Italy is a popular choice for international students seeking to study abroad. Its capital, Rome, is an ancient center of learning and culture. Today, Italy remains a desirable destination for students from around the world, combining historic universities with a modern higher education system.
Italian is the official language of Italy, but English is used by many universities that accept international students. The TOEFL iBT is a standardized international test that measures reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in English. It can help students prove to their universities of choice that they can understand lessons and interact in a classroom setting. Read on to find out which universities accept TOEFL scores in Italy.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Universities in Italy
International students will find that English is important for campus life in Italy, especially when applying to English-taught programs. Proficiency in English helps students understand lessons and communicate inside and outside the university. Here, we’ve listed seven universities accepting TOEFL scores in Italy that you should check out.
1. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in the Western world. The year 1088 is conventionally used as its founding date. This university is one of Italy’s most historic and respected institutions, owing to its long history and contributions to scholarship over the centuries.
The university has 31 departments and offers a broad range of programs, including first-cycle, second-cycle, single-cycle, doctoral, professional master’s, specialization, international, and English-taught programs across many disciplines.
International students wishing to study at this highly acclaimed and historic university should check the English requirement for their chosen program. For University of Bologna programs that require B2 English proficiency, the TOEFL iBT B2 range is 72–94.
2. University of Milan
The University of Milan is one of the largest universities in Europe and the largest university in Lombardy. It is a public research and teaching university colloquially known as UniMi or La Statale.
UniMi offers a broad range of programs across fields such as Law, Medicine and Healthcare, Humanities, Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science and Technology, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Political, Economic, and Social Sciences, and Language Mediation.
This Italian university accepts TOEFL scores for programs that require English proficiency. Some master’s degree courses require B1 or B2 English, depending on the program. For B2, UniMi lists TOEFL iBT 72–94. TOEFL certificates generally must have been earned within two years at the time of submission and must certify reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
3. University of Trento
The University of Trento originated in the social sciences and is closely associated with the development of sociology as a university field in Italy. UniTrento, as it is colloquially known, is recognized for teaching, research, and international engagement.
Aside from Sociology, the university also offers Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in other disciplines, such as Law, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Psychology, and Economics. The Italian university also accepts TOEFL scores for relevant English-taught programs.
UniTrento generally requires at least CEFR B2 for English-taught programs, but TOEFL details are published by individual calls or degree pages. For example, European and International Studies requires B2 and lists a TOEFL iBT minimum skill level of 21, while International Management lists B2 and accepts international certificates including TOEFL. Applicants should check the specific call for their chosen program.
4. Polytechnic University of Milan
Hailed as Italy’s largest scientific-technological university, the Polytechnic University of Milan is also the oldest university in Milan, founded in 1863, and has a strong global reputation in architecture, design, and engineering.
The university, colloquially known as PoliMi, offers programs across the disciplines of Architecture, Engineering, and Design. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Politecnico di Milano ranked 6th in Architecture and Built Environment, 7th in Art and Design, 20th in Engineering and Technology, and 14th in both Civil and Structural Engineering and Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing Engineering.
Applicants to English-language Laurea programs must show English proficiency before enrolling; the minimum TOEFL iBT score is 59. Applicants to Laurea Magistrale programs must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 78. International students in English-language Laurea Magistrale programs also have an Italian language obligation before graduation.
5. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Standing in a magnificent Gothic palace over the iconic Grand Canal, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice is one of the most visually attractive universities in Italy. It is ranked #660 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Ca’ Foscari’s main teaching and research areas include Humanities, Modern Languages, Economics, and Business.
Being one of the universities in Italy accepting TOEFL scores, Ca’ Foscari accepts TOEFL iBT for B2 English proficiency. B2 corresponds to TOEFL iBT 72–94 on the 0–120 scale. For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, the university also lists B2 as 4–4.5 on the new TOEFL iBT scale. Requirements can vary by program.
6. University of Pisa
Aside from the Leaning Tower, the city of Pisa is also known for having one of the most prestigious Italian universities, the University of Pisa. UniPi, as it is colloquially known, is a public university that was founded in 1343. It counts among its long list of alumni the father of modern science, Galileo Galilei.
UniPi offers a wide selection of programs across fields such as Physics, Biology, Law, Political Science, Mathematics, Economics and Management, Earth Sciences, Pharmacy, and Computer Science. Its high-level research centers are affiliated with many national and international institutions that contribute to contemporary knowledge.
Admission requirements vary by program. For University of Pisa pathways that require B2 English, official pages list a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 72 as an accepted certificate. Applicants should check the page for their chosen program.
7. Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome, or simply Sapienza, is a public research university located in the heart of Italy, the ancient city of Rome. It is one of the oldest universities in the world, having been founded in 1303, and is one of the largest universities in Europe by enrollment.
Sapienza offers a wide selection of programs across disciplines such as Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Computer Science and IT, Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences, Humanities, Law, Arts, Design and Architecture, Business Management, Medicine and Health, and Applied Sciences and Professions.
Sapienza requires at least B2 English or Italian proficiency depending on the chosen program. For many English-taught programs in the 2026/2027 academic requirements, TOEFL iBT 80 or higher is listed as the accepted B2 score. Applicants should check the academic requirements for their selected program.
FAQs: TOEFL Acceptance in Italy
What Type of TOEFL Exam is Accepted in Italy?
Most universities in Italy accept the TOEFL iBT where English proficiency is required, but the exact TOEFL score depends on the institution and degree program. Many universities ask for a CEFR B2 level and publish the TOEFL iBT score range that corresponds to B2.
The TOEFL iBT measures reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills and is recognized by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries.
Italy has long been hailed as the cradle of Western civilization and remains one of the most desirable educational destinations today. The Italian universities above have varying TOEFL score requirements, and applicants should always check the official degree program page before applying. With a sufficient TOEFL score, international students are one step closer to studying in the historic cities where scholars of the past once lived and worked.
Hopefully, this article on the universities in Italy accepting TOEFL scores was informative. You can also find more information on different Italian universities and scholarship opportunities on the Italy Page! If you’re interested, check out the various Available Courses in Europe!
