Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
UniFI English requirements
From the DSTS English requirements sheet and UniFI's application pages for Economics and Development and Software: Science and Technology.
| Programme | IELTS | Other ways to prove B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design of Sustainable Tourism Systems (DSTS) | From 5.5 | TOEFL from 80; Cambridge from First (FCE); Trinity ISE II; UniFI Language Centre B2 certificate |
| Economics and Development | B2 certificate (no band stated) | Cambridge First, TOEFL or similar; or a BA taught entirely in English |
| Software: Science and Technology | B2 certificate (no band stated) | Residence in a country where English is official; or a first degree taught entirely in English |
Certificate rules
The DSTS sheet says the certificate must be issued no more than two years before and that no other documents will be considered. It also accepts B2 certificates from bodies recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education, including Cambridge ESOL, ETS, IELTS, Pearson and Trinity College London. Duolingo is not on the list.
Free test: are you at University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze)'s score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Using an English-taught degree
For Economics and Development and for Software: Science and Technology, a previous degree taught entirely in English can replace a certificate, which suits many applicants from India, Pakistan and Nigeria. Keep a letter from your university confirming the medium of instruction.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UniFI programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does the University of Florence need?+
B2 English for its English-taught master's; the DSTS master's accepts IELTS from 5.5.
Does the University of Florence accept a medium of instruction letter?+
Economics and Development and Software: Science and Technology accept a previous degree taught entirely in English.
How old can my IELTS be for UniFI?+
The DSTS sheet says no more than two years old.
What TOEFL does the University of Florence need?+
TOEFL from 80 on the DSTS sheet.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Italy
- University of Bologna IELTS requirement
- University of Turin IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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