Excelia's International Foundation Programme is an ideal gateway to our school's degree courses. By choosing this programme, you will be joining a renowned higher education group, recognised both in France and internationally.
Specially designed for French and international students wishing to pursue higher education in France, in either French or English. This preparatory course combines language and multicultural teaching, personal development and discovery of the professional world.
You'll also benefit from personalised support to help you build a solid study plan, with the possibility, at the end of the course, of applying for the Bachelor's or Master's programme of your choice, depending on your initial level of study.
Whichever path you decide to follow next, you'll be joining one of France's top 10 business schools, with a prestigious, internationally recognised degree.
- La Rochelle: IFP in French
- Paris: IFP in English
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LanguageEnglish / French
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Location
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Tuition Fees
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In shortFrench, English, Preparation for higher education
3 Reasons to choose the International Foundation Programme
B2 level objective
Whatever the course (French or English), A2 level is required for registration in September, and B1 level for registration in January.
European academic methodologies
The teaching of European academic methodologies helps you to adapt more easily to courses and to make rapid progress. At IFP, you develop the skills you need to succeed in a European academic environment, as well as improving your command of French or English.
Total immersion for a successful integration
You will spend your semester or year in La Rochelle or Paris, enjoying an enriching experience in a stimulating academic environment.
Rankings
FAQs
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What are the pedagogical objectives of the International Foundation Programme?
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The aim of the programme is to enable you to improve your level of French or English, to prepare you for language proficiency tests, to discover different teaching methods, and to experience life in France. It also prepares you for our qualification-awarding programmes and offers the opportunity of a work placement to enhance your career prospects in France.
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What are the academic requirements for joining the programme?
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There are no specific academic requirements. To start in October, you must have an A2 level of French or English, and for February, a B1 level.
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How long is the International Foundation Programme?
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The exact duration depends on your initial language level and choice of start date: you can choose a full academic year starting in October (level A2) or a semester, starting in February (level B1).
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What are the advantages of studying in La Rochelle or Paris?
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On our campuses you will benefit from a pleasant setting, modern facilities, an international atmosphere… and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the French culture!
Lessons
- Languages, Business, Personal Development, and Culture
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Description Cours EN
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Language skills:
- French: culture and society
- Business French
- French as a foreign language
- English for academic skills
- English for professional communication
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Methodology and personal development:
- Theatre
- Intercultural communication
- Note-taking, reporting, summarising, speed-reading
- Project work
- Business Game
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Knowing yourself better for better career guidance
- Choosing a course of study in line with your career plan
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Workshops and coaching:
- Public speaking
- Workshops presenting Excelia programmes
- Coaching application
- Coaching concours
- Alumni meeting
- The teaching programme and assignments are given for information only and may change from year to year.
Description Cours EN-
Language skills:
- English: culture and society
- Business English
- English as a Foreign Language
- French as a Foreign Language
- Business French
-
Methodology and personal development:
- Theatre
- Intercultural communication
- Note-taking, reporting, summarising, speed-reading
- Project work
- Business Game
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Knowing yourself better for better career guidance
- Choosing a course of study in line with your career plan
-
Workshops and coaching:
- Public speaking
- Workshops presenting Excelia programmes
- Coaching application
- Coaching concours
- Alumni meeting
- The teaching programme and assignments are given for information only and may change from year to year.
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Expériences
Support and Guidance, Personal Development
One of the main objectives of the IFP is to enable you to prepare for your future studies and fine tune your professional project. Through Excelia's innovative teaching tools and experience, you will benefit from personalised advice to help you...
- to identify and develop your project: personal development workshops on self-awareness, defining your aspirations etc.
- to develop your personal communication tools (CV, cover letter, etc.), and present them effectively, making sure you give the best impression
- to prepare for the entrance tests of your higher education study programme
Drama workshop
As a future professional, you will need to present and defend your ideas and projects in front of a variety of audiences. Our drama workshops are a perfect opportunity of learning in a fun way. In a relaxed environment, you will develop your self-confidence and your oral skills through sketches, improvisations and public speaking, etc.
Optional Internship
At the end of the programme, you have the option of carrying out an internship in a company. This internship constitutes a veritable immersion in the French business world, giving you the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the programme. It will not only boost your experience but will be highly beneficial for your further studies.
Study progression
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) at Excelia is a true gateway to all our programmes, whether you choose the English-speaking or French-speaking pathway. This programme adapts to your linguistic and academic needs, enabling you to join our Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees based on your preferences and level of study.
IFP in French
The French-speaking IFP opens the doors to 32 Excelia programmes delivered in French. These programmes cover a wide range of fields and are ideal for thriving in a Francophone academic and professional environment.
Examples of French-speaking programmes include:
- Bachelor in Business
- Master in Management
- Masters of Science in Marketing, Finance, Purchasing & Supply Chain, Tourism, and Communication
Explore all French-speaking programmes
IFP in English
Upon completing the English-speaking IFP, you will gain access to over 15 Excelia programmes taught in English (English Track), most of which are offered at our Paris campus. These programmes include Bachelor’s degrees (Bac+3/4) and Master’s degrees (Bac+5), providing an internationally recognised academic experience tailored to a globalised environment.
Examples of English-speaking programmes include:
- BBA International
- Master in Management
- Masters of Science (MSc) in Marketing, Management, Finance, or Tourism
Explore all English-speaking programmes
Choosing Excelia means tailoring your academic future and enriching your professional prospects, whatever linguistic pathway you select.
Cost of Studies
Tuition Fees 2025-2026
International students
French Track
- Semester: €5,500
- Year: €7,900
English Track
- Semester: €6,800
- Year: €9,700
Tuition fees are provided for information purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next.
Multiservice charge
- Fee (1 semester): €175
- Fee (1 year): €350
Services included in the Multi-service fee:
- Administration and support services
- International mobility insurance-assistance
- Reprographics credit (photocopying, printing)
- Unlimited access to all content on Exceliaprime Edutainment platform
- Personalised support and coaching from our Talent Centre
Admission
1 / Online application
Submit your application online and select your programme:
List of supportive documents required : CV and Proof of current academic level (exam certificate/s or letter from current academic establishment etc.)
Admission fee : An admissions fee of €50 is required (to be paid by bank transfer or credit card)
2 / Online video interview
Details of admissions tests
- Online video interview on our online admissions platform (in French or English depending on the chosen programme and track).
- Candidates have 5 days to respond to a series of questions (motivation, academic and professional projects)
Upcoming admissions deadlines
Possibility of taking the admissions test all year long.
3 / Admissions test results released and deposit to be paid
Admissions test results
Candidates will receive notification of their admission or non-admission within 6 days following their interview.
If you are admitted, you must pay the deposit, which will be deducted from your annual tuition fees, before the specified deadline.
Excelia has partnered with Flywire to provide our overseas families with an easier method of sending international fee payments. Flywire offers a best price guarantee when sending the payment by bank transfer, real-time payment tracking and 24x7 multilingual customer support.
4 / Administrative assistance
Confirmation of enrolment
You will receive confirmation of pre-enrolment as well as confirmation of accommodation which are necessary for your student visa application.
Click here for administrative assistance
5 / Proof of academic level required
Conditions of acceptance
To confirm your final acceptance, you must provide proof of your current qualifications and language ability:
English-Track and French-Track Programmes:
- Bachelor, Master, Masters of Science (MSc): B2*
- Foundation and preparatory programmes**: A2 or B1 depending on programme*
- For Summer School and FLE (French as a Foreign Language) courses: Open to students of all abilities
* Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
** International Foundation Programme and Excelia First Year
Proof of language ability is NOT required if:
- Please note that only official certificates will be accepted.
- You hold a qualification issued in a French-speaking country and are applying for a French track
- You hold a qualification issued in an English-speaking country and are applying for an English track
Please note that only official certificates will be accepted.
