With EssilorLuxottica to support optics and optometry students

Intesa Sanpaolo and EssilorLuxottica are supporting the students of the Institute for Research and Studies in Optics and Optometry (IRSOO) in Vinci (Florence), by offering them "per Merito", financing for their studies on special terms.

The aim of the initiative is to provide students with the opportunity to gain access to a qualified education with confidence, enabling them to find a real job.

"per Merito" is financing of up to €30,000 dedicated to students enrolled in a higher education programme. Its only condition is a commitment to educational growth. It can be used for tuition fees, the purchase of teaching materials, housing and anything else needed during studies, with no obligation to give an account and no guarantee required by the bank.

The interest rate is fixed and all interest is paid by Intesa Sanpaolo to the Fund for Impact, the fund created by the bank and intended for groups with difficulties in accessing credit.

The loan begins to be repaid, over a term of up to 30 years, after a two-years "bridge period" following the end of the course of study.

Since 2019, Intesa Sanpaolo has disbursed more than €170 million through "per Merito" to 13,000 students, helping to combat school drop-outs, which are often due to economic reasons, thus helping to align labour demand with educational offerings.