Understanding ISEE: The Key to Scholarships & Lower Tuition
If you are applying to medical school in Italy, ISEE is an acronym you need to learn immediately. It is the golden key that unlocks reduced tuition fees, canteen discounts, and regional scholarships.
The ISEE (Indicatore Situazione Economica Equivalente) is the standard tool Italy uses to assess a family's economic situation. Whether you are an Italian resident or an international student coming from abroad, calculating this correctly can save you thousands of euros per year.
1. Which ISEE Do You Need?
Not all certificates are the same. Depending on your residence and family status, you will need to apply for one of the following:
For University Study
- Italian students resident in Italy.
- International students who have official residence in Italy and are financially independent.
For International Contexts
- International students residing abroad with family abroad.
- International students in Italy earning less than €9,000 (you are still considered part of your foreign household).
- Italian students resident abroad (AIRE).
ISEE Corrente (Current ISEE)
This is an update to your standard ISEE, valid for 6 months. It can be requested if there has been a significant recent economic change within the last 12 months, such as job loss, suspension, or a loss of assets greater than 20%.
2. Calculate Your ISEE (2025 Estimator)
Many students think the ISEE is just a sum of their bank accounts. It is actually a formula: (ISR + 20% ISP) ÷ Scale.
Note: All rates and coefficients below are based on the 2025 academic regulations.
2025 Estimator
Corrected for 2025 Surcharges & Franchigia.
Family Composition
Estimated ISEE Value
Disclaimer: This is an estimation. Official ISEE deducts mortgages and applies different franchises based on total movable assets.
How to Calculate ISEE (Detailed Breakdown)
For the Equivalent I.S.E.E. parificato, specific rules apply to how your family's economic situation is assessed. Here is exactly what counts:
Family’s Gross Income
This refers to the second calendar year preceding the submission of the DSU. It includes income from employment, pensions, agriculture, and income subject to substitute/withholding tax.
Real Estate Properties
Calculated based on ownership as of 31 December of the preceding year.
Important Rule: For properties abroad where value is hard to determine, 1 Square Meter corresponds to €500.
Family’s Movable Assets & Vehicles
Includes active bank account balances, securities, bonds, motor vehicles, and other durable goods.
Note: Exchange rates are calculated according to the official rate of the Italian Bank (“Banca d’Italia”).
Equivalent Scale Coefficient:
This number divides your total wealth to account for family size. The formula for N members is: 2.85 + [0.35 x (n-5)].
| Family Members | Coefficient |
|---|---|
| 1 Member | 1.00 |
| 2 Members | 1.57 |
| 3 Members | 2.04 |
| 4 Members | 2.46 |
| 5 Members | 2.85 |
- +0.5 for each medium, severe, or non-self-sufficient disabled member.
- +0.2 if there are 3 children in the household.
- +0.35 if there are 4 children.
- +0.5 if there are at least 5 children.
- +0.2 for households with minor children where both parents (or a single parent) have worked for ≥6 months.
- The above surcharge raises to +0.3 if at least one child is under 3 years old.
Procedure for Italian Students
For Italian students, the procedure differs from international applicants. You must obtain the DSU (Dichiarazione Sostitutiva Unica) first.
- The DSU contains household composition, income, movable assets, and real estate data.
- Some data is automatically retrieved from tax authorities and INPS, while some is self-declared.
3. Documents & Legalization (International)
For the ISEE Parificato, documents must be issued by the competent authorities in your home country (where income was generated and assets held). These must be:
- Translated into Italian.
- Legalized by the Italian Diplomatic Authorities (Embassy or Consulate) in your country of origin.
Start Early!
Collecting documents, getting translations, and securing consular appointments takes time. We strongly recommend preparing these months ahead of the scholarship deadline.
Special Cases
Difficult Diplomatic Relations: Students from countries where obtaining documentation from the Italian Embassy is difficult may request it from foreign diplomatic missions in Italy, legalized by the Prefecture.
Low Human Development Countries: Students from specific countries (listed annually on university websites) may submit a certification stating they do not belong to a high-income family. This must still be requested at Italian Diplomatic Authorities in the country of origin.
Final Advice
Collecting all the documents and following all the steps takes time. So, it is strongly recommended to prepare these well ahead of the deadline.