Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a culturally rich country that offers international students the opportunity to pursue an immersive academic experience in the heart of Europe.
Italy’s diverse culture provides a multifaceted experience for students applying to the country. The country also hosts educational institutions serving students from a wide range of backgrounds and academic fields. Tuition fees at Italian universities are often relatively low compared with those in many other Western European countries and North America. However, fees vary by institution, program, family income, and student status, so applicants should review the costs for their chosen program carefully.
Italian is the country’s official language and is widely used in everyday and professional settings. Most undergraduate programs in Italy are taught in Italian, while several graduate programs are offered in English. Students applying to an English-taught program may not need Italian for admission, although they must meet the program’s English-language requirements. Keep reading to learn more about the language requirements for international students in Italy.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Italy
International students choosing Italy as their destination for higher education may need to provide evidence of proficiency in the language in which their program is taught. Italian-taught programs commonly require proof of Italian proficiency, while English-taught programs may require proof of English proficiency. Universities may accept a recognized certificate, administer their own language assessment, or grant an exemption based on an applicant’s previous education. Requirements, accepted tests, minimum scores, and submission deadlines vary by institution and program.
Italian Language Tests for International Students
CILS and CELI are two widely recognized Italian language tests. However, they are not the only recognized Italian-language certifications. CERT.IT, issued by Roma Tre University, and PLIDA, issued by the Dante Alighieri Society, are also recognized. Applicants should confirm which certificates and proficiency levels their chosen university and program accept.
1. CILS – Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language
CILS is an Italian-language certification issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena. It assesses proficiency in Italian as a second or foreign language and offers six levels aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ranging from A1 to C2.
CILS examinations are available through authorized test centers in Italy and other countries. Exam dates depend on the level and test center, and some levels are offered more frequently than others. The examination assesses listening, reading, analysis of communication structures, writing, and speaking.
The maximum overall score is 60 points for the A1 and A2 levels and 100 points for the B1, B2, C1, and C2 levels. Each skill receives a separate score, and candidates must reach the required threshold in every skill to obtain the certification. Candidates should consult the current official scoring information for their chosen level.
CILS is accepted by many Italian universities, but the required level and conditions are program-specific. Examples of institutions that recognize CILS for relevant language requirements include the University of Milan, the University of Bologna, and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.
2. CELI – Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language
CELI is issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Its general Italian certificates are primarily intended for adult learners and cover six Common European Framework of Reference for Languages levels, from CELI Impatto at A1 to CELI 5 at C2. The examinations assess written and oral language skills, although the exact structure varies by level. The annual calendar contains several sessions, but the levels available during each session may differ.
Candidates generally need to meet separate minimum requirements for the written and oral components. The total points, component weightings, and passing thresholds differ substantially by level, so applicants should consult the official scoring guide for the specific CELI examination they plan to take rather than rely on a single universal passing score.
CELI is accepted by many Italian institutions, although the required level and other conditions vary by program. Examples of institutions that recognize CELI for relevant requirements include Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, the University of Bologna, and the University of Milan.
English Language Tests for International Students
Italian universities may accept standardized English proficiency tests to assess applicants to English-taught programs. Accepted tests, minimum scores, certificate-validity rules, and possible exemptions are determined by each institution or program.
1. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL iBT assesses academic English through Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections. For tests taken from January 21, 2026, TOEFL reports section scores and an overall score on a 1-to-6 scale. During the transition period through January 2028, score reports also include a comparable overall score on the former 0-to-120 scale. There is no nationwide minimum TOEFL score for studying in Italy; each institution or program sets its own requirement.
TOEFL is accepted by many Italian institutions and programs, including programs at the University of Bologna, the University of Milan, the University of Pisa, and Sapienza University of Rome. Applicants should verify the current score and certificate requirements on the official page for their chosen program.
2. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is a widely accepted English-language proficiency test. Similar to TOEFL, IELTS assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each skill receives a band score from 0 to 9, and the overall band score is calculated from the four skill scores. There is no universal requirement to obtain a band score of 6.0 in every section; universities and individual programs determine their own overall and component-score requirements. IELTS recommends that results generally be considered valid for two years after the test date, although the receiving institution makes the final decision.
IELTS is accepted by many Italian institutions and programs, including programs at the University of Milan, the University of Padua, the University of Pisa, and the University of Bologna. Minimum band scores and exemptions vary, so applicants should consult the official requirements for their chosen program.
Italy offers international students a range of academic and cultural opportunities. Before beginning the application process, determine which language tests and proficiency levels are required by your chosen program. To help you choose a host institution, review the most affordable universities in Italy for international students.
We hope this article on language tests needed in Italy for international students is informative and helpful. You can find additional information about European universities and scholarship opportunities on our Study in Italy and Available Programs for International Students!
