Master French Language and Culture with an Officially Recognized French University Diploma
The Diplôme Universitaire d'Études Françaises (DUEF) is a semester or year-long immersive program designed for non-native French speakers. Study at A2, B1, B2, or C1 level — 20 contact hours per week — at one of France's leading universities.
240 hours of immersive French — every semester.
The DUEF is structured around 20 weekly contact hours over 12–13 weeks per semester. Students are placed in level-appropriate groups after a placement test, ensuring every class advances your French at exactly the right pace.
French Language Core
20 contact hours per week covering grammar, oral expression, written comprehension, and listening skills in small groups of 14–20 students.
French Civilisation
Optional module exploring French history, art, geography, and contemporary society — taught entirely in French.
Phonetics & Pronunciation
Intensive oral workshops targeting accent reduction, liaison rules, and natural spoken French rhythm.
Literature & Culture
Selected texts from Flaubert to Houellebecq — developing advanced reading comprehension and critical analysis.
Business French
Professional communication, correspondence, and negotiation vocabulary for career-oriented students.
Official Diploma Awarded
On successful completion, students receive the DUEF — an official university diploma recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education.
More than a language course — a full French university experience.
The DUEF grants you the same rights as any French university student — from official visa documentation to government housing grants. It's the fastest, most recognized path to French academic life.
Official University Diploma
Issued by your enrolled French university
Recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education
The DUEF is an official university diploma — not a language school certificate — backed by the full authority of the French state.
Pathway to Grandes Écoles & Masters
DUEF graduates can apply to French master's programs and grandes écoles. Many universities accept DUEF in lieu of DELF/DALF for admission.
Full University Integration
You are a registered student of a French university — access libraries, labs, student associations, and all campus facilities.
Student Visa Eligibility (VLS-TS)
Your pre-registration certificate enables you to apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) — the same visa used for full degree programs.
CAF Housing Assistance
As an enrolled student, you are eligible to apply for CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) housing subsidies to reduce accommodation costs.
Sports, Culture & Student Life
Full access to university sports facilities, cultural events, student unions, and the language exchange buddy system.
Five great cities. One official diploma.
Each university issues the same DUEF diploma — choose your city based on lifestyle, climate, and campus culture.
Université de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, Grand Est
Starts
Sept 2025 · Jan 2026
Tuition
€1,975 / semester
Levels
A2 → C1
Université Grenoble Alpes
Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Starts
Sept 2025 · Jan 2026
Tuition
€1,875 / semester
Levels
A2 → C1
Université de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Starts
Sept 2025 · Feb 2026
Tuition
€1,925 / semester
Levels
A2 → C1
Université Lumière Lyon 2
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Starts
Sept 2025 · Jan 2026
Tuition
€1,875 / semester
Levels
A2 → C1
Université de Paris
Paris, Île-de-France
Starts
Sept 2025 · Jan 2026
Tuition
€2,100 / semester
Levels
A2 → C1
Five steps from application to arrival.
Applications for September 2025 intake open in March. January intake applications open in October. The entire process takes 4–8 weeks from submission to acceptance.
Start ApplicationOnline Application
Complete the application form on the eCandidat platform of your chosen university. Takes 20–30 minutes.
Document Submission
Upload your passport, academic transcripts, and a motivation letter (accepted in French, English, or Spanish).
Language Placement Test
A free online assessment determines your CEFR level — no preparation needed. Results in 48 hours.
Acceptance & Visa Support
Receive your pre-registration certificate — used directly for your VLS-TS student visa application at Campus France.
Arrival & Orientation Week
Dedicated welcome week for DUEF students: campus tour, administrative registration, buddy system pairing, and city orientation.
"No French? No problem."
We place students from absolute zero to advanced — the placement test does the sorting.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age 18
All applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
Non-Native French Speaker
The DUEF is designed exclusively for students whose native language is not French.
Minimum A1 Level at Entry
Absolute beginners are welcome. A free online placement test determines your class level — no prior preparation required.
Any Academic Background
Whether you hold a high school diploma or a postgraduate degree, all academic backgrounds are accepted for DUEF admission.
Required Documents
- · Valid passport (copy)
- · Academic transcripts or diploma
- · Motivation letter (1 page)
- · Passport-size photo
Study French. Live French. Become French.
University Residences & Private Accommodation
Cultural Excursions Across France
Language Exchange Buddy System
Sports Facilities & Student Clubs
What our students say
"I came to Strasbourg speaking textbook French. After one semester of DUEF, I passed the DALF C1 and enrolled directly in a French master's program. The small class sizes make all the difference."
DUEF B2 — Université de Strasbourg
"The CAF housing subsidy saved me €200 per month. DUEF students have the same rights as French students — that surprised me. Bordeaux is stunning and the program is rigorous."
DUEF B1 — Université de Bordeaux
"I completed two consecutive DUEF semesters — A2 in autumn, B1 in spring. The phonetics module fixed pronunciation issues I had struggled with for years. I now work in Paris."
DUEF A2 → B2 — Université Grenoble Alpes
"As a German speaker with some French, I needed official certification for my French employer. DUEF C1 at Lyon 2 was exactly that — academically demanding and university-recognized."
DUEF C1 — Université Lumière Lyon 2
"The language exchange buddy system paired me with a French law student. We met weekly. By December I was following lectures in a French university course — something I never imagined possible."
DUEF B2 — Université de Paris
"The application process was straightforward — Campus France helped with visa. I received my acceptance letter in 3 weeks. The orientation week in Strasbourg made me feel at home immediately."
DUEF B1 — Université de Strasbourg
Transparent costs. Real scholarships.
DUEF tuition is set by French universities and is among the most affordable official university programs in Europe. Multiple scholarship pathways exist to further reduce your costs.
Program Cost Breakdown
DUEF Tuition (per semester)
Varies by university
CVEC Student Life Tax
Annual — paid once
Campus France Processing Fee
Varies by country
University Health Insurance
Mandatory for non-EU
University Residence (CROUS)
After CAF subsidy
Monthly Living Estimate
Food, transport, personal
* CAF housing subsidy of €100–€200/month available to enrolled students. Figures for 2025–2026 academic year.
Scholarship Opportunities
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Campus France / French Government
Prestigious French government scholarship for outstanding international students. Covers tuition, stipend, and health insurance.
Regional Council Grants
Conseil Régional
Several French regions offer grants to international students enrolled in local universities. Check your chosen city's regional council.
Bilateral Agreements
Your home country government
Many countries have bilateral education agreements with France. Check with your national education ministry for co-funded placements.
Campus France Fee Waiver
Students from countries with bilateral agreements may be exempt from Campus France processing fees. Contact your national Campus France office for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Our team responds within 24 hours.
Contact UsReady to start your French university journey?
Send us an inquiry and our international admissions team will respond within 24 hours. We speak English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.
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University International Offices
Applications for Sept 2025 close July 15.
Secure your place before the deadline. The placement test is free and takes 30 minutes.
Apply Now for 2025–2026