How do tuition fees work for non EU bachelor's students?

Short answer: Each university writes its own fee rules. Most use one of three systems. Find out which one before you choose.

1. Fee based on family income. You get an ISEE parificato (B20) and pay according to your family's income and assets.
2. A fixed fee for non EU students. At Padova, non EU students whose family lives abroad pay a fixed fee, cut to one third for citizens of particularly poor or developing countries (University of Padova). At Ca' Foscari Venice, the first instalment is €500 (including the €192 regional tax), and students from low human development countries pay a second instalment of €200 (Ca' Foscari).
3. The maximum fee unless you have a scholarship. Some universities apply this to certain non EU groups, so read the rule for your course and level.

Search the university site for "tuition fees", "contribuzione studentesca" or "fees regulation", and note the deadlines. Padova charges €218 or €327 extra for late ISEE or benefit applications (University of Padova).