Passerelle University Diploma (DU) – Students in Exile

In coordination with the MEnS Network, 11 universities, including Paris-Saclay University, have joined forces to offer a single application form for DU Passerelle courses in the Ile-de-France.

  • Information regarding applications will be provided at a later stage

The university diploma (DU) Passerelle is aimed at non-French-speaking students in exile (refugees, those under subsidiary/temporary protection, asylum seekers or anyone who has left their country of origin under duress or by force) who hold at least a secondary school leaving certificate (equivalent to a baccalaureate) and wish to begin or continue higher education in the French university system.

The DU Passerelle is mainly based on intensive learning of French as a Foreign Language (FLE). It includes activities focusing on oral and written comprehension and production. Each semester allows students to acquire a CECRL level in French. At the end of the year, students take a French language diploma (TCF or DELF) to officially certify the level they have achieved. 

In addition to FLE courses, the DU offers students workshops and activities focused on guidance, integration and socio-cultural awareness to support them in preparing for their academic and professional projects: courses on academic methodology, guidance workshops, CV and cover letter writing, application preparation, cultural and sporting activities. 

Throughout the year, students are supported by the programme's teaching and administrative team through regular individual meetings to review their situation and project.

Programme schedule

The DU Passerelle programme runs for a full academic year, organised into two 13-week semesters.

  • Semester 1: September to January
  • Semester 2: February to May

Classes are held 4 to 5 days a week. Attendance is compulsory and is a prerequisite for obtaining the diploma.

The course takes place at Paris Saclay University:

Faculté Jean Monnet
54 Boulevard Desgranges
92 330 Sceaux

Students are exempt from registration fees.

Students receive a student card giving them access to the facilities available to all students enrolled at the university: university library, cultural and sporting activities, social assistance, medical and psychological services, and computer loans. 

Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, students may be eligible for CROUS grants and accommodation based on social criteria. The programme secretariat can assist students with their applications

Admission criteria

  • Have refugee status, asylum seeker status or subsidiary/temporary protection status;
  • Be under 35 years of age;
  • Hold at least a high-school diploma (equivalent to a baccalauréat) in your country of origin;
  • Be genuinely motivated to start or continue university studies in France

Caution : French-speaking students are not eligible.

Contact

Secretariat: du.passerelle@universite-paris-saclay.fr