On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the University of Trieste renews its commitment to promoting equal opportunities, supporting women’s careers, including in STEM fields, and continuously monitoring gender dynamics as a key tool for shaping inclusive and informed university policies.

Further insight is provided by the data presented in the AlmaLaurea Gender Report 2026. The survey confirms the high participation and strong academic performance of UniTS female students, while also highlighting structural differences in the transition to the labour market, particularly in terms of pay.

More women among 2024 graduates

In 2024, the University awarded degrees to 3,226 students (1,842 bachelor’s degrees, 979 master’s degrees and 405 single-cycle master’s degrees). Women account for 58.7% of the total, with a particularly strong presence in single-cycle master’s programmes (65.7%).

Women graduates show strong academic performance overall: 62.1% complete their studies on time (compared with 56.2% of men), and 69% have undertaken a curricular internship — nearly 15 percentage points higher than their male peers.

The report also shows that choosing the same field of study as a parent is less common among women, suggesting greater independence in the choice of field. 

Employment Five Years After Graduation: High Rates, Pay Gap Remains

The survey of master’s graduates from 2019, interviewed five years after graduation, shows high employment rates: 92.5% for women and 93.6% for men.

However, differences remain in job characteristics and earnings. Women report an average net monthly salary of €1,904, compared with €2,097 for men. Women are also more likely to work in the public sector (44.7% compared with 38.1%), while men are more likely to hold permanent contracts or be self-employed.

STEM Fields: Female Participation Growing, Disparities Persist 

In STEM programmes, traditionally characterised by lower female participation, women account for 38.7% of 2024 graduates.

Five years after graduation, the employment rate stands at 90.8% for women and 93% for men. A pay gap is also observed in this area: women report an average net monthly salary of €2,118 compared with €2,207 for men. Permanent contracts are more common among men, while women are more likely to hold fixed-term contracts.