DUEF - STUDENT STATUSUniversity Diploma in French Studies

SEPTEMBER 2026: APPLICATIONS OPENED
(refer to terms and conditions below)

You’d like to learn French? You are looking for support from university teachers? You want to prepare an admission to a French University?
The DUEF (University Diploma in French Studies) is a diploma that gives you access to a student status. It's also an opportunity to get solid skills in French language, and then, to pursue higher education in France, for example.

Download the DUEF brochure 2025 - 2026 (Word - 6 335Ko)

Browse the brochure 2025 - 2026

Whom is it for?

Be over 18 years of age and reside in France or abroad

People with a high school diploma (Baccalaureate type) and mastering the Latin alphabet

Minimum A2 level with DELF, TCF or other certificate

BEGINNERS NOT ACCEPTED

What is it for?

Develop your spoken and written French skills
Acquire the required level to access a Bachelor's or a Master's degree at the University
Prepare yourself for levels B1, B2, C1 of the CERCL

Acquire university methodology
Participate in thematic modules, for example: History and Law, Arts and Literature, Geography and Architecture, Sciences and Engineering, Health and Sports, Economics and Political Science (opened according to number of students) 

Integrate the community of UJM students and participate in student activities (sports, culture...)
Working with students from all over the world

Validate a university degree in French

The curriculum is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CECRL) (PDF - 165 Ko).

Our B2 and C1 DUEF programs mean that you can apply to 17 French universities (PDF - 234 Ko) without taking the DELF, DALF or TCF!

what are The advantages?

Saint-Etienne is one of the cheapest city in France (housing, transportation, restaurants).

The DUEF offered by the UJM is provided by experienced universitary teachers, for groups of
20 students maximum.

Enrolling for the DUEF allows you to obtain “Student status”, thus providing access to:

• free health care (Sécurité sociale)

• all other Jean Monnet University student services including sport

Moreover, our center gives you access, free of charge, to:

• A Media library opened every afternoon (assistance by an archivist/teacher)

• A Student Welcome Desk that regularly organises outings, cultural visits and lots of other fun things to do

• A welcome desk and support for administrative procedures

If you are looking for an accomodation, you can follow this web link for more information.

If you have any questions concerning your arrival in Saint-Etienne, you can get in touch with
the Student Welcome Desk.

when and how much?

How to APPLY? 

For foreign students living in France or in the community area (UE)

Application in the platform eCandidat

Autumn semester (September till December 2026): 
Application from 01/04/2026 till 31/08/2026 

Spring semester (January till May 2027): 
Application period coming soon (around October - November 2026)

Full academic year (September 2026 till May 2027): 
Application from 01/04/2026 till 31/08/2026 

In order to help you to find the study program in the list: Click here

For international students living in a country outside of the Campus France procedure (in case of doubt, please get in touch with the Campus France office in your residence country)

Application in the platform eCandidat

Autumn semester (September till December 2026): 
Application from 01/04/2026 till 31/08/2026 

Spring semester (January till May 2027): 
Application period coming soon (around October - November 2026)

Full academic year (September 2026 till May 2027): 
Application from 01/04/2026 till 31/08/2026 

In order to help you to find the study program in the list: Click here

WARNING: please take in account the delay required to obtain a Student visa (about 3 months).
For the Autumn semester, late arrivals are only possible till 15/09/2026.

For international students living in a country connected to the Campus France procedure (in case of doubt, please get in touch with the Campus France office in your residence country)

Application in the Etudes en France website (for courses starting in September 2027)

For asylum seekers, refugees, persons under subsidiary or temporary protection

Application in the platform eCandidat

Autumn semester (September till December 2026): 
Application from 01/04/2026 till 31/08/2026 

Spring semester (January till May 2027): 
Application period coming soon (around October - November 2026)

Full academic year (September 2026 till May 2027): 
Application from 01/04/2026 till 31/08/2026 

In order to help you to find the study program in the list: Click here

Administrative registration
If you are admitted to the study program, the administrative registration procedure will be sent to you by E-mail.
The CILEC administrative team will be able to help you if needed.

STUDENT GUIDE - 1ST SEMESTER - AUTUMN 2026:

Download the DUEF student guide 2025 - 2026 (PDF - 581 Ko)

Browse the DUEF student guide 2025 - 2026

WARNING: the CILEC keeps also the possibility to close a level group if there are not enough participants.