Italy sees 90% rise in psychology student enrollments over ten years

Psychology degree enrollments in Italy have increased by 90% over the last decade, rising from approximately 18,000 to over 34,000 first-year students. This growth significantly outpaces the 39% increase seen across the broader Italian university system. In 2024, the country produced 25,732 psychology graduates.

Maria Antonietta Gulino, president of the National Council of the Order of Psychologists, suggested that the rise in interest may be linked to the increasing presence of technology in daily life, which heightens the need to understand human relationships, the mind, and mental care. While artificial intelligence is being integrated into sectors like healthcare and education, experts maintain it cannot replace psychologists, as the profession relies on human context, stories, and nuances that statistical models cannot replicate.

To become a licensed psychologist in Italy, students must complete a three-year bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences and Techniques followed by a two-year master's degree in Psychology. Following a 2021 reform, the master's degree is qualifying, incorporating mandatory internships and practical assessments. While the initial employment rate for graduates one year after their master's degree stands at 62.2%, the gap typically narrows over time as professionals complete further specializations.