Online Degree, Online Courses and Distance Learning in France

Online and distance learning in France covers everything from free online courses to full university degrees taken from home. Campus France, the national agency for international students, distinguishes three main formats: MOOCs, free courses open to everyone that do not lead to a diploma; SPOCs, paid online classes for small groups of about thirty selected participants; and FOAD (formation ouverte à distance), open distance programmes run by an educational institution, which may lead to a diploma. When an FOAD leads to a diploma, students receive a student card and pay registration fees.

For international students, distance learning is a way to start a French qualification, prepare for study in France or learn French without moving. Our directory currently lists one online provider in this category in France, based in Nice.

How online and distance learning works in France

Several public or publicly recognised providers organise distance learning:

• CNED (Centre national d'enseignement à distance): the national distance learning centre offers around 200 programmes in 40 fields, from nursery school to adult training. With partner universities it teaches full university programmes at a distance, from university diplomas to master's degrees, such as the first and second years of a licence in Management with the Université de Montpellier. It also prepares BTS higher technician diplomas, for example in International Trade. The CNED has more than 19,000 learners outside France, including 16,000 school pupils, and 14.6% of them are in the Americas.
• University distance programmes: the Fédération Interuniversitaire de l'Enseignement à Distance (FIED), an association recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education, brings together universities with distance programmes, searchable by field, subject or degree. The Cnam, for example, offers nearly 500 distance courses on its PLEI@D platform.
• FUN MOOC: France Université Numérique, the national MOOC platform, offers over 300 free online courses from more than 80 French institutions, some in English. Courses by universities such as the Université Paris-Est Créteil appear in its catalogue.
• Thematic digital universities (UNT): more than 34,000 free digital learning resources, without a degree.
• French-speaking networks: the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) network offers more than 100 distance degrees, from bachelor's to second-year master's level.

Learning French online

For students who plan to come to France later, an online French course is a practical first step. The CNED offers a 100% online French course, preparation for the DELF and DALF exams and the TCF, and a university diploma in French as a foreign language (DU FLE) with the Université Grenoble-Alpes. The official French language certifications, DILF, DELF, DALF and the TCF test, are managed by France Éducation international and offered through more than 1,200 exam centres worldwide. The DELF and DALF are valid for life. You can prepare online, but the exams are taken at an approved centre.

Admission, recognition and costs

Admission depends on the programme. MOOCs are open to everyone, while diploma programmes have entry requirements; the CNED lists a recommended minimum level for each course, from no diploma to four years of higher education. Before you enrol, check whether the programme leads to a national diploma (licence, master, BTS) or to a certificate of the institution, and whether exams require attendance in France or at an exam centre.

Costs vary: MOOCs are free, although a certificate may be charged, while diploma programmes charge registration fees. Studying online from abroad does not require a French student visa; if part of the programme takes place in France, check the visa rules for your nationality.

How to choose an online programme in France

• Goal: a MOOC for discovery, an FOAD for a diploma, a French course for language preparation
• Recognition: prefer national diplomas or programmes run with a university if you want a recognised qualification
• Language: most programmes are in French; check which ones are taught in English
• Exams: find out where and how assessments take place
• Time zone and pace: check whether classes are live or self-paced

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a French degree online?

Yes. Some programmes lead to national diplomas: the CNED, for example, offers university programmes with partner universities, from university diplomas to master's degrees, as well as BTS diplomas. MOOCs do not lead to a diploma.

Are French MOOCs free?

Yes. The FUN MOOC platform offers over 300 free courses, but you may have to pay for a certificate.

Can I prepare for the DELF online?

Yes. The CNED offers online preparation for the DELF and DALF, but the exams themselves are taken at one of more than 1,200 approved centres.