Navigating a new education system can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding how grades are assigned. Whether you’re a student considering studying abroad, a parent exploring international education options, or simply curious about Italy’s academic landscape, this guide will help explain how the Italian grading system works across various levels of education. From secondary school to university, understanding these scales will provide insight into academic performance and expectations in Italy.

How the Italian grading system works

The Italian grading system is unique and differs from those in many English-speaking countries. Rather than using letters like A, B, or C or percentages, Italy uses a numerical grading scale. However, the exact scale varies depending on the level of education—whether it’s secondary school, university, or the baccalaureate. It is essential to understand these differences to interpret grades accurately.

Grading system in university

At the university level, Italy operates on a grading scale from 18 to 30, where 18 is the minimum passing grade. Achieving a 30 is considered excellent, and for outstanding performance, students can even be awarded a 30 e lode (30 with honours), which is the highest recognition for academic achievement.

Unlike many systems where grades are determined cumulatively through coursework, quizzes, and tests throughout the semester, the Italian university grading system often relies heavily on a single final oral or written exam. This exam usually encompasses all the material covered during the course, making exam preparation crucial for success. Sometimes, oral exams, known as esami orali, are conducted where professors engage with students on various topics from the syllabus, probing their depth of understanding.

Here’s a general breakdown of university grades in Italy:

  • 30 e lode: Equivalent to an A+ or distinction (outstanding performance)
  • 28–30: Equivalent to an A (excellent)
  • 25–27: Equivalent to a B (very good)
  • 21–24: Equivalent to a C (satisfactory)
  • 18–20: Equivalent to a D (passable)
  • Below 18: Failure (requires the student to retake the exam or the course)

It’s important to note that grades below 18 mean that the student did not pass the exam or the course, and they will need to retake it during a later exam session.

Grading scale in secondary school

The grading system in Italian secondary schools (also known as scuola superiore) follows a 0 to 10 scale, with 6 being the minimum passing grade. Students are evaluated in a variety of subjects, and their performance throughout the academic year contributes to their final grade. While the scale is simple, the weight of each number holds different connotations regarding a student’s comprehension and ability.

Here’s how the secondary school grading scale generally works:

  • 10: Excellent (very rare and often denotes mastery of the subject)
  • 9: Outstanding
  • 8: Very good
  • 7: Good
  • 6: Sufficient (passing grade)
  • 5 or below: Insufficient (failing grade)

Students who receive a grade lower than 6 in any subject may be required to take remedial exams or retake the year. The grading system in secondary schools ensures that students are adequately prepared for either further education, like university or vocational training, depending on the type of high school they attend (e.g., Liceo or Istituto Tecnico).

Grading scale in baccalaureate

At the end of secondary school, Italian students take the Esame di Stato (State Exam), commonly known as the Maturità. The results of this exam determine a student’s eligibility for university admission or further vocational studies. The Maturità is graded on a 0 to 100 scale, and the minimum passing grade is 60.

This exam consists of written and oral components that test students in various subjects, including Italian, mathematics, and specialised topics based on their school track.

Here’s how the grading scale for the Maturità is structured:

  • 100 e lode: Perfect score with honours (exceptional achievement)
  • 90–99: Excellent
  • 80–89: Very good
  • 70–79: Good
  • 60–69: Sufficient (passing)
  • Below 60: Fail (the student must retake the exam)

Achieving a high score in the Maturità is significant, as it often influences university admissions. However, lower-score students can still attend university, though more competitive programs may prioritise those with higher results.

Italian grades to GPA: Equivalent

Converting Italian grades to a GPA (Grade Point Average) can be challenging because grading scales and criteria differ significantly from those in countries like the United States or the UK. It should also be noted that this varies depending on the institution. However, for general reference and admissions purposes, Italian grades are often mapped onto GPA scales to help international institutions evaluate academic performance.

Here’s an approximate conversion guide from Italian grades to GPA on a 4.0 scale:

University grading scale:

  • 30 e lode: 4.0 GPA (A+)
  • 28–30: 3.7–4.0 GPA (A)
  • 25–27: 3.0–3.6 GPA (B)
  • 21–24: 2.0–2.9 GPA (C)
  • 18–20: 1.0–1.9 GPA (D)

Secondary school grading scale:

  • 9–10: 4.0 GPA (A)
  • 8: 3.5 GPA (B+)
  • 7: 3.0 GPA (B)
  • 6: 2.0 GPA (C)
  • Below 6: Equivalent to a failing grade

Baccalaureate/Maturità grading scale:

  • 100 e lode: 4.0 GPA (A+)
  • 90–99: 3.7–3.9 GPA (A)
  • 80–89: 3.0–3.6 GPA (B)
  • 70–79: 2.5–2.9 GPA (C)
  • 60–69: 2.0 GPA (D)

It is essential to note that GPA conversions may vary depending on the institution or country and should be used as a rough guideline rather than an exact comparison.

Conclusion

Understanding the Italian grading system is crucial for students, parents, and educators alike, especially when compared to other international systems. Whether you’re aiming for a university degree or trying to navigate secondary education in Italy, knowing how grades translate and how performance is assessed will help you better navigate the academic environment. From the rigour of the Maturità to the high standards of Italian universities, the system is built to promote both academic excellence and personal growth.