What it is
The ISEE (Indicator of Equivalent Economic Situation) measures the economic situation of a household, taking into account the income and assets of all its members. It is used to determine access to subsidised social benefits, such as scholarships, and to calculate tax and health benefits.
How ISEE is used for university students
For university students, a specific type of ISEE is required to access scholarships.
So make sure that it is specified on your ISEE that it is valid for right-to-study benefits (there may also be the typing ‘scholarships’
Distinction between ISEE and ISEEUP (ISEE University for Students with Foreign Income)
There is an important difference between ISEE for the right to study benefits and ISEE UP (ISEE Università per Studenti con Reddito Estero). The main distinction is that ISEE UP is reserved exclusively for students with income generated outside Italy.
- ISEE (for the right to study): Calculated on the basis of the income and assets of the household, in Italy.
- ISEE UP: This is a specific version of ISEE that applies to university students who come from households with foreign income.
Attention: for the purposes of participation in the DiSCo competitions, the ISEEUP is valid only if subscribed by going in person to one of the conventional Cafes authorised to calculate the ISEEUP
ISEE for Political and Assimilated Refugees
Political refugees and assimilated persons, despite having an income situation different from that of Italian citizens, must nevertheless follow the procedure for completing ISEE.
- Political refugees: These are people who have obtained refugee status in Italy, recognised under the 1951 Geneva Convention. In Italy, they can enjoy all the benefits and rights due to Italian citizens and legal residents.
- Assimilated: This refers to those who are not political refugees, but who have received international or humanitarian protection or are under special protection in Italy. These individuals have a similar position to that of political refugees in terms of rights to access services.
How to obtain the ISEE
In order to calculate ISEE, it is necessary to submit a tax return (Modello 730 or Modello Unico) and the ISEE certificate can be requested at a CAF (Centro di Assistenza Fiscale) or online, through the INPS [external link] (National Social Security Institute) portal. Students will have to present documents relating to family income, assets and other economic information.
How to obtain the ISEEUP
In order to calculate the ISEEP, you need to go in person to your chosen CAF, after making an appointment.
When signing up, you must present all the required documentation.