English Proficiency
What level of language proficiency do I need?
If the program you’ve chosen is conducted in Italian, a minimum of A2 level in English proficiency suffices (A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR).
For programs taught in English, fluency in the language is required. For bachelor’s and master’s programs, a minimum B2 level English proficiency is required. For the Foundation Course, a B1 level suffices.
NOTICE: Applicants are advised that language proficiency requirements may vary between programs. Detailed information can be found on apply.unisi.it, specifically in the ‘Entry Qualification’ or ‘Language Requirements’ sections of the selected program’s page.
NOTICE: All applicants are expected to submit a recognized language certification. In most cases, the submission of a valid certification is deemed sufficient by the admission evaluation committees. However, the committees reserve the right to request additional documentation or require the candidate to undergo an interview to assess their language proficiency.
What language certifications are accepted?
The following language certifications are accepted:
- an internationally recognized language certification among those accepted by our University
- a language proficiency certificate issued by an Italian University Language Center included in this list
Exemptions from English Language Certification
The following candidates are exempt from submitting an English language certificate:
A. Citizenship-based Exemption
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from submitting English language certification: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British overseas territories, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, and the USA.
B. Education-based Exemption
Candidates of any nationality who have obtained their entry-level qualification for enrollment through an English-taught program, can be exempt from submitting language certification, provided they can prove that English was the official language of instruction. Proof can be in the form of a formal certification or letter from the educational institution attesting that the program was entirely taught in English.
NOTICE: The decision to grant an exemption is at the sole discretion of the admission application evaluation committee. Candidates may be called for a remote evaluation interview as part of the exemption process.
English proficiency interviews
As part of the evaluation process, the admission committees may request candidates to provide additional proof of their language proficiency. This typically occurs when the submitted documentation is incomplete or deemed insufficient for the specific program. In such cases, candidates are invited to supplement their application with further evidence of their language competence.
Among the available options, the University of Siena offers an online English proficiency interview for a fee of €30.
NOTICE: This service is intended for individuals who possess a B2 level of English proficiency but are unable to provide a recognized language certification or other documentation requested by the evaluation committee.
Candidates who successfully pass the interview are deemed eligible for enrollment in the specific degree program to which they have applied. This eligibility is valid exclusively for programs at the University of Siena and does not constitute an internationally recognized language certification.
NOTICE: This is a courtesy service with limited availability, offered only to candidates who receive a formal request from the evaluation committee to provide additional proof of language proficiency in order to complete their admission process.
Read also: Recognized English language certifications
Read also: English Proficiency Interviews
Read also: Italian Proficiency