21/06/2024
Question that inspired this post:
Slightly off but somewhat related topic My daughter (24) has been here just over a year now on a TDS "vie privée et familiale". Niveau de français - entre A2 -.B1 (did the delf A2 three weeks ago - score 92/100). She has an associate degree from her homeland. She wants to attend université to do her bachelor but on Campus France, it states à B2 niveau is required for university. Is there any way around the B2 requirement? Any suggestions on universities that do not require B2 on entry? Any other help is welcome. Merci
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Introduction
Securing university admission in France without meeting the typical B2 level in French can be challenging, but it's certainly possible with the right strategies and options. Here are some detailed suggestions and alternatives for your daughter to consider:
English-Taught Programs
Some French universities offer bachelor's programs taught entirely in English, which may have lower French language requirements. For students interested in computer science, here are a couple of notable options:
Université de Lille: Offers a Bachelor's in Computer Science taught in English.
EPITA (École Pour l'Informatique et les Techniques Avancées): Provides an English-taught BSc in Computer Science.
These programs can be a great alternative for students who haven't yet reached the B2 level in France but want to pursue higher education in France.
Conditional Admission
Some universities may offer conditional admission, allowing students to start their studies while simultaneously improving their French language skills. This often involves:
Intensive French Language Courses: Offered before or during the first semester.
Requirement to Reach B2 Level: By the end of the first year, students are typically required to achieve the B2 level in French.
Foundation Year Programs
Some institutions offer preparatory or foundation year programs that combine French language instruction with academic subjects. These programs are designed to help students reach the required language level while preparing for university studies.
Private Institutions
Private universities or schools in France may have more flexible language requirements. Although these institutions often come with higher tuition fees, they can provide opportunities for students who do not yet meet the B2 language requirement.
Alternative Pathways
Consider starting with a BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) or DUT (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie). These are two-year programs that may have lower language requirements and can later lead to a bachelor's degree.
Improving French Skills
Given that your daughter has already achieved a high score in DELF A2, she could focus on rapidly improving her French to reach B2 level. Intensive language courses or immersion programs could help accelerate this process.
Contacting Universities Directly
It's worth contacting specific universities or programs of interest to inquire about their exact language requirements and any possible exceptions or alternative pathways they might offer. Here are some universities known for their flexibility:
Université de Paris
Université Grenoble Alpes
Université de Lille
Université de Bordeaux
Preparatory Programs or Language Courses
Many French universities offer preparatory programs or intensive language courses to help students reach the required language proficiency. These programs are designed to bring students up to the B2 level before starting their degree courses.
Supporting Documents and Communication
Reach out directly to the admissions offices of universities your daughter is interested in. Explain her situation, her current language level, and her academic background. Some universities might consider her application conditionally or might offer alternative solutions.
Provide supporting documents such as her high DELF A2 score, a letter of motivation, and recommendations from teachers or employers that highlight her language learning progress and her commitment to improving her French.
If your daughter’s language skills are improving rapidly, she might consider taking another language proficiency test like the DELF B1 or directly aiming for the B2 level. Even if she doesn’t achieve a B2 score, a high B1 score could strengthen her application and show her dedication to improving her French.
Steps to Take
Contact Admissions Offices: Directly reach out to multiple universities to discuss her situation and explore their flexibility with language requirements.
Look for Preparatory Programs: Search for universities offering French language preparatory programs or intensive courses.
Explore English-Taught Programs: Investigate programs offered in English which might not have the same French language requirements.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Compile a strong set of documents including her DELF A2 score, letters of motivation, and recommendations.
Consider Private Institutions: Look into private universities or institutions with different admission criteria.
By exploring these options and taking proactive steps, your daughter can find a suitable pathway to pursue her bachelor’s degree in France. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official websites of the universities and the France-Visas website.
Reach out for more questions.
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