Italian University Grading Explained: From Trentesimi to 110 e Lode

Italian universities use two grading scales: individual exams are marked out of 30 (trentesimi), while the final degree grade runs from 66 to 110, with the optional distinction 110 e lode awarded by the examining commission. Understanding how the two scales connect is essential for tracking your progress and for presenting your degree to employers or foreign universities.

The 30-point examination scale

18 is the minimum passing grade. A failed exam (below 18) is not recorded on your transcript; you can retake it. 30 e lode (lode means praise) is an optional distinction awarded when the commission considers the performance exceptional. For the purpose of the weighted average, 30 e lode counts as 30.

Weighted average (media ponderata) by CFU

Your media ponderata gives more weight to exams that carry more academic credits (CFU, Crediti Formativi Universitari). The formula is: sum of (grade times CFU) divided by total CFU. A 12-CFU exam worth 30 pulls the average up much more than a 6-CFU exam worth 30. Thesis work is excluded from the media ponderata; it is counted separately as punti tesi.

Worked example

Converting the average to the 110 scale (voto di partenza)

The voto di partenza (starting degree grade) is calculated as: round(media ponderata x 110 / 30). For a media of 28.00: round(28 x 110 / 30) = round(102.67) = 103. This is the base from which thesis points and any bonus are added.

Thesis points, commission bonus and 110 e lode

The commission adds punti tesi (typically 0-11) based on the quality of your thesis presentation. Some faculties also allow a small additional bonus (0-5 points) for academic merit or timely graduation. The voto di laurea is the sum capped at 110. If the uncapped total reaches 113 or above, the commission may award 110 e lode, though the final decision rests with the commission and each ateneo has its own thresholds.

International equivalences: ECTS and approximate US GPA

The ECTS grading scale maps Italian exam grades to six letters: grades 30-29 map to A (excellent), 28-27 to B (very good), 26-24 to C (good), 23-21 to D (satisfactory), 20-18 to E (sufficient). For US GPA, a common approximation is: GPA = 2.0 + (media - 18) / 12 x 2.0, giving 2.0 at grade 18 and 4.0 at grade 30. A media of 28 corresponds to approximately GPA 3.67.