The two working languages of the College of Europe are English and French.

Applicants to the European Political and Governance Studies should in principle have a minimum CEFR level C1 in English  and a minimum level B2 in French.

Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, the European Political and Governance Studies programme will introduce the intensive French language courses (stage français), organised in collaboration with the Alliance française and supported by the French Embassy in Brussels, allowing the department to accept a limited number of students with low-level French (bellow B2) given:

• They have a C1 level in English;
• They have an excellent academic background;
• They demonstrate strong motivation to improve their French to reach B2/C1 level during their time at the College.

The admissions of candidates with a limited level of French (bellow B2) at the time of the interview is conditional on the attendance of:

• an intensive French course before arriving in Bruges;
• the stage français on campus, that begins two weeks prior to the start of the academic year.

Upon application to the College of Europe, candidates should clearly indicate their language level via the online application form. French and English fluency is assessed during the selection process and, when possible, candidates should supply internationally recognised certificates or recommendation letters from language teachers demonstrating language levels in relation to the Common European Framework for Reference (CEFR). 

Students wishing to improve their French before entering the College can also find more information on the College Language Service pages.

We strongly recommend obtaining external certificates. However, university-issued certificates or recommendation letters from qualified language teachers are also accepted, as long as they reference CEFR levels.

Circumstances where language certificates are not required.

All admitted students (except native speakers) must complete the Ev@lang online placement test, provided by the Alliance française. Based on the results, the department may recommend the intensive French course before the start of the academic year. 

For further information about the language requirements candidates should e-mail info.admissions@coleurope.eu.