Italy
Bologna
Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, has a population of over 390,000 residents. The city boasts a diverse international community, with approximately 60,000 foreigners, making up around 15% of the total population. Women represent 52% of Bologna's inhabitants.
The metropolitan area of Bologna consists of 55 municipalities, with a total population of approximately 1 million residents.
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
EDUCATION IN BOLOGNA
The Bologna metropolitan area is home to over 54 upper secondary schools, offering a wide range of general, technical, and vocational education programs (2024). Several vocational training institutions in the city provide specialized education in various fields, enhancing career opportunities for young people.
Bologna is internationally recognized for its higher education institutions, most notably the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world and one of the largest in Italy, with nearly 85,000 students (2024). Other prestigious institutions include the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna and the Conservatory of Bologna, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a leading academic and research hub.
YOUTH IN BOLOGNA
In 2023, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15–24) in Bologna was approximately 17.4%, slightly above the Emilia-Romagna regional average of 17%. That same year, around 11% of young people in Emilia-Romagna were classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training), while the regional NEET rate stood at 12.2% in 2022.
To support youth employment and education, Bologna offers various initiatives, including vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and university career services. These efforts aim to enhance job prospects and facilitate young people's transition into the workforce.
Photo: Shutterstock