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UNIVERSITY IN FRANCE

ILCF Lyon - Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises

Founded in 1948, the French Language and Culture Institute in Lyon (ILCF Lyon) offers accredited, intensive French courses and awards the Diplôme Universitaire d’Études Françaises (DUEF), a university diploma in French studies recognized by many French universities. It is a member-institute of Lyon Catholic University (UCLy). ILCF Lyon offers a close-knit learning environment focused on a strong teacher-student relationship. The institute supports students on all levels: academic, personal, and professional.

University Diploma

5,090 € / year

2,795 € / semester

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We are now accepting applications for September 2026!

The school recommends that students apply as early as possible. Registration closes 1 month before the session starts.
If you need a student visa, you should begin the process 4 to 6 months before the course start date. This allows enough time to complete school enrollment, secure accommodation, and prepare your visa documents.

ILCF LYON

School Features

Quality Labels

ILCF Lyon is accredited by Campus France and holds the FLE Quality Label, awarded by the French Ministry of Education for excellence in teaching French to non-native speakers. The school also holds the Bienvenue en France Label, awarded to French universities that offer high-quality support and welcoming conditions for international students.

University Diploma in French Studies

Earn the Diplôme Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises (DUEF), a university diploma in French studies recognized by many French universities.

Official Exam Centre

ILCF Lyon is recognized as an official testing centre by France Education International for exams such as the DELF/DALF or TCF, students can prepare for and take certified French language tests directly on site.

ILCF LYON

School Facilities

ILCF LYON

Campuses & Location

Live & Study in Lyon

Lyon is the third-largest city in France, after Paris and Marseille. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and beautiful architecture. The city is considered the capital of French gastronomy and is home to the world-famous chef Paul Bocuse. From Lyon, the best of France is within easy reach. The city is close to the Alps, just two and a half hours from Paris, and only one hour from Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea by train.

Study at ILCF Lyon

Located in a central area of Lyon, Saint‑Paul Campus is extremely well connected by metro, tram, bus, and train. It sits southeast of Lyon‑Perrache train station. The area is surrounded by lively streets with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Students can easily reach Carnot Campus by foot in just a few minutes. Other main areas of Lyon are easily accessible, including Vieux Lyon (the historic center), Part‑Dieu (the main business district), and La Croix-Rousse, an iconic and popular neighborhood.

Study at ILCF Lyon

Located in a central area of Lyon, Carnot Campus is extremely well connected by metro, tram, bus, and train. It sits northwest of Lyon‑Perrache train station. The area is surrounded by lively streets with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Students can easily reach Saint‑Paul Campus by foot in just a few minutes. Other main areas of Lyon are easily accessible, including Vieux Lyon (the historic center), Part‑Dieu (the main business district), and La Croix-Rousse, an iconic and popular neighborhood.

ILCF LYON

French Courses in Lyon

Course Details

Course Introduction

This intensive programme focuses on developing students’ oral and written skills. It covers all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and includes lectures designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the French society and culture. The programme also prepares students for the DELF and DALF examinations, which can be taken directly on-site.

Students acquire grammar, vocabulary, and other essential aspects of the French language through a variety of activities during classes. Teachers use innovative teaching methods, placing students at the center of each lesson, with active participation and interaction required. Learning materials combine textbooks with authentic, real-life documents such as press articles, advertisements, cartoons, written texts, videos, and more.

Course length

6 months or 1 year

Available starts

October or February

Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings and/or afternoons.
Cultural modules are held on Wednesdays and evenings.

Morning class: 08:00 – 12:00

Afternoon class: 13:00 – 17:00

Intensity

20 hours per week

Levels offered

A1 to C2

Credits granted

35 ECTS per semester

Visa eligibility

This course meets the requirements for a French student visa application.

COURSE DETAILS

Term Breakdown

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the standard used by language schools and universities to assess French language proficiency. It divides learning into 6 levels, from beginner (A1) to expert (C2), with each level marking a key milestone in your language journey.

A1 – Beginner
(4 weeks)
  • You can understand familiar everyday expressions and use very basic phrases.
  • You can introduce yourself and others and can answer simple questions about you.
A2 – Elementary
(7~8 weeks)
  • You can understand frequently used expressions related to everyday topics.
  • You can describe in simple terms your background and immediate environment.
B1 – Intermediate
(8~12 weeks)
  • You can understand the main points of situations regularly encountered at work or school.
  • You can write simple texts on topics you are familiar with.
  • You can describe your ambitions, and briefly give explanations.
B2 – Upper-intermediate
(14~15 weeks)
  • You can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics.
  • You can interact with native speakers smoothly.
  • You can write clear and detailed texts, and express your viewpoint.
C1 – Advanced
(24 weeks)
  • You can understand complex texts and grasp implicit meanings.
  • You can express yourself spontaneously and fluently in social, professional, or academic settings.
C2 – Expert
(24 weeks)
  • You can understand everything you hear or read with ease.
  • You can express yourself spontaneously and very fluently, conveying subtle nuances.

University Diploma

5,090 € / year

University Diploma

2,795 € / semester

The prices provided above are for reference purposes only. Contact our team for detailed pricing.

ILCF LYON

Tuition Fee

Disclaimer: Prices in currencies other than euro are estimated based on the latest exchange rates.

Textbooks are not included and must be purchased separately (≈€35). Other mandatory fees may apply (e.g., library card, solidarity fund, civil liability insurance, pedagogical contribution).

Mandatory fixed fees:

  • Personal liability insurance: 15€
  • Health insurance: 30€
  • Library access: 52€
  • Teaching participation per semester: 4€
  • ILCF Student Office contribution: 7€
  • Solidarity fund: 15€

ILCF LYON

Other Courses

Looking for French courses that match your learning pace or focus on specific goals? You’re in the right place. Discover all the courses offered by this school.

Semi-Intensive French Courses

For those looking for a slower pace of learning, study at ILCF Lyon for 6 months or 1 year at your own pace.

Short-Term Intensive French Courses

For those looking for a slower pace of learning or who cannot commit long-term, ILCF Lyon offers a 1-month French program every February and June.

Summer Intensive French Courses

1, 2, or 3-month long French programs that include cultural activities and outings, allowing you to learn the language and explore French culture during the summer break (July to September).

French for Specific Purposes

Workshops designed for specific goals, such as: French for Business, French for University, or DELF & DALF Preparation Courses.

ILCF LYON

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply, contact Go! Go! France directly. Our team will guide you through the school selection, application paperwork, and visa process. Depending on your nationality and course length, you may need a student visa.

Students who need a visa to study in France should begin the application process about 4 to 6 months before the course start date. This allows enough time to apply to your chosen school, receive an acceptance letter, secure accommodation, and complete the visa process smoothly. Starting early also ensures you have time to prepare financial documents, schedule and attend your visa appointment, and receive your visa before your planned departure.

Yes, ILCF Lyon programs are open to students who have completed at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

ILCF Lyon classes typically have 18 to 24 students. The school offers a close-knit learning environment focused on a strong teacher-student relationship.

The typical age range of students at ILCF Lyon is 18 to 25 years old.

Yes, students receive official documentation upon completing their program at ILCF Lyon, including:

・For short-term courses: a French Language and Culture Certificate, stating the French level achieved according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
・For long-term courses: a Diplôme Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises (DUEF), corresponding to the level achieved during the semester will be issued after passing the final exams.

Before the start of each session, students are required to take a test to evaluate their oral and written skills so that they can be allocated to the most suitable class level for them.

Students come from a wide range of countries. The current most represented nationalities include:
・South Korea – 15,5%
・USA – 11,5%
・Japan – 11%
・Iran – 11%
・Mexico – 11%

This international mix creates a diverse and multicultural learning environment.

Yes, ILCF Lyon Student Office is here to welcome, inform and assist new students. They regularly organise outings, events, trips and social evenings, to help students create new connections and foster interactions between foreign students studying French at ILCF Lyon, and French students in other majors at Lyon Catholic University (UCLy).

Activities may include walking tours of Lyon, friendly dinners, museum visits, movie nights, events and parties depending on the time of year such as a Halloween party in October or a Secret Santa party in December, and more.

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