Organisation and courses content

The yearly courses at the CIEF are composed of 2 semesters of 12 weeks each. The first semester (the winter semester) starts mid-September and ends at the end of January. The second semester (the spring semester) starts in February to end in June (for more information on the exact dates, please refer to "Register at the CIEF"). The new students are, before their arrival, placed in an adequate level after a written test and an interview with a teacher.

The CIEF offers 6 different levels, each composed of 18 hours of weekly courses, with at least 1 hour of autonomous work in the Languages Resources Centre (CRL), guided by a teacher-tutor:

Fête des étudiants internationaux
  • DUEF A1 (Level A1 of the CEFRL)* :

This level usually concerns the complete beginners or the “false” beginners. All skills are taught. Part of this course is dedicated to cultural and civilisation aspects as well as the discovery of the University environment.

*Subject to a sufficient number of students. No A1 level during the spring semester !


  • DUEF A2 et DUEF B1.1 (Levels A2 and early B1 of the CEFRL) :

These 2 consecutive levels welcome the students who have already acquired the fundamental basics in the French language. The learning of the grammar intensifies. The oral and written skills are acquired via specific courses. There is also a part of the course dedicated to cultural and civilisation aspects as well as the discovery of the University environment.


  • DUEF B1.2 (Level B1 of the CEFRL) :

Specific courses on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills will allow the students to develop their knowledge of the French language. There is also a specific course on French culture and civilisation. The students can also choose a specialty French course (offer renewed every semester). The teaching of the language and of the cultural and subject knowledge contains an initiation of the academic methodology.


  • DUEF B2 (Level B2 of the CEFRL) :

The specific courses on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, as well as civilisation focus on the acquisition of a good command of the language and a good knowledge of the culture. The students also have the opportunity to prepare for their future studies at the University by means of two specialty French courses (offer renewed every semester). The teaching of the language and of the cultural and subject knowledge contains an initiation of the academic methodology.


  • DUEF C1 (Level C1 of the CEFRL)* :

This course targets students who wish to become proficient in their linguistic and cultural skills and knowledge at a higher level, and who wish to acquire a good command of academic exercises. This level also contains a specialty French course (offer renewed every semester). The courses are proposed in a long-term perspective of perfecting the academic methodology. The Language Resources Centre allows all the students to work autonomously, guided by the teachers of the CIEF and adapted to the needs of everyone.

*Subject to a sufficient number of students.

Group sizes can vary from 15 to 25 students depending on the levels and semesters.

You can find the course prices in the tab "Our rates". Here you can download the application form for the courses.