Program for exiles

Since 2012, the Lumière Lyon 2 University has been supporting the reception of students in exile at the University, in particular for learning the French language. The CIEF, a recognised player in the field of French as a foreign language and French for academic purposes, participated in the working group that developed the DU Gateway - students in exile, at the initiative of the Mens network (Migrants in 'Higher Education). This University Diploma was accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research for granting CROUS scholarships in 2019, along with 18 other universities.

If you are a refugee, asylum seeker, or under subsidiary protection and you want to learn French, the CIEF offers you the Gateway University Diploma (DU PASSERELLE - DUP). This diploma enables you to acquire a B1 or B2 level in French. It prepares students to enter higher education in France.

Admission is selective.
2025/26 pre-registration campaign: extended to 30 April 2025

DUP level A2 to B1 (2 semesters, September to May) - 20 places The DUP A2/B1 is organised over 2 university semesters: the DUP level A2 in the first semester and the DUP level B1 in the second semester. Please note: you can only apply in September, for the whole year. It is not possible to apply for the second semester.

 

DUP level B1 to B2 (2 semesters, September to May) - 20 places The DUP B1/B2 is organised over 2 university semesters: the DUP level B1 in the first semester and the DUP level B2 in the second semester. Please note: entry is only possible in September, for the whole year. It is not possible to apply for the second semester.

Please note: Access to the second semester is subject to having passed the first semester. If you do not pass the first semester, you cannot repeat the second semester.

 

Course description

DU Passerelle - niveau A2

DU Passerelle - niveau B1

DU Passerelle - niveau B2

Duration of the diploma : 240 hours / semester
Fee : free of charges
Online preregistration : eCandidat platform

How to apply

From the start of the 2025-26 academic year, Lumière Lyon 2 and Jean Moulin Lyon 3 universities will organise the selection of applications together in 3 stages.

STEP 1

Applicants must complete the online application form before 15 April 2025. A single application must be made, either on the eCandidat Lyon 2, or on eCandidat Lyon 3.
CAUTION: Any application that is incomplete or sent after 15 April will be rejected.
You will receive notification of the acceptance or rejection of your application to access stage 2 of the selection process by 15 May 2025 at the latest.
A letter confirming your registration for the written test, together with the time and place, will be sent to you no later than 15 May.

STEP 2

The written selection test is scheduled for Monday 26 May 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: no replacement session will be organised in the event of unjustified absence.
If you are pre-selected after the test, you will be invited to an oral interview lasting around twenty minutes, during which you will be asked to present your study project.

STEP 3

ORAL INTERVIEW in person on 10, 11 or 12 June 2025.
The date and time of the oral interview will be indicated on the invitation.