France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and is home to almost 370,000 international students. That is quite a big number and the main reason behind it is that France offers great educational opportunities and scholarships to students from all around the world. It has some of the world’s best institutes, famous for their research and development. So if you are looking to study abroad for your bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree, you should give France a chance.
French is the number one spoken language in France followed closely by English. To study in any of the breathtaking cities of France, each international student needs to have some prerequisites among which your language abilities play a considerable role. In this article, we will take you through all the language tests needed in France for international students like you!
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in France
Usually in non-English countries, the basic knowledge of their official language and the English language is required for the student to survive. The student can find some of his native people there who can help them out. Globally, it is also a standard practice that any international student who plans on going to any other country must know a considerable amount of the English language and the official language of that country.
French Language Tests for International Students
There are various types of French language tests that non-French students can take but the DELF or DALF and the TEF are the most prestigious tests and are issued by the French Ministry of Education.
1. DELF or DALF
DELF stands for Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française and DALF stands for Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française. These language tests in France differ only in the level of proficiency in the French language and collectively have six levels:
- DELF A1: Breakthrough or beginner
- DELF A2: Waystage or elementary
- DELF B1: Threshold or intermediate
- DELF B2: Vantage or upper-intermediate
- DALF C1: Effective Operational Proficiency or Advanced
- DALF C2: Mastery or proficiency
The DALF C1 and C2 are the highest forms of French language proficiency tests for non-natives. You can select the level of difficulty based on your skills in the language as the test has four modules: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. Each module carries 25 marks so the test is of 100 total marks. There are 900 test centers for these tests in 154 countries so you can select the one which suits you best.
The passing marks for these tests are 50/100. Once you have given the DELF/DALF, the results will be valid for the rest of your life. Almost all universities in France like Sorbonne University accept these tests so once you acquire them, the only thing left is to apply.
2. TEF – Test d’Evaluation de Français
The TEF stands for Test d’Evaluation de Français. This test has four modules: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The results of this test will last for two years only and are very famous for immigrants who are looking to go either on a student visa or on a work permit to Canada or France. For the French language proficiency requirement, there are three types of TEF:
- TEF Études
- TEF Naturalisation
- TEF Carte de résident
- Apart from these three tests, the TEF Canada and TEF Quebec are for Canadian immigration only.
For international students, TEF Études is the way to go and it has written comprehension, oral comprehension, written expression, and vocabulary & syntax as the main modules. These tests are accepted in all public and private universities in France like Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris and the Université Paris-Saclay.
The test has a total score of 699 and you get a grade for whichever pool you lie in. The grades are A1 (100-199), A2 (200-299), B1 (300-399), B2 (400-499), C1 (500-599), and C2 (600-699). To pass this language test needed in France, you should have a B2 level which is between 400 to 499.
English Language Tests For International Students
For international students, it is of utmost importance to have a valid English proficiency test with a good score because this will help them in many ways on their international education journey. The best thing about these tests is that they are easy and do not need much preparation if your previous education was also in the English language.
For English tests needed in France, please use these tests:
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is the world-famous English proficiency test that comprises four modules: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The tests are accepted worldwide and also in almost all universities in France like Sorbonne University and Université Paris-Saclay. The scoring of the test is written in bands from 1 to 9 and any band above 5 – 6 is considered good if you are an international student.
Many organizations conduct IELTS all around the world like the British Council or IDP. You can opt for any one of them at your convenience. The test results last for two years from the day that you receive your result. The best thing about this test is that it can be given on a computer and also on paper.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL is yet another great English proficiency test that is accepted worldwide. It has four modules: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is said that it is harder to score well in TOEFL as compared to IELTS but if you believe in yourself, you should go ahead and give your best in TOEFL. The score range of TOEFL is 0 – 120. Anything above or around 90 is considered good.
Various corporations conduct TOEFL so select the one that is most convenient for you. You can choose to take a computer-based TOEFL or a paper-based TOEFL test. The TOEFL score is valid for two years only. This language test is highly accepted in France.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
Duolingo is an online English proficiency test-taking platform. The test has slowly made its way among the widely accepted proficiency tests in the world but still, it is not accepted everywhere. So if you plan on taking the test, please check beforehand whether the university and the country that you are applying to accept this test or not. The ICN Business School and Audencia Business School accept the Duolingo test in France.
If you are not sure about your university, you can go over to this website and search whether your university accepts Duolingo. The Duolingo score is reported on a scale of 10 – 160 and a score above 110 is considered good.
Now you know a great deal about the language requirements for international students for French universities and visas. Make sure you prepare well beforehand for these tests. Good Luck!
We hope this article on language tests needed in France for international students is informative and helpful. You can also find more information on European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Study in France and Available Programs for International Students pages.
