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 6.0 or above.
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 2026, 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 Italian Universities 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.
- What is the Minimum IELTS Score for Italy?
- IELTS Score for Top Universities in Italy (2026)
- Popular Courses in Italy and IELTS Requirement
- IELTS for Italy Student Visa: Is it Required?
- Can I get an Italy Student Visa without IELTS?
- IELTS Alternatives for Studying in Italy
What is the Minimum IELTS Score for Italy?
If you want to study in Italy in 2026, you usually need an IELTS score of 6.0. This is the most common requirement for many Italian universities. Most universities want to see that you are at a B2 level of English.
IELTS Score Requirements in Italy for Different Degrees
The score requirements you need often depends on the type of degree you are looking for at Italian universities. Generally, more advanced or competitive programs require higher proficiency.
| Program Level | Minimum IELTS Score | CEFR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation/Short Courses | 5.0 – 5.5 | B1 |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor's) | 6.0 | B2 |
| Postgraduate (Master's) | 6.5 | B2+/C1 |
| PhD Programs | 6.5 – 7.0 | C1 |
IELTS Score for Top Universities in Italy (2026)
For the 2026 intake, the top universities in Italy like University of Bologna or Politecnico di Milano usually ask for a 6.0 IELTS score. Some very famous Master's courses might want a 6.5, but 6.0 is the normal requirement for most students. If you have this score, it is much easier to get your admission and your Italy student visa because it proves your English proficiency.
| University |
Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano |
6.0 |
| Sapienza University of Rome |
6.0 |
| 6.0 |
|
| Università di Padova |
6.0 |
| 6.0 |
|
| University of Milan |
6.5 |
| University of Naples - Federico II |
6.5 |
| 6.5 |
|
| University of Florence |
6.5 |
| 6.5 |
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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 popular courses in Italy.
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.
Also Check: Study in Italy for Free 2026
Can I get an Italy Student Visa without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible! You don't always need an IELTS for the visa. Some students use an MOI certificate (Medium of Instruction). This is a paper from your old school saying you studied in English.
If your Italian university gives you an admission letter without IELTS, the embassy might let you apply for a visa without it. But be carefull, the visa officer might still talk to you to check your English.
Important Tips for Italy 2026 Intake
-
Check the Bando: This is the official paper from the university. It tells you the exact IELTS score they want.
-
Overall Score: Most Italy schools only care about the overall band. They don't mind if one section (like writing) is a bit lower.
-
Other Tests: You can also use TOEFL or PTE if you don't like IELTS.
Italy is a great place to study because the tuition fees are low and there are many scholarships. Just make sure you get your English test done early so you don't miss the deadline.
IELTS Alternatives for Studying in Italy
If you don't want to take the IELTS, there are many other ways to prove your English proficiency for the 2026 intake. Italian universities are very flexible and often accept other certificates or documents.
| 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.