Foreign Language: Why French Language is Relevant to Learn in 2026

Why Should Indians Study French?

Learning French as a secondary language gives the speaker an advantage to apply for studying in countries like France, Belgium and Canada (Quebec) that offer course programmes with low or free tuition options. Learning an additional language upskills an individual and enhances their resume/ CV.

Careers Opportunities For Non-Native French Speakers

• Translator - French translators have the scope of making effective communication. They can work with diplomatic envoys, work in global companies like Amazon, that require French translators. Media companies hire translators for subtitling movie dialogues.

• AI Language Trainer - LLM companies are inviting language speakers to train their AI models.

• Teacher / Educator / Professor- Non-native French speakers have the scope of teaching French in schools, universities and/ or providing coaching to students. They can become educators globally by teaching on-site/ online in French to overseas students.

• Researcher - France invests in R&D heavily, thus invites researchers from across the world. Learning French is an added advantage to apply for research programmes in France. Students can explore and seek research studies in countries speaking French.

• Typical Jobs in French Speaking Nations / French Embassy - Candidates can search for traditional / typical jobs in corporations, offices situated in France / French speaking nations / French embassy. These organisations seek skilled workers, fluent or proficient in French.

Platforms to Seek Job Opportunities for Non- Native French Speakers

• Careers Page of French companies/corporations

• Job Poster Platforms (example - Naukri.com, LinkedIn, Shine.com, etc)

• French Embassy

• Connect and Network with individuals working in France

• Connect with Human Resource Department of French Corporations

French Language Degree / Courses / Certifications Offered in India

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in French language - Universities in India, such as Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University provide full time degree courses in French language.

• Diplomas / Part-time Courses-

1. Various universities in India (such as DU, IGNOU) offer certified French language diplomas/ part-time courses.

2. Alliance Française de Trivandrum is one of the organisations in India offering competent French speaking courses in online/ offline mode.

• Online certificates - Aspirants wishing to learn French can learn the same from various online learning platforms ( Example- Coursera, Udemy, Preply). They will provide valid certificates.

French Language Proficiency Test Accepted Globally

• DELF/ DALF - These are worldwide recognised diplomas, offered by the Ministry of Education of France, that are valid for lifetime.

1. DELF - The “Diplôme d’études en langue française” (Diploma in French Language Studies) is taken by beginner to independent users, rewarding them with the level A1 to level B2

2. DALF - The “Diplôme approfondi en langue française” (Advanced French Language Diploma) are taken for autonomous and mastery level. Proficiency will be awarded as per Levels C1 and C2.

• TCF Canada - The “Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada” exam is an official French language proficiency test recognised for immigration to Canada. Candidates willing to migrate to Canada can take this test. It is administered under the Ministry of Education of France.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France/ French Speaking Nations

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program - This scholarship is provided by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to students applying for Master’s or PhD programmes in relevant fields of study. The conducting body will shortlist candidates as per their application submission into the French universities/ institutions.

• France Excellence Charpak Scholarship Programme - Offered to Indian students to study at undergraduate/ postgraduate level. Exchange students and aspirants searching for summer training are also invited to apply. Recipients will be provided with financial support, alongside return airfare tickets and assistance to find accommodation.

• Scholarship / Bursary awarded by French Universities - Eligible applicants enrolled in course programmes at French universities can seek scholarships, bursaries, financial grants and aids.