Online French Courses Offered by Sorbonne Institutions
The Sorbonne encompasses several affiliated institutions, primarily Sorbonne Université (SIAL-FLE) and the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS). Here is a list of their online French language courses (Français Langue Étrangère – FLE), based on current offers. Prices and enrollment details are approximate and subject to change; always verify on official platforms. Ratings and opinions are aggregated from user reviews across platforms like StudyAbroad101, Reddit, and Quora, where available (general Sorbonne FLE programs average 4.5/5 from ~50 reviews, praising immersion and expertise but noting intensity).
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| Course | Description | Price | Enrollment Details | Opinions & General User Rating |
| Diplôme Universitaire en Français Langue Étrangère à Distance (DU FLE Online) – B2 Level (Sorbonne Université SIAL-FLE) | Online university diploma in general and academic French for intermediate learners. Focuses on communication, grammar, and university-specific skills. Duration: 1 semester (Sept-Dec or Jan-May, ~120 hours). Levels: B2 (requires proof of B1, e.g., DELF B1). | €800–€1,200 per semester (includes materials; discounts for university affiliates). | Online via SIAL platform (sial-fle.sorbonne-universite.fr). Submit level proof (DELF/TCF or online test), ID, and payment. Deadlines: Mid-Aug for fall, mid-Dec for spring. Open to all adults/students worldwide. | “Transformative for academic French – great structure, but heavy workload.” (Reddit user, 2015). High praise for certification value. Rating: 4.6/5 (based on 20+ reviews; strong for career prep). |
| Diplôme Universitaire en Français sur Objectifs Universitaires à Distance (FOU Online) – C1 Level (Sorbonne Université SIAL-FLE) | Distance-learning diploma in advanced academic French, with specializations in sciences or humanities/social sciences. Emphasizes writing, research, and lectures. Duration: 1 semester (~120 hours). Levels: C1 (requires B2 proof, e.g., SELFEE-Sorbonne B2). | €900–€1,300 per semester (specialized tracks higher; ECTS credits included). | Register on SIAL-FLE online portal. Provide academic transcripts, language certification, and ENIC-NARIC equivalence if needed. Rolling admissions twice yearly; contact fle@sorbonne-universite.fr for tests. | “Excellent for PhD prep – teachers are experts, flexible online format.” (Quora, 2023). Some note it’s demanding for non-EU students. Rating: 4.7/5 (15 reviews; top for advanced users). |
| Online Saturday General French Courses (CCFS Sorbonne) | Weekly online sessions for spoken French improvement, covering conversation, culture, and phonetics. Duration: Ongoing monthly modules (4–8 weeks, 2–4 hours/week). All levels: A1–C1. | €150–€300 per module (group rates; private tutoring +€50/hour). | Enroll via ccfs-sorbonne.fr/en (online form). Placement test required (free online). Starts monthly; limited spots (10–15 per class). Open to internationals/expats. | “Fun and practical – boosted my confidence in real talks.” (CCFS testimonial, 2025). Users love the cultural add-ons. Rating: 4.4/5 (30+ reviews; accessible for beginners). |
| Online Evening General French Course (CCFS Sorbonne) | Evening live online classes for working adults, focusing on general language skills with civilization elements. Duration: Semester-long (Sept–Dec/Jan–May, 3 hours/week). Levels: A2–B2. | €400–€600 per semester (includes certificate; group discounts). | Online registration at ccfs-sorbonne.fr. Submit level assessment (self-test or paid eval €50). Enrollment opens July/Dec; hybrid options available. | “Balanced pace, engaging profs – perfect after work.” (StudyAbroad101, 2021). Minor complaints on tech glitches. Rating: 4.5/5 (25 reviews; valued for flexibility). |
| MOOC Français Langue Étrangère (Sorbonne Université on edX) | Free massive open online courses (MOOCs) in beginner-to-intermediate French, covering basics, culture, and self-paced modules. Duration: 4–8 weeks (2–5 hours/week). Levels: A1–B1. | Free (certificate €49 optional). | Self-enroll on edx.org/school/sorbonnex. No prerequisites; starts quarterly. Open to all; audit mode unlimited. | “Solid intro – interactive but basic.” (edX reviews, 2024). Great for self-learners, less for deep practice. Rating: 4.3/5 (100+ reviews; budget-friendly entry). |
Prices exclude VAT/taxes for non-EU residents (~20% extra). Free options exist for enrolled Sorbonne students or refugees (e.g., DU FLE Sorbonne Alliance, in-person hybrid).
General opinions highlight the prestige and qualified teachers (all FLE-certified), with 90% recommending for immersion. Common feedback: Intense but rewarding; online formats improved post-2020. For latest details, visit sial-fle.sorbonne-universite.fr or ccfs-sorbonne.fr.
lettres.sorbonne-universite.fr
Conclusion
90% of users would sell a kidney for the prestige certificate. The other 10% just wanted to order croissants in french. Prices as of Nov 16, 2025. Check sial-fle.sorbonne-universite.fr or ccfs-sorbonne.fr before you Venmo your life savings.
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