Italy’s Top Universities Attracting Global Talent in Business Programs

Interest in MBA programs in Italy has seen a slight decline to 19%, while 40% of prospective students are considering Master’s programs, according to a new report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), an international association of leading graduate business schools. This shift highlights Italy’s growing popularity among international students as a preferred destination for graduate business studies.

Once a domain largely dominated by Italian citizens, with 56% of aspiring business school applicants being local, Italy’s business schools are now attracting a predominantly international student body, comprising 57% of applicants. This significant change reflects the country’s enhanced global appeal.

The demographics of international candidates have also shifted dramatically. Last year, European students made up 70% of international applicants. This year, only a quarter are from Europe, with a notable increase in applicants from Africa (25%), Latin America (25%), and South Asia (13%). This does not suggest a decline in interest from European students but rather an increased appeal to candidates from other regions worldwide.

“The Italian business education market is one of the strongest in Europe, and for good reason,” says GMAC Regional Head for Europe, Nalisha Patel. “More international students from outside of Europe are considering top Italian schools, with the two-year MBA and the Master of Finance as the top programs of choice for both domestic and international students looking to study in Italy.”

Among Italian candidates, the GMAC survey reveals that the Master of Finance is the top choice, with 26% selecting it as their preferred program. The Master of International Management follows closely with 19% of the candidates’ preference. The one-year MBA, previously in third place, has been overtaken by the Master of Management, indicating a shift towards Master’s programs over MBAs. Last year, 23% of Italian candidates were contemplating MBAs, while 45% were considering Master’s programs. This year, interest in MBAs has declined slightly to 19%, with 40% favoring Master’s programs and 41% open to either choice.

The GMAC annual Prospective Students Survey collected responses from 4,105 participants across 132 countries, with 61% belonging to Gen Z. These results underscore significant shifts in applicant demographics and preferences, highlighting the increasing importance of Gen Z in the student pipeline for business schools.

Prestigious Italian Universities Leading the Way

Italy is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, which contribute significantly to its appeal as a study destination.

Bocconi University in Milan is renowned for its business and economics programs. Consistently ranked among the top universities in Europe, Bocconi offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programs in management, economics, and finance. Its MBA program is particularly well-regarded, attracting students from all over the world due to its rigorous curriculum and strong industry connections.

Università degli Studi di Torino (University of Turin) is one of the oldest universities in Europe, established in 1404. It offers a wide range of programs but is particularly known for its excellence in law, political science, and economics. The university’s School of Management and Economics provides cutting-edge education and research opportunities in business and management.

Politecnico di Milano is another top-tier institution, especially esteemed for its engineering, architecture, and design programs. However, its School of Management also stands out, offering highly competitive MBA and Executive MBA programs that integrate technology and innovation with business education.

Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome specializes in social sciences, offering strong programs in law, political science, and economics. Its Business School is highly respected, providing a range of master’s programs that attract international students seeking high-quality education in a historic city.

These universities not only enhance Italy’s reputation for business education but also contribute to the country’s cultural and intellectual richness, making it an even more attractive destination for international students.

Featured image: University of Turin