Italian Proficiency

What level of language proficiency do I need?

If the program you’ve been admitted to is conducted in English, there’s no need for proficiency in Italian. For programs taught in Italian, however, fluency in the language is essential (Italian proficiency minimum level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR).

Further specific language requirements for each degree program can be found at apply.unisi.it.

Test of proficiency in the Italian language

For programs taught in Italian, all candidates without Italian citizenship must pass an Italian language proficiency test, to be conducted online, before submitting their visa application (if a visa is required).

The following candidates are exempt from this test:

• candidates who possess certificates of proficiency in the Italian language with a grade not inferior to B2 level of the Council of Europe, awarded as determined by the CLIQ (Italian Quality Language Certification) quality system, which unites in one group the current certification bodies (University for Foreigners of Perugia, University for Foreigners of Siena, Rome Tre University and the Dante Alighieri Society) as well as University for Foreigners “Dante Alighieri” of Reggio Calabria, including agreements with Italian Institutes of Culture abroad or other institutions. These certifications may be earned in the country of origin, in the approved exam centres found all over the world.
• candidates who hold the entry-qualification awarded by Italian State or State-recognised schools abroad;
• holders of certificates pertaining to the Lower Secondary School final qualification obtained in Argentina, which certify the attendance of a study course which includes the teaching, for at least 5 years, of the Italian language, according to Law no. 210 of 7.6.1999 (Gazzetta Ufficiale no. 152 of 1.7.1999);
• candidates who have earned the Diploma in Italian Language and Culture at the Universities for Foreigners of Perugia and Siena.

Italian Proficiency Interviews

The University of Siena offers the opportunity to take an online interview for a fee of 30,00 euros to assess language proficiency for enrollment in Italian-taught courses.

This service is intended for individuals who possess an Italian proficiency level of B2 but are unable to provide recognized language certifications or other documentation accepted by the evaluation committee.

If the interview is passed, the candidate will be deemed linguistically eligible by the University of Siena for enrollment in Italian-taught courses.

Successfully passing the interview will not result in an officially recognized language certification but will provide a statement of eligibility for enrollment in the program to which the candidate has applied, valid for the University of Siena.

DISCLAIMER: This is a courtesy service with limited availability. Should the candidate fail the interview, it cannot be retaken. The fee paid is non-refundable under any circumstances, including if the candidate decides to withdraw from the interview. The interview shall only be conducted if the video and audio conditions of the connection are stable and permit suitable identification of the candidate, who must present the identity document that has been uploaded to the admission application. Passing the interview does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the program, which is determined by the application evaluation committee.

The interviews are conducted by the staff of the University Language Center at the University of Siena.

How to book an interview

To access this service, applicants must submit a request through the apply.unisi.it portal and pay the required fee. Once the request has been received, the staff will take a few days to enable the candidate to book the interview. The candidate will then be able to select a date and time based on the availability schedule and will receive the relevant instructions by email.

Italian language courses

In general, understanding Italian can help with better integration among fellow students and in daily life. As such, the University of Siena provides Italian language courses for its international students enrolled in any program. Many of our programs recognize Italian language learning as part of their curriculum.

The activities aim to provide international students with the knowledge required to achieve Italian proficiency levels A1 or A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For more information visit our website.

Read also: English Proficiency