Here comes the merit income, 500 to 1,000 euro per month. Here's how it works

The merit-based income is a reality. With the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Cittadella between the President of the Calabria Region, Roberto Occhiuto, and the rectors of the local universities, from next academic year students who choose to attend Calabrian universities will be able to benefit from a monthly contribution of EUR 1,000.

A promise kept which, if it was previously intended only for freshmen, now involves a much wider audience, making even university students already enrolled participate. "It is a way of trying to keep young Calabrians in Calabria, because we have seen that emigration starts from the moment you enrol at university," this, according to Occhiuto, is the challenge to beat in a region where there is a high rate of migration and where telematics have become increasingly popular.

The aim of the measure is to reward students who choose not to enrol at an out-of-region university and who distinguish themselves through their commitment to their studies. The super bonus announced last week provides up to a ceiling of 1,000 euro per month for new freshmen and university students who meet the requirements. As governor Occhiuto himself claims, Calabria is the first Italian region to adopt such a measure.

The merit income is aimed at new graduates who have distinguished themselves in their schooling and are enrolling at university, and at those enrolled at Calabrian universities who meet the merit requirements. For students already enrolled, the distribution of available funds is based on the weighted average of examinations.

Starting from the next academic year, university students from the Unical (Rende), the Magna Graecia (Catanzaro) and the Mediterranea (Reggio Calabria) can apply for the bonus. The sum is €500 if the average is 27 or higher and up to 28 excluded. The amount rises to 750 euros for those with an average of 28. The contribution of 1,000 euros is for those with an average of 29 or above.