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To enroll in the first, second and third year of a program in a university (Licence

1, 2 and 3), in a Master’s program (Master 1 and 2), in one of France’s Grandes

Ecoles, or school of architecture, international students (from outside the

European Union) must follow the DAP/Hors DAP admission process1. As part of

their application, students must demonstrate their level of French proficiency by

passing a language test (TCF or TCF-DAP) or by earning a diploma (DELF/DALF).

While most schools accept either the TCF B2 or the DELF B2, specific

requirements may apply, and you may be required to submit scores from a

specific test and with a higher level of proficiency (C1).

Note: There are no standardized requirements. Prospective students should contact the institutions directly

for information about their specific language requirements. In some cases, students may be exempted

from this requirement if they are able to demonstrate their proficiency in French (ask Campus France USA

for more details).

1 This is the procedure for students wishing to apply to a full undergraduate or graduate

degree program at a French higher education institution. Information about the

application can be found here.

Diplomas/Certificates in French language

Several French proficiency tests and French language diplomas are accepted

for purposes of admission into a French institution of higher education.

Study in France

Tests and diplomas of French as a foreign language enable applicants

for Licence and Master’s programs to demonstrate their level of

French proficiency.

Students who prepare for a test or diploma in French as a foreign

language in France earn higher scores because of the cultural and

linguistic immersion experience.

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

Study French as a foreign language

Preparing for the DELF and DALF examinations requires structure and

planning but guarantees a good command of French. Plus the diploma

is valid for life!

Many language schools in France and abroad provide rapid

preparation for certain tests of French as a foreign

language, such as the TCF and TEF.

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

A large number of schools and centers (some private, some nonprofit, some

university-affiliated) in France and abroad offer classes of French as a foreign

language and preparation for language tests and diplomas.

They also may have earned national certification for quality in

French as a foreign language by the French ministries of Foreign

and European Affairs, Higher Education and Research, and been

awarded the “Qualité FLE” label (96 centers in 2014 in France

only): www.qualitefle.fr/en

Where to study French as a foreign language?

Some centers may be members of a network such as the

Alliance Française (71 centers in the United States):

www.alliance-us.org.

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

Certificates of French proficiency and diplomas in

French language

TCF (Test de connaissance du français)

Administrated by the French Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher

Education and Research.

Test results are valid for 2 years http://www.ciep.fr/tcf

Study in France: a specific version of the TCF (TCF-DAP) is required

for applications for preliminary admission (DAP). The TCF-DAP

includes a mandatory test of written French.

http://www.ciep.fr/tcf-dap

626 accredited centers located in 141 countries, including France (In 2014, there were 22

accredited TCF centers in the United States).

Candidates should contact an approved center for information on test

dates and fees. www.ciep.fr/en/tcf-tout-public/approved-tcf-test-centres

Note: the required test score varies from institution to institution and from program to program.

Prospective students should contact the institutions directly for information about their specific

language requirements. Candidates wishing to retake the TCF or TCF-DAP must wait 60 days from

the date of their prior sitting.

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

Certificates of French proficiency and diplomas in

French language

The DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF

(Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française).

Conferred by the French Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Higher

Education and Research.

6 different diplomas, corresponding to the 6 levels of the Common European Frame of

Reference for Languages (CEFR): DELF A1, A2, B1, B2 / DALF: C1 and C2.

1000 test centers are found in secondary schools, language

schools, universities, Alliances Françaises and French institutes

in 164 countries, including France (In 2014, there were 22

accredited DELF/DALF centers in the United States).

www.ciep.fr/delf-tout-public/coordonnees-centres-dexamen

Candidates should contact an

approved center for information

on test dates and fees.

Note: the level required may vary from institution to institution and from program to program.

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

The DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) – A1/A2 levels

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

The DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) – B1/B2 levels

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

The DALF (Diplôme Approndi Langue Française) – C1/C2 levels

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Diplomas/Certificates in French language

Certificates of French proficiency and diplomas in

French language

TEF (Test d’évaluation de français)

Administrated by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP)

Candidates may take the TEF as often as they wish.

The validity of the TEF results is open-ended.

CCIP recommends that results should be accepted for one year

from the date of the test. www.fda.ccip.fr/tef/epreuves

400 accredited centers located in 100 countries, including France

(In 2014, there were 14 accredited TEF centers in the United

States).

Candidates should contact an approved center for information on

test dates and fees. Each center sets its own test dates and fees.

www.francais.cci-paris-idf.fr/

Note: the required level may vary from institution to institution and from program to program.