Education, between public and private aid: how the system works in the EU

C’è poi un altro aspetto: in media, in Europa e nei paesi OCSE, circa il 40% degli adulti tra i 25 e i 64 anni ha raggiunto un livello di istruzione terziaria. Il resto della popolazione adulta si divide tra un 40-45% che ha raggiunto almeno un diploma di scuola secondaria (o un altro titolo equivalente), e un restante 15-20% che ha terminato gli studi prima. L’Italia registra un evidente ritardo rispetto a questi numeri. Nel confronto con gli altri Paesi l’Italia spicca, ma in negativo nell’istruzione di livello terziario: solo il 20% di laureati, cioè il peggior risultato con Romania (21%), Messico (21%), Argentina (25%), Costa Rica (25%), Turchia (25%). Anche la percentuale di adulti che ha interrotto gli studi prima del diploma di scuola superiore (37%) è tra le peggiori.

The decline in education spending in Italy began in 2010. In comparison with the other two largest EU partners (Germany and France), an Openpolis analysis shows, "Italy is now 0.4 points behind Germany (4.5%) and over a percentage point behind France (5.2%)". "This distance is not new, having been consolidated over the last 10-15 years, particularly following the great recession that began in 2008," he continues. In that year, France spent more than Italy and the European average, while Germany was below Italy (3.9% compared to 4.3% for Italy). In the following years, also in response to the subsequent financial and debt crisis, the share of GDP spent on education gradually decreased, leading to Germany overtaking Italy"

For some time now, support measures have been introduced to reverse this trend, such as the NO Tax Area as of 2017, which, as explained by the ministry guide, 'applies to all state university and AFAM institutions and allows those with an ISEE under 13,000 euros not to pay university tuition'

Those with an ISEE between EUR 13,000 and EUR 30,000 can still benefit from tuition fee reductions.

"The law stipulates that tuition fees for those with an ISEE of between EUR 13,000 and EUR 30,000 cannot exceed 7% of the difference between ISEE and EUR 13,000". Then there are the scholarships that are provided by the regions. In addition to these, there are the initiatives of municipalities, public or private organisations, foundations and other bodies that aim to reward willing students.

Misure che, a sentire gli addetti ai lavori, non sarebbero sufficienti ad affrontare una situazione tutt’altro che felice. «Il mondo della scuola deve fare i conti con numerose carenze e criticità - premette Laura Cicilloni, insegnante e dirigente sindacale della Flp Cgil del Sulcis Iglesiente - perché si investe troppo poco. Parliamo dell’edilizia scolastica, dato che mancano proprio gli spazi, ma anche degli strumenti». Un esempio? «Non esiste un comodato d’uso per i libri e le famiglie devono sobbarcarsi i costi che, per un ragazzo di prima media, non sono inferiori ai 300 euro - argomenta -, stesso discorso per computer o tablet. È vero che ci può essere qualche eccezione, ma è legata solamente alla buona volontà e alle iniziative promosse dalle singole scuole». Alla riduzione della spesa si lega un altro aspetto: il tempo prolungato. «Oggi è limitato alle sole scuole primarie, invece dovrebbe essere esteso anche a quelle secondarie - aggiunge -. Inoltre, ritengo sia necessario rendere o

In Spain, the main forms of student aid are scholarships and direct subsidies administered by the Ministry of Education and the autonomous communities. These may cover tuition fees, transport, teaching materials or provide fixed sums based on income and place of residence. Student loans are not widespread, while there are some tax concessions, limited to specific regions, such as the Canary Islands. Despite the cost-of-living crisis leading to local cuts and protests, particularly in the Community of Madrid, public grants continue to guarantee almost free access to university for those who meet income requirements. However, obstacles remain related to housing costs, materials and bureaucracy, which limit effective equity in access to higher education.

In Croatia, most full-time students at public universities do not pay tuition fees, thanks to state subsidies and grants. Students can also benefit from heavily subsidised board and lodging, while public transport is free or subsidised. Scholarships are differentiated: some reward academic merit, others family income, supplementing any local contributions, such as those of the city of Zagreb. Recent legislative changes have increased tax thresholds and grants for students and athletes, allowing them to study on a very tight budget. However, access to university continues to be affected by parental education: those from families with higher education are more likely to enrol in tertiary education, while those with less educated parents face more barriers.

In Austria, public support for students focuses on state scholarships, which are mainly reserved for those from low-income families with academic performance requirements. In addition to these, family allowances for parents remain available until the student reaches the age of 24. There are no public loans. During the period of high inflation between 2022 and 2025, both scholarships and family allowances were automatically adjusted to the cost of living, although some measures have recently been reduced as a result of austerity packages. Despite the targeted orientation towards low incomes, students from working-class or lower-income families remain underrepresented in Austrian universities.

*This article is part of the European collaborative journalism project "Pulse"