Introduction
Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, attracting students from all over the globe. If you’re studying in Italy, understanding how exams work is essential to navigating your academic journey. The Italian university exam system has unique features that may differ from what you’re used to in your home country.
Types of Exams
In Italian universities, exams can take different forms depending on the course and professor’s preference:
Oral Exams (“Esami Orali”) – A traditional and widely used method where students discuss topics with a professor. This exam tests not only knowledge but also reasoning and communication skills.
Written Exams (“Esami Scritto”) – These can include multiple-choice questions, essays, problem-solving exercises, or a mix of formats.
Practical Exams – Common in scientific and technical courses, students must complete a task or project to demonstrate their skills.
Grading System
Exams in Italy are graded on a 30-point scale, with 18/30 being the minimum passing grade. If you perform exceptionally well, you may receive 30 e Lode (30 with honors), the highest possible grade. Final degree classifications are based on a 110-point scale, where 110 e Lode is the maximum score.
Exam Sessions
Italian universities typically have two or three main exam sessions per academic year:
Winter session (January-February)
Summer session (June-July)
Autumn session (September)
Students can often choose when to take an exam, as multiple dates (called “appelli”) are offered per session. This flexibility allows students to prepare at their own pace.
Retaking Exams
One of the advantages of the Italian system is that students can retake exams if they fail or wish to improve their grade. However, policies vary by university and professor, so it’s important to check specific rules.
Registration and Exam Rules
Students must register for exams in advance through the university’s online system.
During oral exams, students are usually examined one by one, sometimes in front of other students.
Professors can sometimes allow students to refuse a grade if they are not satisfied and retake the exam in a later session.