Language Level
LANGUAGE LEVELS REQUIRED BY UNIVERSITIES
The French language is a language spoken on the 5 continents of the globe and the third most used language in the business world. There are in total more than 300 million speakers. It is the main language of instruction in higher education institutions in France, but there are more than 1620 courses taught 100% in English.
To attend the first year of the Bachelor's or Master’s degree, French universities require applicants to be able to speak and have certificates of proficiency in French language (DELF/DALF) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) from level B2.
It should be noted that some French higher education institutions may require a higher level, C1 or C2, for specific Master’s courses as well as for the Doctorate.
LANGUAGE LEVELS AND PROFICIENCY ACQUIRED
To obtain the afore mentioned levels, students must take classes at language training centers that have their courses aligned with the CECR.
CECR is the acronym for Cadre Européen Commun de Référence pour les langues – the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The CECR defines the proficiency levels, which are used to measure the student's progress at each stage of learning and throughout the duration of their studies, as can be seen below:
Levels |
Competencies |
Proficiency |
Certifications in French |
A1 |
Introduction to the language (to communicate simply) |
Basic / Elementary |
DELF |
A2 |
Intermediate language control |
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B1 |
Consistent use |
Independent / Intermediate |
|
B2 |
Independent and spontaneous use of language |
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C1 |
Effective operational proficiency |
Proficient / Advanced |
DALF |
C2 |
Full command of the language |
LANGUAGE CENTRES
In Mozambique, the CCFM - Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano [Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre] the IDL - Instituto de Línguas [Language Institute] (French), and the British Council Mozambique (English) and in Eswatini, the AFM - Alliance Française de Mbabane (French) offer a wide range of language classes for different purposes and audiences.
Likewise, they have modern tools and trained professionals, both for classes and for exam preparation, with a view to obtaining international certification.
In addition to the language centers in Mozambique, you can take classes, practice and have French exercises on the international websites of TV5 Monde, RFI and France Education International, dedicated to teaching the French language.
INTERNATIONAL FRENCH-LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION - DELF/DALF
The DELF – Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française [Diploma in French Language Studies] and DALF – Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française [Diploma in Advanced French Language] certificates are the official assessment tests for the level of fluency in French. They are official certificates valid for life and recognised nationally and internationally.
The CCFM and the IDL (Mozambique) and the AFM (Eswatini) provide preparation sessions for the DELF/DALF exams and have diversified teaching materials.
- In Mozambique, DELF/DALF sessions are held twice a year, in May and November. Enrolment is available at the CCFM or IDL. Please contact the institutions to find out the terms and conditions of the exams in each province.
- In Eswatini, the sessions are also offered twice a year and are held in June and November. Applications are available from the AFM.
In addition to the certificates mentioned above, there is also the TCF-Test de Connaissance du Français, which assesses knowledge of the French language. This exam is valid for 2 years and is taken at the candidate's request. For more information, consult the CCFM, IDL and/or AFM. And first of all, check with your university that this diploma is valid for the course you are interested in.
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION - IELTS/TOEFL
TOEFL and IELTS are thematically the same, covering four language skill areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. But TOEFL content covers all academic English, while IELTS is divided between academic, professional and everyday English.
However, IELTS is the most popular English language test in the world. French universities that teach courses in English require applicants to have an IELTS certification with a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5, or a TOEFL score of between 79-93, the equivalent of the B2 level according to the CECR.
Prepare for and write the IELTS exam at the British Council Mozambique and other accredited testing centres.
NB: English-language proficiency and certification in English does not exempt applicants from the need to communicate in French, as administrative matters and daily interaction, at the academy and beyond, take place in French. Remember that mastering a local language always makes cultural and social integration easier, which allows us to have a complete experience.