Languages taught and international tests

For the languages of study, the EPFL strongly recommends language level C1 (French for the Bachelor’s degree and English for the Master’s degree). This is a prerequisite to follow courses in the best possible conditions and not to compromise your academic success.

In English, first year Bachelor students are required to take an assessment test which will allow them to establish their level in the language.  If level C1 is not achieved, further study will be necessary.  The EPFL Language Centre offers students various possibilities for achieving their objectives in this field.

Languages of instruction

The EPFL Bachelors are taught in French.

The language of teaching for the Masters courses depends greatly on the chosen course; some masters are entirely in English, whilst others entirely in French or bilingual French/English. You will find more information on page Cycle Master.

Language Centre

Through its Language Centre (located on campus), EPFL gives all its students the opportunity to develop adequate language and communication skills free of charge.

The tables below show the language levels expressed according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with the results of the most commonly used tests.

CEFR reference levels: English

CEFR reference levels: French