7 French Language Exams for Study Abroad

Thinking of studying in France or another French‑speaking country like Canada, Belgium, or Switzerland? One of the first steps is showing proof of your French skills. Many universities, immigration programs, and scholarships ask for an official certificate from a standardized exam.

This guide explains the main French exams (DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF), so you’ll know which one suits your goals, how they differ, and what to expect in terms of cost, validity, and recognition.

1. French Language Exams for Licence / Bachelor’s Degree

To study for a Bachelor’s degree abroad, most universities ask for proof of at least B2‑level French. These are the common French exams you can take to meet that requirement:

DELF B2: The Standard for Undergraduate Admission

The Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF B2) is one of the most widely accepted French certifications for students applying to universities in France. 

Organized by France Éducation International, it confirms that a candidate has reached the B2 level, an independent user of the language. 

At this stage, students can understand complex texts, express ideas clearly, and participate effectively in both academic and everyday conversations.

For international applicants, DELF B2 is often the safest choice. It is recognized by most French universities and, unlike some other exams, it never expires. 

That permanence makes it a valuable credential not only for study but also for future work or residency in French‑speaking environments.

• Validity: Lifetime
• Cost (2025): €150–220

In practice, DELF B2 reassures admissions committees that students are ready to meet the linguistic demands of higher education. Its broad recognition and lifetime validity make it the most reliable option for undergraduate applicants.

DALF C1: Advanced Certification for Elite Studies

The Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF C1) is an advanced certification that demonstrates a high level of French proficiency. 

Organized by France Éducation International, the DALF C1 certifies that a candidate can understand complex texts, speak fluently, and take part in advanced discussions.

For students applying to competitive programs in France, such as Sciences Po or certain grandes écoles, DALF C1 is often essential. 

These institutions expect proof of advanced language skills to ensure candidates can manage demanding coursework, research, and professional communication.

The DALF C1 never expires, so it’s a valuable credential for long‑term study, work, and career opportunities in French‑speaking countries.

• Validity: Lifetime
• Cost (2025): €180–250

In practice, DALF C1 is more than just a language test; it opens doors to France’s top universities and grandes écoles. 

Its recognition shows admissions committees that students have the advanced skills needed to succeed in demanding academic programs. It’s one of the most respected qualifications for graduate and specialized studies.

TCF pour la DAP: Entry Exam for Undergraduate Studies

The Test de Connaissance du Français – Demande d’Admission Préalable (TCF pour la DAP) is a special version of the TCF created for students applying to the first year of undergraduate studies in France. 

It is organized by France Éducation International and is a mandatory requirement for non‑EU students who must complete the DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable) procedure to enter Licence 1.

This exam usually requires a B2 level of French, though in some cases B1 may be accepted. Unlike the DELF or DALF, which are valid for life, the TCF pour la DAP is only valid for two years. 

This means students may need to retake it if their application is delayed or postponed. Its lower cost and specific purpose make it a practical choice for students beginning their academic journey in France.

• Validity: 2 years
• Cost (2025): €80–120

In short, the TCF pour la DAP is the official gateway for many international students entering French universities at the undergraduate level. It ensures applicants have the minimum language skills needed to succeed, while also helping institutions with the admissions process.

TCF Tout Public: General French Proficiency Exam

The Test de Connaissance du Français – Tout Public (TCF Tout Public) is the general version of the TCF exam. 

Organized by France Éducation International, it measures overall French proficiency and is often chosen by students applying to universities who do not need to follow the specific DAP procedure.

The exam usually requires a B2 level or higher, which makes it suitable for undergraduate studies where independent language skills are needed. 

Unlike the DELF or DALF, the TCF Tout Public is valid for only two years, so students may have to retake it if their application or study plans go beyond that time. Its lower cost and broad acceptance across institutions make it a practical choice for many candidates.

• Validity: 2 years
• Cost (2025): €80–120

In short, the TCF Tout Public is a flexible alternative to DELF or DALF. It gives students recognized certification for university admission at a lower cost. 

While it’s only valid for two years, its accessibility and wide acceptance make it a convenient choice for proving French proficiency.

2. French Language Exams for Master’s and Grande École Programs

Graduate and elite programs expect a higher level of French proficiency. While some universities may still accept the DELF B2, it is rarely enough for competitive programs. 

At this stage, students are expected to show advanced mastery of the language and handle complex academic texts, research, and professional communication.

The DALF C1/C2 is strongly recommended for a Master’s degree and is usually required by top schools such as HEC, ESSEC, Sciences Po, and the Sorbonne. 

Also, holding a DALF certification shows that a student can function at a near‑native level, so it’s the gold standard for graduate and elite admissions.

Other exams can also prove advanced proficiency:

• The TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is often accepted with scores between 699 and 833, which correspond to about the C1 level.
• The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is widely recognized, with scores of 500 or above indicating C1 proficiency.

Here’s a Quick summary:

• DELF B2 → Sometimes accepted, but rarely enough for competitive programs.
• DALF C1/C2 → Strongly recommended; required by top schools (HEC, ESSEC, Sciences Po, Sorbonne).
• TEF → Score 699–833 (≈C1) is often accepted.
• TCF → Score 500+ (≈C1) widely accepted.

3. Studying in Quebec (Canada) 

Quebec universities and immigration authorities recognize several French language exams for both academic admission and immigration purposes. 

The exam you choose depends on whether you are applying for a university program or meeting immigration requirements. In most cases, a B2 to C1 level is expected.

TEF Canada / TEF Québec

The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) is commonly used in Quebec for both immigration and university admission. It is seen as one of the most reliable exams to prove French proficiency, especially for official immigration processes.

• Required For: Immigration + university admission
• Minimum Score: Usually B2–C1 equivalent

TCF Canada / TCF Québec

The Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) is also recognized by Quebec institutions and immigration authorities. Like the TEF, it is accepted for both academic and residency applications.

• Required For: Immigration + university admission
• Minimum Score: B2–C1

DELF / DALF

Many Quebec universities accept the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française).

These exams are helpful for students who want a certification that never expires and proves their French proficiency for life.

• Required For: University admission
• Minimum Score: B2 or C1

Now that we have reviewed all the tests, let’s have a quick comparison of the French language exams:

Comparison of The French Language Exams for Study Abroad

When choosing a French exam, it helps to compare them side by side. Each test differs in validity, recognition, and format. 

Acceptance by Campus France and options for online testing also vary, which can affect your decision depending on deadlines, location, and convenience.

Conclusion

Picking the right French exam is an important step when preparing to study in France or other French‑speaking regions. Each exam has its own purpose, whether for undergraduate admission, elite graduate programs, or immigration requirements in Canada and Quebec.

For most undergraduate applicants, the DELF B2 is a safe and widely accepted choice. For competitive institutions and scholarships, the DALF C1/C2 is the benchmark. Finally, the TCF and TEF are flexible exams that use score‑based results and are useful for immigration pathways.

Your choice of French language exam should match your academic goals, the institution you’re applying to, and your long‑term plans. 

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