Navigating the Academic World in Italy

The Italian university system might seem a bit different from what you are used to. Here is a practical guide to surviving and passing your exams!

1. Grades and CFU (Credits)

In Italy, students are examined through written or oral tests and are evaluated on a scale ranging from 0 to 30. 18 is the minimum grade to pass the exam. The maximum is 30, and professors can add a "Lode" (Cum Laude) for a perfect test.

Useful info: 1 CFU (Credito Formativo Universitario) in Italy is exactly equal to 1 ECTS credit of your learning agreement!

2. Oral Exams and Registration

Get ready to talk! Oral exams are a fundamental part of the Italian system, and almost every course includes one.

Remember that to take an exam you must always register online in advance through the university portal. If you don't register, you can't take the test.

3. Sessions and "Appelli"

  • The exams are scheduled in specific periods called "Sessions". In general, they take place between December and February, between May and July, and in September.
  • In these periods, for each course, there are different dates available on which exams can be taken. These dates are called "Appelli", and you are free to choose which one to register for.
  • Partial tests: There are exams that are divided into two or more parts to lighten the burden of study. In this case, there will be two or more so-called partial tests that you can take also during the period of the lessons.

4. Refusing a Mark

A big difference in the Italian system: if you pass an exam (getting at least 18) but you are not satisfied with the result, you can refuse the mark! This way, the result is canceled, and you can return at the next appeal to try to get a higher grade.

The Golden Rule

Finally, there is an unwritten but very important tradition in Italy: those who get a 30 must buy drinks!