Preparing for Higher Education in France
ILCF offers French language programs designed to enable international students to acquire the level of French required to enter higher education in France, and more specifically to join ESDES, the management school of UCLy, under appropriate academic conditions.
Organised by level (from A0 to C1), the program follows a structured university framework and leads to the award of a University Diploma in French Studies (DUEF).
Beyond language acquisition, the programs include:
- the development of oral and written skills in accordance with the CECRL
- training in French academic methods and study skills
- structured academic support (semester organisation and tutoring)
- cultural activities fostering progressive immersion in French language and culture
- immersion courses at ESDES
This preparation enables students to progressively reach the required level, particularly B2, for admission to a wide range of university and business school programs.
Benefit for ILCF students
Students who have completed a programme at ILCF benefit from a 10% tuition fee reduction when pursuing their studies at ESDES.
Following a program at ILCF
Further studies at ESDES Business School
ESDES Business School offers undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree, 3 years) and postgraduate (Master’s degree, 5 years) programs in management and business.
Bachelor in Business (3 year degree)
A three-year program covering the fundamentals of management, business administration and international trade, with progressive specialisation.
Master in Management (5 year degree)
A two-year program designed to deepen managerial and strategic competencies in preparation for positions of responsibility.
Master of Science (MSc) (5 year degree)
Specialised programs taught in English, focused on specific areas of management and finance.
Admission to ESDES programmes is based on academic requirements and language proficiency criteria specific to each programme.
Academic requirements
- A High School Diploma (or equivalent qualification) is required for admission to the first year of the Bachelor programme
- Admission to the second or third year may be considered based on previous academic background
Language requirements
- No minimum level of French is required for programmes taught in English
- A minimum B2 level in French is required for programmes taught in French
- A minimum B2 level in English is required for programmes taught in English
The programme followed at ILCF enables students to prepare and progressively reach the required language level within a structured academic environment.
Selection process
- Review of the application file
- Motivational interview conducted in French or English
- Fully online application procedure
ESDES Business School programs begin at different times throughout the academic year, allowing students to coordinate the completion of a language program at ILCF with entry into their chosen degree program:
- Bachelor in Business: September and February
- Master in Management: September
- Master of Science: October and December
For any questions regarding the language programme or the ILCF-ESDES pathway:
Institute of French Language and Culture (ILCF)
+33 4 72 32 50 53
ilcf@univ-catholyon.fr
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