Upon completion of the training programme, participants will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in the teaching of Italian as a non-native language, with particular reference to teaching Italian as a second or foreign language (L2/FL) in migration, school, academic and professional contexts. Specifically, they will be able to:
- analyse the linguistic, educational and sociocultural needs of diverse learners and design Italian L2/FL courses consistent with teaching contexts and learning objectives
- plan courses, syllabuses, learning units and teaching activities, selecting methodologies, techniques and tools appropriate to learner profiles and course objectives
- select, adapt and develop teaching materials and resources for teaching Italian, including in digital and blended environments, according to language proficiency levels and specific student needs
- reflect on the Italian language at its various levels of analysis—phonetic-phonological, grammatical, lexical, textual, pragmatic and sociolinguistic—for the purposes of didactic application
- develop teaching interventions for the enhancement of Italian language skills, with particular attention to Italian for academic purposes, Italian for work, and Italian for general and specific purposes
- effectively use tools and technologies for both face-to-face and online teaching
- create, analyse and assess language proficiency tests and evaluation tools in line with learning objectives and key theoretical and methodological frameworks in the field
- recognise the intercultural dimension of language teaching and act with sensitivity to cultural differences, socio-pragmatic norms, potential communication barriers and the need to overcome stereotypes
- observe, manage and critically evaluate teaching and learning processes, developing reflective skills regarding their own and others’ teaching practices
- teach independently and collaborate in the design and organisation of training paths in complex settings
The Master's programme provides knowledge and develops highly specialised skills in the field of teaching Italian as a non-native language (L2/FL), preparing teachers capable of working in diverse educational settings with varied linguistic needs. In particular, the programme prepares professionals able to design, implement and evaluate teaching activities for:
- teaching Italian as an L2 to adult non-native speakers residing in Italy
- teaching Italian as an L2 in schools to pupils and students from families who are not, or are only partially, Italian-speaking
- teaching Italian as an L2/FL for general or specific purposes (academic or professional), both in Italy and abroad
The qualification awarded enables graduates to work with and collaborate with educational institutions, organisations, associations, and public or private agencies active in the fields of reception, language training, and the promotion of Italian language and culture worldwide.
The Master's degree also represents a qualification that may be taken into account for the allocation of points in the ranking lists for teaching and educational staff in Italian schools and institutes at all levels.
University Credits (CFU), equivalent to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), are recognised and transferable within the university sector both in Italy and abroad.
To enrol in the master’s programme, applicants must hold a second-cycle degree, a single-cycle degree, a specialised degree, or an old-system degree in the specific fields indicated in the Call for Applications, or a second-cycle degree in any discipline together with a first-level University Master’s Degree in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language or a diploma from a School of Specialisation in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language, or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad.
Scientific Director
Borbala Samu
curriculum vitae
Executive Committee
Prof. Borbala Samu, Associate Professor in Modern Language Teaching
Prof. Stefania Scaglione, Associate Professor in Glottology and Linguistics
Dr Nicoletta Santeusanio – Language Specialist
6th Edition Academic Year 2026-2027
Application deadline
12 October 2026
Period of implementation
2 November 2026 – 26 May 2027
Cost
€2,800.00
Blended delivery mode:
- an online teaching phase lasting approximately six months (2 November 2026 – 30 April 2027), delivered via the EduNext digital platform
- an on-site internship period lasting approximately three weeks (3 – 21 May 2027), hosted at the University for Foreigners of Perugia or at affiliated institutions
- a final week dedicated to assessments (24 – 28 May 2027), which may take place either in person or online.
Language: Italian
Recognised ECTS credits: 60
Participants: minimum 20 – maximum 50
Tuition fees: €2,800.00 payable in three instalments
Recognition of the Master’s degree for A023 teaching qualification
The Ministry of Education and Merit, by Decree no. 130 of 6 July 2023 “Amendments to the Decree of the Minister of Education, University and Research of 23 February 2016, no. 92”, has included the Second Level Master’s in L2 Teaching in the list of recognised qualifications for access to the A023 teaching qualification.
The Master’s programme has a total duration of 1,500 hours (60 ECTS credits) and is structured as an integrated learning pathway combining online teaching, laboratory activities, in-person internship, and a final examination. The programme includes:
11 online teaching modules
The modules are delivered remotely via the EduNext platform and combine asynchronous activities (video lectures and study materials) with real-time interactive sessions with academic staff. Content covers core theoretical and methodological areas in teaching Italian as a second/foreign language: language acquisition, linguistic typology, intercultural pragmatics, Council of Europe tools for language teaching, course design, language learning technologies, skills assessment, and the teaching of contemporary Italian structures.
3 interactive workshops linked to the chosen specialisation track
The workshops constitute the practical component of the programme and focus on designing educational activities and materials for specific teaching contexts. Participants, guided by expert tutors, will design teaching units, activities, and materials for different learner profiles (adult migrants, international students in Italian schools, learners of Italian for general or specific purposes), through collaborative work and online e-tivities.
On-site Internship (225 hours – 9 ECTS)
The internship takes place at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia or other partner institutions and is a key stage integrating theoretical training with teaching practice. Scheduled activities include:
- classroom observation
- syllabus design and preparation of teaching materials
- teaching delivery (with video recordings)
- peer and tutor feedback
- critical analysis of teaching practices
It is possible to apply for recognition of prior learning and obtain partial or full exemption from the internship based on previous teaching or relevant training experience. For detailed information on application procedures and required documentation, please refer to the Call for Applications.
The following equivalence criteria are used when calculating the number of ECTS credits eligible for recognition:
1 ECTS credit corresponds to:
- 150 hours of teaching Italian as an L2/FL in public or private institutions
- 450 hours of teaching Italian language and literature in schools of any level with multicultural classes
- 450 hours of teaching another foreign language (such as English, Chinese, etc.) in public or private institutions
- at least 6 months of experience as an assistant in Italian language positions or courses abroad
Some previous training activities may also be recognised on a pro-rata basis. In particular:
- the internship completed as part of the first-level Master's in “Teaching Italian as a Non-native Language” at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia entitles you to the recognition of 3 ECTS credits
- internships undertaken in similar Master's programmes completed at other universities may be recognised by the Selection Committee proportionally to the duration of the activities completed
- internships carried out as part of a Master’s Degree Programme may be recognised according to the same criteria
Recognition of credits grants progressive exemption from internship attendance:
- with at least 3 ECTS credits recognised, you are exempt from the first week of the internship
- with at least 6 ECTS credits recognised, you are exempt from the first two weeks of the internship
- with 9 ECTS credits recognised, you are fully exempt from the internship
The final examination consists of presenting a multimedia project work or a podcast on a topic relevant to the chosen specialisation, as well as planning and delivering a lesson on teaching Italian as a second or foreign language within the same area of study.