Language schools in Florence, Italy

Florence (Firenze), the capital of Tuscany, has a long tradition of teaching Italian to foreigners. Several of its language schools have been running for more than 40 years: Centro Machiavelli has taught Italian since 1978, Koinè Center was founded in Florence in 1980, ABC School has taught since 1982 and Istituto Galilei since 1985. Most are in or near the historic centre, so students can walk to class and combine lessons with the city's museums, churches and workshops.

The schools teach adults of all ages, from people taking a week or two of lessons on holiday to students who stay for several months before university studies or work in Italy.

What the language schools in Florence offer

Most schools build their courses on a morning group course of about 20 lessons a week, Monday to Friday, divided into grammar and conversation, at the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (A1 to C2). Typical formats are:

• Standard group courses: 20 lessons a week at ABC School and Istituto Italiano, 20 hours a week at Koinè Center
• Intensive courses with extra afternoon lessons, for example 30 lessons a week at ABC School
• One-to-one and small-group lessons: Istituto Galilei specialises in these, with groups of at most four
• Exam preparation for the Italian certificates CILS, CELI, CERT.IT and PLIDA
• Italian combined with culture: art history, practical art and craft courses in artists' studios and workshops, cooking, and work placements in Tuscan companies (Centro Machiavelli)

Class sizes differ: ABC School has at most 10 students per class and Koinè Center at most 12. At Istituto Italiano, a standard course of four group lessons a day completes one CEFR level every four weeks. Several schools are exam centres: ABC School and Centro Italiano Firenze are authorised CILS centres of the Università per Stranieri di Siena, and Istituto Italiano issues the CELI certificate and is an exam centre for CERT.IT and CILS. Centro Italiano Firenze also runs courses in art and crafts, photography, design and multimedia.

Afternoon cultural activities (guided walks, museum visits, film screenings, cooking lessons, excursions) are included in the course fee at schools such as Koinè Center and Istituto Italiano; museum tickets and meals are usually extra.

Costs

Prices are set by each school. Two examples for 2026:

• ABC School: €300 for one week (20 group lessons) and €860 for four weeks, plus a one-off enrolment fee of €60
• Istituto Italiano: €240 for one week (20 hours) and €740 for four weeks of the standard course

Most schools also arrange accommodation in host families, shared flats, independent flats or hotels. At Istituto Italiano, a single room in a flat shared with other students costs €260 to €280 for one week, and a single room with a host family, breakfast included, €290 to €340; the school asks for at least four weeks' notice. Koinè Center books accommodation free of charge.

For getting around, an Autolinee Toscane urban ticket costs €2.00. In Florence it is valid for 90 minutes and also covers the tram and regional trains within the city.

Practical tips

• Beginners can usually only start on set dates (often every two weeks); other levels can start on most Mondays
• Take the school's placement test before arrival so you start at the right level
• If you need a certificate for university admission or work, check which exam the school prepares for and whether it is an exam centre
• Students from outside the EU who stay longer than a tourist stay need a study visa: the school sends an enrolment certificate for the Italian embassy or consulate, but the requirements are set by the consulate

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Italian course in Florence cost?

It depends on the school and the intensity. In 2026 a four-week standard group course costs €740 at Istituto Italiano and €860 at ABC School (plus a €60 enrolment fee).

Can I take an official Italian exam in Florence?

Yes. Several schools are exam centres: ABC School and Centro Italiano Firenze for CILS, and Istituto Italiano for CELI, CERT.IT and CILS.

Do the schools help with accommodation?

Yes. Most arrange host families, shared flats or hotels; Istituto Italiano, for example, lists a single room in a shared flat from €260 a week.

Can a language school help me get a study visa?

Schools such as Koinè Center send an enrolment certificate for the visa application, but you should check the requirements with the Italian embassy or consulate in your country.