Over Half of Italian Students Plan to Keep Studying After Graduation

Over half of Italian BSc students would consider continuing their studies after graduation instead of entering the workplace, according to a new survey.

Of those interested in studying further, one of the most popular options was a two-year master’s program to complete the “3+2” educational path recommended by the Italian education system.

Over 7,000 BSc students were surveyed by Docsity for the report, which also found that students were more likely to consider going abroad after graduating if they understood and spoke a high level of English. This is despite the fact that the level of English knowledge among Italian students lags behind many other European countries. Students most likely to move abroad were those studying management, foreign languages, political sciences and STEM subjects.

Unsurprisingly given the correlation between proficiency in English and interest in moving abroad, the most popular destinations were the UK and US, with Germany, Switzerland and the Nordic countries close behind. Many of those surveyed said they felt their job prospects would be greater if they studied a second degree in a foreign country.

Whether this high level of interest in studying and living abroad means Italy is at risk of a “brain drain” of talented young graduates remains to be seen, although Docsity believe this won’t be the case. A spokesperson for the company said: “This is a ‘talent exchange’ that will allow Italian and European students to live a life-changing experience and gain an international mindset.”