The Italian Study Abroad Market
In this market report on Italy we will cover socio-economic, educational and mobility trends. The Italian constitution guarantees the freedom of education. It also provides for state schools and guarantees the independence of universities. The constitution further states that the public schools are open to all and makes provision for scholarships and grants.
At the turn of the century, only 10% of Italians had obtained a university or college degree. Although educational attainment is higher in the younger generations, it is still lagging behind in comparison to other European countries.
According to a recent report commissioned by the European Commission, Italy has a number of challenges which are strongly related to the stagnant economy. The most prominent has to do with Italy’s investment in education which is well below the EU average particularly in higher education. In addition, the transition from education to work remains difficult, even for highly qualified people. This results in a growing number of university graduates emigrating. All this and more in the Market Report on Italy.
Quick facts
Population: 59,5 million (2020)
Education: 10 years compulsory
Academic year: September – July
Secondary education
Starting age: 11
Duration: 8 years (3 years lower secondary, 5 years upper secondary education)
Enrollment numbers: 4.6 million
Higher education
Duration: 3 years (Bachelor) – 2 years (Master), 3 years (PhD)
Enrollment numbers: 1.9 million (2020)
Tertiary enrollment rate: 62%
Universities / Institutions: 90
Italian Education System
Secondary education
The Italian educational system provides elementary school for 6- to 11-year-olds; lower secondary or middle school for 11- to 14-year-olds; upper secondary school or vocational training for 15- to 18- or 19-year-olds; and university, university institutes, or Fine Arts academies for those 19 and older.
Admission to Higher Education
In order to meet entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree at an Italian university, students must successfully have completed upper secondary studies and have a valid school leaving certificate. Bachelor’s level programs in Italy are only offered in Italian so one is expected to have sufficient command of the Italian language.
Higher Education system
There are 90 universities in Italy. There are also a number of specialized postgraduate centers, polytechnics and other academies that form part of the higher education sector.
Under the Bologna Process, Italy has implemented the nuovo ordinamento system, replacing the former vecchio ordinamento. Higher education in Italy now consists of a three-year bachelor’s degree called the laurea triennale, which can be followed by the two-year master’s degree (laurea magistrale, previously the laurea specialistica).
University degree programs
- Bachelor’s degree (Laurea triennale): general scientific education.
Duration: 3 years. 180 ECTS - Master’s degree (Laurea magistrale): specialized scientific education.
Duration: 2 years. 120 ECTS - Doctoral degree (PhD) – ‘Dottorato di ricerca’
Duration: 3 year or more.

Latest Italian Higher Education study abroad stats
At this point a total number of 77,505 Italian students are studying abroad (source: UNESCO). These are the most popular study abroad destinations among students from Italy:

IB schools in Italy
International School – Brescia – www.isbrescia.com
International School – Bergamo – www.isbergamo.com
International School – Bologna – www.isbologna.com
International School – Como – www.iscomo.com
International School – Modena – www.internationalschoolofmodena.it
International School – Milan – www.internationalschoolofmilan.it
International School – Rome – www.marymountrome.com
International School – Siena – www.internationalschoolofsiena.it
International School – Monza – www.internationalschoolofmonza.it
Upcoming Education Fairs in Italy
Scholarships for Italian students
Canon Foundation Research Fellowship – https://www.canonfoundation.org/
Erasmus Mundus (Medical Master Studies) – https://www.innovativemedicine.eu/application-and-admission/application-procedure
GoEuro European Study Abroad Scholarship – https://www.omio.com/travel/study-abroad
Trendhim Scholarship – https://www.trendhim.co.uk/csr/trendhim-scholarship
Jean Monet Scholarship Program – http://www.european-funding-guide.eu/scholarship/12197-jean-monnet-scholarship-programme
Japan WorldBank Graduate Scholarships – https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships