Do I need to speak French to study in France?

It's one of the most common questions we hear from Saudi students: "Do I really need to speak French to study in France?" The short answer is: not necessarily. France has dramatically expanded its English-taught programs in recent years, and many top institutions now offer complete degrees in English. However, having some French will significantly enrich your experience, both academically and personally.

In this guide, we'll break down your options, explain the language requirements for different types of programs, and give you a practical roadmap for language preparation.

English-taught programs in France

France now offers over 1,600 programs taught entirely in English, spanning Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and PhD levels. This number has grown dramatically over the past decade as French institutions seek to attract more international talent.

Business schools (Grandes Ecoles de Commerce)

Business schools lead the way in English-taught education. Nearly all top-ranked French business schools offer full programs in English:

• HEC Paris: MBA and specialized Master's programs fully in English
• ESSEC: Global BBA (Bachelor) and Master in Management with English tracks
• ESCP Business School: Multiple Master's programs offered in English across European campuses
• INSEAD: MBA and Executive programs entirely in English
• EDHEC, emlyon, SKEMA, Kedge: English-track options at all levels

Engineering schools

Engineering schools have been expanding their English offerings, particularly at the Master's level:

• Ecole Polytechnique: Bachelor and Master programs in English
• CentraleSupelec: Several Master's programs in English
• ENSTA Paris, Mines Paris, Telecom Paris: English-taught Master's specializations

Universities

Public universities are increasingly joining this trend. Notable English-taught programs include those at Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, Sciences Po (which offers its entire undergraduate degree in English), and Université PSL.

French language requirements: DELF, DALF, and TCF

If you choose a French-taught program, you'll need to prove your language proficiency. Here are the main certifications:

DELF / DALF

The DELF (Diplome d'Etudes en Langue Francaise) and DALF (Diplome Approfondi de Langue Francaise) are official French language diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education. They are valid for life.

• DELF B2: The minimum level typically required for university admission. Demonstrates independent language use.
• DALF C1: Required by some competitive programs and Grandes Ecoles. Shows advanced proficiency.
• DALF C2: Near-native level, rarely required but impressive on applications.

TCF (Test de Connaissance du Francais)

The TCF is a standardized test (similar to TOEFL for English) that provides a score rather than a pass/fail result. It's valid for two years and is required for the DAP (Demande d'Admission Prealable) procedure used by some universities. The specific version you need is the TCF DAP or TCF pour la DAP.

English language requirements

For English-taught programs, you'll need to demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted tests typically include:

• IELTS Academic: Usually 6.0-7.0 minimum depending on the program
• TOEFL iBT: Typically 80-100 minimum
• Cambridge exams: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
• Duolingo English Test: Increasingly accepted, especially post-COVID

How to prepare: a practical timeline

Whether you plan to study in French or just want to learn enough for daily life, here's a realistic preparation timeline:

12-18 months before departure (for French-taught programs)

1. Start with an intensive course: Enroll in a French language school in Saudi Arabia (Alliance Francaise Riyadh/Jeddah) or take structured online courses
2. Set a target level: Aim for B1 before arrival and B2 within your first year in France
3. Practice daily: Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel for 20-30 minutes, plus French podcasts and YouTube channels
4. Take the official test: Register for DELF B2 or TCF well in advance of application deadlines

6 months before departure (for English-taught programs)

1. Learn survival French: Even if studying in English, aim for A1-A2 level for daily life (shopping, transport, administration)
2. Focus on practical vocabulary: Numbers, directions, restaurant ordering, administrative terms
3. Explore FLE courses: Many universities offer free or subsidized FLE (French as a Foreign Language) courses for enrolled students

Language schools in France

Once in France, you have excellent options to continue improving your French:

• Alliance Francaise: The gold standard for French language instruction, with branches in every major city
• University language centers (DUEF/DUFLE): University diplomas in French that combine with your main studies
• OFII integration program: Free French courses offered to foreign residents through the French Immigration Office
• Tandem language exchanges: Free conversation practice with French students who want to learn Arabic, a great way to make friends too

Why learning French matters, even if you don't need it

Beyond academic requirements, learning French dramatically improves your quality of life in France:

• Daily life is easier: Administrative processes, doctor visits, apartment rentals, and banking all happen in French
• Career advantages: French-speaking professionals are in high demand globally, especially in diplomacy, luxury, fashion, and international organizations
• Social integration: Making French friends, participating in activities, and truly experiencing the culture requires some French
• Vision 2030 relevance: As Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with France in tourism, culture, and business, bilingual professionals are increasingly valued