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Unrestricted‑access programmes

They are degree programmes you can enrol in without a selection process. There is no limited number of places and you do not need to be placed in a ranking list. You can complete your enrolment and attend classes, but you will be required to take a test to assess your initial knowledge before taking exams: the TOLC (CISIA Online Test).

Not sure whether the programme you are interested in has unrestricted access or is restricted‑access?

Explore the list of degree programmes for all the relevant information.

Degree Programmes

What is it for and which type of TOLC you need to take?

The TOLC is used to determine whether you have the basic knowledge required for the degree programme you have chosen. You can take it either before or after enrolment, on campus or online, and even at another university. If you pass, you can proceed normally; if you do not pass, you will be assigned additional learning requirements (OFA) to make up.

You can take the TOLC as early as your second-to-last year of upper secondary school, or after obtaining your diploma — whether earned in Italy or abroad, provided it is recognised as valid in Italy.

The TOLC is not the same for all degree programmes: it varies according to the subjects required by the programme you wish to choose. Each test includes different sections and topics (for example mathematics, logic, reading comprehension, science, or English). Find out which type of TOLC you need to take for the programme you are interested in.

Can’t find the School you are looking for? It is likely that the degree programme you are interested in is a restricted‑access programme.

Visit the restricted‑access programmes page

How to prepare, register and take the test

In this section you will find information on the registration procedure, tips on how to prepare, and what to do if you do not pass the test.

On the CISIA website you can practise for free and simulate the TOLC you are interested in before taking the official test, by accessing the Practice Area (Area Esercitazioni). In addition to a wide range of useful materials, you can take a full simulation of the admission test you are preparing for and see how it works before sitting it. This is a helpful way to understand the structure of the test, become familiar with the question format and feel more confident on the day of the exam.

If you want to access free preparation materials, the University of Florence provides a selection of resources to help you prepare for the admission tests.

CISIA courses Practice Area CISIA Materials to prepare for the admission tests

The TOLC can be taken:

  • at any Italian university that is part of CISIA;
  • on campus (TOLC@UNI) or from home (TOLC@CASA), if allowed by the call for applications;
  • even before obtaining your diploma, starting from the second-to-last year of upper secondary school.

Each type of TOLC may be taken only once per month.

You can take each type of TOLC only once per month, regardless of the university where you choose to sit the test: for example, in June you may take both a TOLC‑I and a TOLC‑E, but not two TOLC‑I tests. If you are already registered for a TOLC, you must take it before you can register for another TOLC of the same type.

To book the test, you must:

  • register in your CISIA reserved area;
  • choose the type of TOLC;
  • select the date and location;
  • make the payment;
  • download the registration receipt.

Before booking the test, always check which TOLC is required for your degree programme and the period of validity.

Check the dates of each TOLC on the CISIA website

At the end of the TOLC, the score you obtained — both overall and by section — is displayed on the screen.

You can find your result in your CISIA Test Reserved Area:

  • for TOLC@UNI, immediately after the test
  • for TOLC@CASA, 48 hours after the test, from 7 p.m. onwards

Follow the instructions provided in the admission call to complete your enrolment in the degree programme.

If your score does not reach the required threshold, you can still enrol in the degree programme, but you will be assigned Additional Learning Requirements (Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi OFA). OFA indicate that you must make up certain basic knowledge during your first year. They do not prevent enrolment at the University, but they must be fulfilled according to the procedures and deadlines set by the degree programme in order to sit exams regularly.

Enter your CISIA Test Area

How to enrol in an unrestricted‑access programme.

Consult the page on enrolment procedures