Italian Grading System: Understanding University and School Grade Scales
Italy's education system features distinct grading scales for different academic levels, with unique characteristics that set it apart from other European systems. This comprehensive guide explains the Italian grading system across all educational levels and provides essential information for international students.
Key Takeaways
- University grades use a 30-point scale (18-30 con lode)
- Secondary schools use a 10-point scale (1-10)
- 60/100 is the minimum passing score for high school graduation
- "Con lode" (with distinction) indicates exceptional performance
- Different conversion systems exist for international equivalency
University Grading System
Italian universities use a unique 30-point grading scale, where 18 is the minimum passing grade and 30 con lode represents exceptional achievement. This system is used for individual exams and course evaluations.
| Italian Grade | Description | US Equivalent | ECTS Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 con lode | Exceptional | A+ | A |
| 28-30 | Excellent | A | A |
| 25-27 | Very Good | B+ | B |
| 22-24 | Good | B | C |
| 18-21 | Sufficient | C/D | D/E |
| ≤ 17 | Fail | F | F |
Secondary School Grading System
Italian secondary schools use a 10-point scale for regular assessments and a 100-point scale for the final state exam (Esame di Stato). Compare different grading systems using our International GPA Calculator.
| Grade | Description | Percentage Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Eccellente (Excellent) | 90-100% |
| 9 | Ottimo (Very Good) | 80-89% |
| 8 | Buono (Good) | 70-79% |
| 7 | Discreto (Satisfactory) | 60-69% |
| 6 | Sufficiente (Sufficient) | 50-59% |
| 1-5 | Insufficiente (Insufficient) | 0-49% |
Educational Levels and Assessment Methods
Primary Education (Scuola Primaria)
- Descriptive evaluation system
- Focus on individual progress and development
- Regular feedback to parents
- Continuous assessment throughout the year
Secondary Education
The Italian secondary education system is divided into two main cycles. Learn more about how this affects university admissions in our guide on calculating GPA for different countries.
| Level | Duration | Final Examination |
|---|---|---|
| Scuola Media | 3 years | State Exam (Terza Media) |
| Scuola Superiore | 5 years | Esame di Stato (Maturità) |
The Maturità Examination
The Maturità (Esame di Stato) is the final secondary school examination that determines university admission. Calculate your final score using our Grade Calculator.
Maturità Scoring System
- Maximum score: 100 points + possible lode
- Credits from final three years: up to 40 points
- Written exams: up to 40 points
- Oral examination: up to 20 points
International Grade Equivalents
Converting Italian grades to other systems requires careful consideration of the specific scale and context. Use our Percentage to GPA Calculator for precise conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "con lode" and how significant is it?
"Con lode" (with distinction) is awarded for exceptional performance beyond a perfect score. It's highly prestigious and can provide advantages in academic and professional contexts.
How is the final university degree grade calculated?
The final degree grade is calculated on a 110-point scale, considering the average of all exam grades and the final thesis defense. A score of 110 con lode is the highest possible achievement.
What grade do I need to study in Italy?
International students typically need a high school diploma equivalent to the Italian Maturità and must pass an Italian language proficiency test (unless the program is taught in English).
How do Italian university grades convert to GPA?
Italian university grades typically convert to US GPA as follows: 30 con lode/30 ≈ 4.0, 27-29 ≈ 3.7, 24-26 ≈ 3.3, etc. For precise conversions, use our International GPA Calculator.