Admission tests are tools used by universities to assess your knowledge so that you can successfully tackle your university. They may also be required to identify any Additional Learning Requirements (OFA). Please check the call for applications or the admission notice of the degree programme you are interested in.
What admission tests are required by the University of Bologna?
CISIA Online Test (TOLC)
The TOLC is used by many programmes - both with restricted and with open access - to assess the required knowledge and identify any additional learning requirements (OFA).
What you need to know:
- check the call for applications or the admission notice for the programme you are interested in to find out which type of TOLC you need to take (TOLC-E, TOLC-I, TOLC-F, TOLC-PSI, TOLC-SU), in which mode (TOLC@CASA or TOLC@UNI) and by when;
- you can retake it once per calendar month;
- you can take it at any University venue listed in the CISIA calendar.
Find out which TOLCs Unibo uses and accepts, where they take place and how to register
CISIA English Test – Sciences (CEnT-S)
The CEnT-S is the new CISIA English Test used by some international programmes with restricted access.
You can take it in four periods. If you want, you can re-take the exam in the following period.
Find out the dates for the CEnT-S and how to register on the CISIA website.
SAT test
Some international programmes may require the SAT, an international standardised test administered by theCollege Board, which assesses competence in mathematics and understanding of the English language.
There are only a few test dates, so you need to find out in advance and register for the date that allows you to obtain your score in time to take part in the selection process for the programme you are interested in.
Find out all the details on the College Board website
IMATIt is the test required for admission to Medicine and Surgery and Veterinary Medicine, single cycle/combined bachelor's and master's degree programmes taught in English, with restricted access at the national level.
All information is published every year on the programme websites for Medicine and surgery and Veterinary Medicine.
ARCHED Test
This is the test for admission to the degree programmes in Architecture and Architecture-Engineering, with restricted access at the national level.
You can register on the website of the university of your choice, following the instructions in the admission call.
Remember that:
- if you wish to take the test at two universities that offer it on different dates, you will need to book it at both universities;
- if you wish to take it at two universities that offer it on the same date, you will have to choose only one of the two.
You can use the result of the ARCHED Test to enrol only at the University where you took the test and for the programme for which you submitted your application.
Find out all the information about the ARCHED Test on the CISIA website.
Open semester
With the introduction of the open semester, access to the single cycle degree programmes in Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine has changed.
See the information on the procedures established by the Ministry.
See the information on the open semester at the University of Bologna.
Admission tests for degree programmes with restricted access at the national level
The degree programme in Primary Teacher Education and those in the health professions require specific tests, the dates and procedures of which are set by ministerial decrees published annually on the Ministry of University and Research website.
The tests are held on a single date at the national level, usually in September.
You will have to take the test at the University to which you wish to apply.
All information is published annually on the websites for Primary Teacher Education and Health Professions.
Programme-specific tests
Each programme, whether with restricted or open access, may require different types of tests to assess the specific knowledge or skills required for the degree programme.
You can find information on the website of the degree programme or single cycle degree programme or the second cycle degree programme you are interested in.
How to study for the test
You can focus your preparation and use practice tests, where available.
- See the content of the admission test:as a rule, the tests are based on upper secondary school programmes; studying from your school textbooks canbe helpful.
- CISIA practice area: if you need to sit a TOLC or another CISIA Test, you will find practice exercises, MOOCs (free online courses), simulations and placement tests to test your level of knowledge and get used to the format of the different types of tests administered by CISIA.
- AlmaMathematica: for tests with a mathematics component, it offers an online course to help you improve your skills.
- Tests other than TOLCs:in the Enrol section of some programme websites you can find examples, simulations or tests from past years. They can be useful for practising and assessing your knowledge.
- College Board: if you need to take the SAT, on the College Board website you can find sample test questions and practice exercises.
- Manuals in libraries you can find manuals specifically designed to prepare for the various types of tests.
What to do with your test result
If you are admitted to the programme you are interested in
- Open access degree programme
Depending on the score you achieved in the admission test, and in relation to the threshold set out in the Notice, you may or may not be assigned additional learning requirements, but you will anyway be able to enrol. Remember that the additional learning requirements must be fulfilled by 31 March of the calendar year following the academic year of enrolment. - Restricted access degree programme
If you are placed on the ranking list as a successful candidate, you will be able to enrol on the programme; however, if the score you achieved in the test does not meet the threshold indicated in the call, you will be assigned additional learning requirements (OFA), which you must fulfil by 31 March of the calendar year following the academic year of enrolment.
If you are not admitted to the programme you are interested in
If the programme you have chosen has restricted access, you may not be able to enrol - for example, if your test score does not meet the requirements or if you are included in the ranking but do not secure a place.
Here are some useful strategies to carry on or explore new paths and strengthen your competences:
- reallocation of places on the ranking list: check the call for applications to see whether a reallocation phase is provided and how to take part.
- later or extraordinary selection rounds: check the call to see whether you can apply for a later selection round; check whether you can take part with the test you have already taken or whether you need to take it again, and whether the programme considers your most recent score or your best score.
- similar programmes: some programmes (in the same or in similar fields), both with restricted and open access, require the same type of test; check which programmes you can access with the test you have already taken;
- alternative programmes: contact the Guidance for Prospective Students Service to consider other programmes that match your interests;
- individual learning activities: you can enrol in individual course units, obtain ECTS credits and request their recognition later;
- try applying again the following year: in the meantime, you can enrol in a related programme; if you are admitted to your first-choice programme the following year, you can request recognition of the ECTS credits you have earned;
- self-assessment: reflect on your results to understand strengths and areas for improvement;
- supplementary training: you can take the opportunity to enhance language or transferable skills.
Taking a test with a disability or specific learning disorders (DSA)
If you have a disability
Personalised services ensure an appropriate test experience. When registering, you can request special adaptations so that you can tackle the test in the most comfortable conditions, allowing you to reach your full potential during the test.
If you have a specific learning disorder (DSA)
Personalised services and special adaptations respecting the diversity of each person's cognitive abilities, including neurodiversity and specific learning disorders, ensure an equitable and inclusive test experience, allowing you to reach your full potential during the test.
Services for students with special needs and students with specific learning disabilities