The psychologist bonus for university students is a measure introduced by the Ministry of University and Research to combat psychological distress among students. With an allocation of more than 20 million euros for the 2024-2025 academic year, the bonus provides for the activation of projects and services aimed at improving the psychological well-being of university students. In this guide, we explain what the psychologist bonus is for university students, how it works and who is entitled to it
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What is the psychologist bonus for university students
The psychological bonus for university students is a set of interventions funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) to promote students’ psychological well-being. The goal is to prevent and combat psychological distress and emotional fragility through listening projects, psychological support and
awareness campaigns.
This package of measures was introduced to respond to the increase in psychological distress among young university students, reinforcing the services already available at universities and offering new resources and tools to support students in their training.
How to apply for the psychologist bonus for university students
University students do not have to submit a specific application to access the psychologist bonus. The measures and services will be activated directly by the Universities and Higher Education Institutions (AFAM) that will join the projects funded by the Ministry. Students can take advantage of the services offered simply by informing themselves at their university. It will not be necessary to fill out forms or submit specific requests, but it will be sufficient to follow the official communications of your university or contact the secretariats for more information
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Universities and training institutions have until October 25, 2024 to submit projects and access funding provided by the Ministry, and then start psychological support services.
How does the psychologist bonus for university students work
The psychologist bonus is not a direct economic contribution to students, but consists of a set of services that universities and training institutions must provide. These services aim to provide psychological support, tools and intervention models to respond to students’ mental health needs, dealing with emotional fragility and problems related to stress and
anxiety.
The universities involved will be able to activate listening desks, support groups, psychological counseling with specialists and awareness campaigns for psychological well-being. The goal is to create an environment that promotes mental health, in line with the new needs of university students
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Who is entitled to the psychologist bonus for university students
The psychologist bonus is intended for all university students who attend Italian universities or institutes of advanced artistic, musical and dance training (AFAM). There are no specific requirements, such as ISEE thresholds or other economic criteria: the package of measures is available to all enrolled students
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Students can consult the institutional websites of their universities or contact the competent offices directly to find out when and how psychological support services will be activated.
What does the psychologist bonus for university students finance
The psychologist bonus funds a series of initiatives aimed at promoting students’ psychological well-being, including:
- Psychological listening desks: spaces where students can contact each other to talk about their emotional problems and receive support.
- Consultations with psychologists: individual meetings with specialists to address specific psychological problems.
- Support groups: group activities to promote comparison and mutual help between students who face similar situations.
- Awareness-raising campaigns: initiatives to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and prevent psychological distress.
When does the psychologist bonus start for university students
The psychologist bonus for university students will take effect after October 25, 2024, once the deadlines for submitting projects by universities have expired. The measures financed by the bonus should be operational by the beginning of 2025, with the progressive activation of services at the universities involved
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University with free psychologist
Some universities have already activated free psychological support desks for their students, regardless of the psychologist bonus scheduled for 2024. Here are some of the universities that offer this service:
- University of Turin
- University of Bologna
- University of Catania
- Federico II University of Naples
- Roma Tre University
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Padua
- University of Bari Aldo Moro
- University of Milan
These branches are not part of the 2024 psychological bonus measures, but they are independent initiatives that could be strengthened thanks to the new funds allocated by the Ministry.
The 2024 psychologist bonus for university students represents an important step forward in supporting mental health among university students. Thanks to this package of measures, it will be possible to access psychological counseling and listening services directly within universities. Students will be able to take advantage of these resources without having to apply, simply by monitoring the communications of their universities and participating in the activated projects
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