What Are the TOLC Tests: Their Role in Access to Italian Universities 

The TOLC tests – an acronym for Test OnLine CISIA – are standardized assessments developed by CISIA, a consortium that brings together numerous Italian universities. Their main purpose is to provide a uniform, digital, and objective tool for evaluating the skills of students interested in starting university studies in Italy.

Their growing adoption responds to the need for a selection system that is:

• reliable

• comparable across different universities

• accessible both within Italy and from abroad

• aligned with the specific educational requirements of each academic discipline

TOLC tests are not simple admission exams: they represent a national assessment system, recognized by dozens of public and private universities, and constitute one of the main tools for academic orientation and evaluation of student readiness.

TOLC tests are used by Italian universities in several ways:

Limited-enrolment programs
Many degree programs set a maximum number of available seats.
In this context, the TOLC score becomes one of the main selection criteria.

Mandatory assessment of initial competencies
Some programs do not restrict enrolment but require students to take the TOLC to identify any academic gaps that need to be addressed. In these cases, a low score leads to the assignment of OFA (Additional Learning Requirements).

National admission tests (Medicine and Veterinary Medicine)
For programs regulated at the national level, the TOLC is an integral component of the national admission system.

Early admission
Many universities use TOLC tests as part of their early-admission system, allowing students to take the exam months before formal enrolment.

From the perspective of international students, TOLC tests offer several advantages:

National uniformity: a single test valid for many Italian universities.

Access from abroad: made possible through the TOLC@Casa remote-testing system.

Reduced disparities: all students face the same types of questions, regardless of their educational background.

Orientation tool: the test helps students understand their level of preparation in relation to the chosen degree program.

Targeted preparation: thanks to official simulations and online practice materials.

Alignment with visa procedures: many consulates require proof that the applicant has taken an admission test.

A particularly advantageous feature for international students is the possibility of taking the exam through TOLC@Casa, meaning entirely online and remotely.

This system includes:

• dedicated proctoring software

• identity verification via webcam

• continuous monitoring of the test session

For non-EU students, this is a strategic advantage because it allows them to take the exam even before:

• obtaining their student visa

• completing pre-enrolment on Universitaly

• relocating to Italy

The remote format makes the TOLC a flexible and accessible tool, reducing logistical barriers and travel-related costs.

For non-EU students, the TOLC system integrates directly with the institutional procedure required for entry into Italy for study purposes.

In the preliminary phases:

• the student takes the TOLC (either in person or via TOLC@Casa)

• the university evaluates the score

• the student proceeds with pre-enrolment on Universitaly

• the institution validates the application

• the consulate issues the study visa – Type D

Therefore, the TOLC is not only an academic selection tool but also an essential requirement to correctly complete the entry procedure into Italy.

OLC exams are digital tests composed of multiple-choice questions. Each test includes:

• separate sections, each with a predetermined time limit

• no possibility of returning to previous sections once the time expires

• scoring based on:

  • +1 for each correct answer

  • 0 for unanswered questions

  • a penalty (usually –0.25) for wrong answers

The overall duration generally ranges from 70 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of TOLC.

This structure provides universities with a reliable indicator of a student’s academic preparedness, especially during the first academic months, when scientific and quantitative subjects often represent a significant challenge.

Each TOLC test is designed to meet the requirements of a specific academic area. In 2026, the following main categories are active:

TOLC-E
Area: Economics, Business, Finance
Content: mathematics, logic, reading comprehension.

TOLC-I
Area: Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Sciences
Content: mathematics, physics, logic.

TOLC-SU
Area: Humanities
Content: reading comprehension, language skills, verbal reasoning.

TOLC-B
Area: Biology, Biotechnology
Content: biology, mathematics, logic, chemistry.

TOLC-F
Area: Pharmacy, CTF (Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies)
Content: chemistry, biology, mathematics.

TOLC-MED
Area: Medicine, Dentistry
This is the national admission test, regulated annually by the Ministry of Universities and Research.

TOLC-V
Area: Veterinary Medicine
This is also a national test, updated every year by the Ministry.

This diversification enables universities to assess students’ competencies in a more targeted and discipline-specific way.

In 2026, the standard fee to take a TOLC exam is 30 euros per test.
This is a fixed cost, the same for all students, both Italian and international.
Registration and payment are completed directly through the official CISIA portal.

The score obtained on a TOLC exam is valid:

• nationwide, for all universities that accept that specific TOLC type

• for the relevant academic year, with some exceptions depending on individual university policies

This feature is particularly beneficial for international students, who can use a single TOLC score to apply to multiple universities.

Despite its advantages, the system also presents several challenges:

• Predominantly Italian language: most TOLC tests are available only in Italian.

• Penalty for incorrect answers: a factor that may disadvantage students unfamiliar with standardized testing.

• Limited scheduling: test registration windows are not always frequent, making accurate planning essential.

• Rigid test structure: it is not possible to go back to previous questions once a section is closed.