Optional French Language Courses

While pursuing a Master's, Ph.D., or study abroad program at AGSIRD, students have the opportunity to take courses in the French language. These courses help make the most of the full immersion in French provided by the Paris location of the school. They are offered by AGSIRD in partnership with the world-renowned Alliance Française.

When completing the program, students obtain a diploma of French language studies recognized in France and throughout Europe (DELF - Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) in addition to their American Master's (and, for those who have undertaken one of the double-degree programs, in addition to their European Master's degree).

Students are not required to have any knowledge of French language to apply to AGSIRD. They are assessed on their French upon enrollment. Depending on their level, courses included in the program allow students to either meet the graduation requirement or attain a higher level of French.

Beginners and non-beginners below level required for graduation

• Entering students whose level of French is below level 2 (see level scale) as required for graduation take a six-month extensive French course at Alliance Française (in the same building) starting in their first semester (included in the program's tuition fees). Every student is assigned to the course that is the most fitted to their individual level.

• This course allows students to reach a minimum of level 2. Students who enter the program with some knowledge of French are able to reach level 3 or 4.

• They obtain a certificate from Alliance Française and the DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) diploma recognized throughout Europe.

• This certificate allows them to fulfil the graduation requirement at AGSIRD.

• Then they may choose to continue improving their French and obtain a higher degree. Such additional coursework is not included in the AGSIRD program's tuition fee. Students who choose to continue their French language studies at Alliance Française receive a 12% discount on language courses.

Note: Students who do not wish to take French courses at Alliance Française may choose to enrol at another language school at their own expense or opt out of French courses altogether. They must prove that they have reached the graduation requirement in order to obtain their M.A. or Ph.D. degree. They will be waived part of the AGSIRD tuition fees (see Tuition)

Non-beginners above level required for graduation

• Entering students whose level of French is at or above level 2 (see level scale) as required for graduation may take a six-month extensive French course at Alliance Française (in the same building).

• Depending on the level they start at, these courses allow students to reach from level 4 to full mastery. Many course options are available, from oral and written workshops to French civilization courses.

• These students obtain a certificate from Alliance Française and the DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) diploma recognized throughout Europe.

Note: Students who do not wish to take French courses at Alliance Française may choose to enrol at another language school at their own expense or opt out of French courses altogether.

They will be waived part of the AGSIRD tuition fees (see Tuition)

Fluent in French or French mother-tongue

Students who already have a full mastery of French when enrolling at AGSIRD are not required to take the assessment test when entering the program and the evaluation test for graduation.

They will be waived part of tuition. See Tuition.