Do I need SAT, GRE, or GMAT for Italy?
Many students planning to study in Italy wonder whether exams like SAT, GRE, or GMAT are required for admission. The simple answer is:
Most universities in Italy do NOT require SAT, GRE, or GMAT for admission, especially for international students applying to English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
However, certain competitive programs may ask for them.
Do Italian Universities Require the SAT?
For Bachelor’s programs, the SAT is generally NOT required.
Most public universities in Italy admit students based on:
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High school grades
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Academic transcripts
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English proficiency (if the program is in English)
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A motivation letter or interview (in some cases)
Exceptions:
A few universities may request SAT scores for:
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Highly competitive business programs
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Economics programs taught in English
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Institutions with international admission pathways
But these cases are rare.
Do Italian Universities Require the GRE?
For Master’s programs, the GRE is usually NOT required.
Italian universities typically evaluate:
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Undergraduate degree
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CGPA or academic performance
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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CV
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Reference letters
Only a small number of specialized programs (mostly technical or quantitative fields) may recommend the GRE, but they do not make it mandatory.
Do Italian Universities Require the GMAT?
The GMAT is usually NOT required for business or management programs in Italy.
Programs at universities such as:
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University of Bologna
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Politecnico di Milano
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Sapienza University of Rome
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University of Padova
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Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
do not make the GMAT compulsory.
When GMAT may be needed:
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Highly competitive MBA programs
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Certain international management programs (CIM, MIM)
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Private business schools
Even in these cases, the GMAT is often recommended, not required.
If SAT/GRE/GMAT Are Not Required, How Do Universities Select Students?
Italian universities use alternative evaluation methods:
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High school or university transcripts
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Entrance tests conducted by the university
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Online interviews
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Motivation letters
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CV and academic background
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Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or medium-of-instruction proof)
Some programs have their own entrance exams, such as:
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IMAT (for Medicine in English)
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Architecture entrance tests
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Mathematics or aptitude tests for Engineering
These internal exams replace standardized tests like SAT/GRE/GMAT.
Are Entrance Exams Required for All Programs?
No. Many Bachelor’s and Master’s programs do not require any entrance exam.
Admission is often merit-based.
Entrance tests are more common in:
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Medicine
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Engineering
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Architecture
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Design
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Economics (limited seats)
Research-based or thesis-based Master’s programs may require academic evaluations instead of standardized exams.
What About Private Universities in Italy?
Some private institutions may require one of the following:
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GMAT (for MBA or business programs)
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GRE (for research or high-level technical programs)
Examples include:
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SDA Bocconi
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LUISS Business School
However, even these universities often allow applicants to skip GMAT/GRE if they have strong profiles.
Conclusion
In most cases, you do NOT need SAT, GRE, or GMAT to study in Italy.
Italian universities focus more on academic records, motivation, and program-specific assessments rather than standardized tests.
You should only take these exams if:
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You are applying to highly competitive business or MBA programs
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The university explicitly lists the test as required
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You want to improve your chances with a strong score
For the majority of international students, admission to Italian universities is easier and more flexible compared to other study destinations.
