Breaking Down Barriers: UniCredit Foundation Explores Educational Inequalities in Europe with New Research
Thursday 10 April 2025
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On the occasion of the event "Equity in Education: From Secondary School to University in Europe", UniCredit Foundation presented at the University of Verona the academic research "Beyond Compulsory Education in Europe", commissioned to analyze the systemic obstacles that still limit access to higher education across the continent.
The study shows that socioeconomic inequalities continue to be a major barrier for many young Europeans. In Italy, for example, only 40% of young people in the lowest income quartile access university, compared to over 75% in the highest quartile. The gap is even wider in technical and vocational tracks and in STEM fields, where women are significantly underrepresented (only 8.5% of women choose STEM degrees, compared to 33.6% of men).
In the presence of UniCredit Group CEO and UniCredit Foundation Chairman, Andrea Orcel, the discussion involved institutions, academics, and representatives from the private sector, emphasizing the urgent need for structural interventions to ensure equal opportunities in access to higher education.
“Too many talented young people are excluded from university pathways due to economic and social barriers. At UniCredit Foundation, we are determined to break these down by investing in research, mentoring, and scholarships,” said Andrea Orcel.
“Investing in education means investing in a stronger and fairer society.”
In 2024 alone, UniCredit Foundation has allocated nearly €30 million to educational initiatives across Europe. Among them is the pilot program Uni.ON – Light Up Your Future, launched in Italy to offer 200 students from disadvantaged backgrounds targeted university preparation, scholarships, and personalized support.
To read the full research, click here.