French Language Tests: DELF, DALF, TCF Explained

When you need a French-language test

If you plan to study a degree taught in French, the university will usually ask you to prove your French at a certain level. This applies most often to undergraduate and many master's programmes at French-speaking institutions in France, and also in parts of Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

If your programme is taught in English, you generally prove English instead and may not need a French certificate at all. Always confirm the language of instruction first.

DELF, DALF and TCF — what they are

DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official French-language diplomas awarded by France's Ministry of Education; once obtained they are valid for life. TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is a French-language test that places you at a level and whose results are valid for a limited period.

All three are managed by France Éducation international, the official body, and are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

• DELF — covers CEFR levels A1 to B2; lifelong diploma
• DALF — covers the advanced CEFR levels C1 and C2; lifelong diploma
• TCF — a placement test giving a level result, valid for a limited time

How they map to CEFR levels

European language requirements are usually expressed in CEFR levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). DELF certifies the A1–B2 range and DALF the C1–C2 range, while the TCF reports the level you reach on the test.

A university will normally state the CEFR level it requires (for example, a B2 level for many French-taught degrees). Use that target level to decide which exam and which level to sit, and confirm the exact requirement on the programme page.

Which test does your university accept?

Universities and the Campus France / Études en France process specify which French certificates they accept and at what level. Some accept DELF/DALF, some accept the TCF, and many accept more than one; certain application routes ask for a specific test.

Because accepted tests, required levels and validity periods differ by institution and can change, check the official programme requirements and the official test information before you register.

Plan your test around application deadlines

These tests are scheduled on set dates and results take time to issue, so book early enough that your certificate is ready before the university and visa deadlines. If you need French for a visa or residence step as well as for admission, factor that in too.

This is general information, not immigration advice — verify any visa-stage French requirement on the official French government source before you apply.