Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
As of 2024, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education in San Marino was 57.55% according to UIS data. Government funding per tertiary student, measured as a percentage of GDP per capita, was 7.86% in 2022. Data on household contributions per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita is not available.
Tuition-free status
Public tertiary education is not tuition-free. The University of San Marino charges tuition and fees but receives significant funding from the State budget. The government provides scholarships, financial aid, and allowances to support students deemed eligible.
Governance
The Government of San Marino is the principal provider of higher education funding, delivering both current and capital transfers from the State budget under Law n.67/2014. The Secretariat of State responsible for the University manages policy development, financing strategies, budget allocations, and coordination with the University. The University’s strategic and financial plans are approved by the Great and General Council, while the Congress of State issues implementing regulations. Financial oversight is conducted by the Board of Auditors (Collegio dei Sindaci Revisori).
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Tertiary education is highly centralised. No subnational funding mechanism exists.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
San Marino has only one university, the University of San Marino, which is public. Consequently, there are no mechanisms for transferring resources to private universities.
Allocation and equity
Government subsidies for higher education are allocated as direct transfers from the State budget to the University of San Marino, as per Law n.67/2014. These include current and capital funding, along with targeted contributions for specific purposes. The University also generates revenue through tuition fees and other activities. No equity-based allocation mechanisms, such as quotas or targeted subsidies for disadvantaged groups, are established under this law.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Admission to the University of San Marino does not incorporate quota-based or special admission criteria for vulnerable groups. While financial support for admission is not provided, scholarships and tuition fee exemptions are available to support eligible students from vulnerable backgrounds.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Scholarships under the Diritto allo Studio Framework
San Marino provides scholarships to support students enrolled in postgraduate courses of at least two years’ duration, including specialisation diplomas, doctoral degrees, and university master’s programmes. To be eligible, students must regularly attend courses at institutions located beyond daily commuting distance from San Marino. Scholarship amounts are determined by per capita annual family income: students with incomes up to €9,476.24 receive €2,842.81; those with incomes up to €12,635.01 receive €1,895.22; and those with incomes up to €15,790.65 receive €947.97. Students with higher incomes are ineligible. Scholarships are not compatible with other financial contributions for the same course. For programmes outside Italy, the scholarship amount may increase by up to 100% to cover verified additional costs. The Congress of State, in consultation with the Public Education Council, may establish special scholarships with specific amounts, eligibility criteria, and designated institutions.
Decree No. 019/2025 introduces additional scholarships for students enrolled in undergraduate and master’s programmes in Design, Civil Engineering, Management Engineering, Construction and Land Management, and Communication and Digital Media. These awards are based on academic merit and family income, with criteria varying by course and year of study.
Trust-Based Loans under the Diritto allo Studio Framework
The trust-based loan programme enables students to self-finance their studies via a State-guaranteed credit line. Beneficiaries must be of legal age, enrolled in a study programme outside San Marino, and have a per capita annual family income within the third income group (€15,790.65). Loans cover the full duration of the programme and are disbursed in annual instalments of €3,790.45. The State covers 50% of interest through agreements with financial institutions. If studies are interrupted, repayment becomes legally enforceable one year after the interruption. This programme aims to reduce financial barriers and provide accessible, flexible support for students.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Students regularly enrolled at the University of San Marino and holding a university card are entitled to discounts on public transport services, including buses and the cable car, as provided by the Azienda Autonoma di Stato per i Servizi Pubblici (AASS).
Accommodation
Information was not found.
Textbooks
Under the Right to Education law, students enrolled in higher education—including bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate specialisation programmes—are eligible for a book allowance if they do not already receive free textbooks. The allowance amounts to €311.47 for university students, with secondary and vocational education students receiving between €199.53 and €262.24. Eligibility requires students to be citizens or residents of San Marino, under the age of 35, not employed in full-time stable work, and making regular academic progress (defined as at least three exams passed or one-third of credits earned per year).
