In Italy, the proportion of young people with advanced degrees is increasing, but the system remains hampered by social disparities and a high school dropout rate. This is based on the latest OECD publication, Education at a Glance 2025. The data indicates that in 2024, 17% of young individuals between the ages of 25 and 34 will have obtained a master's degree or equivalent, which is consistent with the OECD average (16%) and represents a slight increase from 2019 (16%). Overall, 31% of young Italian adults hold a university degree, compared to the OECD average of 48%. In contrast, the school dropout rate in Italy is 9.8%, which means that roughly one in every 10 young adults aged 18 to 24 has dropped out of school before completing high school. This figure, albeit lower than in the past, remains a structural issue. The report also underscores the robust correlation between academic achievement and family background: only 20% of young individuals from families without a secondary school diploma are able to attend university, in contrast to the OECD average of 26%. On the financial front, public spending on education increased to 4.3% of GDP in 2022, up from 3.9% in 2015, but remains below the OECD average of 4.9%. Finally, the teaching personnel remains critical: 59% of Italian secondary school teachers are over 50, compared to the OECD average of 39%, creating challenges for generational turnover. For the OECD, Italy must strengthen the equity and quality of its education system, “reducing dropout rates, supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and improving student preparation throughout their academic journey".