Taking a gap year is becoming an essential part of the education journeys of many students all over the world. While traditionally seen as a break from academics, nowadays gap years are indeed more and more recognized as valuable opportunities for personal development, career exploration, and real-world experience. This is why, from traveling abroad to gaining work experience or volunteering, students are now using this time to build skills that make them more confident and prepared for their future.
This growing popularity of gap years reflects a shift in how young people approach higher education and career planning. In fact, in an era where job markets are becoming increasingly competitive, many students are realizing that taking a structured break before college can provide them with a significant edge. And universities and employers alike are beginning to recognize the benefits of such an experience, with some institutions even encouraging students to take one before starting their studies.
But what do the numbers say? How common are gap years, and what impact do they have on academic and professional success? Let’s dive into the key statistics that highlight why more students than ever are choosing to take time off before diving into university life.
One of the biggest myths about taking a gap year is that students won’t return to higher education afterward. However, data proves otherwise. According to the Gap Year Association indeed, around 90% of students who take a gap year enroll in college within a year of completing their time off.
Why is this important? It debunks the fear (especially from parents of recent high school graduates) that taking time off leads to academic derailment. Instead, students often return with a stronger sense of purpose, more motivation, and greater readiness for university life. And many even report that their gap year helped them make a more informed decision about their field of study since their gap year allowed them to explore old and new interests and find renewed enthusiasm for their chosen field of study.
For this same reasons, universities are increasingly supportive of gap year students, with some institutions even offering structured deferral programs. Harvard University, for example, actively encourages admitted students to consider a gap year, recognizing its potential to enhance personal and academic development.
Choosing a major or career path can be a daunting task. However, taking a gap year might help even the most indecisive of student to make their choice. According to a study by the Gap Year Association, indeed, 60% of students who take a gap year say the experience either confirmed their intended major or set them on a new career path.
Why is it like this? Gap year participants often engage in internships, volunteer work, or cultural immersion programs, exposing them to real-world experiences that shape their career interests. This clarity reduces the likelihood of changing majors, something that happens frequently among students who head straight to university without exploring their interests first. And with nearly one-third of U.S. undergraduates changing their major at least once within three years (National Center for Education Statistics), the added value of taking a gap year before making a choice is clear.
Taking a gap year is a well-established tradition in some parts of the world, especially in countries like Australia and New Zealand, where it has long been part of the culture. Similarly, countries like Norway and Denmark, which emphasize practical learning alongside academics, see over 50% of their students opting for a gap year before enrolling in university, with this widespread acceptance highlighting the benefits that the countries associate with taking time off to grow personally and professionally (Tilting Futures).
The popularity of gap years is also on the rise in other countries, particularly in the United Kingdom. Here, university deferrals for gap years have seen a significant increase, with the number of students deferring enrollment rising by more than 50% in the past decade. In the 2021/22 academic year, indeed, 36,790 students deferred their university enrollment to take a gap year, compared to just 24,195 in 2012.
In the United States, instead, gap years are less common but still gaining traction. Pre-pandemic, around 40,000 to 60,000 students typically took a gap year annually. However, this number surged dramatically to 130,000 students during the 2020-2021 academic year, fueled in part by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (Semester at Sea). This sharp increase signals a growing desire among U.S. students for a purposeful break before starting university, as many sought alternatives to traditional college experiences during the uncertainty of the pandemic.
In today’s competitive job market, employers are placing more value on the skills gained outside traditional education. And gap years are increasingly seen as a vital step in preparing for the workforce. In fact, according to a survey by Milkround graduate recruitment, a significant 88% of students who took a gap year reported that the experience had notably enhanced their employability.
Why is this the case? Gap years often involve practical experiences like working, interning, volunteering, or traveling: activities that help students develop a wide range of transferable skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. These skills are highly sought after by employers, making gap year students stand out in the hiring process. Moreover, structured gap year programs are increasingly incorporating professional development components, such as leadership training, language acquisition, or industry-specific certifications. These added experiences not only make students more appealing candidates but also expand their professional networks, giving them a significant competitive advantage when they eventually enter the job market.
In addition to career benefits, a gap year can have a profound impact on personal development. According to Psychology Today, indeed, students who take a gap year often experience significant growth in terms of maturity, resilience, and self-confidence. This growth is largely due to the new challenges they face, whether it’s living in a foreign country, managing finances, or taking on work responsibilities.
Many students return from their gap year with a greater sense of responsibility and stronger decision-making skills, which serve them well both academically and professionally. Moreover, research suggests that gap year students often experience lower levels of burnout and anxiety when they eventually return to university. That’s because, by taking the time to reset, recharge, and gain a broader perspective on their academic journey, they enter higher education with a refreshed mindset and a deeper understanding of their own goals and priorities.
Gap years are far from just relaxing on a beach. In fact, most students stay incredibly busy, gaining valuable experiences that shape their futures. According to Letz Live, in 2022:
All these experiences do more than enrich students' lives; they actively improve their resumes and make them more competitive candidates for both universities and employers. Whether it’s through work, travel, or volunteerism, gap year students gain skills that set them apart and help them stand out in the competitive job market.
The statistics speak for themselves: taking a gap year is far from just a break. It’s an investment in your future. From boosting employability to fostering personal growth and providing clarity in academic and career goals, it can set participants on a path to greater success. Whether it's the practical skills gained through work experience, the cultural perspectives gained from travel, or the personal development that comes with time away from academics, a gap year offers an array of benefits that go far beyond a simple hiatus from school.
For many, this time off before university can lead to increased maturity, clearer goals, and a renewed passion for learning. As more students choose to take this time for self-discovery, the growing body of evidence suggests that a gap year is not just a trend, but a valuable step in shaping a successful and fulfilling future.
Take your chance and shape your future in the “Bel Paese”!
Explore our programs!
.webp){kind=small}
.webp){kind=small}
.webp){kind=small}
What is Italianforawhile?
Enrollment and admissions
Help center
