Study STEM in Italy

Italian Universities offer plenty of options for pursuing STEM disciplines. From ancient institutions steeped in history to modern campuses equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, students can choose from a variety of Universities and programs tailored to their interests and career goals.

Leading universities for STEM education in Italy include:

• Politecnico di Milano
• University of Milan
• Politecnico di Torino
• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Padua

These institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic standards, world-class faculty, and vibrant research communities.

Take a look at our University ranking page to learn more about these Universities’ world ranking.

The TOLC admission tests refer to the admission tests for STEM programs in Italy. Developed by the Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l’Accesso (CISIA), TOLC tests assess students’ aptitude in mathematics, logic, scientific reasoning, and language skills, providing universities with a standardized measure of applicants’ academic readiness. 

Here we are going to provide you with a general overview; for any specific information, please refer to the CISIA website.

What topics are included in the TOLC tests?

TOLC examinations cover a range of subjects relevant to STEM disciplines, with different versions tailored to specific fields of study. These topics can include Mathematics, Logic, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Knowledge.

The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions to be answered within a specific time frame.

How are the TOLC tests evaluated?

The TOLC tests assessment criteria are as follows:

• 1 points for each correct answer
• -0.25 points for each incorrect answer
• 0 points for each answer not given

When can I take a TOLC test?

There are different dates for the TOLC tests depending on the chosen University and on the chosen program.

All exam dates for the TOLC tests are available here.

How can I register for a TOLC test?

You can register for a TOLC test online on the CISIA website.

Before you register, Make sure to consult the admission announcement (bando di ammissione) for the undergraduate program of your preference (accessible on the chosen university’s website) to check the following:

• The specific TOLC required
• The deadline by which the TOLC examination must be completed
• The accepted examination procedures: TOLC@UNI or TOLC@CASA

The enrollment timeline depends on the chosen program, the chosen University and the chosen TOLC exam date.

The final enrollment, after passing the admission test, will always be in September/October.

NON-EU STUDENTS

Non-EU students must remember to complete:

• The pre-enrollment procedure, which has to be completed between April and June at the Italian embassy/consulate in your country (Documents needed: Declaration of Value; legalized and apostilled translation of High School Diploma).
• The student visa procedure, which has to be completed in August/September (Documents needed:Confirmation letter of application to the exam; International Health Insurance; Declaration of Financial capacity.

Italian STEM universities offer affordable education options to both EU and non-EU students.

Public universities, known for their good reputation in academics, usually charge lower tuition fees compared to private ones: the fees at public Universities can range from €200 to €5,200 per year.

For non-EU students and for certain specialized programs, tuition fees can be higher, often ranging from several thousand to over ten thousand euros per year. Additionally, non-EU students may need to budget for other expenses such as visa fees, health insurance, accommodation, and living costs.

Detailed information can be found on the chosen university website.

Your family’s income can also affect how much you pay. If you’re from a low-income family or excel academically, you might qualify for scholarships or financial aid to help cover your tuition fees.