French as a foreign language (FLE)

Before starting university studies, it is essential to have a fairly good level of oral and written French. Level B2 of the European reference framework is recommended.

Published on 4/02/2020 - Updated on 16/03/2026

French as a foreign language (FLE)

Organisation

Foreign students enrolled at Sorbonne Université and foreign staff needing linguistic support can take advantage of French language courses (FLE) held on the Pierre et Marie Curie campus at convenient times and in groups of varying levels.

During the academic year, French courses are organized for 2 to 6 hours a week over one or two semesters, depending on your initial level (assessed by a compulsory online placement test). Intensive courses are also available in January and June under the same conditions.

Please note: only semester courses can be validated as optional foreign language teaching units, and are equivalent to ECTS credits.

Registrations

Courses are free of charge for bachelor's and master's students enrolled at Sorbonne Université (outside funded programs) or at a Sorbonne Université alliance institution (MNHN, UTC, CNRS, etc.).

Registration fees apply to doctoral students and university staff, who must pay 250 euros for 30 hours of classes or 400 euros for 60 hours (depending on initial level).

It is advisable to register for FLE courses as soon as you are admitted to Sorbonne Université, without waiting until you arrive in Paris. To take these courses (from beginner to B2 level) at the faculty, you must :

  1. be enrolled at Sorbonne Université ;
  2. fill in an online form within the time period indicated;
  3. complete the placement test (allow 1 hour);
  4. await receipt of an e-mail setting out the terms and conditions of enrolment. This e-mail will enable you to choose your group according to your level and your schedule (remember to bring your student card, your timetable and any documents proving your enrolment at the university).

Calendar

Course / internshipEnrolment procedureCourse duration

Back-to-school course 2026 / 2027

 

Registration from mid-July to August 26th included

link to register

From August 31rst to September 4th, 2026

(1 week, 6 hours of classes per day, daytime classes - 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm)

Levels A1, A2, B1, B2

1st semester 2026 / 2027 and Stage d'automne for doctorant and PhD

3 steps :

1-Registration form to be completed from mid-July to September 3rd included

2-Wait to receive the placement test (Be careful: they will be sent from August 25th but not on week end !)

3-pedagogical registration (choice of the group according to your schedule)  :

September 8th, or 9th, or 10th: from 10:00 am to  11:30am or from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Link to register

The link will stay open until october 15th ONLY for Doctorants, Post-doctorants which start the 'stage d'automne'

First semester :from September 14th to December 18th
(13 weeks, evening classes 6:00pm to 8:00pm)

For doctoral students only - Stage d'automne:
October 19th to December 18th
(8 weeks, 4h per week in the day) 

Group Mehdi level : A1/Beginner:
 

Group Mehdi level : A2/B1
 

Group Pauline level B2
 

Winter intensive course

Registration form to be completed from December 7th to January 6th included

Link to register

placement tests are not sent on weekend

From January 11th to January 22nd, 2027
(3h or 6h lessons per day, morning or/and afternoon depending on level)

A1: 9:00am to 12:00pm - From January 12th to January 23rd, 2026 with Mehdi
A2 :1:00pm to 4:00pm - From January 12th to January 23rd, 2026 with Mehdi
B1 : Monday January 12th :1:00pm to 4:00pm and From January 13th to to January 20th : 10h30 am to 12:00pm And from 1:00pm to 4:00pm with Pauline

B2 : 10:00am to 1:00pm - From January 12th to January 23rd, 2026 with Louis-César

 

2nd semester 2025 / 2026

3 steps :

1-Registration form to be completed from December 19th to January 21rst, 2026 included

Link to register

2-Wait to receive the placement test (Be careful: they will be sent from January 5th)

3-pedagogical registration (choice of the group according to your schedule)  :

January 27th, or 28th, or 29th: from 10:00 am to  11:30am or from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

 

From February 2nd to May 21rst, 2026
(13 weeks, evening classes 18h-20h)

 

Summer intensive course

Registration form to be completed from
May 26th to 11th of June, 2026 inclusive

link to register

 

placement tests are not sent on weekend

From June 15th to June 26th, 2026

(3h lessons per day)

Beginner A1 :
A2 :
B1 :
B2 :

Please note: Schedules are subject to change

Office

Language Department - FLE
Campus Pierre et Marie Curie - Sorbonne Université
Tour 43-53 (entrance tower 43),1st floor, office 110
4, place Jussieu. 75252 PARIS cedex 05