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DUEFÉtudes Françaises
Aerial view of a grand French university campus with classical stone buildings, overcast sky, shadowed courtyards, atmospheric academic setting
// Partner Network

47 universities.
One diploma.

// ADCUEFE Network — 10 Partner Institutions

Study at France's
finest universities.

Real DUEF program details — levels, fees, admission requirements, and application steps — sourced directly from each university's official website and Campus France.

Eiffel Tower in golden afternoon light with Parisian buildings, bright sky, airy warm atmosphere

Université Sorbonne Nouvelle

Paris, Île-de-France

Département DFLE (Didactique du Français Langue Étrangère)

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Founded

1970

Students

20,000+

Ranking

#1 in France for French as a Foreign Language

The Sorbonne Nouvelle DUEF is one of the most prestigious French language diplomas for international students. Offered at B2 and C1 levels, it prepares students for full university integration in France.

Application Period

May 22 – June 2 (abroad) / May 26 – June 5 (in France)

DUEF B2/C1 (Level 1)1 academic year (Sept–May)
B2B2 → C1

2,386 € / year + 105 € CVEC

DUEF C1/C2 (Level 2)1 academic year (Sept–May)
C1C1 → C2

2,386 € / year + 105 € CVEC

Classes run Mon–Fri, 8h–16h. 16h/week + 4h autonomous work. Max 25–30 students per class. DELF/DALF preferential rate available.

Classic French city architecture with stone buildings and ornate facades in warm afternoon light, bright open sky

Université Bordeaux Montaigne

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

DEFLE — Département d'Études de Français Langue Étrangère (CLEFF)

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Founded

1441

Students

16,000+

Ranking

Top 3 in France for International Programs

Bordeaux Montaigne offers a comprehensive multi-level DUEF from absolute beginner (A1) to advanced (B1), with 192 hours per semester. Known for its strong intercultural approach and excellent student support.

Application Period

Applications open from March for September intake

DUEF 1 — N11 semester — 192h (16h/week, 12 weeks)
Absolute Beginner (A0)A1

1,200 € / semester (incl. 150 € admin fees)

DUEF 1 — N21 semester — 192h (16h/week, 12 weeks)
A1A1++

1,200 € / semester (incl. 150 € admin fees)

DUEF 2 — N11 semester — 192h (16h/week, 12 weeks)
A1++A2

1,200 € / semester (incl. 150 € admin fees)

DUEF 2 — N21 semester — 192h (16h/week, 12 weeks)
A2A2++

1,200 € / semester (incl. 150 € admin fees)

DUEF 31 semester — 192h (16h/week, 12 weeks)
A2++B1

1,200 € / semester (incl. 150 € admin fees)

Day classes: 1,200 €/semester. Full year: 2,400 €. Evening classes also available at reduced rates. CVEC (105 €) required separately.

Lyon city panorama with river and classical French buildings in warm morning light, bright airy atmosphere

Université Lumière Lyon 2 — CIEF

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

CIEF — Centre International d'Études Françaises

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Founded

1835

Students

30,000+

Ranking

Top 5 French University — QS Rankings

The CIEF at Lyon 2 offers the most comprehensive DUEF program in France — 6 levels from A1 to C2, semester-based, with 240 hours per semester. Small groups of 14–20 students ensure rapid progress.

Application Period

Pre-registration: March 1 – May 31 (Semester 1) / October–November (Semester 2)

DUEF A11 semester — 240h (12–13 weeks)
Absolute BeginnerA1 — Elementary Discovery

1,875 € / semester + 100 € support + 105 € CVEC

DUEF A21 semester — 240h (12–13 weeks)
A1A2 — Beginner

1,875 € / semester + 100 € support + 105 € CVEC

DUEF B11 semester — 240h (12–13 weeks)
A2B1 — Threshold

1,875 € / semester + 100 € support + 105 € CVEC

DUEF B21 semester — 240h (12–13 weeks)
B1B2 — Advanced Independent

1,875 € / semester + 100 € support + 105 € CVEC

DUEF C11 semester — 240h (12–13 weeks)
B2C1 — Experienced

1,875 € / semester + 100 € support + 105 € CVEC

DUEF C21 semester — 240h (12–13 weeks)
C1C2 — Mastery

1,875 € / semester + 100 € support + 105 € CVEC

Semester 1: September–December. Semester 2: January–May. Both semesters available. Pre-registration closes early if capacity is reached.

Strasbourg half-timbered houses along a canal in warm sunlight, bright colorful Alsatian architecture, airy atmosphere

Université de Strasbourg — IIEF

Strasbourg, Grand Est

Pôle FLE-IIEF — Institut International d'Études Françaises

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Founded

1538

Students

52,000+

Ranking

Top 10 French University — THE Rankings

Strasbourg's IIEF offers DUEF from A1 to C2 with a unique European and bilingual dimension. Semester or full-year pathways available, with structured modules in language, culture, and optional electives.

Application Period

Re-registration opens early April. New students: apply before semester start

DUEF A11 semester — 200h OR 2 semesters — 400h
A0 — Absolute BeginnerA1 — Discovery

1,990 € / semester OR 3,490 € / year

DUEF A21 semester — 200h OR 2 semesters — 400h
A1A2 — Intermediate

1,990 € / semester OR 3,490 € / year

DUEF B11 semester — 200h OR 2 semesters — 400h
A2B1 — Threshold

1,990 € / semester OR 3,490 € / year

DUEF B21 semester — 200h OR 2 semesters — 400h
B1B2 — Independence

1,990 € / semester OR 3,490 € / year

DUEF C11 semester — 200h OR 2 semesters — 400h
B2C1 — Autonomy

1,990 € / semester OR 3,490 € / year

DUEF C2Semester 2 only — 200h
C1C2 — Mastery

1,990 € / semester (Semester 2 only)

DUEF C2 offered in Semester 2 only. 300 € non-refundable deposit required at registration. CVEC (105 €) required separately.

French Alps mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks and green valleys in bright daylight, Grenoble region

Université Grenoble Alpes — CUEF

Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

CUEF — Centre Universitaire d'Études Françaises

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Founded

1339

Students

60,000+

Ranking

Top 5 French University — QS World Rankings

The CUEF at Grenoble Alpes is one of France's oldest and most respected French language centers. The DUEF covers B1 to C1 levels in a 234-hour semester program, set in the heart of the French Alps.

Application Period

Semester 1: August–September intake / Semester 2: January intake. Applications accepted year-round.

DUEF B11 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
B1 (minimum required)B1 → B2

1,860 € / semester + 57 € univ. fees + 100 € CVEC

DUEF B21 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
B1+B2 → C1

1,860 € / semester + 57 € univ. fees + 100 € CVEC

DUEF C11 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
B2+C1 — Autonomy

1,860 € / semester + 57 € univ. fees + 100 € CVEC

Minimum B1 required for DUEF enrollment. Students below B1 must take intensive monthly courses (630–840 €/month). 20% discount for UGA enrolled students. 450 € deposit required at registration.

Loire Valley château and river landscape in warm golden light, French Renaissance architecture, bright airy sky

Université de Tours — CUEFEE

Tours, Centre-Val de Loire

CUEFEE — Centre Universitaire d'Enseignement du Français pour Étudiants Étrangers

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Founded

1970

Students

25,000+

Ranking

Recognized by 25+ French Universities

The CUEFEE at Tours offers DUEF from A1 to C1 with 240 hours per semester (20h/week). Located in the Loire Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage region — it offers two unique pathways at B2/C1: University Integration and French Culture.

Application Period

2 intakes per year: September (Semester 1) and January (Semester 2). Apply 3–4 months in advance.

DUEF A11 semester — 240h (20h/week, 12 weeks)
Absolute BeginnerA1 — Discovery

1,608 € / semester (individual) / 1,408 € (exchange)

DUEF A21 semester — 240h (20h/week, 12 weeks)
A1A2 — Elementary

1,608 € / semester (individual) / 1,408 € (exchange)

DUEF B1.11 semester — 240h (20h/week, 12 weeks)
A2B1 — Threshold (first half)

1,608 € / semester (individual) / 1,408 € (exchange)

DUEF B1.21 semester — 240h (20h/week, 12 weeks)
B1.1B1 — Threshold (second half)

1,608 € / semester (individual) / 1,408 € (exchange)

DUEF B21 semester — 240h (20h/week, 12 weeks)
B1B2 — Independent

1,608 € / semester (individual) / 1,408 € (exchange)

DUEF C1.1 / C1.21 semester — 240h (20h/week, 12 weeks)
B2C1 — Proficient

1,608 € / semester (individual) / 1,408 € (exchange)

Full year: 2,858 € (individual) / 2,808 € (exchange). DUEF B2 & C1 "Insertion Universitaire" pathway allows direct entry to Tours University degree programs. CVEC (105 €) required separately.

Toulouse pink brick buildings and Garonne river in warm sunset light, bright Occitan cityscape, airy atmosphere

Université de Toulouse Jean Jaurès — DEFLE

Toulouse, Occitanie

DEFLE — Département d'Études du Français Langue Étrangère

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Founded

1229

Students

25,000+

Ranking

Top 10 French University — THE Rankings

The DEFLE at Toulouse Jean Jaurès offers DUEF at B2, C1, and C2 levels — a full-year program (400 hours) at an exceptionally affordable rate. One of the most cost-effective DUEF programs in France, recognized by 18+ universities.

Application Period

eCandidat opens January 15 – February 27. Admission decisions sent in May. September intake only.

DUEF B21 academic year — 400h (2 semesters)
B1 (confirmed by placement test)B2 — Independent User

483 € / year (378 € tuition + 105 € CVEC)

DUEF C11 academic year — 400h (2 semesters)
B2 (confirmed by placement test)C1 — Proficient User

483 € / year (378 € tuition + 105 € CVEC)

DUEF C21 academic year — 400h (2 semesters)
C1 (confirmed by placement test)C2 — Mastery

483 € / year (378 € tuition + 105 € CVEC)

One of the most affordable DUEF programs in France at 378 €/year tuition. Full-year program only (no semester option). DUEF B2 accepted for Licence admission at 18+ French universities. Campus France procedure required for students from designated countries.

Nantes city center with historic architecture and the Loire river in bright daylight, modern French city atmosphere

Nantes Université — i-FLE

Nantes, Pays de la Loire

i-FLE — Institut de Français Langue Étrangère

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Founded

1962

Students

38,000+

Ranking

Top 10 French University — QS Rankings

Nantes Université's i-FLE offers DUEF across all 6 CEFR levels (A1–C2), semester-based with 216 hours per semester (18h/week). Small groups of max 25 students ensure personalized learning in one of France's most vibrant cities.

Application Period

Semester 1 (Sept–Dec): applications open February–June. Semester 2 (Jan–May): applications open October–November.

DUEF A11 semester — 216h (18h/week, 12 weeks)
Absolute BeginnerA1 — Elementary

1,400 € / semester (individual) / 1,950 € (org. funded)

DUEF A21 semester — 216h (18h/week, 12 weeks)
A1A2 — Elementary Advanced

1,400 € / semester (individual) / 1,950 € (org. funded)

DUEF B11 semester — 216h (18h/week, 12 weeks)
A2B1 — Intermediate

1,400 € / semester (individual) / 1,950 € (org. funded)

DUEF B21 semester — 216h (18h/week, 12 weeks)
B1B2 — Upper Intermediate

1,400 € / semester (individual) / 1,950 € (org. funded)

DUEF C11 semester — 216h (18h/week, 12 weeks)
B2C1 — Advanced

1,400 € / semester (individual) / 1,950 € (org. funded)

DUEF C21 semester — 216h (18h/week, 12 weeks)
C1C2 — Mastery

1,400 € / semester (individual) / 1,950 € (org. funded)

CVEC (105 €) required separately. Full year enrollment possible on request after admission. DUEF B2 allows entry to Nantes Université degree programs. No refund after course start except for visa refusal.

Rennes historic city center with colorful half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets in bright daylight, Brittany France

Université Rennes 2 — CIREFE

Rennes, Bretagne

CIREFE — Centre International Rennais d'Études du Français pour Étrangers

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Founded

1969

Students

22,000+

Ranking

Top French University for Arts & Humanities

CIREFE at Rennes 2 offers DUEF across all 6 CEFR levels (A1–C2), semester-based with 18 hours per week over 13 weeks. Small classes of 17 students on average. DUEF B2 grants direct entry to Rennes 2 degree programs.

Application Period

Semester 1 (Sept–Dec): applications open March 26 – June 1. Semester 2 (Jan–May): applications open October–November.

DUEF A11 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
Absolute BeginnerA1 — Discovery

1,100 € / semester OR 2,200 € / year + 105 € CVEC

DUEF A21 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
A1A2 — Elementary

1,100 € / semester OR 2,200 € / year + 105 € CVEC

DUEF B11 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
A2B1 — Threshold

1,100 € / semester OR 2,200 € / year + 105 € CVEC

DUEF B21 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
B1B2 — Independent

1,100 € / semester OR 2,200 € / year + 105 € CVEC

DUEF C11 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
B2C1 — Proficient

1,100 € / semester OR 2,200 € / year + 105 € CVEC

DUEF C21 semester — 234h (18h/week, 13 weeks)
C1C2 — Mastery

1,100 € / semester OR 2,200 € / year + 105 € CVEC

Full year (S1+S2): 2,200 €. CVEC (103–105 €) required separately. Average class size: 17 students (max 20). DUEF B2 accepted for direct entry to Rennes 2 degree programs. Previously enrolled students contact CIREFE directly.

Le Mans historic city center with medieval cathedral and stone buildings in warm afternoon light, French provincial architecture

Le Mans Université — Maison des Langues

Le Mans, Pays de la Loire

UFR Lettres, Langues et Sciences Humaines — Maison des Langues

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Founded

1977

Students

12,000+

Ranking

ADCUEFE Member — Recognized by 20+ French Universities

Le Mans Université offers DUEF at A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels with 200 hours per semester (two semesters per year). A welcoming mid-sized university city with strong student support and access to free language workshops.

Application Period

Semester 1 (Sept–Jan): applications open from spring. Semester 2 (Feb–June): applications open October 13 – November 30.

DUEF A11 semester — 200h (2 semesters/year)
Absolute BeginnerA1 — Elementary

1,500 € / semester

DUEF A21 semester — 200h (2 semesters/year)
A1A2 — Elementary Advanced

1,500 € / semester

DUEF B11 semester — 200h (2 semesters/year)
A2B1 — Threshold

1,500 € / semester

DUEF B2.1 / B2.21 semester — 200h (2 semesters/year)
B1B2 — Independent User

1,500 € / semester

Free access to Maison des Langues language workshops for all DUEF students. DUEF B2 allows direct entry to Le Mans Université degree programs without additional French certification. CVEC (105 €) required separately. Minimum 10 students required per level to open the course.

// Geographic Reach

Four cities.
Endless possibilities.

Each partner city offers a distinct French experience — from Paris's cosmopolitan energy to Bordeaux's art de vivre. Choose your campus, choose your France.

Paris

Université Paris-Sorbonne

Strasbourg

Université de Strasbourg

Lyon

Université de Lyon

Bordeaux

Université de Bordeaux

Apply to a Partner University
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