Study in Italy with the IB Diploma
This guide explains how the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is used for university admission in Italy, using only official public sources. It is written exclusively for IB Diploma students and IB Coordinators.
Last updated for the 2026 intake
Recognition
How Italy Recognizes the IB Diploma
Italy officially recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as a valid foreign secondary school qualification for access to Italian higher education.
The legal recognition framework is defined by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research and implemented through national credential evaluation procedures.
Universities rely on CIMEA (the official Italian information center for academic recognition) to verify foreign diplomas, including the IB.
Official Sources
Maturità Exemption
Do IB Students Need the Italian Maturità ?
No.
IB students do not need to obtain the Italian Maturità (Esame di Stato) because the IB Diploma is recognized as an equivalent foreign secondary qualification.
Admission is granted through recognition and verification, not through completion of the Italian school-leaving exam.
Official Sources
Admission System
University Admission System in Italy
Italy does not use a centralized points-based admission system.
There is no national IB score conversion table equivalent to Spain's 0–14 system.
Admission decisions are made per university and per program, based on:
Official Source
https://www.universitaly.itEntrance Exams
Entrance Exams and Restricted Programs
Yes, many programs require entrance exams, even for IB students.
Nationally restricted programs (corsi a numero programmato) include:
Medicine and Surgery
National entrance exam (TOLC-MED)
Dentistry
National entrance exam
Architecture
National entrance exam (TOLC-ARC)
Veterinary Medicine
National entrance exam
These programs require passing national or university-level entrance exams, regardless of holding an IB Diploma.
Official Sources
Language Requirements
Language Requirements for IB Students
Yes, language proficiency is usually required.
Italian-taught programs
Typically require B2 Italian
English-taught programs
May require IELTS / TOEFL, even for IB students
Language requirements are defined by each university.
Official Sources
- https://www.universitaly.it
- Individual university admission pages
University Types
Public vs Private Universities for IB Students
Public Universities
- Diploma recognition required
- Entrance exams for restricted programs
- Language certification often mandatory
Source: https://www.mur.gov.it
Private Universities
- Independent admission procedures
- CIMEA verification usually required
- Program-specific selection criteria
Documentation
CIMEA Verification and Required Documents
Most universities require CIMEA verification instead of a traditional Dichiarazione di Valore.
Typical documents:
- IB Diploma or predicted grades
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or ID
- CIMEA Statement of Comparability / Verification
Official Source
https://www.cimea.itTimeline
CIMEA Application Timeline
Typical timeline according to CIMEA and Italian universities:
January–March
Verification requests
April–June
University applications
July–September
Enrollment and final verification
Source: https://www.cimea.it
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (IB Only)
Are predicted IB grades accepted in Italy?
Yes, for application. Final enrollment requires official IB results.
Source: https://www.cimea.it
Can IB students study Medicine in Italy?
Yes, but they must pass the national entrance exam.
Source: https://www.mur.gov.it
Is Italian mandatory for all programs?
No. English-taught programs exist, but language proof is required.
Source: https://www.universitaly.it
Is CIMEA mandatory for IB students?
In most cases, yes. Many universities explicitly require it.
Source: https://www.cimea.it
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