies, including those seeking student loans in Italy.
- Unsecured education loan – An unsecured student loan is one for which the borrower is not required to pledge collateral as security. Student loans in Italy that fall under this category typically have higher interest rates than secured loans, as the lack of security increases the risk for the lending institution. Additionally, these loans require a co-applicant or co-signer, whose income and CIBIL score play a crucial role in determining the loan amount.
Must Read: Benefits Of Education Loans: Features And Advantages Of Why You Should Take An Education Loan!
How to Get Student Loans in Italy?
International students planning to study in Italy with the assistance of an education loan should begin their application procedure at least 7 to 8 months before the commencement of their programme. You can also begin your loan application procedure in conjunction with your university acceptance application.
Here are some simple steps you must take to obtain an education loan in Italy:
- Investigate the banks that offer overseas education loans, as well as their qualifying criteria and documentation needs.
- Determine how much financing you will need and how much you will finance yourself.
- Obtain an admission letter from the admissions office of the relevant Italian university.
- Compare the various loan alternatives offered by various banks for studying in Italy and select the one that best meets your needs.
- Fill out the loan application form once you’ve made your selection about the bank and the loan amount.
- Submit documents such as your address proof, birth certificate, passport copy, identification evidence, and so on.
- When the bank approves your loan, it will produce loan paperwork that includes numerous loan terms.
- After you sign your loan agreement, the bank will pay you the agreed-upon amount in instalments or in one lump sum.
Must Read: What Are The Reasons For Education Loan Rejection? Read To Know Them All!
Eligibility Criteria for Student Loan in Italy
Check to see if you meet the qualifying requirements for the loan before applying. Different money lending institutions have different eligibility requirements. The following are the common eligibility requirements used by most banks:
- Any Indian resident can apply for an education loan.
- The student should ideally have completed his 10+2 (12th Standard).
- The student should have secured admission/invitation to an authorised university/college in a degree/diploma course
- Documents demonstrating regular income are required for the co-applicant (parents/siblings/guarantor)
Documents Required for Student Loan in Italy
Applying for a student loan in Italy requires submitting specific documents to verify your identity, financial status, and academic enrollment. These documents help lenders assess your eligibility and ensure a smooth approval process.
Below is a detailed list of essential documents required for securing a student loan in Italy.
- Documents for KYC
- 10th, 12th, and graduate exam mark sheets
- Admission letter
- Fee Structure
- KYC and income verification for co-applicants
- If the collateral is required, further documents may be asked.
- Accepted Security and collateral
- Residential/commercial property/non-agricultural plots
- Fixed-income investments.
Factors to Consider Before Applying for Student Loan in Italy
Before applying for a student loan to study in Italy, you should know how much money you will need and how much you will pay out of pocket. Other critical factors include:
- Determine the institution where you want to study and the course you want to take.
- Add up all of the costs associated with studying abroad in Italy.
- Make a list of all the documents that will be necessary during the loan application process.
- Prepare the guarantor.
- As soon as you obtain your offer letter, apply for student loans in Italy.
- Calculate the disbursement time.
Cost to Study in Italy
Before approaching several lenders for education loans to study in Italy, let us first assess the average cost of studying in Italy. It is critical to understand this since it will assist you in obtaining the appropriate loan amount from your selected lender. The table below shows the average cost –
| Expense | Average cost |
| Tuition fees | 13,000 EUR per year (INR 11.53 Lakh) |
| Student visa | 116 EUR (INR 10,292) |
| Accommodation | 750 EUR per month (INR 66,549) |
| Transportation cost | 7 EUR per day (INR 621) |
| Food | 25 EUR per day (INR 2218) |
| Utilities | 247 EUR per month (21,916 Lakh) |
Top Universities in Italy Eligible for Student Loans
Italy is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, attracting students from all corners of the globe. If you’re planning to study in Italy, many of these universities are eligible for student loans, making it easier to finance your education. Here is a list of top universities in Italy that qualify for student loan options.
- University of Padua
- University of Bologna
- Sapienza University Rome
- University of Milan
- University of Naples Federico II
- University of Turin
- University of Pisa
- University of Florence
- University of Trento
- University of Milano-Bicocca
Must Read: Education Loan Sanctioned? Here Are The Issues You Can Expect After The Sanction!
Lenders Who Provide Student Loans in Italy
- There are numerous lenders who can provide you with a secured or unsecured college loan to study in Italy. Public banks, private banks, NBFCs, and international lenders are among the various lenders who can give you education loans in Italy. A comparative analysis of different lenders has been performed so that you may obtain a better understanding of all of the lenders and the loan services they offer.
| Type of education loan | Lender | Loan Amount in INR | Interest Rate |
| Secured education loan | SBI | Up to 1.5 Cr | 10.65% – 11.50% |
| UBI | Up to 1.5 Cr | 9.55% – 10.80% | |
| Unsecured education loan | Axis Bank | Up to 40 Lakhs | 11.00% – 11.50% |
| ICICI Bank | Up to 50 Lakhs | 10.85% – 12.50% | |
| IDFC First Bank | Up to 35 Lakhs | 11.75% – 13.25% | |
| HDFC Credila | Up to 25 Lakhs | 12.00% – 12.75% | |
| Incred | Up to 20 Lakhs | 12.50% – 13.50% | |
| Avanse | Up to 20 Lakhs | 12.50% – 13.50% | |
| Auxilo | Up to 20 Lakhs | 12.50% – 13.50% | |
| Prodigy Finance | Up to 100,000 USD(INR 82.44 Lakh) | 12.00% – 14.00% |
Must Read: Know All About The RBI Guidelines For Education Loan
Expenses Covered in an Education Loan
Depending on the institution or university, tuition fees, as well as up to 100% of other costs like
- Living and lodging costs,
- Expenses for travel, examinations,
- Fees for the library and the lab, and
- Expenses to buy books, supplies, uniforms, instruments, computers, or laptops.
- The lender might also provide you with travel expenses, but only for one round-trip ticket in the economy between India and the student’s country of origin.
FAQs on Student Loan In Italy
Yes, it is possible to get a student loan in Italy. To apply, students typically need to meet specific eligibility criteria, including proof of enrollment, academic performance, and sometimes a co-signer.
A co-signer who is at least a resident of Italy is normally required in order to secure a student loan in Italy. Private organisations frequently issue student loans to international students in Italy.
Many banks require an Italian resident as a co-signer. However, some lenders do not require a guarantor if students have earned a good rank or scholarship from the university.
Yes, you can obtain a 100% education loan for your studies overseas.
Yes, several banks, government programs, and international lenders offer student loans for non-EU students studying in Italy.
Interest rates range from 9.55% to 14%, depending on the lender and loan type.
Yes, several universities and government agencies provide scholarships to help cover tuition and living expenses.
Processing times vary but typically range from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the lender and required documentation.
“Per Merito” (Merit) loans are available to all Italian students.
This was all about student loans in Italy. If you wish to apply for education loans for studying abroad, connect with FLY.FINANCE and let us help you through the process and make it easier for you. For more information, subscribe to our page.
