Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 5 November 2026
University of Genoa English scores
The general figures come from UniGe's list of accepted certificates, and the Robotics figures from the Robotics Engineering admissions page. UniGe's language centre says master's applicants should check the level in their course handbook. No IELTS band minimums are stated.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Courses requiring B2 (UniGe list) | 5.5 or higher | TOEFL iBT 22 in each skill, Cambridge FCE/B2, Trinity ISE II, IGCSE grade C |
| Robotics Engineering (Master's) | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80, computer-based 220, paper-based 550; Cambridge B2 First 160; TOEIC 800; Trinity ISE II; IGCSE C |
| Energy Engineering and Computer Science (Master's) | B2 certificate from the UniGe list | As the UniGe list |
| Economics and Data Science (Master's) | B2 certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) | Language centre certificate |
Certificate rules, and alternatives to a test
For 2026/27, UniGe accepts certificates from exams taken from January 2024, counted from the exam date and not the issue date. Certificates from remote exams are not accepted, and any certificate missing from the list is not valid. PTE Academic and Duolingo are not on the list.
Non-EU applicants to English-taught courses do not need to show Italian, and UniGe's international enrolment page accepts a B2 certificate or a document showing English was the medium of instruction of your degree. Check your course page too, as it may set its own rules for the English certificate.
Robotics Engineering waives the certificate if your studies were taught in English, confirmed by an official document or a university letter. Energy Engineering accepts a bachelor's or master's in English with an official university document.
Free test: are you at UniGe'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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The internal B2 test and deadlines
If you have no certificate, the Polytechnic School's English B2 test is an option. On Robotics Engineering, it is open only to pre-enrolled students who already have confirmation of admission. Energy Engineering describes a free B2 test run by the university language centre.
Robotics Engineering lists March 2026 as its deadline for applicants with non-EU degrees and 11 January 2027 for EU and Italian degrees and for final enrolment. Check the next cycle's dates on the course page. Students without enough Italian on admission must take at least one of the Italian courses in the programme.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Genoa programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Università degli Studi di Genova (UniGe) 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 Genoa need?+
IELTS 5.5 or higher for courses requiring B2 on its accepted certificate list. Robotics Engineering lists IELTS 6.5.
Does Genoa accept an online or home IELTS?+
No. UniGe's certificate list says certificates obtained via remote exams are not accepted.
Does the University of Genoa accept medium of instruction?+
For English-taught courses, its international enrolment page accepts a document showing English was the medium of instruction of your degree. Check your course page as well.
Does the University of Genoa accept PTE or Duolingo?+
Neither appears on its list of accepted English certificates, and the list says unlisted certificates are not valid.
How old can my IELTS be for Genoa?+
For 2026/27, the exam must be from January 2024 onwards. Robotics Engineering says not older than three years.
Keep reading
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Guide updated on 5 November 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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