Italian language pathway
Italian language programme L2/FL for prospective students

The Ca' Foscari School for International Education offers a high-level linguistic and cultural program lasting thirteen weeks: the Ca' Foscari Italian language pathway. This programme is aimed at non-Italian native speakers who wish to pursue university courses in the Italian language. The programme will be offered in two sessions each year, one per academic semester. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will reach a B2 language level in the Italian language and will be eligible to enrol in an Italian-taught degree programme at Ca’ Foscari, by carrying out the enrolment procedures during the available intakes throughout the year.

Target audience

International students who are not native Italian speakers, holding a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, and interested in enrolling in a Master's or PhD programme in Italy, with priority given to those who wish to study at Ca' Foscari. Subject to evaluation and availability, students interested in enrolling in Bachelor's degree courses may also be admitted.

Programme structure

Learning objectives

The program will allow international students to develop communication skills in Italian, enabling them to successfully navigate university-level courses taught in Italian in Italy.
The goal of the course is to acquire the necessary skills for following a study program where Italian is the language of instruction, from the beginner level (A1) up to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
At levels B1 and B2, students will progressively tackle the methodological tools needed for academic interaction, in order to use the correct registers and vocabulary relevant for the academic and university context.
The program serves as a “linguistic and methodological bridge” so as to facilitate access to Master's degree courses, and/or to fill any linguistic and academic gaps.

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of the program, students will have reached level B2 – communicative autonomy (CEFR). They will be able to understand complex texts, both concrete and abstract, and interact fluently with native speakers. In general, they will be able to participate actively in discussions, present their opinions with pros and cons, produce clear and well-structured texts on various topics, and express their views. In the academic context, students will be able to understand linear academic texts and interact independently in brief technical discussions in their field of study. They will also be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms in study-related situations, tackling simple and authentic field-specific texts.

Programme content

• Language modules:
  • general Italian A1 – 40 hours
  • general Italian A2 – 40 hours
  • pre-intermediate Italian B1 – 70 hours
  • intermediate Italian in a general and university context B2 – 70 hours
• Italian culture and current affairs module (optional in-person, last week) – 10 hours + 5 hours external activities.
  In-depth focus on Italian history, art, society, and current affairs to facilitate integration and understanding of the Italian university context.
• Academic communication module – 10 hours:
  • understanding and analyzing different types of academic texts (e.g., articles, short essays, etc.)
  • academic writing for various types of texts (e.g., abstracts, formal emails, papers)
  • presentations, debates, and participation in university lectures
• Introduction to courses (in English)
  Brief introductory lessons on subjects offered within Ca’ Foscari University’s degree programmes to help students navigate their course choices.
• Workshops and orientation:
  • presentation of Ca' Foscari's academic offering
  • guidance on the enrolment process
  • meetings with professors and advisors

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Final certificate

Upon completion, students will receive an official certificate as well as an Open Badge that certifies the B2 language level, and which is valid for admission to Ca’ Foscari University degree programmes taught in the Italian language. Students who reach a B2 language level in Italian are not automatically admitted to their chosen degree programme; they must still sit any admission test required for entry.

Note: eligibility to other Italian universities is not guaranteed. Students wishing to enrol in other universities or institutions must contact the relevant office at the institution of interest.