IELTS, TOEIC, DELF A1 and A2 — Which Exam Should You Take for Studying in France?
(Part 2)
French Language Certifications
DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française)
What it is: Official French language certifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education, corresponding to different proficiency levels.
Which level you need:
- DELF A1: Basic introduction level, sufficient for visa applications for students in English-taught programs
- DELF A2: Elementary level, suitable for some visa requirements and demonstrating basic French skills
- DELF B1: Intermediate level, required for many undergraduate programs taught in French
- DELF B2: Upper-intermediate level, required for most Master's programs taught in French
- DELF C1/C2: Advanced levels, sometimes required for doctoral studies or specialized programs
Score range
Pass/fail with required minimum in each section (total of 100 points, need 50+ to pass)
Cost in India
₹4,500-7,500 depending on level
Validity
Lifetime (never expires!)
Would you like a dedicated blog post explaining the DELF exams and Alliance Française in more detail? Let us know..
How to Choose the Right Exam: Beyond the Obvious Factors
While the program's teaching language seems like the obvious deciding factor, there are nuances many applicants miss:
1. Program-Specific Requirements
Program requirements can sometimes be negotiable, especially if you have strong academic credentials. Some universities are more flexible than their official requirements suggest—information you won't find on their websites.
2. Your Future Career Plans
The standard advice is always to focus only on what you need for admission. But it is important to think about your post-graduation goals. If you plan to work in France after your studies, investing in both English AND basic French certification (even for English-taught programs) can significantly boost your employability.
3. Testing Location Convenience
Test center availability varies dramatically across India. IELTS centers exist in most major cities, meanwhile TOEFL is less available. DELF exams are offered only through Alliance Française branches with limited testing dates. In some regions, choosing an exam with better testing availability can prevent costly travel or accommodation expenses especially when schedules are tight.
4. Test Format Alignment with Your Strengths
If someone were to tell you "All English tests are basically the same", they're wrong.
Different tests assess language skills differently. If you're stronger in multiple-choice questions but weaker in essay writing, TOEIC might showcase your abilities better than IELTS. Similarly, if you're comfortable with face-to-face conversation but struggle with recorded speaking tasks, IELTS might be better than TOEFL for you.
5. Potential Exemptions: When You Don't Need to Take a Test
Many students don't realize they might qualify for exemptions from language testing requirements. Here are situations where you might be exempt:
English Test Exemptions:
- Previous Education in English: If you completed your bachelor's degree entirely in English
- Native English Speakers: Citizens of countries where English is an official language
- Previous Degree from English-Speaking Country: If you completed a degree in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, etc.
- English Teachers/Professionals: Some universities waive requirements for those with professional English teaching qualifications
- Interview Alternative: Some business schools offer the option of an English interview instead of standardized testing
French Test Exemptions:
- Previous Education in French: If you completed previous studies in French (in any country)
- Citizens of Francophone Countries: Nationals of countries where French is an official language
- Visa-Only Requirements: For English-taught programs, you may only need proof of basic French (A1) for visa purposes, not for academic admission
Many universities don't explicitly advertise these exemptions on their websites. Our advisors have helped numerous students secure exemptions through proper documentation and communication with admissions offices, saving them significant time and money.
Program Requirements Overview
Here's what the typical requirements across programs in France look like:
| Program Type | Official Requirement | What Actually Works |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught Masters at Public Universities | IELTS 6.5 or equivalent | IELTS 6.0 often accepted if GPA is strong |
| English MBA Programs | IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEIC 850+ | Some schools waive requirements for applicants with prior English-medium education |
| French-taught Programs | DELF B1/B2 | DELF A2 + motivation letter in French sometimes accepted |
| Visa Application (if no language certificate) | DELF A1 | TCF is faster to obtain and equally accepted |
| English-taught Engineering/Science Programs | IELTS 6.0-6.5 | Strong technical background can offset slightly lower scores |
| Art & Design Programs | Lower language requirements | Portfolio quality often outweighs language scores |
Your Next Steps
The language examination journey doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's your action plan:
- Review your target programs' specific requirements (or let our advisors do this research for you)
- Consider your timeline and available preparation resources
- Assess your current language levels with free diagnostic tests
- Make a strategic choice based on all factors, not just the obvious ones
Or you can just reach out to us, and our admissions officers will put in the gruntwork to ensure that you're making the best decision for yourself.
Are you ready to start your journey to France?
Take the first step now: Schedule a free consultation with an I2F advisor!
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