What is required for admission to Scienze degli Alimenti?
To be admitted to the Degree Course in Scienze degli Alimenti, you must hold a secondary school diploma or another qualification obtained abroad that is recognized as eligible.
Basic knowledge of general chemistry will be verified through a test called TOLC-AV. You are required to take this test, but it does not prevent your enrollment in Scienze degli Alimenti. You can find a specific page in the “Studying” menu; please read it carefully to understand the role of the TOLC-AV for Scienze degli Alimenti.
TOLC-AV: What You Need to Know
Admission to the Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science is open access, which means that there is no competitive admission process. However, all prospective students are required to take the TOLC-AV, an assessment test designed to evaluate their entry-level knowledge.
The TOLC-AV is not an admission test and does not determine whether you can enrol. Instead, it is used to assess your preparation, particularly in Chemistry.
If you score less than 3 out of 8 in the Chemistry section, you will be assigned an Additional Learning Requirement (OFA – Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi).
Students with an OFA are expected to fulfil this requirement as soon as possible. Until the OFA has been completed, you will not be permitted to take second- and third-year examinations.
How can I fulfil my OFA?
You can fulfil your Additional Learning Requirement in either of the following ways:
- Retake the TOLC-AV
Retake the TOLC-AV and achieve a minimum score of 3 out of 8 in the Chemistry section.
- Pass the Chemistry Zero Test
Alternatively, you may complete your OFA by passing the Chemistry Zero Test.
To help you prepare, the University offers an optional Chemistry Zero Course, which this academic year will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 in Classroom 7.
The first Chemistry Zero Test will be held immediately after the course. Students who do not pass may retake the test during subsequent sessions, which are normally offered once a month.
Where can I take the TOLC-AV?
- Check the TOLC-AV calendar to view the available test dates and register for any session marked Open for Registration.
- If there are no available places at the University of Pisa, or if registrations have closed, you may take the TOLC-AV at any participating Italian university. The TOLC-AV is recognised nationwide, and your results can be used to apply for any degree programme that requires this test.
- For information about registration procedures, please visit the official TOLC-AV webpage.
- The official syllabus and the knowledge required for the test are available at:
https://www.cisiaonline.it/tematic_area_agri/il-test/syllabus/
TOLC-AV Test Structure
| Section | Questions | Time |
| Biology | 8 | 16 minutes |
| Chemistry | 8 | 16 minutes |
| Physics | 8 | 16 minutes |
| Mathematics | 8 | 16 minutes |
| Logic | 8 | 16 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 2 passages (10 questions) | 20 minutes |
Each question has five possible answers, only one of which is correct.
The scoring system is as follows:
- Correct answer: +1 point
- Incorrect answer: −0.25 points
- Unanswered or cancelled question: 0 points (no penalty)
For the purposes of the assessment, a section is considered successfully completed when a minimum score of 3 points is achieved.
Can I transfer from another course?
Yes, you can request a transfer and the recognition of one or more exams. To do so, you must submit a request for a preliminary career evaluation by clicking here or by scanning the QR code below. You will be asked to attach the certification of the exams you have passed (including the scientific-disciplinary sectors—SSD—to which they belong) and the exam syllabi. You will receive an email with the evaluation; if you are satisfied with it, you can proceed according to the rules indicated by Matricolandosi.
ATTENTION! Enrollment, course changes, and transfers: where can I find official information?
For all official information regarding enrollment, changes from other UniPi courses, transfers from other universities, tuition fees, benefits, and scholarships, you must refer to the Matricolandosi portal of the University of Pisa, the primary reference point for those wishing to start or continue their journey in Scienze degli Alimenti.
Consult Matricolandosi to find updated procedures, deadlines, and financial opportunities to manage your access to the degree course easily and securely.