If you are planning to study at an Italian university, art academy, conservatory, fashion school or design institute, one of the first questions you may ask is:
what level of Italian do I need? In many cases, the answer is B2, especially if your course is taught in Italian.
Italy is one of the most attractive destinations for international students. It offers excellent universities, prestigious art academies, music conservatories, fashion and design schools, and a unique cultural experience.
But before applying, it is important to understand the Italian language requirements for university admission. The rules can change depending on the institution, the degree course, your nationality, and whether the programme is taught in Italian or English.
Important: each university, academy or conservatory can have its own admission rules. Always check the official website of the institution where you want to apply.
Do Italian Universities Require B2 Italian?
For degree programmes taught in Italian, many Italian universities require international students to prove an Italian level of at least B2, according to the CEFR scale.
B2 means that you can understand the main ideas of complex texts, follow lessons, take part in discussions, write clear texts and communicate with enough fluency in academic and daily situations.
Some universities organise their own Italian language test, while others accept official language certificates such as PLIDA, CILS, CELI or CERT.IT.
What If My Degree Course Is Taught in English?
If your degree programme is entirely taught in English, an Italian B2 certificate is usually not required for admission. In this case, the university may ask you to prove your English level instead.
However, learning Italian is still extremely useful if you want to study Italian in Italy and live in Milan, find accommodation, communicate with public offices, make Italian friends, do an internship or look for work after your studies.
Even if your course is in English, studying Italian before and during your stay can make your life in Italy much easier, more independent and more enjoyable.
Italian Language Requirements for AFAM, Art Academies and Conservatories
AFAM institutions include Italian academies of fine arts, fashion, music conservatories, design academies, dance academies and other higher education institutions in the artistic and musical field.
For many AFAM courses taught in Italian, students are expected to have a good command of Italian, often around B2 level. This is especially important because lessons, exams, workshops and communication with teachers may take place in Italian.
If you are applying through programmes such as Marco Polo or Turandot, you may need to attend an Italian language course before starting your academic path in Italy.
Which Italian Language Certificates Are Accepted?
The most common Italian language certifications accepted by universities and institutions in Italy are:
- PLIDA – Società Dante Alighieri
- CILS – University for Foreigners of Siena
- CELI – University for Foreigners of Perugia
- CERT.IT – Roma Tre University
These certificates follow the CEFR levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. For university admission, the most commonly requested level is B2, but some programmes may ask for a different level.
| Certificate | Institution | Typical University Level |
|---|---|---|
| PLIDA | Società Dante Alighieri | B2 |
| CILS | University for Foreigners of Siena | B2 |
| CELI | University for Foreigners of Perugia | B2 |
| CERT.IT | Roma Tre University | B2 |
Why PLIDA Is a Good Choice for University Admission
PLIDA stands for Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri. It is an official Italian language certification issued by the Società Dante Alighieri.
PLIDA exams certify your competence in Italian as a foreign language and test your ability to use Italian at different levels, from A1 to C2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
PLIDA is widely used by students who need to prove their Italian level for university admission, study visas, residence permits, work opportunities or personal goals.
Il Centro is an authorised PLIDA exam centre in Milan.
This means that students can study Italian, prepare for the PLIDA exam and take the exam directly at our school.
What Is B2 Italian?
B2 is an upper-intermediate level. At this level, you should be able to:
- understand the main ideas of complex texts;
- follow university lessons and lectures;
- communicate with native speakers with a good degree of fluency;
- write clear and detailed texts;
- express opinions and explain advantages and disadvantages;
- manage everyday situations in Italy with confidence.
For this reason, B2 is often considered the minimum level needed to study successfully in Italian.
Can I Apply to an Italian University Without a B2 Certificate?
In some cases, yes. Some universities allow students to take an internal Italian language test instead of presenting a certificate.
However, having an official certificate such as PLIDA B2 can make your application clearer and stronger, especially if you are applying from abroad or if you need to prove your language level for visa or admission purposes.
If you are not sure whether you need a certificate, check the admission page of your chosen university or contact its international office.
How Long Does It Take to Reach B2 Italian?
The time needed to reach B2 depends on your starting level, your native language, how often you study, and how much Italian you use outside the classroom.
As a general guide, students usually need several months of consistent study to move from beginner level to B2. Intensive courses can help you progress faster because you study every day and practise all the main language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
| Starting Level | Goal | Suggested Path |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | A2 / B1 | Intensive Italian course |
| A2 | B1 / B2 | Intensive course + conversation practice |
| B1 | B2 | B2 preparation + PLIDA exam practice |
How Il Centro Can Help You Prepare for University in Italy
At Il Centro – Italian School for Foreigners in Milan, we help international students improve their Italian for study, work and everyday life in Italy.
Our intensive Italian courses in Milan are ideal for students who want to progress quickly and prepare for university admission, AFAM courses, conservatories, fashion schools or design academies.
We also help students who need Italian for a student visa for Italy, long-term study programmes or official certification.
Since Il Centro is an authorised PLIDA exam centre, students can follow a complete path: study Italian, improve their level, prepare for the exam and take the PLIDA certification directly at our school in Milan.
Planning to Study at an Italian University?
If you need to reach B2 Italian, prepare for a PLIDA exam or improve your Italian before starting university in Italy, Il Centro can help you choose the right course.
Our Tips Before Applying
- Check the official admission requirements of your chosen university or academy.
- Verify whether your course is taught in Italian or English.
- Ask if you need a certificate or if you can take an internal language test.
- If your goal is B2, start studying Italian as early as possible.
- Choose a course that includes speaking, listening, grammar, writing and exam preparation.
Studying in Italy is a wonderful opportunity, but language preparation is essential. Reaching a good level of Italian will not only help you with university admission, but also with daily life, friendships, internships and your future career in Italy.