DUEF 

DUEF University Diploma in French Studies

You’d like to come to France under a “Student” visa to learn French and – why not – later continue your studies in a French university or university-level school? The DUEF (University Diploma in French Studies) is THE course for you!

Download the DUEF brochure 2024 - 2025 (Word - 6 335Ko)

Browse the brochure 2024 - 2025

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 A1 level with DELF, TCF or other certificate

BEGINNERS NOT ACCEPTED


What is it for?

To enhance your written and spoken skills. The curriculum is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CECRL) (PDF - 165 Ko).

To learn the ins and outs of contemporary French society.

To train you in university methodology. 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!

To validate a university diploma in French.



Click to enlarge

what are The advantages?

St. Etienne is the least expensive city in France (housing, transportation, restaurants).

The number of students is limited (19 per class maximum) to ensure quality of instruction and customized educational follow-up.

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

And what’s more, our center gives you access, free of charge, to:

  • A Media library opened every afternoon (assistance by an archivist/teacher)
  • An activities office regularly organizing outings, cultural visits and lots of other fun things to do

when and how much?

 

Periods (out of school holidays)

Prices 

Autumn semester
12 weeks - 240h of french courses

From 1st September to 5th December 2025

€1,590*

Spring semester
12 weeks - 240h of french courses 

From 19th January to 15th May 2026

€1,590* 

Autumn and Spring semesters
24 weeks - 480h of french courses 

From 1st September 2025 to 15th May 2026

€3,030*

(€1,590+€1,440)

Spring and Autumn semesters
24 weeks - 480h of french courses 

From 19th January to
beginning of December 2026

€3,180**
(€1,590+€1,590)

*University fees included for one academic year
**University fees included for two academic years

Payment channels and conditions for reimbursement

For admitted candidates, the registration fees (excluding CVEC) will be paid during the period indicated above by credit card online or by bank transfer. International bank fees will be paid by the student. The University must receive the exact amount corresponding to the rate of the desired training period. The cancellation will be possible only in the following cases: refusal of visa, failure to the examination at the end of secondary school, serious illness, death of one of the two parents or brothers and sisters, training not open due to the Establishment.

For any refund request, please send an E-mail with all the supporting documents translated into French (medical certificate, notification of refusal of visa...) to the following address: cilec @ univ-st-etienne.fr

If the request is approved, reimbursement will be done.

PLEASE NOTE: in case of reimbursement request for course fees, a lump sum of €85 for administrative handling costs shall be deducted.
Cancellations for other reasons (enrollment in another institution, for example, or distance-learning systems, before or during the course) will not result in reimbursement.
Any linguistic stay which has been started is due in full. No refunds are possible.

 

How to enroll?

 

Steps

Autumn semester
or

Autumn and spring semesters

Spring semester
or

spring and Autumn semesters

1

Fill the Application form:
CLICK HERE

Deadline:

4th May 2025

Deadline:

30th September 2025

 2

Selection and admission response

From 5th to 6th May 2025

From 1st to 2nd October 2025

 3

Payment period (if you are admitted)

From 7th to 14th May 2025

From 3rd to 12th October 2025

 4

Sending of acceptance letter and accommodation certificate
(if necessary)

From 15th to 16th May 2025

From 13th to 14th October 2025

 5

Application for a long-stay
student visa*

From 15th May 2025

From 13th October 2025

*The application for your long-stay student visa must be made at the French embassy in your own country (90 days before the 1st day class).

Registration procedure
The educational and administrative enrollment will be finalized if the student is present on the day of the language placement test, if said student provides all documents needed for the administrative registration and if same student pays the CROUS the amount of the CVEC (Student and Campus Life Contribution; indicative price 2024 - 2025: €103).

Civil liability
Civil liability insurance is obligatory for all CILEC students enrolled for more than 3 months.



STUDENT GUIDE - 2nd SEMESTER - SPRING 2025:

Download the DUEF student guide 2024 - 2025 (Word - 6 335Ko)

Browse the DUEF student guide 2024 - 2025

 

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