Updated on Nov 6, 2024 09:22 IST
Shruti Tiwari

Shruti TiwariContent writer

Foreign language courses not only provide with greater opportunities in multinational companies, but also prove to be very beneficial for overall career advancement. There are many foreign languages which are quite popular among students in India like French, Japanese, Mandarin, German, Spanish etc. However, even among these, students are more interested in learning French because it is the official language in 29 countries across several continents and is also one of the six official languages used in the United Nations. Presently, there are many colleges offering various undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, MPhil and PhD courses in French language. Candidates willing to upskill themselves can enroll in a beginner's course and then continue further up to the advanced level. Scroll down to know more about French courses.

Types of French Courses- UG & PG

Types of French courses can be categorised based on the mode of study and the specialisation. Here is a comprehensive guide for choosing the French course after Class 12 based on the mode of study and credentials imparted after the course.

Full Time Courses: This is a classroom-based undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree course that has a three-year or two-year course duration respectively. Apart from these, candidates can also pursue various Diploma or PG diploma courses in French. 

Online Courses: There are many MOOC platforms which offer online courses in French language. These are better options for those candidates who are short of time. These online courses are of both long and short duration.  

Certificate Courses: These courses are usually offered by universities and colleges as short-term courses, which are of three to nine months duration.

Popular French Courses - UG & PG

The popular UG and PG level French courses are given below: 

Courses  Duration
BA in French 3 years
MA in French 2 years
MPhil in French 2 years
PhD in French 2 years
Diploma in French 1 year

Degree Courses in French- UG

UG courses in French language can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details of the UG courses below:

Duration 3 years
Eligibility 10+2 from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate score in any subject
Admission Process Entrance based/Merit based
Fees Upto INR 1 Lakh

The undergraduate courses in French language are tabulated below:

BA in French BA (Hons) in French
BA (French, Philosophy) BA in French Studies
Integrated BA (Hons) + MA in French Bachelor's Degree with Research in French
BA (French, Elective English) BSc in Technical Translation and Interpretation in French Language

Online Courses in French

Many MOOC platforms like upGrad, Coursera, edX, among others offer online courses in French language. The eligibility criteria for such courses is 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board. In an online course, candidates need not attend physical classes; however, the lectures are delivered in an online mode. After completion of the course, the degree is disbursed in the name of the qualifier. Some of the online courses are given below:

Course Online Platform
Apprendre comment apprendre (ACA): Des outils mentaux puissants qui vous aideront à maîtriser des sujets difficiles Coursera
Practice and Perfect your French - Intermediate Level (HD) Udemy
3 Minute French - Course 1 | Language lessons for beginners Udemy
La recherche documentaire Coursera
French Level 1: A Complete Guide to Master the French Basics Udemy
French for Beginners Alison
French Language and Culture edX
French Language Course Duolingo
Diploma in French Language Studies - Revised Alison
Basic French Language Skills for Everyday Life Alison

Diploma Courses in French

UG diploma courses in French language are also a popular choice among the candidates after degree courses. The Diploma courses are usually of one year. The eligibility criteria for Diploma courses is 10+2 passed in any stream. Usually there is no entrance test conducted for admission to diploma courses. The Diploma courses are tabulated below:

Diploma in French Language Diploma in French Diploma in French and Francophone Studies
Advance Diploma in French Online Diploma in French Online Advanced Diploma in French
Diploma of Proficiency in French Advanced Diploma in French (Part Time) Advanced Diploma in French (Part Time)
Advanced Diploma in French Language (Level B2) Advanced Diploma of Proficiency in French Higher Diploma in French
DILF (Diplôme Initial de Langue Française) -- --

Degree Courses in French – PG

PG courses in French language can be pursued after completion of a UG course with French as a subject. The details are tabulated below:

Duration 2 years
Eligibility UG from a recognised university
Admission Process Entrance based/Merit based
Fees INR 2- 5 Lakhs

The popular postgraduate courses in French language are mentioned below:

  • MA in French
  • MA in French Language and Literature
  • Integrated BA (Hons) + MA in French
  • MA in Foreign Language (French)

Certificate Courses in French

Candidates who wishes to pursue a short term or a certificate course can opt for below mentioned courses:

Duration 1 month to 1 year
Eligibility 10+2 from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate score in any subject
Admission Process Direct admission
Fees INR 5,000- 50,000

The popular certificate courses are given below:

  • Certificate in French Language
  • Online Certificate in French Language (CFLOL)
  • Foreign Language Training
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Language in French
  • Online Certificate Program in French Language (Part Time)
  • Pre-Certificate Course In French Level-I and Level-II

Proficiency Tests For French 

After completing the beginners course i.e. DILF (Diplôme Initial de Langue Française) candidates are required to undergo the French proficiency tests DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française). These are administered by the French Ministry of Education. These proficiency tests are recognised worldwide. DELF and DALF allow students to study, work and immigrate to a French-speaking country. DELF, DALF or DILF is calibrated according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). These tests are available at 900 certified test centres across 154 countries. There are 7 levels of these degrees that allow students to proceed according to their progress in the process of learning the French language: These levels are:

  • Level A1.1 (DILF and DELF prim)
  •  Level A1 (DELF Prim, DELF junior version, DELF for schools, DELF and DELF Pro)
  •  Level A2 (DELF Prim, DELF junior version, DELF for schools, DELF and DELF Pro)
  •  Level B1 (DELF junior version, DELF for schools, DELF et DELF Pro)
  •  Level B2 (DELF junior version, DELF for schools, DELF and DELF Pro)
  • Level C1 (DALF)
  • Level C2 (DALF)

Other than DELF and DALF there are other international proficiency tests such as:

  • TEF: TEF was established by The Paris Ile-de-France CCI. TEF tests have a two-year validity period. This test is also useful for work permits in Canada and France.
  • TCF: The Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) designed by the France Education International (FEI) and accredited by the French Ministry of Education, is a French language proficiency test. 
  • TELC: This language tests examine a candidates' language skills using objective, fair evaluation criteria based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ??(CEFR).

FAQs on French Language

Q. What is the course duration and eligibility criteria for a certificate course in French?

A. Usually the duration of certificate courses in French language ranges from three months to one year. The students willing to take admission in a certificate course must pass 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board.

Q. In which fields can I apply for job after doing certificate course in French?

A. Candidates can work as an interpreter, technical translator, teacher, business analyst etc.

Q. Which are the popular courses in French?

A. The popular courses in French are BA in French, MA in French, MPhil in French, Diploma in French etc.

Q. Are there any specific subjects required to pursue a postgraduate degree in French?

A. Yes, candidates must have completed their bachelor's degree in French as a main subject to pursue a PG degree in French.

Q. What are the essential skills one should focus on for a successful career in French language?

A. Some of the skills that candidates aiming to build a career in the French language includes:
  • Passion for learning
  • Dedication and Patience
  • Good Communication Skills
  • Quick learner
  • Good basics of English grammar 
  • Good reading, speaking and listening skills
  • Leadership qualities 
  • Positive mindset 

Q. Do online courses have scope in French?

A. Yes, many candidates pursue online French language courses as they are more flexible and time saving. However, the candidates will have to appear for the proficiency test.

Q. Which are the proficiency tests available for French language?

A. Candidates can appear for test like DELF, DALF, TEF, TCF, TELC etc for obtaining a certificate of proficiency.

Q. What are the popular colleges in India to pursue a course in French language?

A. There are various colleges and universities in India which offers various  foreign language courses, such as:

Q. Are there any scholarships available for pursuing a French language course?

A. Yes, some online platforms like Coursera offer a full time scholarship to students willing to pursue a language course.

Q. Is there enough scope in the French language?

A. Yes, the foreign languages are in great demand. There are many countries where French is an official language. Many MNCs hire professionals, who are skilled in foreign languages. 

Q. Which topics are taught in the French language courses?

A. The most basic topics taught as part of the language course include Communicative Grammar, Language in Writing and Oral Expression, Oral Expression, Concurrent – Qualifying Language, Fundamentals of French, The civilisation of French Language, Concurrent – Credit Language, Prose, Poems, French Commercial and Theatre, Scientific French etc.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for French. Students interested in pursuing a career on French, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

21 Sep ' 24

Second Phase of Counselling Begins

20 Sep ' 24

Reporting to Respective Colleges

Popular French Colleges in India

Following are the most popular French Colleges in India. Learn more about these French colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

#1 India Today

4.7
4.3

#5 The Week

1 Course
17 K

#2 Outlook

65.28 K
4.4 LPA

#6 The Week

This course is offered in the second shift by the college.
2 Courses
18.5 K
3.5

#11 Outlook

2 Courses
17 K
5 LPA

#6 Outlook

Popular Private French Colleges in India

2.7 L - 3.6 L
3.7

#44 The Week

#1 India Today

4.7
4.3

#5 The Week

1 Course
17 K

#2 Outlook

65.28 K
4.4 LPA

#6 The Week

This course is offered in the second shift by the college.
2 Courses
18.5 K
3.5

#11 Outlook

Popular French UG Courses

Following are the most popular French UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular French PG Courses

Following are the most popular French PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, prior knowledge is generally not required to enroll in a French language course, especially if you are starting from scratch. Most language programs, whether in schools, universities, or private institutions, offer beginner-level courses that cater to those who have no previous knowledge of the

...more

V

Veerraj Sen

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

 

Absolutely, learning French in India is worth it for several reasons:

  1. Career Opportunities: Proficiency in French can open doors to careers in international business, tourism, diplomacy, and more. Companies value multilingual employees for global operations.

  2. Education: Many higher education instituti

...more

A

Abhay KUMAR

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), French is ranked as a Category I language, meaning it's one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn as French and English share Latin roots, which means the vocabulary and grammar often feel familiar. This makes the learning process m

...more

I

Ishika Agarwal

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

There are different types of courses available in India which start from beginner to advanced level including certificate course diplomas and various degree programs, there are several options which are as follows:

Certificate Course (A1, A2): It is the basic level that the premier league focuses on

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Yes, there are some universities that offer is for the ship or some amount of financial aid for different language courses, similarly they also offer facility of scholarship for French courses also.

Different institutions like JNU and DU, offer scholarships but that is basically merit-based scholarsh

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Yes of course there are some of the French course that include cultural studies, there are some of the institution like Alliance Francaise, include elements for French culture history and literature to provide students with a lot more understanding of the language and to make sure the candidates gra

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

In India you can find various range of French courses, in different locations and institutions such as Diploma and certificate program, specialised courses for business French, French for tourism and hospitality, University some language institutes and cultural centres like the alliance Francis offe

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

There are different durations of French courses in India and that absolutely depends on the type of force candidate is going to pursue, which is as follows:

  • Certificate courses: 6 months - 1 year
  • Diploma and Advanced Diploma: 1-2 years
  • BA in French: 3 years
  • MA in French: 2 years
  • Ph.D. in French: 3-5 year

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Let me answer this question for you, Yes! There are many institutions and various online platforms that actually offer online French courses ( you can call it as a virtual class), in which you learn about the basics of front language to intermediate level and then the advance level of French languag

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

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