Language in Italy

Language Proficiency for International Students

For foreign nationals planning to study in Italy, demonstrating language proficiency is a mandatory step in the enrollment process. The requirements vary significantly depending on whether the chosen degree program is taught in Italian or English. These standards are established by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and are enforced by individual higher education institutions.

As of the 2025/2026 academic year, most universities align their requirements with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For the majority of undergraduate and graduate programs, a B2 level is the minimum standard required for admission.

Studying in Italian: Requirements and Tests

If a student chooses a program taught in Italian, they must prove they possess sufficient language skills to follow academic lectures and pass examinations. This can be achieved through two primary routes: the institutional Italian language test or an internationally recognized certificate.

The Mandatory Italian Language Test

Non-EU students residing abroad who apply for a study visa are generally required to pass an Italian language proficiency test organized by the university. These tests are typically held online via the CISIA platform (TOLC) or directly by the university's language center (CLA).

• Format: Grammar, reading comprehension, and sometimes oral interviews.
• Exemption: Students holding a recognized B2 certificate or higher are usually exempt from this test.
• Cost: Often included in the application fee, which ranges from 30 EUR to 50 EUR ($32 USD to $53 USD, Jan 2026).

Recognized Italian Certificates (CLIQ)

The "Certificazione Lingua Italiana di Qualità" (CLIQ) is the system that groups the only certificates officially recognized by the Italian government. These certificates do not expire for university enrollment purposes:

• CILS: University for Foreigners of Siena.
• CELI: University for Foreigners of Perugia.
• PLIDA: Dante Alighieri Society.
• CERT.IT: Roma Tre University.

The cost for these examinations varies by level and center. For a B2 level exam, students should expect to pay between 120 EUR and 180 EUR ($126 USD to $189 USD, Jan 2026).

Studying in English: Requirements

With the increase in English-taught programs (English-Mediated Instruction - EMI), many international students choose to study in English. In this case, proof of Italian proficiency is often not required for admission, but proof of English proficiency is mandatory.

The standard requirement is B2 level, though some competitive Master’s programs or prestigious institutions like the Politecnico di Milano or Bocconi University may require a C1 level.

Accepted English Certifications

Most Italian universities accept the following international certifications:

• IELTS Academic: Usually a minimum score of 5.5 or 6.0 for B2.
• TOEFL iBT: Usually a minimum score of 72 to 80 for B2.
• Cambridge English: First (FCE) or higher.
• Duolingo English Test: Increasingly accepted, but depends on the individual university's policy.

Practical Steps for Verification

To ensure compliance with 2025/2026 regulations, applicants should follow these steps:

1. Check the Universitaly Portal: All non-EU students must pre-enroll through the Universitaly portal, where language requirements for each course are listed.
2. Review the Call for Applications (Bando): Every university publishes a "Bando" for each degree program. This document is the legal authority on which certificates are accepted and the deadlines for submission.
3. Validate the Certificate: Ensure the certificate was obtained no more than 2–3 years prior if the university imposes a validity limit (common for English certificates like IELTS).

Exemptions and Special Cases

Certain applicants are exempt from providing language certifications or taking the proficiency test:

• Native Speakers: Students from countries where the language of instruction is an official national language (e.g., English for US/UK citizens, Italian for some Swiss citizens).
• Previous Education: Students who have completed a degree entirely taught in the required language (Italian or English) may be exempt, provided they submit an official letter from their previous university.
• International Schools: Holders of an International Baccalaureate (IB) or similar diplomas where the language of instruction was Italian or English.
• Italian High School Diploma: Students who obtained a "Diploma di Maturità" from an Italian school (even abroad).

Note: Requirements for PhD programs are often managed independently by departmental committees. Language requirements for research-based degrees may be higher or include specific technical language proficiency.

Summary of Estimated Costs

Budgeting for language requirements is essential for relocation planning. Below are the estimated costs for the 2025/2026 period:

• Italian Language Exam (University Internal): 30 EUR - 60 EUR ($32 USD - $63 USD, Jan 2026).
• Official CILS/CELI B2 Exam: 120 EUR - 180 EUR ($126 USD - $189 USD, Jan 2026).
• IELTS Academic Exam: 240 EUR - 260 EUR ($252 USD - $273 USD, Jan 2026).
• Translation/Legalization of Documents: 50 EUR - 150 EUR ($53 USD - $158 USD, Jan 2026), depending on the country of origin.