Required Exams for Studying at a University in Italy (2025–2026 Updated)

Required Exams to Study at a University in Italy (Updated for 2025–2026)

If you want to study at a university in Italy, the exams you need to take will depend on your chosen program and the language of instruction. As of the 2025–2026 academic year, Italy has updated its admission system, and several new regulations are now in place.

1️⃣ CEnT-S (CISIA English Test – Sciences)

Starting from November 2025, the former English TOLC exams (English TOLC-E, TOLC-I, TOLC-F) have been replaced by a new unified test called CEnT-S.
It is required for admission to many English-taught programs such as:

• Engineering

• Economics & Management

• Computer Science

• Pharmacy

• Other Science & Technology fields

The test includes Mathematics, Logic & Data Interpretation, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2️⃣ IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test)

If you want to study Medicine or Dentistry in English in Italy, you must take the IMAT exam.
It is organized by the Italian Ministry of Education in collaboration with Cambridge Assessment.

3️⃣ TOLC Tests (Italian-Taught Programs)

Students applying to programs taught in Italian may need to take:

• TOLC-E (Economics)

• TOLC-I (Engineering)

• TOLC-F (Pharmacy/Biology)

• TOLC-SU (Humanities/Social Sciences)

These are required mainly for Italian-language departments.

4️⃣ Italian Language Exams (for Italian-taught programs)

For programs taught in Italian, universities may require:

• B2 level Italian proficiency certificate (CELI, CILS, PLIDA)

5️⃣ University-Specific Exams or Interviews

Some universities have their own admission tests or motivational interviews, especially for:

• Architecture

• Design

• Art & Fashion Programs

• Some Business Schools

Summary

To study in Italy, the main exams depend on your program: