How Much Does It Cost to Take The TEF Exam?

If you're planning to take the TEF exam, whether for French citizenship, professional certification, or immigration to Canada, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: "How much does it cost?" 

The thing is, TEF exam fees vary by country and test center. Even the type of TEF test you’re taking and how many modules you select affect the cost. 

This blog post looks at the TEF exam costs around the world. We’ll take a closer look at Canada, India, and Nigeria, and also mention a few other countries for comparison. The prices are updated for late 2025, but they can change, so don’t forget to check with your local test center.

How Much Does the TEF Exam Cost and Why Do Fees Vary?

As you might know, the TEF test is a worldwide-recognized test for French proficiency, especially for immigration to Canada and France. There are different versions:

• TEF Canada: Used for federal immigration programs like Express Entry.
• TEF Québec (TEFaQ): For Québec’s skilled worker program.
• TEF IRN: For French citizenship (naturalization).
• General TEF: For studies, work, or other general purposes.

As for TEF fees, globally, there isn’t a single authority that sets TEF exam fees. Each approved test center (usually the Alliance Française branches) decides the price based on local costs, demand, and taxes. Because of this, the amount you pay can vary depending on where you register.

However, for a full exam that covers all four sections, you can usually expect to pay between 300 and 500 USD. 

If you only need a partial exam, such as speaking and listening for citizenship purposes, the cost is usually about half that.

Additionally, prices don’t stay fixed. They change with inflation, currency exchange rates, and administrative fees added by the centers. In 2025, some regions raised their fees because of higher operating expenses and strong demand from immigration applicants.

Let’s check out the popular destinations and see how much the TEF costs in these regions.

TEF Exam Fees in Canada: Affordable and Accessible

Canada is one of the most popular places to take the TEF because of its immigration pathways. Fees here are generally more reasonable compared to other regions.

The full TEF Exam in Canada usually costs CAD 350 to 450, depending on the province and test center. Here’s a breakdown: 

• Calgary: Around CAD 390 for the complete package.
• Montreal: Fees are split; TEF oral comprehension and TEF oral expression cost CAD 145 each, while written sections are CAD 75 each.
• Toronto: Prices range from CAD 390 to 450.

If you’re not a member of the test center (for example, the local Alliance Française), you may have to pay an extra registration fee of about CAD 25–50. Membership usually means you’re already enrolled in their classes or services, so non‑members pay a little more to cover administration costs.

TEF Exam Fees in India: Mid-Range with Growing Demand

A full TEF Canada exam in India usually costs between INR 15,000 and INR 40,000. Also, fees include GST and vary depending on the city and the sections you choose.

The exam is becoming increasingly popular in India as more people apply for Canadian immigration.  You can take the test in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. 

For 2025–2026, most centers charge around INR 18,000 to INR 22,000. In Kolkata, each section is priced at INR 6,500, which adds up to about INR 26,000. Some centers also offer flat rates, such as INR 24,780, including GST.

If you cancel your registration, you’ll lose about INR 6,000–7,000 as a non‑refundable fee. Prices change from city to city, usually by 10–20%, because of India’s fast‑growing economy and the increase in permanent residency applications.

TEF Exam Fees in Nigeria: Higher Costs

Nigeria also has many TEF students hoping to move to Canada. Test centers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt charge higher fees, largely because of currency fluctuations and the cost of running the exams. Overall, here’s a breakdown of TEF fees in Nigeria: 

• Full TEF Canada (2025): NGN 700,000–760,000
• • With student discounts: ~NGN 700,000
• TEF IRN: NGN 750,000
• Individual modules: NGN 200,000 each
• TEFaQ (for Québec immigration): NGN 400,000
• Extra services (e.g., registration assistance): NGN 30,000

Although these prices are expected to increase in 2026.

TEF Fees in the USA and Singapore 

To round out our global view:

United States: 

• USD 350–385 for full TEF Canada ($350 in New York and $375 in Chicago)
• TEF IRN: USD 350–399. 
• Non-refundable post-registration.

Singapore: 

• SGD 500 for full TEF Canada 
• SGD 290 for TEF Québec or basics

Wrapping Up 

As you can see, the cost of taking the TEF varies widely depending on where you sit for the exam. Let’s take an overall look at the average TEF fees in different countries: 

• CAD 350–450 in Canada 
• INR 18,000–22,000 in India 
• NGN 700,000–760,000 in Nigeria
• USD 350–385 in the US
• SGD 500 in Singapore

In conclusion, the most budget‑friendly options are found in Canada and India, while Nigeria stands out as the most expensive due to currency and operational challenges.

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