French

At A1 you can introduce yourself and others, ask and answer simple questions about where you live, the people you know and the things you have, and hold a basic exchange provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Reading and writing stay short and practical: signs, forms, simple messages and postcards. The grammar focus is the present tense, articles and gender, basic negation, numbers, dates and telling the time — the foundation every later level depends on.

At A2 you can understand frequently used expressions about familiar areas of life — family, shopping, work, study and your local area — and communicate in simple, routine tasks that need a direct exchange of information.

You can describe your background, your surroundings and your immediate needs in simple terms. The grammar widens to the passé composé and the imparfait, the near future, pronouns and comparisons, and writing extends to short personal letters and simple connected descriptions.

B1 is where a learner becomes independent. You can understand the main points of clear standard speech and writing on familiar matters met at work, at university and in everyday life, and you can manage most situations while travelling in a French-speaking region.

You can produce connected text on familiar topics, describe experiences, events, hopes and plans, and briefly give reasons for your opinions. B1 is often named for practical, work and residence purposes and is a sensible milestone even for learners who plan to continue.

At B2 you can understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussion in your own field, and interact with enough fluency and spontaneity that conversation with a native speaker is comfortable for both sides.

You can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and argue a point of view, setting out the advantages and disadvantages of different options. B2 is commonly the minimum for French-taught degree programmes and is the highest level of the DELF.

At C1 you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning, and you can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without obviously searching for words.

You can use French flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes, and produce clear, well-structured and detailed text on complex subjects. C1 is certified by the DALF and is often expected for demanding university programmes, teaching and some professional roles.

At C2 you can understand with ease virtually everything you hear or read, summarise information from different spoken and written sources, and rebuild arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.

You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, distinguishing finer shades of meaning even in complex situations. C2 is rarely required for admission and is usually pursued for academic, translation, teaching or professional reasons.

Not always. France offers a growing number of programmes taught in English, particularly at master's level. Programmes taught in French usually ask for a certified level, commonly B2.

Even on an English-taught course, basic French makes housing, administration and part-time work far easier, so it is worth starting before you travel.

DELF and DALF are diplomas for a single CEFR level, from A1 to C2, and do not expire. TCF and TEF are tests that place you on the scale in one sitting, with results valid for a limited period.

Universities often accept DELF or DALF, while Canadian immigration uses specific versions of TCF and TEF. Confirm which one you need first.

Knowledge of French can add points in some Canadian immigration programmes and is central to immigration to Quebec. Results must come from an approved test, such as the Canadian versions of the TCF or TEF.

Immigration rules and the weight given to French change, so check the current requirements on the official Government of Canada or Quebec sites.

It depends on how many hours you study each week and how much you use French outside class. Published guidance gives ranges of guided learning hours per level rather than a fixed timeline.

Learners who study consistently and speak from an early stage progress noticeably faster than those who study only from books.

Yes. French is one of Canada's two official languages, and some institutions outside Quebec offer programmes in French or bilingual programmes.

It can also help with part-time and graduate employment in bilingual roles, and in some immigration programmes.

No. A DELF or DALF diploma is valid for life once awarded.

Some institutions or authorities may still ask for a recent result, and TCF and TEF results do carry a validity period, so check what the body asking for it accepts.