Italian Diploma Translation

**Vecchio ordinamento (old system):** Before the Bologna Process reforms (fully implemented 2001–2005), Italian universities awarded a single **Laurea** after 4–6 years of study. This qualification is roughly equivalent to a combined bachelor’s + master’s. WES typically evaluates it as a master’s degree equivalent. **Nuovo ordinamento (new Bologna system):** A two-cycle structure — **Laurea Triennale** (3 years, 180 ECTS, first cycle) followed by **Laurea Magistrale** (2 years, 120 ECTS, second cycle).

We clearly identify which system the diploma belongs to. The distinction is critical for credential evaluation: a vecchio ordinamento Laurea is evaluated differently from a nuovo ordinamento Laurea Triennale. We include the cycle designation and, when available, the ECTS credit total associated with the qualification.

**Voto di Laurea:** The final degree mark in Italy is expressed on a scale of 0–110, with a minimum passing grade of 66/110. The highest achievable mark is **110/110 e lode** (110/110 with honors/distinction). The voto is determined by the thesis defense committee (commissione di laurea) and incorporates coursework performance.

We translate the voto di laurea exactly as printed, preserving the "/110" denominator and the "e lode" designation when present. This ensures WES and ECE can apply their conversion matrices accurately — misrepresenting 100/110 without the denominator, for example, could cause evaluators to misread it as a percentage score.

**Classe di Laurea:** Every Italian degree program belongs to a nationally standardized degree class defined by MIUR (Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca). For example, L-18 (Scienze dell’economia e della gestione aziendale) or LM-77 (Scienze economico-aziendali). The Classe determines minimum curriculum requirements and affects professional licensing eligibility.

We translate the Classe di Laurea code and its full Italian description, along with the Corso di Laurea (specific degree program name). Evaluators use the Classe to verify field of study and determine equivalency — two different Corsi di Laurea within the same Classe are considered equivalent by MIUR.

**Diploma Supplement:** Bologna-era graduates receive a Diploma Supplement (Supplemento al Diploma) listing learning outcomes, ECTS, grading distribution, and a description of the Italian higher education system. WES and ECE may request this alongside the diploma. **Dichiarazione di Valore (Declaration of Value):** A document issued by Italian consulates abroad that officially describes the Italian qualification’s level and duration for foreign evaluation purposes.

We translate the Diploma Supplement in its entirety when provided, preserving ECTS tables and learning outcome descriptions. If a Dichiarazione di Valore is included, we translate it as a separate document within the same order. Both documents strengthen the credential evaluation package significantly.

**Laurea Specialistica:** During the initial Bologna implementation (1999–2004), the second-cycle degree was called Laurea Specialistica (LS) rather than Laurea Magistrale (LM). Diplomas from this period carry the LS designation. After 2004, the term was changed to Laurea Magistrale, but the qualifications are equivalent.

We translate the diploma using whichever term appears on the original document and add a translator’s note explaining the equivalence when the LS designation might confuse a U.S. evaluator unfamiliar with the transitional nomenclature.