Many students who contact us before going abroad to study in France ask always the same first question: what level of French is required to study in France? Most universities and higher education establishments in France, especially the public ones, require the DELF B2 (intermediate) certificate. Few of them require the DALF C1 (advanced) certificate.
The required level of French to study in France depends on several factors, including:
Type of program:
Undergraduate and Master’s: Most public universities require at least a DELF B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This level indicates an ability to understand the main ideas of complex text, interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
Some universities, especially in fields like humanities and law, may require a C1 level (advanced).
PhD: C1 level is often the minimum requirement, with some programs demanding even higher proficiency, C2.
Language of instruction:
English-taught programs: Some universities or Higher Education Institutions like IKI-Paris Graduate School offer programs taught in English, so you might not need French at all for their courses. However, a B1 level and knowledge is still helpful for daily life.
French-taught programs: If your program is in French, fluency is crucial. Universities typically demand a B2 or C1 level, depending on the program’s difficulty.
Specific institutions:
Important: Each university or higher education establishment in France has its own admission requirements, so it’s crucial to contact them directly or to check their website for details. For example, some might accept lower levels with conditional offers, requiring you to take French language courses upon arrival and to take the TCF TP (TCF Tout Public) before to start your studies and take the requested DELF.
Here is some additional information to help you:
The DELF is an official, high-quality diploma, harmonised with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This diploma is recognised worldwide and is valid for life.
The Tout Public version of the DELF, diploma in French language studies for adults, is an official diploma issued by the Ministry of National Education. There are 4 diplomas that correspond to the first 4 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1 and DELF B2.
The DALF diploma:
The DALF, diploma in advanced French language studies, is a diploma issued by the Ministry of National Education. The DALF is made up of 2 independent diplomas that correspond to advanced levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: DALF C1 and DALF C2. This diploma is recognised worldwide and is valid for life.
However, it’s essential to check the specific language requirements of the program and institution you are interested in, as they may have their own standards.
Our advice: to learn French and to progress as quickly as possible to pass the DELF B2, do not hesitate to take an intensive French course or better, a super-intensive French course in France.
Our second piece of advice: shortly before taking your DELF exam, take a DELF preparation course. Several French schools, such as ACCORD French Language School in Paris, ALPADIA in Lyon or CIA in Antibes, offer lessons dedicated to preparation for the DELF.
Contact us and we will advise you.