Written by Anisuzzaman Kiron, CEO, Study Abroad in Italy · Updated 2026
Language requirements for studying in Italy depend on whether your program is taught in English or Italian. Most English-taught bachelor's and master's programs require an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5, though many universities also accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate instead. Italian-taught programs require separate language proof (CILS or CELI). This guide breaks down exactly what's required at each level, based on Study Abroad in Italy's direct experience supporting 550+ student visa applicants.
Since hundreds of Italian university programs are taught entirely in English, most Bangladeshi applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency through a recognized test. The exact score threshold is set by each individual university and program, not by a single national rule, but the following ranges are commonly required:
Program Level
IELTS (Overall)
TOEFL iBT (Approx.)
Bachelor's
6.0
~80
Master's
6.0 - 6.5
~90
Some competitive Master's programs
6.5 - 7.0
~95+
Typical IELTS Requirement by Program Level (Out of 9.0)
Bachelor's
6.0
Master's
6.0-6.5
IELTS Max Score
9.0
Bar lengths are illustrative, scaled against the 9.0 maximum IELTS score. Individual programs may set requirements above or below these commonly seen ranges.
Important: these are commonly observed ranges, not a fixed universal rule. Always confirm the exact required score directly with your target university's admissions page before applying, our counsellors also verify this as part of our Admission Process service.
Can I Study in Italy Without IELTS? (MOI Explained)
Yes, many Italian universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate in place of IELTS, provided your previous education (HSC, Bachelor's, or Master's) was conducted entirely in English. This is one of the most commonly used pathways for Bangladeshi students, since a large share of HSC and undergraduate programs in Bangladesh are already taught in English.
What an MOI certificate isAn official letter from your previous educational institution confirming that the medium of instruction for your program was English.
Acceptance varies by universitySome universities accept an MOI certificate outright; others require it alongside a short admissions interview to confirm spoken English proficiency.
Not universalHighly competitive programs and some public universities still require a formal IELTS/TOEFL score regardless of your MOI status — this should always be confirmed per program.
If you choose a program taught in Italian rather than English, a separate language requirement applies. Universities commonly require proof of Italian proficiency at B2 level (upper-intermediate), typically demonstrated through one of two recognized certifications:
CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) - issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena
CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) - issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia
English-taught programs do not require Italian language proof for admission, though basic conversational Italian is genuinely useful for daily life once you arrive a point we cover in more detail in our Study in Italy guide.
How to Prepare for IELTS
IELTS is scored across four sections, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each out of 9.0, with your overall score averaged across all four. The full test takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to complete (excluding the Speaking section, which is often scheduled separately).
Understand the test format first
Familiarize yourself with each section's structure and timing before doing full practice tests, this alone significantly reduces time-management errors on test day.
Take a diagnostic practice test
Establish your current baseline score across all four sections so you know exactly where to focus your preparation time.
Focus preparation on your weakest section
Most candidates lose the most points in Writing and Speaking, targeted practice in these areas tends to improve overall scores fastest.
Practice under timed conditions
Simulate real exam timing regularly in the final weeks before your test date to build accuracy under pressure.
Get your writing and speaking reviewed
Self-assessment alone is unreliable for these two sections, feedback from a tutor or experienced counsellor is where most score improvement actually happens.
The Duolingo English Test is a shorter, fully online English proficiency test that can be completed in under an hour, with results typically available within 1–2 days. It's a convenient option compared to scheduling an in-person IELTS or TOEFL sitting.
Verify before relying on this: not all Italian universities accept the Duolingo English Test for admission. Acceptance varies significantly by institution and is not yet as universally recognized as IELTS or TOEFL for Italian university admissions. Always confirm directly with your target university's admissions office, or check with our counsellors, before choosing this route.
How Language Proof Fits Into Your Visa Documentation
Your language test result (IELTS, TOEFL, MOI, or CILS/CELI) is submitted alongside your university admission letter as part of your overall student visa application. Two other commonly required elements are:
Health insurance: minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid for your intended stay in Italy
Proof of financial means: a minimum threshold set and periodically reviewed by Italian authorities, this figure changes, so always confirm the current amount directly with your counsellor or the Italian Embassy in Dhaka before applying
Language and visa documentation requirements above are guided by official sources including the Study in Italy portal (MAECI) and Ministry of University and Research (MUR). Financial thresholds in particular are reviewed periodically, always confirm the current figure before applying. Study Abroad in Italy advises every student to verify final requirements with their specific university and the Italian Embassy in Bangladesh.
Our Support
How Study Abroad in Italy Helps With Language Requirements
Program-Specific Requirement Check
We confirm the exact IELTS/TOEFL or MOI requirement for your specific target program, rather than relying on general assumptions.
MOI Eligibility Assessment
We review your academic history to determine whether you qualify for an MOI certificate instead of a formal English test.
IELTS Preparation Guidance
Structured prep support and referrals, based on patterns we've seen across 550+ real student visa cases.
Complete Visa Documentation Support
Language proof is just one part of your file, we prepare your complete, MAECI-aligned application from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Language Requirements
What IELTS score do I need to study in Italy?
Most Bachelor's programs commonly require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, while Master's programs often require 6.0-6.5. Exact requirements are set per university and program, so always confirm with your specific institution.
Can I study in Italy without IELTS?
Yes, in many cases. Universities commonly accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate if your previous education was conducted entirely in English, though acceptance varies by institution and program.
What is an MOI certificate?
A Medium of Instruction certificate is an official letter from your previous educational institution confirming your program was taught in English. It's commonly used as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL for university admission.
Do I need Italian language skills to study in Italy?
Not for English-taught programs. Italian proficiency (typically B2 level, via CILS or CELI certification) is only required for programs taught in Italian.
Does Italy accept the Duolingo English Test?
Acceptance varies by university and is not yet as universally recognized as IELTS or TOEFL for Italian university admissions. Confirm directly with your target university before relying on a Duolingo score.
What happens if my IELTS score is below the requirement?
Some universities offer conditional admission with a pre-sessional English course, while others may accept an MOI certificate as an alternative pathway. Our counsellors can assess your specific options based on your score and program.
Language Requirements for Italy Higher Study
Written by Anisuzzaman Kiron, CEO, Study Abroad in Italy · Updated 2026
Language requirements for studying in Italy depend on whether your program is taught in English or Italian. Most English-taught bachelor's and master's programs require an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5, though many universities also accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate instead. Italian-taught programs require separate language proof (CILS or CELI). This guide breaks down exactly what's required at each level, based on Study Abroad in Italy's direct experience supporting 550+ student visa applicants.
English-Taught Programs: IELTS & TOEFL Requirements
Since hundreds of Italian university programs are taught entirely in English, most Bangladeshi applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency through a recognized test. The exact score threshold is set by each individual university and program, not by a single national rule, but the following ranges are commonly required:
Typical IELTS Requirement by Program Level (Out of 9.0)
Bar lengths are illustrative, scaled against the 9.0 maximum IELTS score. Individual programs may set requirements above or below these commonly seen ranges.
Important: these are commonly observed ranges, not a fixed universal rule. Always confirm the exact required score directly with your target university's admissions page before applying, our counsellors also verify this as part of our Admission Process service.
Can I Study in Italy Without IELTS? (MOI Explained)
Yes, many Italian universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate in place of IELTS, provided your previous education (HSC, Bachelor's, or Master's) was conducted entirely in English. This is one of the most commonly used pathways for Bangladeshi students, since a large share of HSC and undergraduate programs in Bangladesh are already taught in English.
-
What an MOI certificate isAn official letter from your previous educational institution confirming that the medium of instruction for your program was English.
-
Acceptance varies by universitySome universities accept an MOI certificate outright; others require it alongside a short admissions interview to confirm spoken English proficiency.
-
Not universalHighly competitive programs and some public universities still require a formal IELTS/TOEFL score regardless of your MOI status — this should always be confirmed per program.
Read our full guide: Study in Italy from Bangladesh Without IELTSItalian-Taught Programs: CILS/CELI Requirements
If you choose a program taught in Italian rather than English, a separate language requirement applies. Universities commonly require proof of Italian proficiency at B2 level (upper-intermediate), typically demonstrated through one of two recognized certifications:
English-taught programs do not require Italian language proof for admission, though basic conversational Italian is genuinely useful for daily life once you arrive a point we cover in more detail in our Study in Italy guide.
How to Prepare for IELTS
IELTS is scored across four sections, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each out of 9.0, with your overall score averaged across all four. The full test takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to complete (excluding the Speaking section, which is often scheduled separately).
Understand the test format first
Familiarize yourself with each section's structure and timing before doing full practice tests, this alone significantly reduces time-management errors on test day.
Take a diagnostic practice test
Establish your current baseline score across all four sections so you know exactly where to focus your preparation time.
Focus preparation on your weakest section
Most candidates lose the most points in Writing and Speaking, targeted practice in these areas tends to improve overall scores fastest.
Practice under timed conditions
Simulate real exam timing regularly in the final weeks before your test date to build accuracy under pressure.
Get your writing and speaking reviewed
Self-assessment alone is unreliable for these two sections, feedback from a tutor or experienced counsellor is where most score improvement actually happens.
Duolingo English Test - An Alternative Option
The Duolingo English Test is a shorter, fully online English proficiency test that can be completed in under an hour, with results typically available within 1–2 days. It's a convenient option compared to scheduling an in-person IELTS or TOEFL sitting.
Verify before relying on this: not all Italian universities accept the Duolingo English Test for admission. Acceptance varies significantly by institution and is not yet as universally recognized as IELTS or TOEFL for Italian university admissions. Always confirm directly with your target university's admissions office, or check with our counsellors, before choosing this route.
How Language Proof Fits Into Your Visa Documentation
Your language test result (IELTS, TOEFL, MOI, or CILS/CELI) is submitted alongside your university admission letter as part of your overall student visa application. Two other commonly required elements are:
Language and visa documentation requirements above are guided by official sources including the Study in Italy portal (MAECI) and Ministry of University and Research (MUR). Financial thresholds in particular are reviewed periodically, always confirm the current figure before applying. Study Abroad in Italy advises every student to verify final requirements with their specific university and the Italian Embassy in Bangladesh.
Our Support
How Study Abroad in Italy Helps With Language Requirements
Program-Specific Requirement Check
We confirm the exact IELTS/TOEFL or MOI requirement for your specific target program, rather than relying on general assumptions.
MOI Eligibility Assessment
We review your academic history to determine whether you qualify for an MOI certificate instead of a formal English test.
IELTS Preparation Guidance
Structured prep support and referrals, based on patterns we've seen across 550+ real student visa cases.
Complete Visa Documentation Support
Language proof is just one part of your file, we prepare your complete, MAECI-aligned application from start to finish.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Language Requirements