Passerelle University Diploma (DUP)

A program designed to support students in exile toward academic success

The University Diploma Passerelle (DUP) is a program specifically designed to help people in exile prepare for integration into French higher education. This diploma is intended for students who wish to resume their studies, continue an interrupted academic path, or acquire a sufficient level of French to succeed in their academic and professional projects.

Who is the program for?

The DU Passerelle is intended for several groups:

• People in exile who have a level equivalent to the French baccalaureate but were unable to access university in their country of origin, or had to interrupt their studies.
• Graduated students (from bachelor’s to master’s level) who wish to reach a strong level of French in order to practice their profession, apply for degree recognition, or change their career path in France.

There is no age requirement, and the required French level to apply ranges from A2 to B1, depending on the chosen track.
Students enrolled in the DUP may apply for a means-tested grant from CROUS (check your eligibility: click here).

Admission requirements

To apply, candidates must:

• have a valid status as an asylum seeker, refugee, or beneficiary of subsidiary or temporary protection;
• hold at least a secondary school leaving certificate (equivalent to the baccalaureate);
• not have French as their mother tongue or language of schooling;
• demonstrate a minimum A2 level to enroll in B1.1 or B1.2, or a B1 level to access the B2 track.

As places are limited, applications are reviewed and include a French level test and an interview. The application file must include a cover letter presenting the candidate’s academic project (resuming or continuing studies).

A selection committee reviews applications and evaluates the motivation and coherence of the student’s academic project. A waiting list may be established depending on the number of applicants and available places.

Funding

This program is co-funded by the University of Tours and the AIMES program – Support and Integration of Migrants in Higher Education, led by the Migrants in Higher Education (MEnS) network.
As a result, the program is free of charge for all students accepted by the selection committee.

Information about the DU Passerelle in 7 languages available on the MEnS website: https://refugies.info/dispositif/63a09096e05318191f09691f 

The program is based on a progression adapted to the needs of students in exile and offers several levels:

DUP B1.1 (non-degree program)

252 hours of instruction
Strengthening of general and academic French
Objective: consolidate an early B1 level
Preparation for further university studies or a return to employment

DUP B1.2 (degree-awarding)

276 hours of instruction
Achievement of a full B1 level
Continuation of the individual project: further studies or return to employment
Opportunity to observe a university course or complete a short company internship

DUP B2 (degree-awarding)

260 hours of instruction
Advanced mastery of French to follow university courses
Finalization of the individual project
Opportunity to observe a university course or complete a short company internship

Some courses are shared with our DUEF program, encouraging integration into a broader learning community.

Why choose the DU Passerelle?
In addition to language courses identical to those offered in our DUEF, the DU Passerelle provides:

• personalized support for academic orientation and project development;
• guidance to understand how the French university system works;
• cultural activities, visits, and meetings to support social integration;
• connections with the professional world, particularly through internships;
• the possibility to apply for a CROUS grant.