Frequently Asked Questions
French language skills
F1. What does the level B2 in French mean?
Levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are:
- C2 (Upper advanced): You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely. At this level you are almost bilingual.
- C1 (Advanced): You can use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes. You can understand some nuanced information.
- B2 (Upper intermediate): You can produce clear text on a wide range of subjects. Although you do not master detailed shades of meaning.
- B1 (Intermediate): You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar. Communication is limited in unexpected situations.
- A2 (Upper elementary): You can communicate in simple and routine tasks. Communication is limited.
- A1 (Elementary): You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions. Communication is very limited.
F2. How can I do a self-assessment based on the European Reference?
Assessment can be done easily using the self-assessment grid.
F3. What are the official qualifications in French?
Alliances Françaises and private language schools provide French classes and prepare to different qualifications.
TCF stands for "Test de connaissance du français" (Test of French knowledge), TEF means "Test d'évaluation de français" (Test for assessment of French) whereas DELF is "Diplôme d'étude en langue française" (certificate in French language) and DALF is "Diplôme approfondi de langue française" (advanced certificate in French language).
DELF/DALF qualifications are directly given following the European scale. TCF and TEF are also based on this scale which is related to score ranges.
| Level | TCF score | TEF score | DELF/DALF | Approximate number of hours of learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | 600-699 | 834-900 | DALF C2 | 900 |
| C1 | 500-599 | 699-833 | DALF C1 | 700 |
| B2 | 400-499 | 541-698 | DELF B2 | 500 |
| B1 | 300-399 | 361-540 | DELF B1 | 350 |
| A2 | 200-299 | 204-360 | DELF A2 | 200 |
| A1 | 100-199 | 69-203 | DELF A1 | 100 |
F4. I can speak French but I do not hold any qualification such as TEF or TCF. Can I apply for the programme?
Yes, you can apply for the programme indicating your estimated level in French (see European levels above) but you must pass an official test and obtain A2 level as a minimum in order to get a visa.
F5. Which level in French am I supposed to reach after studying French for 3 semesters at Telecom Bretagne?
Students must validate B2 level in French at the end of the Masters' programme. Such a level is necessary for feeling at ease during the final internship (last semester) and for a possible experience in a French company. Note that written French is also very important for technical reports etc.
English language skills
E1. Which level is required in English?
All Master of Engineering students (French and Internationals) must speak English in order to be eligible for graduation. Like for French language B2 level is required.
An approximate comparison is given below for different English qualifications:
| Level | TOEFL-IBT (/120) |
TOEFL-PBT (/677) |
IELTS (/9) |
TOEIC (/990) |
Cambridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | 110 | 637 | 8 | 900 | CPE |
| C1 | 85 | 565 | 6.5 | 750 | CAE |
| B2 | 70 | 525 | 5.5 | 650 | FCE |
| B1 | 55 | 480 | 4.5 | 500 | PET |
| A2 | 45 | 450 | 3.5 | 400 | KET |
| A1 | 25 | 377 | 2 | 300 |
IBT: Internet-based test, PBT: paper-based test
Funding
C1. Can Telecom Bretagne help me get a scholarship?
Telecom Bretagne does its utmost to help students get financial support. Only the best student files with exceptional academic records are submitted to the "Fondation Telecom" and other institutions mainly related to sponsor companies. The number of scholarships is limited and varies each year depending on the sponsors' donations to the foundations.
Decisions are generally made in April.
