TCF DAP

French Language Proficiency Test for University Admission (TCF DAP)


Description

The French Language Proficiency Test for the Preliminary Admission Application (“TCF pour la DAP”) is required for all international students* wishing to enrol in France on the first year of a bachelor’s degree (L1) at a university or an architecture school.
This certification of French language proficiency must be submitted with the DAP application (also known asthe “Dossier vert”): see the information on the website of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

Each year, each university organises a single TCF for the DAP session, usually in January or February, for the following academic year.

* Exemptions:
See the list at the end of the file“SUL-TCF DAP Registration Instructions” opposite, or on the France Education International (FEi) website.

IMPORTANT: Only candidates who have submitted a DAP application are eligible to register for the TCF DAP. For other TCF candidates, see the TCF page for the general public.

Full details of the test components, the levels assessed and the results can be found in the TCF Candidate’s Handbook (opposite).

2. Registration

BEFORE registering, please read the registration instructions carefully (in ‘Documents to download’, opposite).

FEES:

Compulsory tests: €90.
Optional tests: €45.
Compulsory and additional exams: €170.

How to register: online, at https://www3.france-education-international.fr/LF/TCF/inscription/.

Once you have completed the process, please remember to print out your registration confirmation.

N.B. It is normal for the TCF DAP to take place after the DAP applications have been submitted (the deadline is the same as that for TCF registrations).

3. TCF SESSION 2026.

  • TESTS: The next TCF session will take place on Thursday 29 January from 8.30 am to 12 noon.
  • VENUE: Ilôt Dubois (Marseille).
  • DOCUMENTS AND ITEMS REQUIRED:
    Please arrive on time at the examination hall with:
    • a valid form of photo ID(passport, identity card, residence permit, asylum application, etc.)
    • a black ballpoint pen.
    • confirmation of registration for the TCF DAP (issued by FEi) and, if possible, the examination notification stamped by the university department (page 9 of the DAP pack).
  • Further information:
    • Please come to the exam on your own (no accompanying persons are permitted on the university premises).

4. Exam preparation

We strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with the TCF exam papers:

5. Results

TCF results for the DAP are usually available two weeks after the exams.

Candidates must sign and submit a copy of their certificate as soon as possible to the admissions office where they submitted their DAP application (green form).

For information:
The level achieved corresponds to the overall score (average of the multiple-choice tests), shown in the second column, as well as the level achieved in the written expression test, which is shown in the last column.

Useful links