Italian Language Tests for PhD Study

Language requirements for studying in Italy depend on your chosen university and course, with most Italian-taught programmes requiring proof of Italian proficiency, while English-taught courses may instead require an English language qualification.

In this guide, I’ll explain how you can demonstrate Italian language skills for your PhD programme in Italy. I’ll outline the two main internationally recognised Italian proficiency tests Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera (CILS) and Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (CELI) so you can understand how each of them are structured and assessed.

Firstly, for both tests and similarly to the French DELF/DALF and Spanish DELE, there is no score; your level of proficiency is reflected by the highest level of diploma you hold.

Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera (CILS)

CILS is divided into four levels:

• Beginner (CILS Uno; equivalent to CEFLR B1).
• Elementary (CILS Due; equivalent to CEFLR B2).
• Intermediate (CILS Trè; equivalent to CEFLR C1).
• Advanced (CILS Quattro; equivalent to CEFLR C2).

The CILS exams evaluates and consists of five parts:

• Listening test.
• Reading comprehension.
• Use of the Italian language or metalanguage (According to Wikipedia: the language used to make statements about statements in another language).
• Written test.
• Speaking test.

Each section of the exam is weighted equally and all must be passed to successfully recieve the qualification. Registration must take place at least 45 days before the exam.

Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (CELI)

CELI is an alternative exam which consists of five language proficiency tests designed to evaluate Italian proficiency in non-native speakers.

CELI has three levels:

• CELI Uno.
• CELI Due .
• CELI Trè.

Except for CELI Uno, which is a simple pass or fail, different grades are given (A, B, C are pass grades). The test consists of four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. For PhD study, universities will typically ask for a passed CELI Trè

Examinations

Both CILS and CELI exams are regulated by their parent institutions (Siena and Perugia, respectively). Examination centres, certified by the two institutions, can be found all over the world.

CILS exams are normally hosted in June and December and CELI exams are available throughout the year depending on which country you sit the exam. As a general rule, the higher the level you take, the longer the exam (up to five and a half hours for CILS Quattro).

You will have to pay a registration fee which varies from centre to centre.

Tips from the author

I hope this guide has helped demystify Italian language tests for PhD study and made the requirements feel more manageable. In most cases, proving your language ability is a straightforward administrative step rather than a major obstacle.

My main advice is to plan ahead. Test dates are limited and results can take time, so give yourself plenty of breathing room before application deadlines. Even if you’re applying for an English-taught PhD, building some Italian skills early will make your move and daily life in Italy much easier.

Good luck!