The TEF for studies in France

The TEF for studies in France

Introduction to TEF for studying in France

The TEF is a French language test divided into five sections. It's a single test that is used by different administrations for different purposes: to authorize further studies in France, naturalization in France, and immigration to Canada and Quebec. For each application, the required score and mandatory tests vary.

Preparation for the TEF

The TEF test was officially recognized in 2002 by the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research as part of an initial registration in the first cycle of university studies (the license). For this use, it is generally called “TEF for studies in France”.

The TEF for studies in France is recognized in the formalities required for any first registration in the first year of a bachelor's degree, in a university in France.

As part of the TEF (French Examination of Foreign Languages) for studies in France, four tests are mandatory. The oral expression test is optional. You should check the ministry's official website for the target scores for each test.

Listening comprehension Written comprehension Oral expression Written expression Vocabulary and structure
X X X X
To find out how to register for the TEF: How to register for the TEF


The TEF format for studying in France ?

Here are details on the format of the four mandatory TEF exams for studies in France. The exams are independent of each other.

TEF Exams Study in France Time of the test Number of questions / topics Points
Listening comprehension 60 min 40 questions 699
Written comprehension 60 min 40 questions 699
Vocabulary and structure 30 min 40 questions 699
Written expression 60 min 2 topics to be addressed 699


If you want to know more about the TEF written expression test: Everything you need to know about the TEF written expression test

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