Bilingualism at the University of Fribourg
The University of Fribourg is one of the rare universities in Europe to be bilingual since its foundation. German and French share linguistic space in the classroom, the offices of the administration, and in everyday life. Bilingualism is a choice and not an obligation in Fribourg and some faculties even offer classes in English (Please refer to the Course Program for these classes).
Bilingualism is one of the assets that attracts students to Fribourg in order to be prepared for a professional life in French and German.
Learn a new language
A bilingual university is not only a university for those students who are already bilingual but also for those students who want to become so during the course of their studies. Here is a list of possibilities already in place to help improve your language skills.
The following courses are organised for guest students (non degree seeking students) by the Center of Languages of the University of Fribourg "Centre de Langues de l'Université de Fribourg":
- A special intensive French language program targeting linguistic improvement and cultural discovery takes place before the beginning of the semester for 3 weeks in September and 2 in February consisting of 30 hours a week for levels 5 and 2.
Be aware: the number of available places is limited. The IRO will make a registration form available for guest students (non degree seeking students) as well as a language-level test by email. These documents should be sent directly to the Center of Languages of the University of Fribourg (formerly CERLE). Price of intensive courses: 500 CHF for 3 weeks and 400 CHF for the two-week course.
- French language classes during the semester, from 2 to 8 hours per week, 5 levels, places limited.
- German languages classes during the semester, from 2 to 8 hours per week, 3 levels, places limited.
Refer to the CERLE website for information on ECTS credits awarded for these classes.
A tax of 10 CHF is charged for French and German language classes during the academic year.
Linguistic competence
There is not a linguistic competency test required for coming to study as guest students (non degree seeking students) at the University of Fribourg. It is nevertheless required that the student have basic knowledge of French or German or both languages before coming.
Your classes and social life will take place in one or both of these two languages and it will be possible to improve your language competency greatly during your stay in Fribourg.
