International Academic Grade Guide - Institute of Graduate Studies ...

GRADE GUIDE USM 20ItalyBackgroundThere are two sectors providing higher education in Italy namely university andnon-university. The university sector has universities, university institutes, as wellas a wide range of academies, and higher institutes/schools. At present (2011),the university system includes 89 university institutions (58 state universities, 17non-state legally-recognised university institutes, 2 universities for foreigners, 6higher schools specialised in postgraduate university studies and 6 telematicuniversities). The non-university sector primarily deals with Arts and Design,Performing Arts, Language Mediation, Cultural and Artifact Restoration, andMilitary and Diplomatic Studies. Usually these are two years programmes leadingto a Diploma. There are avenues to further certification leading to AdvancedDiplomas and Master.Admission to Higher Education (Undergraduate). For entry into all universities before 1998-99:. Secondary school credential required: Maturita.. Minimum score/requirement: 36.. For entry into all universities since 1998-99:. Secondary school credential required: Diploma dell' Esame di Statoconclusivo dei Corsi di Istruzione Secondaria Superiore.. Minimum score/requirement: 60/100.. First cycle undergraduate courses last for three years. The Laurea isawarded to undergraduates who have obtained 180 credits. Graduatescan choose to seek employment or further their studies into the secondcycle.. Second cycle postgraduate courses, last for two years. The LaureaSpecialistica or Laurea Magistrale is awarded to postgraduates who haveobtained 120 credits. Note that this is not a master course. This is aspecial characteristic of Italian higher education; whereby a student cangraduate with 300 credits.University Grading SystemTranscript GradeDescription29 - 30 (Engineering 27-30) A25 - 28 (Engineering 24-26) B21 - 24 (Engineering 21-23) C18 - 20 D0 - 17 F*18 is the minimum passing gradeRecommendation for Postgraduate Admission. Laurea and/or Laurea Specialistica or Laurea Magistrale degree(s) of at least3 year.. 20.625/30- continued