Fluency in French is essential in most fields of study given that the main language of instruction is French. According to article 113§ 1er of the decree of November 07, 2013 defining the landscape of higher education and the academic organization of studies, a student who does not hold a diploma obtained in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation must pass the EMLF if he or she wishes to access:

  • the didactic master's studies
  • the Agrégation de l'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (AESS)

This exam can be taken twice per academic year.

Passing this exam leads to a certificate declaring that the student has reached level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, established by the Council of Europe. This attestation is recognized in all higher education establishments in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

 

When and how to register?

At the University of Namur, this exam (written and oral) will be held on September 11, 2024.

If your situation requires the presentation of the French language proficiency exam, we invite you to register via our online registration form below.

Please note, only students present on Belgian territory on the date of the exam can proceed with registration; the exam is organized exclusively in person.

The registration fee for this exam is €50. You will receive an invitation to pay by e-mail after completing the online form.

How does the exam work?

The exam consists of two parts:

  • A written test: the student writes a summary of around forty lines based on a presentation or text of 2 to 4 pages on a general topic.
  • An oral test: a conversation centered on the subject of the writing aims to assess the student's understanding of the presentation or source text as well as their oral communication skills.

Waivers

Students in the situations listed below may be exempted from the French language proficiency exam:

  • Students who hold a CESS or a higher education diploma issued by an establishment in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation,
  • Students who have graduated from an establishment where the language of instruction is French,
  • Students who hold a foreign diploma, title or certificate attesting to studies that include sufficient instruction in the French language; the Government sets the minimum requirements for such studies,
  • Students in possession of an attestation of success in the 1st cycle higher education entrance examination,
  • Students in possession of an attestation of success in the special engineering sciences entrance examination,
  • Students in possession of an attestation of successful completion of the French language proficiency examination organized by another university institution or Haute Ecole of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation,
  • Students who have passed the DAES (Diplôme d'Aptitude à accéder à l'Enseignement supérieur).