CILS for Schools Program (CFSP)

In 2018, Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney became the first exam centre in NSW for the Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language (CILS) in partnership with the University for Foreigners of Siena, Italy.

The CILS for Schools Program (CFSP) was established in 2021 to support students in primary and secondary schools in NSW to attain an internationally-recognised qualification in Italian language through the University for Foreigners of Siena, Italy.

In 2026, Marco Polo will be providing 12 full-fee financial scholarships for High School students enrolled in one the following CILS courses and undertaking the relevant examination:

B1 (Intermediate)
  • 6 scholarships at Level B1 (Intermediate) for students in Years 11-12*
    • Course dates: Saturday, 14 March – 13 June 2026
    • Exam date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
    • Mode of Delivery: Blended Face-to-Face and Online

Applications: OPEN

*A student in Year 10 with mastery of the language may also be admitted to this course.

  • Level B1 (Intermediate):
    • Target Learners: Individuals with initial skills in Italian as a foreign language who are progressing toward intermediate proficiency.
    • Scope: Developing the ability to understand straightforward texts and use common expressions relevant to daily life.
    • Skills Developed:
      • Introducing themselves and providing basic personal information.
      • Asking and answering simple personal questions.
      • Engaging in basic conversations on familiar topics, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
    • This level builds confidence in practical communication for everyday situations.
  • Sample Examination: CILS B1 Cittadinanza
A2 (Pre-Intermediate)
  • 6 scholarships at Level A2 (Pre-Intermediate) for students in Years 9-10*
    • Course dates: Saturday, 12 September – 28 November 2026
    • Exam date: Thursday, 3 December 2026
    • Mode of Delivery: Blended Face-to-Face and Online 

Applications: OPEN

*A student in Year 11 Beginners may also be admitted to this course.

  • Level A2 (Pre-Intermediate):
    • Target: Learners dive into grammatical structures and everyday vocabulary and helps them to form the foundation of Italian as a foreign language
    • Scope: Assesses the ability to understand texts and use common phrases and expressions in relevant everyday contexts.
    • Skills: Engage in simple exchanges on familiar and common topics, including personal life, education, recreation and culture.
  • Sample Examination: CILS A2 Adolescenti

Complete a Scholarship Application online.

Each preparatory course will be delivered by a CILS exam specialist teacher and equips students with exam-readiness skills needed for the Higher School Certificate.

Candidates who may wish to sit other levels of the CILS Examination may attract a fee. An application for a scholarship or fee subsidy can still be made to the Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney. This will be considered on the merit of each case and availability of resources.

More information about the CILS Examination is also available from the Exam Centre webpage and the Unistrasi website.

For information on enrolments, please contact learning@cnansw.org.au or call (02) 8786 0888.