Overview
The Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM) in Naples is a university school of advanced studies. Every year it runs a competition for its Ordinary Course, open to students from anywhere in the world. Selected students, called allievi, follow their degree at the University of Naples Federico II and, in parallel, the extra courses of the SSM. The call is in Italian. This page uses the 2025/2026 call as its main example, so check the current call for the cycle you are applying to.
Who can apply
You must be under 21 if you are enrolling in a three-year degree (laurea triennale), or under 25 if you are enrolling in a master's degree (laurea magistrale). Candidates can enter at the first year or, in some fields, at the fourth year. The call also fixes which degree classes give access, and these were extended for the Law and Organizational Studies course in 2025.
Levels or stages
The competition covers separate courses, each with its own tests.
Humanities and law
The 2025/2026 call offered four courses in this area: Archaeology and Cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean (ACMA), Global History and Governance (GHG), Law and Organizational Studies for the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion (LOSPD), and Texts, Traditions and Cultures of the Book (TTCL). Each has two written tests and an oral. The first written test is usually analysis and commentary of a text, and the second is a different task, depending on the course.
| Course | First written test | Second written test | Oral |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACMA | Analysis and commentary of a classical text (in the original and in translation), a scholar's text or an image | Questionnaire with open questions on the set readings | Discussion of both written tests and of the set texts, plus a topic of your choice: translating a classical text, or identifying images of finds, monuments or inscriptions |
| GHG | Analysis and commentary of a text | Essay on a broad theme of modern history (16th to 18th century) or contemporary history (19th to 21st century) | Two oral tests: global and imperial history, and the great conflicts of the contemporary world; fourth-year entry candidates take a test on the major themes of modern or contemporary history |
| LOSPD | Analysis and interpretation of a text | Questionnaire with open questions on the set texts | Two oral tests: discussion of the written tests, and an exam on the set texts |
| TTCL | Stylistic and thematic analysis of an Italian prose or poetry text, placed in its historical and literary context | Translation of a Latin text, with commentary | Knowledge of Italian literary history and a set of authors (including at least 15 cantos of Dante's Commedia), Latin literature, and the set readings |
Mathematics, Physics and Engineering (MFI)
Candidates are tested in mathematics and in physics, with written and oral parts. The SSM publishes a list of prerequisite topics for each subject, recommended books and sample problems, and past papers. The mathematics topics cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, set theory, combinatorics and basic probability. A published 2021 physics paper allowed four hours.
Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, and advanced entry
For the Chemical and Biomedical Sciences course (first-level entry), the published prerequisites cover biology and chemistry. For advanced entry (fourth year) in Molecular Sciences for Earth and Space, and in Genomic and Experimental Medicine, there are written tests on chemistry or biology, with published sample questions in English and Italian.
Exam pattern
Entry is through written tests, followed by oral tests for those who pass the written stage. The number and content of tests depend on the course, as shown above. For 2025/2026 the written tests were held on 10 and 11 September 2025 at the Federico II building on via Marina 33, Naples, and the oral tests for Mathematics, Physics and Engineering on 17 to 19 September 2025. Start times differed by course (8:00 for MFI, 9:00 for the others).
Marking and results
The notices published by the school do not state the scoring scale or pass threshold, so check the full call. The SSM publishes results of the oral tests and the ranking list, and places can be filled from the ranking if some admitted candidates do not enrol.
Important dates
For 2025/2026: the call was published on 7 January 2025, applications closed at 16:00 on 29 August 2025, written tests were on 10 to 11 September 2025, and oral tests followed from 17 to 19 September 2025 (for MFI). Dates change each year.
Fees
The notices published by the school mention no application fee. Admitted students receive free board and lodging, exemption from university contributions and an annual scholarship.
How to apply
Apply only online through the PICA application, linked from the call page on the SSM site, before the deadline. Bring a valid identity document to the tests. Details of the call, required documents and the available places are in the full call (bando), so read it before applying. There were 40 places in 2025/2026.
After the exam
Admitted students enrol both at Federico II for their degree and at the SSM. To stay in the programme, they must keep a 27/30 average with no mark below 24/30, and be up to date with their exams. International study experiences are encouraged.
Preparation tips
Use the course-specific material on the Ammissione page: it lists reading lists, prerequisite topics and past papers.
For the humanities courses, prepare the readings named in the call, as both the second written test and the orals draw on them.
For MFI, practise problem solving beyond the school syllabus, using the books and past papers the school recommends.
Is the SSM open to international students?
Yes. The competition is open to students worldwide, within the age limits of under 21 for a three-year degree or under 25 for a master's.
Is there an application fee?
The notices mention none. Check the call for the current year.
What must I do to keep my place?
Stay up to date with your exams and keep a 27/30 average, with no mark below 24/30.