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Courses of the French language track
Welcoming beginner, intermediate, and advanced students of French
(credits: Ashley for My Paris Portraits)
Participants attend a total of 66 hours of tuition, organised by level.
On arrival, they sit a placement test to divide them into six groups corresponding to levels A1 to C2.
Groups generally consist of up to 15 students, to encourage dynamic and personalised learning.
Download the general schedule for the French Language track - June session (PDF, 90 KB).
Download the general schedule for the French Language track - July session (PDF, 88 KB).
Dates
- June session: June 2nd - June 25th, 2026
- July session: June 30th - July 24th, 2026
French language levels
A student's current level of French is determined by an initial placement test during the application process and a definitive placement test held on the first day. In assessing a student’s level, Sciences Po uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which places full beginners at level A1 and advanced students at level C2.
Classes are determined by the current level of French language. For example, a complete beginner should take Level A1, while a student with a B1 level of French will take Level B2 at the Summer School.
Learn more about how to demonstrate proficiency at a level of French on the Eligibility page.
Academic programme
Beginner Levels (A1, A2)
- Summary: At the A1 level, students focus their language learning on a variety of different themes. These complete beginners start their study with topics necessary for successful daily interactions. As the course progresses, they delve into increasingly complex themes dealing with French culture.
- Syllabus: Download the A1 French Language course Syllabus (PDF, EN/FR, 188 KB).
- Language prerequisite: Complete beginner in French, advanced English proficiency required (learn how to demonstrate language requirements).
- Summary: This course, meant for students who have mastered the basics of the French language, aims to help students improve their oral and written expression. At the conclusion of the session, students will be able to take part in a verbal exchange or produce a short-written text. In terms of grammar, students will master the present, past, and future tense. Vocabulary knowledge is also built and centred around certain key points of French culture.
- Syllabus: Download the A2 French Language course Syllabus (PDF, EN/FR, 217 KB).
- Language prerequisite: Level A1 in French, advanced English proficiency required (learn how to demonstrate language requirements).
Intermediate Levels (B1, B2)
- Summary: At the B1 level, students progress towards an intermediate knowledge of French by strengthening grammar and vocabulary in order to develop their argumentation skills. Through the study of current political and social events as depicted in the media, songs and films, students learn to describe more complex situations and express their own opinions.
- Syllabus: Download the B1 French Language course Syllabus (PDF, EN/FR, 222KB).
- Language prerequisite: Level A2 in French, advanced English proficiency required (learn how to demonstrate language requirements).
- Summary: At the B2 level, students focus on contemporary issues, such as French politics and the European Union. They reinforce their written and oral language skills through the study of various materials, including political campaign posters, visits to museums, political cartoons and authentic texts, such as French newspapers and academic articles.
- Syllabus: Download the B2 French Language course Syllabus (PDF, EN/FR, 183 KB).
- Language prerequisite: Level B1 in French, advanced English proficiency required (learn how to demonstrate language requirements).
Advanced Levels (C1, C2)
- Summary: C1 level classes are intended for students with a fluent level of French. The class aims to improve both oral and written expression through the study of French and European culture, civilization, and history. Coursework is based on texts such as newspapers and academic articles, as well as on political cartoons and radio programmes.
- Syllabus: Download the C1 French Language course Syllabus (PDF, EN/FR, 200 KB).
- Language prerequisite: Level B2 in French (learn how to demonstrate language requirements).
- Summary: Intended for advanced students, these courses build on written and oral language skills - with a special focus on precision, idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms - in order to reach the C2 level. Students are also guided through the specific rules and culture of the French academic system, especially those of Sciences Po.
- Syllabus: Download the C2 French Language course Syllabus (PDF, EN/FR, 177 KB).
- Language prerequisite: Level C2 in French (learn how to demonstrate language requirements).
