Learning French

If you enroll in a study program taught in English, are a PhD student or a researcher, English will most likely be your main working language. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend that you acquire some basic skills in French in order to communicate with the locals. It will be easier for you to make friends and thoroughly enjoy your time in France!

Prior to your departure...

The Alliance Française has a network of centers in 132 different countries. French classes are adapted to all levels and all audiences: children, teenagers, adults, professionals, students and more. More information and nearest center to your current location.

You can also contact your current university in order to find out whether they have a French program or a partnership agreement with the local Alliance Française center.

Please note

Member institutions require you have a minimum level of French in order to enroll in a study program taught in French. For this reason, we strongly advise you take one of the following tests:

• The Test pour les Etudes en France (TEF), which is compulsory for any international student applying for the first time to an undergraduate program (1st years) in a French university. For more information about the TEF, click here and/or contact the institution where you will be studying, or;
• The Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF), or;
• The Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française (DALF).

The DELF and the DALF diplomas are valid indefinitely. The tests you may be able to take will vary depending on your situation, in most cases it will be:

• The DELF tout public, or ;
• The DELF Pro, or ;
• The DALF.

For more information on the DELF and DALF, visit the Centre International d'Etudes Pedagogiques (CIEP) website and contact the services of the institution where you will be studying.