Study in France: Admissions

Language Tests for France University Admissions

A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in France.

Overview of English Language Requirements for France Universities

French schools ask for a language test in the language of your programme: English for English-taught courses, French for French-taught courses. More than 1,600 programmes in France are taught fully or partly in English. Each school sets its own minimum score.

Who Needs Language Testing?

Students applying to an English-taught programme: an English test.
Students applying to a French-taught programme: proof of French level, such as DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF (French tests). B2 is a mid-high level on a European language scale. You need B2 for year 1 through DAP (first-year bachelor's application). B1 or B2 is recommended for bachelor's and master's.

Common Exemptions

Example (HEC Paris, a business school): your whole previous degree was taught in English.
Example (HEC Paris): English is your native language.

Important Considerations

School's own score

Check the programme page for the score.

Which tests

Example: HEC Paris accepts TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge results.

TOEFL iBT

Since January 2026, TOEFL iBT uses a 1 to 6 scale, in steps of 0.5. For two years you also get the old 0 to 120 score.

Scoring System

Total Score

1 to 6, in steps of 0.5 (from January 2026), plus the old 0 to 120 score for two years

Score Release

Scores appear in your account with ETS (the company that runs TOEFL) 3 days after the test

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official ETS website to register for the TOEFL exam, view dates, and find testing centers.Visit TOEFL Site

IELTS

Accepted by many French schools for English-taught programmes. Example: HEC Paris accepts IELTS. Check your school's minimum IELTS score.

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official IELTS website to register for the exam, find test centers, and access preparation materials.Visit IELTS Site

French Tests and Other English Tests

For French-taught programmes, schools ask for a French level.

Other Alternative English Proficiency Tests

DELF (Diploma in French Language Studies)

French

An official French diploma from the Ministry of National Education. Four levels: A1, A2, B1 and B2 (CEFR levels, a European scale of language skill). Valid for life.

Typical Requirement:A1 to B2

Official Site

TOEIC

English

TOEIC is an English test from ETS. Example: HEC Paris accepts it (all four parts).

France Universities Accepting:Example: HEC Paris

Official Site

Scores Schools Ask For

There is no single national minimum score.

Need help preparing for your language test?

Test Exemptions

Some schools waive the English test.