Pando

Ask Dr. Pando AI about specifications, contact info, or ask any questions here!

Dr. Pando
Dr. Pando AI CHAT ONLINE
Dr. Pando

Welcome to AI CHAT!

Please register to start chatting with Dr. Pando. This helps us provide better support.

Select Language

OFFICIAL REPORT 2025/2026

A Complete Dissection of the New Unified Admissions System
"CEnT-S" in Italian Higher Ed.

A comprehensive research report on target universities, selection criteria, minimum required scores, and strategic requirements for admission success.

Geospatial Terminal

Explore tech and scientific excellence across the Italian peninsula.

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

Lombardy

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

Piedmont & Liguria

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

Emilia-Romagna

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

Veneto & Trentino

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

Lazio & Umbria

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

Tuscany & Marche

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

Campania & South

Green, white, and red vertical stripes

North-East & Islands

CEnT-S Admitting Universities

A single exam unlocks access to these prestigious institutions.

Politecnico di MilanoMilan
Politecnico di TorinoTurin
Sapienza University of RomeRome
University of PaduaPadua
University of BolognaBologna
University of BresciaBrescia
Ca' Foscari University of VeniceVenice
University of Milan (Statale)Milan
University of Rome Tor VergataRome
University of Campania Luigi VanvitelliCaserta/Naples
University of SienaSiena
University of TrentoTrento
University of UdineUdine
University of PerugiaPerugia
University of Naples Federico IINaples
University of PaviaPavia
University of TriesteTrieste
University of MessinaMessina
University of FlorenceFlorence
University of PisaPisa
University of CassinoCassino
European University of RomeRome
University of GenoaGenoa
University of ParmaParma
University of CamerinoCamerino
Politecnico di BariBari
University of CalabriaCosenza/Rende
University of SalentoLecce
University of Milano-BicoccaMilan
University of CagliariCagliari

Comprehensive Overview

#UniversityLocationGlobal Ranking*Est. TuitionFormatPrimary Fields
1Ca' Foscari University of VeniceVenice, VenetoQS World #66 for Classics€1,200 - €2,100 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATEconomics, Digital Management, Humanities
2European University of RomeRome, LazioHighly ranked for Student Satisfaction in Italy€3,500 - €7,000 (Flat fee)CEnT-S / SATPsychology, Economics, Law
3Politecnico di BariBari, ApuliaTop 500 for Mechanical Engineering€0 - €2,100 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATCivil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture
4Politecnico di MilanoMilan, LombardyQS #1 in Italy€895 - €3,898 (Based on ISEE)CEnT-S / SATEngineering, Architecture, Design
5Politecnico di TorinoTurin, PiedmontQS Top 50 Global (Engineering)Fixed at ~€2,600 for international students (Verify per year)CEnT-S / SATMechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Computer Science
6Sapienza University of RomeRome, LazioQS #134€1,000 - €2,900 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATApplied Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Pharmacy
7University of BolognaBologna, Emilia-RomagnaQS #154€2,500 - €3,315 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATPharmacy, Genomics, Economics
8University of BresciaBrescia, LombardyTHE World #400-500€156 - €2,400 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATEngineering, Medicine, Economics
9University of CagliariCagliari, SardiniaQS World Top 800€0 - €2,000 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATMedicine, Engineering, Economics
10University of CalabriaCosenza/Rende, CalabriaQS Top 800€0 - €1,700 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATComputer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering
11University of CamerinoCamerino, MarcheCensis #1 for Small Universities in Italy€0 - €1,900 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATPharmacy, Biosciences, Architecture
12University of Campania Luigi VanvitelliCaserta/Naples, CampaniaQS Top 800€0 - €2,500 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATMedicine, Architecture, Engineering
13University of CassinoCassino, LazioTop 1000 Global€0 - €2,200 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATMechanical Engineering, Economics, Sports Science
14University of FlorenceFlorence, TuscanyWorld Top 100 for Humanities & Architecture€156 - €2,700 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATSustainable Business for Societal Challenges, Mechanical Engineering
15University of GenoaGenoa, LiguriaQS World #1 for Marine/Ocean Engineering€0 - €3,000 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATNaval Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science
16University of MessinaMessina, SicilyQS World Top 800€0 - €1,800 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATMedicine, Veterinary Medicine, Bio-Sciences
17University of Milan (Statale)Milan, LombardyQS World #276€0 - €3,900 (Based on ISEE)CEnT-S / SATBioinformatics, Medicine, Political Science
18University of Milano-BicoccaMilan, LombardyQS World #401-450€156 - €3,800 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATData Science, Economics, Psychology
19University of Naples Federico IINaples, CampaniaQS #14 in the world for Civil Engineering€0 - €2,100 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATEngineering, Aerospace, Biotechnology
20University of PaduaPadua, VenetoQS Top 250Flat fee of ~€2,600 for international studentsCEnT-S / SATInformation Engineering, Economics, Human Rights
21University of ParmaParma, Emilia-RomagnaQS Top 100 for Food Science€0 - €2,400 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATFood Science, Biotechnology, Economics
22University of PaviaPavia, LombardyQS Top 500€156 - €4,200 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATMedicine, Electronic Engineering, Genetics
23University of PerugiaPerugia, UmbriaQS World Top 700€0 - €2,600 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATPharmacy, Agricultural Sciences, Medicine
24University of PisaPisa, TuscanyQS Top 100 for Mathematics and Physics€0 - €2,450 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATMathematics, Physics, Computer Science
25University of Rome Tor VergataRome, LazioQS World Top 500€0 - €3,000 (Based on ISEE)CEnT-S / SATEngineering, Business & Economics, Medicine
26University of SalentoLecce, ApuliaTop 400 Global for Nanotechnology€0 - €2,000 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATNanotechnology, Marine Biology, Digital Humanities
27University of SienaSiena, TuscanyTHE #1 Small University in Italy€0 - €2,800 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATPharmacy, Dentistry, Economics
28University of TrentoTrento, Trentino-South TyrolQS #1 in Italy for Graduate Employability€0 - €3,500 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATComputer Science, Mechatronics, Physics
29University of TriesteTrieste, Friuli-Venezia GiuliaQS World Top 600€0 - €2,400 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATPhysics, Shipbuilding Engineering, Pharmacy
30University of UdineUdine, Friuli-Venezia GiuliaTop 500 Global for Computer Science€0 - €2,200 (ISEE-based)CEnT-S / SATComputer Science, Food Science, Artificial Intelligence

* Rankings and tuition are approximate and subject to change per specific degree program.

THE PARADIGM SHIFT

Goodbye TOLC.
Hello CEnT-S.

Previously, students faced a severe fragmentation issue: taking multiple English TOLC exams (TOLC-I, TOLC-E, TOLC-F) for different fields.

Starting November 2025, CISIA abolished the traditional TOLC series, introducing the unified CISIA English Test-Sciences (CEnT-S). One standardized test now measures foundational skills across Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Pharmacy, and Biological Sciences.

The implications go far beyond a simple name change. Individual universities can now receive the exact same CEnT-S test results, yet conduct highly customized selections by extracting scores only from specific sections or applying their own unique weightings.

Old System

Fragmented TOLCs

New System (2025+)

Unified CEnT-S

Test Anatomy & Scoring Mechanics

110 Minutes. 55 Questions. An irreversible time management system.

Math

Algebra, Geometry, Probability

15 Qs30 Min

Reasoning

Logic, Data interpretation

15 Qs30 Min

Biology

Cells, Genetics, Anatomy

10 Qs20 Min

Chemistry

Bonds, Reactions, Stoichiometry

10 Qs20 Min

Physics

Mechanics, Thermodynamics

5 Qs10 Min

Scoring Mechanics

Correct Answer+1.00
No Answer (Blank)0.00
Incorrect Answer-0.25

This "negative expected value" scoring method deters candidates from guessing blindly. Choosing strategically to leave a question unanswered is extremely important.

Irreversible Time Lock

When a section's time expires, it auto-submits. You cannot return to previous sections. You must spend at least 50% of the allocated time per section before moving forward.

Normalisation Process

Raw scores are statistically analyzed. If your test version was harder than average, a "Normalisation coefficient" bonus is added. Universities only use this final Normalised Score.

University Selection Quirks

One test, completely different evaluation formulas. Don't fall into the trap of studying everything equally.

PoliMi & Sapienza

Engineering / CS

Asymmetrical Weighting & Guarantee Scores

  • Sapienza heavily weights Math and Physics. A math specialist beats a generalist.
  • PoliMi uses a proprietary 100-point conversion scale.
  • Score ≥ 60/100 at PoliMi guarantees admission (Soglia di garanzia).

PoliTo & Padua

Engineering / Econ

Total Exclusion of Sciences & Absolute Thresholds

  • PoliTo completely ignores Biology, Chem, and Physics. Guessing them risks negative penalties for zero reward. Leave them blank!
  • Padua requires an absolute minimum of 10 correct answers in Math + Reasoning, forcing a more aggressive answering strategy.

Pavia & Tor Vergata

Info Eng / Business

Double Hurdles & Oral Interviews

  • Pavia demands 38+ overall AND a minimum of 7 correct answers specifically in Math.
  • Tor Vergata uses CEnT-S only as a screening tool (need 15+ points), followed by a mandatory 30-point Oral Interview via TEAMS.

Brescia & Bologna

Open Access / Exceptions

OFA Penalties & SAT Exceptions

  • Brescia is open-access, but failing to score 11+ in Math triggers OFA (Additional Learning Requirements), restricting future courses.
  • Critical Exception: Bologna's Genomics program strictly requires SAT, not CEnT-S. Always verify specific calls.

Beyond the Score

Scoring high is only one piece of the puzzle. International applicants must navigate strict bureaucratic hurdles.

B2 English

Mandatory CEFR B2 proof (IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL 72+) required independent of your CEnT-S score.

Universitaly

Legal pre-enrollment requirement for Non-EU. Miss the summer deadline, miss the year.

DOV / CIMEA

Legal proof of 12-year education equivalence. Takes months to process via embassies or CIMEA.

Tech Specs

CEnT@HOME requires a Safe Exam Browser + Smartphone set at a 45-degree angle behind you.

Ready to Master the CEnT-S?

Stop guessing. Start strategizing. Book a consultation with our experts to navigate the new unified admissions system.

Book Free Consultation
Pando

Ask Dr. Pando AI about specifications, contact info, or ask any questions here!

Dr. Pando
Dr. Pando AI CHAT ONLINE
Dr. Pando

Welcome to AI CHAT!

Please register to start chatting with Dr. Pando. This helps us provide better support.

Select Language