TCF or DELF for your Study in France application?


For an application to study in France via the Études en France (Campus France) procedure, universities and grandes écoles generally accept both the TCF and the DELF, but the choice depends on your situation and application timeline.

The DELF: permanent proof, but slower to obtain


The DELF B2 is often the expected reference for undergraduate or graduate enrolment, as it validates a specific level with no validity limit. Its drawback: sessions are less frequent and result delays can be longer, which can be a problem if your application timeline is tight.

The TCF DAP: designed for university applications


There is a specific version, the TCF DAP (for Demande d'Admission Préalable), mainly used for first-year undergraduate enrolment. Outside this specific case, it is often the TCF Tout Public that is requested in the Études en France application, with results generally available within two weeks.

How to decide?

  • First check the exact requirements of each institution you're applying to: some accept only the DELF, others both, sometimes with a different minimum level depending on the test chosen.
  • Consider your timeline: if your submission deadline is approaching, the faster-to-obtain TCF may be the safer option.
  • Plan ahead if targeting several institutions: a DELF B2 remains valid for all your future applications, unlike the TCF which is limited to two years.

    • If in doubt, the official Études en France portal by Campus France specifies, institution by institution, which tests and diplomas are accepted for each programme.