In a recent interview with Cambodianess, Dr. Riccardo Corrado, Vice-Chairman of the Italian Business Chamber Cambodia (ItaCham), shed light on the untapped potential of Italy as a higher education destination for Cambodian students. Speaking from his experience at the intersection of education and international cooperation, Dr. Corrado emphasized that Italy offers not only world-class universities and a rich cultural experience but also concrete, accessible opportunities for financial support that remain largely underutilized by Cambodian applicants.
Dr. Corrado began by highlighting the affordability of studying in Italy, especially in the public university system, where tuition fees are determined based on a student’s family income. This approach allows even students from modest economic backgrounds to access quality education without incurring the kind of financial burden typically associated with international study. Despite this, the number of Cambodian students pursuing education in Italy is strikingly low when compared to those from neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. According to Dr. Corrado, this gap is not due to a lack of capability or interest, but rather a lack of awareness. To address this, he pointed to a number of scholarship opportunities that are already in place and actively welcoming international students. Among them is the “STUDY in ITALY” program, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which offers scholarships for master’s degrees, PhD programs, and specialized courses in areas such as music, arts, and language. Another key initiative is the DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario), a regional aid scheme that not only waives tuition fees but also provides students with accommodation, meals, and an annual stipend, creating a comprehensive support system for those in need. Dr. Corrado also mentioned the “Invest Your Talent in Italy” scholarship program, which is not currently open to Cambodian students but may become accessible in the future. He expressed optimism that greater diplomatic and academic engagement could help include Cambodia in this initiative.
Beyond the financial and institutional aspects, Dr. Corrado passionately spoke about the broader experience of studying in Italy. He described it as an enriching journey that combines academic rigor with cultural immersion. From the temperate climate to the historical cities and world-renowned cuisine, Italy offers more than just an education—it offers a formative life experience. For Cambodian students, studying in Italy could mean gaining not only a degree but also the international exposure and cross-cultural skills that are increasingly valuable in a globalized economy.
In closing, Dr. Corrado’s message was clear: Italy is ready to welcome more Cambodian students, and the door is already open. What is needed now is greater outreach and information-sharing to ensure that students, families, and educators in Cambodia are fully aware of the opportunities available. With the right push, a new generation of Cambodian scholars could find themselves thriving in Italian lecture halls—and returning home with the tools to help shape their country’s future.
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