Master in Language Sciences at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Two-year LM-39 linguistics master at Ca' Foscari in Venice, taught in Italian and English, whose English Linguistics curriculum and Language Sciences path run in English. Entry needs 54 credits in linguistics, related fields and a specialisation language, plus English at B2 or above.
Master
2 years
Venice
Multiple
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Language Sciences is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-39) at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, taught in Italian and English, with an English Linguistics curriculum and a Language Sciences path taught in English. Entry needs a bachelor's with 54 credits in linguistics, related fields and a specialisation language, plus English at B2, or C1 if English is your specialisation.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Ca' Foscari's Language Sciences master asks for a bachelor's degree of at least three years with at least 54 CFU in linguistics, related fields and your specialisation language, English at B2 or above, the specialisation language at B2 or C1, and a positive review of your CV by the Teaching Committee. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and the 54-credit rule
You need a bachelor's degree of at least three years. For a degree earned abroad, the Teaching Committee runs a preliminary evaluation of your studies. Your degree must include at least 54 CFU in three groups: [1]
- 6 CFU in language sciences: general linguistics, modern language teaching, Romance philology, Italian linguistics, Germanic philology or Slavic philology (L-LIN/01, L-LIN/02, L-FIL-LET/09, 12 and 15, L-LIN/21). Italian language exams do not count as Italian linguistics.
- 24 CFU across related areas: philology and literature (Latin, Romance, Italian, comparative, French, Spanish, Portuguese, English, Anglo-American, German, Nordic, Albanian, Modern Greek and Slavic), linguistics and language teaching, logic and philosophy of language, psychology, archival studies, sociology, and medical fields such as neurology, audiology and child neuropsychiatry. For some language sectors, only literature exams count here.
- 24 CFU in your specialisation language: English (L-LIN/11 or 12), French, Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian, German, Swedish, Albanian, Modern Greek, Czech, Polish, Russian, Serbian and Croatian, or Italian Sign Language. For some sectors, only language exams in the chosen language count. For specialised English, 12 CFU in L-LIN/11 or 12 are enough, with the other 12 from the groups above.
Missing credits must be made up before enrolment, only through bachelor's-level single courses at Ca' Foscari or another university. [1]
Ca' Foscari's country rules for master's entry include: [4]
- India: a three-year honours bachelor's, a four-year professional bachelor's, or a pass or general bachelor's plus a postgraduate bachelor's or two-year master's.
- Pakistan: a three-year honours bachelor's, a four-year professional bachelor's, or a two-year pass bachelor's plus a two-year postgraduate degree.
- Bangladesh: a three-year honours or four-year bachelor's, or a two-year pass bachelor's plus a two-year master's.
- Sri Lanka: a bachelor's of at least four years (honours or special degree).
- UK: a three-year honours bachelor's with at least an upper second-class (2:1) result.
Transcripts for all years of the degree are required. [4]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the Teaching Committee looks at the subjects of your exams, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA (Honours) in English or modern languages with linguistics units, where at least 24 credits are in English language and translation, others in English or American literature, and 6 in linguistics or philology.
- Check carefully: a BA in Psychology, Philosophy or Sociology, which may cover the 24 related credits but often lacks the specialisation-language block, and a three-year pass or general BA from India, which needs a postgraduate degree on top.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc., BCA, B.Com or BBA, which usually has no linguistics, literature or language credits in these sectors.
Missing credits can only be cleared through single courses before you enrol, so we check your transcript against each group first. [1]
English and other languages
Everyone needs English at CEFR level B2 or above. [1] If your specialisation language is not English, you must hold a certified B2, which is checked at enrolment, and without it by the enrolment deadline you cannot enrol. [1][2] Ca' Foscari's recognised list includes IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72 (or 4 on the new scale for tests taken from 21 January 2026), PTE Academic 59, Cambridge First (FCE) and Trinity ISE II, obtained within the last five years. Some applicants fall into an exemption category instead. [7]
Your specialisation language must be at C1 for English/Anglo-American, French, Portuguese and Brazilian, or Spanish, and at B2 for specialised English, German, Swedish, Albanian, Modern Greek, Czech, Polish, Russian, Serbian and Croatian, or Italian Sign Language. [1]
For the paths taught in Italian, non-EU international students need Italian at B2 when they enrol. On the English-taught routes, non-Italian students need Italian at B1, either at enrolment or later by adding a 3 ECTS Italian for foreigners activity or a recognised certificate. [1]
Personal preparation and interview
Access is open, with no entrance test, but the Teaching Committee must check your personal preparation in language sciences and your specialisation language through your CV and academic record. [1]
Graduates of the Italian classes L-11 (modern languages) or L-12 (linguistic mediation) with at least 90/110 are normally considered prepared. If your degree is in another class or your grade is lower, the Committee assesses your CV and may call you for an interview. It also considers language-teaching certificates such as CEDILS, CEFILS, DITALS, DILS and COTE. Non-EU students living abroad are admitted within the number of places set by the university. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
These dates come from the 2026/27 rounds, which depend on citizenship. [5] For Group 1 countries, which include Sri Lanka, Nepal, the six Gulf countries, the UK, the US, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries on the university's list, applications closed at 1 pm CET on the last day, with the application fee paid by 11:59 pm CET the day before: [6]
- Round 1: 17 December 2025 to 14 January 2026.
- Round 2: 4 February to 4 March 2026.
- Round 3: 25 March to 15 April 2026.
- Round 4: 29 April to 20 May 2026, only for master's degrees without an entry test, such as this open-access one.
India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are not on the Group 1 list, so other rounds applied to them, and we check the rounds for your citizenship. Ca' Foscari's merit scholarships for high-achieving students could be requested only in rounds 1 and 2, and master's applicants can expect an answer about eight weeks after their round closes. [6]
Universitaly pre-enrolment for visa applicants closed on 30 September 2026, and the final enrolment deadline is 18 December 2026. [9] The 2027/28 rounds are not yet published, and the next call sets the new dates.
Documents and non-EU steps
You apply on Ca' Foscari's online application platform, and one application covers up to two programmes ranked by preference. Master's applicants upload a valid ID document, their transcript, a CV and a motivation letter, with official English or Italian translations where needed. [5] Transcripts must cover all years of your bachelor's, and an application missing a mandatory document is rejected. [4]
After the letter of enrolment eligibility come Universitaly pre-enrolment and the type D study visa. To enrol, you need your study visa, your degree certificate and transcript with translations, your language certificates, and one of these: a CIMEA Statement of Comparability, a declaration of value from the Italian diplomatic mission, an ARDI Statement of Correspondence with a CIMEA Statement of Verification, or a Diploma Supplement from a university in the European Higher Education Area. [9]
The joint and double degree routes, including the European Joint Master's in English and American Studies, have their own selection. [1]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Department of Linguistics and Comparative Cultural Studies. Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in Language Sciences (LM5, class LM-39), 2026/27 cohort. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Language Sciences admission and enrolment page, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Language Sciences programme presentation and English Linguistics study plan, students enrolled in 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Welcome Unit. Entry requirements for applicants holding an international qualification, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Preliminary evaluation of international qualifications, and application guidance on the international application portal, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Admission rounds for non-EU applicants requiring a visa, Group 1, and admission rounds notice, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Recognised English language certificates, list in use from academic year 2024/25. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Tuition fees for non-EU students, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Welcome Unit. Pre-enrolment and visa application, and enrolment for non-European students who require a visa, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice. European Joint Master's Programme in English and American Studies, programme page, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Language Sciences is a two-year master's degree in class LM-39 (Linguistics), taught at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, which has offered it since 2008/09.
It carries 120 ECTS, admission is open subject to an assessment of each applicant, and attendance is not compulsory. The degree is taught in Italian and English, with two curricula: Language Sciences, which has five paths, and English Linguistics. [1]
The English Linguistics curriculum and the Language Sciences path are taught in English. The other four paths are taught in Italian. [1][3]
English Linguistics combines an in-depth study of linguistics, from both a diachronic and a synchronic perspective, with English and American literary and cultural studies.
It suits graduates in modern languages, English studies or linguistic mediation who want advanced English, C1 to C2, and research skills in linguistics.
What you will study
The 2026/27 study plan for English Linguistics has 54 ECTS of core units in linguistics, philology, English and American literature and digital editing, 24 ECTS of related units chosen from a list, 12 ECTS of free choice and a 29 ECTS thesis. Units include: [3]
- Comparative History of the Germanic Languages
- English Language and Translation
- English Literature 1.1: The Renaissance
- American Literature and American Cultural Studies
- Elements of Digital Editing
- Computational Linguistics
- Discourse and Rhetoric
- Language and Gender
How the programme is taught
English Linguistics is one of the two Ca' Foscari routes into the European Joint Master's Programme in English and American Studies, run with the University of Graz, the University of Bamberg, Université Paris Cité, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Jagiellonian University in Kraków. [10]
Joint master's students spend the first semester of the second year at a partner and earn at least 30 ECTS there. [10]
This route has its own selection. Applications usually open in December and close in March or April of the year before enrolment, and the 2026/27 regulations require enrolment in English Linguistics and a C1 English certificate. [1][10]
Career paths
With C1 to C2 language skills, graduates can work at a high level of responsibility in institutions and organisations for lifelong learning, international cooperation or research, in Italy and abroad. The university also lists: [3]
- Public bodies working on immigration, integration and inclusion
- Specialist and literary publishing
- Translation and interpreting
- Language teaching, after the training required by Italian rules
- Research in linguistics and language
Fees and scholarships
Tuition for non-EU students is a flat yearly amount tied to citizenship.
There is a middle band for most countries, including India, a lower band for countries on the ministry's low human development list and a higher band for OECD countries. The regional tax and stamp duty are included. [8]
You can apply for the Veneto regional scholarship under the regional call. Students who receive it or are eligible for it pay only the regional tax and any stamp duty, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [8]
How to apply from outside the EU
International applicants go through apply.unive.it, uploading an ID document, a transcript for every year of their bachelor's, a CV and a motivation letter, plus an English certificate if they already hold one. [4][5]
The Teaching Committee checks your credits in linguistics and in your specialisation language, assesses your CV and may call you for an interview. One application covers two ranked choices. [1][5]
The 2026/27 portal opened on 17 December 2025 with rounds by citizenship. Group 1 countries, which include Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Gulf states, the UK and the US, could apply until 20 May 2026 for open-access master's degrees like this one, while India, Pakistan and Bangladesh had other rounds. The 2027/28 rounds are not yet published. [5][6]
After the letter of enrolment eligibility we complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, which for 2026/27 closed on 30 September 2026, and you apply for a type D study visa. Enrolment requires a CIMEA Statement of Comparability, a declaration of value, an ARDI statement with a CIMEA Statement of Verification, or a Diploma Supplement from a university in the European Higher Education Area. [9]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Ca' Foscari's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your preliminary evaluation on Ca' Foscari's application platform and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Language Sciences at Ca' Foscari?
A bachelor's of at least three years with at least 54 CFU in set areas: 6 in linguistics or philology, 24 in literature, linguistics, philosophy, psychology or related fields, and 24 in your specialisation language. You also need English at B2 or above. Missing credits must be made up before enrolment. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. Access is open, and the Teaching Committee assesses your personal preparation from your CV and academic record. Applicants without an Italian modern languages or linguistic mediation degree at 90/110 or above may be called for an interview. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
Everyone needs English at B2 or above, and C1 if English/Anglo-American is your specialisation language. A certified B2 is checked at enrolment, and without it you cannot enrol. Ca' Foscari's B2 list includes IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72 and PTE Academic 59. [1][2][7]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, rounds depended on citizenship. Group 1 countries, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, the UAE, the UK and the US, could apply until 20 May 2026 for this open-access master's. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh had other rounds, which we check for you. Universitaly pre-enrolment closed on 30 September 2026. The 2027/28 rounds are not yet published. [6][9]
I have a three-year BA from India. Can I apply?
Yes, if it is an honours degree. Ca' Foscari accepts a three-year honours or four-year professional bachelor's from India, while a pass or general BA needs a postgraduate degree on top. Your transcript must also show the 54 credits in linguistics, related fields and your specialisation language. [1][4]
I have a B.Com or B.Tech. Can I still apply?
Probably not without extra study. These degrees usually have no credits in linguistics, literature or a specialisation language, and missing credits must be made up before enrolment through bachelor's-level single courses. A BA in English or modern languages is a much closer fit. [1]
Is the whole degree taught in English?
Not all of it. The English Linguistics curriculum and the Language Sciences path are taught in English, while the other four paths are in Italian and need Italian at B2 for non-EU students. On the English routes, non-Italian students without Italian B1 add a 3 ECTS Italian for foreigners activity. [1]
Is there a joint degree option?
Yes. English Linguistics students can apply separately for the European Joint Master's in English and American Studies, spending the first semester of the second year at a partner such as Graz, Bamberg, Paris Cité, Barcelona Autònoma or Kraków. The regulations ask for a C1 English certificate. [1][10]
Can someone handle my whole application to Language Sciences at Ca' Foscari?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Ca' Foscari's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Language Sciences?
Ca' Foscari accepts a three-year honours or four-year professional bachelor's from India, or a pass degree plus a postgraduate degree. A BA in English or modern languages is the closest fit if it has 54 credits in linguistics, literature and your specialisation language. You also need English at B2, or C1 if English is your specialisation. The steps are the preliminary evaluation, the eligibility letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][4] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Language Sciences are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: preliminary evaluation of your degree and CV, the letter of enrolment eligibility and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Language Sciences are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: preliminary evaluation of your degree and CV, the letter of enrolment eligibility and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Language Sciences are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: preliminary evaluation of your degree and CV, the letter of enrolment eligibility and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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