Match the classroom, not your favourite exam
MAECI’s last published language rule was simple and easy to break. If the degree is taught in Italian, you typically needed B2 Italian. If the degree is taught in English, you typically needed B2 English, or proof of a bachelor already taught in English. The Italofonia language grant asked for Italian A2 or above. Those are three different doors.
A C1 English certificate does not excuse you from B2 Italian on an Italian-taught Laurea Magistrale. An A2 Italian certificate that is perfect for Italofonia is not B2 for a law or literature master’s in Italian. Read the teaching language on the host’s page, then pick the proof the call asked for — and re-read the 2027–28 PDF when it exists, in case the Ministry restates accepted tests.
Pick the classroom language
Last published call rule only. Confirm accepted tests on the current PDF — this handbook does not invent a 2027 catalogue.
Last published rule
B2 Italian
Italian-taught master’s, AFAM, PhD, and research typically needed B2 Italian on a recognised CEFR exam. A C1 English certificate does not replace this. Book early — walk-in B2 dates disappear in late winter.
Last published rule
B2 English, or English bachelor proof
English-taught programmes typically needed B2 English, or official proof that the completed bachelor was taught in English. A screenshot of a university homepage is not that letter. Ask the registrar for a medium-of-instruction statement.
Last published rule
Italian A2 or above
The Italofonia language grant (3 months, last published envelope €3,600) asked for Italian A2 or above. A2 is not B2. This grant is not a substitute for an Italian-taught master’s later.
Planning tool. Last official close: 26 March 2026 at 14:00 Italian time. Re-read esteri.it when the next call names accepted certificates.
How applicants usually prove it
The next call will name accepted certificates if it wants a closed list. This handbook will not invent an official 2027 catalogue. In practice, applicants bring recognised CEFR exams and, for English-taught routes, an official bachelor medium-of-instruction letter when they do not hold a B2 English test.
Italian
Use a recognised CEFR exam at the level the call states. Book it early. Walk-in B2 dates disappear in late winter. Italofonia is A2+: do not sit a lower A1 and hope the mission “understands.”
English
B2 on a recognised exam, or an official letter that the completed bachelor was taught in English. A screenshot of a university homepage in English is not that letter. Ask the registrar for a medium-of-instruction statement.
Universitaly and the host can ask again
Passing MAECI’s language line does not freeze every other office. A university can demand a higher score for admission. An admission test on Universitaly can be delivered in Italian even when you filed an English-taught MAECI form — if you chose the wrong programme code. Align the scholarship type, the course language, and the pre-enrolment record.
If you plan to use Italofonia as a stepping stone, treat it as a three-month language grant, not as automatic admission to a B2-taught degree the following year. You would still need the higher level, a later call, and a later file.