data from an Italian public university mainly offering STEM degrees, this study reveals that tightening merit requirements … concentrated among higher and medium-ability students, while lower-ability students receiving financial assistance are discouraged …

University in order to evaluate the effects of monetary incentives on students' academic achievement. Results reveal positive and …This paper exploits discontinuities in the assigment of scholarships targeted at low income students in an Italian … sizeable causal effects both in terms of credits and grades. Gender differentials also emerge: male students drive the results …