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Education

More and more Italian students are choosing university abroad

The horizons of Italian students are becoming increasingly European: after high school graduation, those who want to pursue their academic education are also looking to universities in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Ireland and many others

by Silvia Martelli and Annalisa Godi (Il Sole 24 Ore), Lola García-Ajofrín (El Confidencial, Spain)

9 July 2025

3' min read

Faced with a national university system perceived as rigid and struggling to connect with the world of work, thousands of Italian students are looking across borders to build their academic future. A phenomenon that, however, also concerns their French and Spanish peers.

The horizons of Italian students are becoming increasingly international. After high school, the number of those who decide to enrol at a foreign university is constantly growing, attracted by a more practical education, English-language courses, multicultural environments and, in many cases, more affordable costs.

According to Eurostat data, in 2021 there were around 17,000 young Italians on bachelor's or master's degree courses abroad. But the figures are growing rapidly: according to Erudera, there were already more than 77 thousand in 2024.

At the top of the list of chosen destinations is the United Kingdom, with over 14 thousand Italian students enrolled, followed by Austria (9 thousand) and Germany (8 thousand). Even Spain - a historical destination for Erasmus - hosts more than 6 thousand Italian students, while the Netherlands, known for its innovative and highly internationalised universities, hosts just over 4,500.

The reasons for flight: lower costs and courses in English

While Oxford and Cambridge charge around £30,000 a year, and American colleges range between $40 and $60,000, many European universities offer a quality alternative with much more affordable fees.

Trinity College Dublin, for example, offers three-year courses at EUR 3,000 per year. The universities of Amsterdam and Delft are around EUR 2,500. In Germany, on average, you pay around EUR 700 in tuition fees. In the Nordic countries, particularly Denmark, university education is free for European citizens, with the possibility of a subsidy for those who work part-time during their studies.

The language factor is decisive: the spread of courses in English in the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and Scandinavia makes academic integration easier for many Italian students. But the teaching approach also counts: less theory, more workshops, group projects, internships integrated into the curriculum and concrete orientation to the labour market.

Brexit and visas: the effect on choices

The Brexit has changed access to British universities. European students, including Italians, must now apply for a Student Visa for stays longer than six months, proving that they have the financial means to cover the costs of their stay. British universities, however, continue to attract, thanks to their prestige and the wide range of courses on offer.

As for the United States, where more than 2,500 Italians study, uncertainty over migration policies and the controls imposed on international students has slowed down enrolment, although American universities remain among the most sought-after in the world.

The most popular courses? Business, engineering and political science

Business, management and engineering remain among the faculties most chosen by Italian students going abroad, followed by political science, biotechnology, design and communication. In many cases, these are courses offered entirely in English and set in lively and international urban contexts, capable of attracting students from all over the world.

French students: between Belgium, Canada and Switzerland

France is also seeing an increasing number of young people choosing to pursue their university studies abroad. According to Campus France data, in 2023 there were around 100,000 French students enrolled in universities outside the country.

Belgium is the first destination: the common language, geographical proximity and strong cooperation between university systems have favoured stable student flows over time. It is followed by Switzerland, in particular the universities of Geneva, Lausanne and Fribourg, and Canada, with a focus on French-speaking provinces such as Quebec.

The UK, despite the post-Brexit decline, remains a strategic destination, especially for those aiming to specialise in business and international relations.

Many French people are also attracted by dual degree and double diploma programmes, which enable them to obtain two qualifications recognised in different countries. There is also growing interest in Scandinavian countries and Asia, especially South Korea and Japan, thanks to scholarships and bilateral agreements.

Spanish students: more European destinations, with UK in the lead

In the case of Spain, around 55,000 students choose to train abroad. At the top of the list is still the United Kingdom, despite its exit from the EU: universities such as King's College, University College London or Manchester remain very attractive.

This is followed by Germany and France, where Spanish students take advantage of the numerous Erasmus+ programmes to start a course that often turns into a full degree outside their home country.

More and more Spaniards are turning towards the Netherlands, attracted by the wide range of courses on offer in English and a university model that is considered avant-garde. Interest in Italy and Portugal is also growing, due to their cultural and linguistic proximity.

The most popular faculties? Engineering, economics, social sciences and medicine. In general, as is the case for Italian students, Spaniards also seek more flexible, international and closely related to the professional world.

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