You want to study in Italy? Nice choice. The country has good universities, rich culture and courses not very costly. Before that, you must see the IELTS score required in Italy. For most bachelor programs, universities usually ask around IELTS 6.0. If you go for master’s, then most schools want IELTS 6.5 or higher.
Studying in Italy is a good choice for many international students. It is not only about history and culture, but also the good education system. In QS World University Rankings 2025, there are 42 top universities from Italy. The success rate for Italian student visa is very high, almost 98%. So if you want to study in Italy for higher studies, you should first know the admission steps.
Many universities in Italy have courses in English. So, even if you are not aware of the Italian language, you can still study. But they usually ask you to show English skills. Most times this is shown by a test. IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 is required by Italian universities. This score is needed so you can join classes, understand lectures, and also communicate well in academic life. You can check more about the IELTS score required for Italian universities and also for popular courses.
- IELTS Score Requirements in Italy
- IELTS Score for Top Universities in Italy (2025)
- Popular Courses in Italy and IELTS Requirement
- IELTS for Italy Student Visa: Is it Required?
- IELTS Alternatives for Studying in Italy
IELTS Score Requirements in Italy
The IELTS score for Italy will range from 6.0 to 6.5. The IELTS score requirements depend on the university or the course one is applying for.
| Degrees |
IELTS requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS score for Italy for a Bachelor’s |
6.0 (with no band less than 5.5) |
| IELTS score for Italy for a Master’s |
6.5 (with no band less than 6.0) |
IELTS Score for Top Universities in Italy (2025)
Students can check the top universities in Italy along with their IELTS score requirements below:
| University |
Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
|
| University of Milan |
6.5 |
| 6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
|
| University of Florence |
6.5 |
| 6.5 |
Popular Courses in Italy and IELTS Requirement
Italian universities give many choices of courses for international students who want higher education. You can find programs in Business & Management, Fashion & Design, Hospitality & Tourism, and also Social Science & Humanities. These are some of the most popular courses in Italy.
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Every course can ask for different English level. The IELTS requirement in Italy may change depending on the subject and language need of that program. Below you see few common study fields in Italy with the general IELTS score requirement.
| Popular field |
Bachelor's Programs (Minimum IELTS) |
Master's Programs (Minimum IELTS) |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management |
6.0 |
6.5 |
| Fashion & Design |
6.0 |
6.5 |
| Hospitality & Tourism |
6.0 |
6.5 |
| Social Sciences & Humanities |
6.0 |
6.5 |
IELTS for Italy Student Visa: Is it Required?
If you want study in Italy, you need a student visa. For this, many universities ask proof of English skill with tests like IELTS. But it is not only IELTS requirement for Italy student visa, you can still apply with other accepted English tests. The need for IELTS for Italy student visa depends on your course language and the university rules. Usually, if your program is in English, students must show they can speak and understand English. You can do this by IELTS, TOEFL, or some other recognized English test.
Types of Student Visas in Italy
- Type C Visa: Short stay, up to 90 days.
- Type D Visa: Long stay, more than 90 days.
IELTS Alternatives for Studying in Italy
| Alternative |
Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Education |
School certificate as proof of English. |
| Other Language Tests |
TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge exams |
| Personal Statement / Interview |
Writing good personal statement or talking in interview. |
A IELTS band score 5.5 sometimes can be accepted by some universities in Italy, mostly for programs not very competitive. But many schools ask for at least 6.0 overall, and no band should be below 5.5 if you doing undergraduate courses. For master’s programs, usually they want 6.5 or more.
Yes, you can get an Italian student visa without IELTS if your university don’t need it. Students who studied before in English maybe don’t have to take the test. But you still need other papers like a passport, acceptance letter from the university, proof you have money, and health insurance.
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IELTS is not always needed for studying in Italy. Lots of universities might let you in even without an IELTS score, mainly if your acceptance letter doesn’t ask for it.