The Right to University Education in Italy, the Tuscan offering model, and the essential levels of performance following the PNRR

The research, part of IRPET’s joint activities with the Tuscany Region, was conducted by Giada Garbini, within the Public Economy research area coordinated by Patrizia Lattarulo. Editing by Elena Zangheri

“The capable and deserving, even if lacking in means, have the right to attain the highest levels of education. The Republic implements this right through scholarships, family allowances, and other benefits, which must be awarded through competitive examinations.” This is stated in Article 34 of the Italian Constitution. The constitutional provision therefore establishes that it is the Republic’s responsibility to remove the socioeconomic obstacles that effectively limit the equality of young people in accessing tertiary education. In other words, the Republic must guarantee the right to university education (DSU) to all citizens not only formally, but also, and above all, substantively. Scholarships are the concrete tool that allows a deserving student from a disadvantaged economic background to continue their studies after graduating from high school. However, it is not uncommon for this principle to encounter problems of insufficient funding: a student eligible for a scholarship does not always actually receive one. The scholarship consists of a monetary contribution, free access to certain services, such as catering, and a complete exemption from both university fees and the regional tax for the right to study. Starting in October, successful students can benefit from the scholarship services, but not from the actual sum of money they are entitled to, which will be paid in equal installments at the end of the academic year by the deadlines established in the competition announcement.

Given the timeframe, the scholarship therefore appears to be almost a reimbursement of expenses. Eligible students who are not beneficiaries also enjoy exemption from university fees, including the regional tax for the right to study. (…)