Program Overview

Introduction to the DELF DALF Program

The Laboratorio di lingue moderne at the Universit‡ della Svizzera italiana collaborates with the Centro d'esami DELF DALF Grigioni and Ticino to offer the DELF (DiplÙme d'Etudes en Langue FranÁaise) and DALF (DiplÙme Approfondi de Langue FranÁaise) certifications. These certifications are official French language certificates designed for individuals whose native language is not French.

Difference between DELF and DALF

The main difference between the DELF and DALF certifications lies in the linguistic levels they verify. The DELF verifies levels A1 to B2, while the DALF verifies levels C1 and C2. The DELF DALF certificate confirms mastery of the four linguistic competencies.

Importance of DELF or DALF Certification

A DELF or DALF certification is important and beneficial for several reasons:

• It is an internationally recognized French language certificate.
• French is one of the four national languages of Switzerland.
• Multilingualism is crucial in Swiss education.
• Proficiency in French expands study and career opportunities in Switzerland and abroad.
• An official certificate is a requirement for admission to universities in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and other French-speaking countries.
• It may be a requirement for USI mobility programs.
• Good knowledge of French is essential for professional integration, not only in French-speaking cantons but throughout Switzerland.

Courses Offered

The Universit‡ della Svizzera italiana offers practical French courses and preparation courses for the DELF DALF B2 exam. These courses are:

• Free for USI members.
• Available at a cost for USI Alumni and students from other Swiss universities.
• Available at a cost for external users.

Teachers

The USI French language teachers include:

• Anne Criblez
• Typhaine Manzato

Exam Sessions

In the Canton of Ticino, the DELF DALF exams are held four times a year:

• In Bellinzona, at the SCC Scuola cantonale di commercio Bellinzona, in March, June, and November, offering levels A2 to C1.
• In Lugano, at the USI Universit‡ della Svizzera italiana, in September, offering levels A1 to C2.

September Exam Session at USI

The September exam session at USI is open to anyone interested in taking the exam, including non-USI students. Details include:

• Exam date for C2: Friday, September 18, 2026.
• Exam dates for levels A1 to C1: Saturday, September 19, 2026.
• Deadline for registration: Friday, August 7, 2026.
• Each level's exam will be activated at USI only if a minimum of 5 candidates register. If this number is not reached, the exam will be canceled, but candidates can take the exam in November in Bellinzona without additional costs, for levels A2 to C1.

Faculties

The Universit‡ della Svizzera italiana comprises several faculties, including:

• Accademia di architettura
• Facolt‡ di comunicazione, cultura e societ‡
• Facolt‡ di scienze biomediche
• Facolt‡ di scienze economiche
• Facolt‡ di scienze informatiche

Target Audience

The programs and courses are designed for:

• Students
• Doctoral students
• Academic staff
• Administrative staff

Theme

The primary theme of the discussed program is languages, with a focus on French.