Proficiency Levels — Niveaux de compétence
CEFR A1 → C2 · DELF/DALF-aligned · Business, Academic & Visa focus tracks per level
A1
Débutant
Beginner — Basic User DELF A1
🎯 Basic communication — introductions, daily needs
📚 Core Contents
- French alphabet & pronunciation
- Basic greetings — Bonjour, Merci
- Introducing yourself
- Numbers (0–100)
- Days, months, time
- Basic verbs — être, avoir, aller
- Simple sentences (present tense)
- Asking simple questions
👔 Business Focus
- Introducing yourself professionally
- Basic workplace vocabulary
- Email greetings
🎓 Student Focus
- Classroom language
- Talking about studies
🌍 Visa Focus
- Airport conversation
- Basic survival phrases
⏱ 4–8 weeks
📅 3 intakes/year
🖥 In-Person / Online
A2
Élémentaire
Elementary — Basic User DELF A2
🎯 Handle simple daily conversations
📚 Core Contents
- Past tense (Passé Composé)
- Future tense basics
- Describing people & places
- Giving directions
- Shopping & food vocabulary
- Writing short paragraphs
👔 Business Focus
- Simple emails
- Talking about products/services
🎓 Student Focus
- Describing subjects & hobbies
- Writing short assignments
🌍 Visa Focus
- Renting a house
- Talking to locals
⏱ 6–10 weeks📅 3 intakes/year
B1
Intermédiaire
Intermediate — Independent User DELF B1
🎯 Independent communication in common situations
📚 Core Contents
- Present, past & future mastery
- Expressing opinions
- Writing paragraphs
- Listening comprehension
- Complex sentence formation
👔 Business Focus
- Meetings basics
- Presenting ideas
- Negotiation vocabulary
🎓 Student Focus
- Writing essays
- Understanding lectures
🌍 Visa Focus
- Job interview basics
- Government office communication
⏱ 8–12 weeks📅 3 intakes/year
B2
Avancé Int.
Upper Intermediate — Independent User DELF B2
🎯 Fluent and confident communication
📚 Core Contents
- Advanced grammar
- Subjunctive mood
- Debate skills
- Formal writing
- Listening to native speakers
👔 Business Focus
- Business negotiations
- Report writing
- Professional presentations
🎓 Student Focus
- Academic writing
- Research discussions
🌍 Visa Focus
- Immigration interviews
- Workplace communication
⏱ 10–14 weeks📅 3 intakes/year
C1
Avancé
Advanced — Proficient User DALF C1
🎯 Professional fluency in all contexts
📚 Core Contents
- Advanced vocabulary
- Idioms & expressions
- Critical thinking
- Formal speech
- Long essays
👔 Business Focus
- Leadership communication
- Corporate strategy discussions
- Legal/business documents
🎓 Student Focus
- Thesis writing
- Academic debates
🌍 Visa Focus
- Professional job integration
- Advanced workplace fluency
⏱ 12–16 weeks📅 2 intakes/year
C2
Maîtrise
Mastery Level — Proficient User DALF C2
🎯 Near-native proficiency across all registers
📚 Core Contents
- Native-level fluency
- Complex texts analysis
- Cultural understanding
- Advanced writing styles
👔 Business Focus
- High-level negotiations
- International business communication
🎓 Student Focus
- Research publications
- Academic excellence
🌍 Visa Focus
- Full integration in French society
⏱ 16–22 weeks📅 2 intakes/year
Specialist Tracks — Parcours spécialisés
Purpose-built tracks available alongside or independently of the main levels
French for Visa & Immigration
Essential survival French for visa applications, consular visits and daily integration in French-speaking countries.
- Airport & immigration dialogues
- Survival phrases
- Government office communication
- Integration vocabulary
French for Business
Professional French for corporate communication, negotiations and international trade with French-speaking markets.
- Meetings & presentations
- Email & report writing
- Negotiation language
- Leadership communication
- Legal/business documents
French for Students
Academic French for university admission, scholarship applications and study in France or francophone countries.
- Academic vocabulary
- Essay & thesis writing
- Lecture comprehension
- Presentation skills
- Research discussions
Course Duration — Durée des cours
Approximate timelines — may vary by intake, mode and individual learning pace
| Level | Title (English / Français) | Exam | Duration | Hrs/Week | Requirement | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A1 |
Beginner / Débutant | DELF A1 | 4–8 wks | 6–8 hrs | None | Apply |
A2 |
Elementary / Élémentaire | DELF A2 | 6–10 wks | 8 hrs | A1 Certificate | Apply |
B1 |
Intermediate / Intermédiaire | DELF B1 | 8–12 wks | 10 hrs | A2 Certificate | Apply |
B2 |
Upper-Int. / Avancé Intermédiaire | DELF B2 | 10–14 wks | 10–12 hrs | B1 Certificate | Apply |
C1 |
Advanced / Avancé | DALF C1 | 12–16 wks | 12 hrs | B2 Certificate | Apply |
C2 |
Mastery / Maîtrise | DALF C2 | 16–22 wks | 14–16 hrs | C1 Certificate | Apply |
Frequently Asked Questions — Questions fréquentes
Common queries about the GLA French language programme
Do I need prior French knowledge to join A1?
No prior French knowledge is required. The A1 course begins with the French alphabet, basic phonetics and greetings — ideal for complete beginners.
What is DELF / DALF and is it included?
DELF (A1–B2) and DALF (C1–C2) are official French Ministry of Education diplomas recognised worldwide. Our courses are DELF/DALF-aligned, with dedicated exam preparation integrated into each level. Exam fees are separate.
Can I join a specialist track (Business / Visa / Academic) without the main levels?
Yes — all three specialist tracks are available independently. A minimum A2 level is recommended for the Business and Academic tracks. The Visa track is open from A1.
How do I apply for the French programme?
Visit www.glca.uk to apply online. Choose your level, preferred intake and study mode. Our team responds within 2 working days to confirm your placement.
Are evening, weekend and online classes available?
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling — evening classes, weekend batches and fully online options — to accommodate students, working professionals and overseas applicants.
Is French useful for visa and immigration to France or Canada?
Absolutely. French is an official language in over 29 countries, including France, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland. Many immigration pathways — including Canadian Express Entry — award additional points for French proficiency at B1 or above.