Top Universities and Scholarships That Require French Proficiency

For many students in Singapore, learning French is more than just a hobby—it’s a gateway to higher education and global opportunities. French is not only the official language of France, but also of Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and more than 20 African countries. As a result, many top universities and scholarship programs require or strongly encourage French proficiency.

If you’re considering studying abroad, here are some of the best universities and scholarships where learning French can give you a big advantage.

1. Universities in France

France is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, and most of them require at least B2 level French (according to the CEFR framework).

• Sorbonne University (Paris) – Known for humanities, law, and sciences.

• Sciences Po (Paris) – Elite for political science, law, and international relations.

• Université Paris-Saclay – Top-ranked in science and engineering.

Most French universities require international students to pass the DELF B2 or DALF C1 exams as proof of French proficiency.

2. Canadian Universities (Quebec)

In Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, many top universities offer programs entirely or partly in French.

• Université de Montréal

• Université Laval (Université Laval)

• Université de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke)

Even if some programs are bilingual, having French proficiency will greatly improve your chances of admission, integration, and scholarship opportunities in Quebec.

3. Swiss & Belgian Universities

French is also an official language in Switzerland and Belgium, where many universities rank among the best in Europe.

• Université de Genève (Switzerland) – Well known for international relations. (Unige)

• Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) – Strong in economics, law, and sciences. (ULB)

• Université catholique de Louvain (Belgium) – One of Belgium’s oldest universities. (UCLouvain)

4. Scholarships Requiring French Proficiency

Several international scholarship programs require or strongly encourage applicants to demonstrate French skills:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France) – For international students at master’s and PhD levels.

• Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) – Supports students from developing countries to study in French-speaking Canada.

• Erasmus+ (Europe) – While not exclusively French, many Erasmus+ partner universities offer programs in French and may require proficiency.

Why Start Learning French in Singapore Now?

If your dream is to study abroad in one of these universities—or apply for these scholarships—you’ll need at least B2 level French proficiency. That usually takes 1.5 to 2 years of consistent study, depending on your starting point.

At our school in Singapore, we offer French courses from A1 (beginner) to B2+ (advanced) with native French teachers. Our structured program ensures you build the skills needed for university admission and international scholarships.

French proficiency doesn’t just help you travel—it can open doors to world-class universities and life-changing scholarships. Whether you’re aiming for France, Canada, Switzerland, or Belgium, starting your French journey in Singapore is the first step toward achieving your academic goals.

Ready to prepare for your studies abroad? Join our French group classes or Private tuition in Singapore and get on track for DELF/DALF certification today.