Language requirements

Languages of instruction

The teaching languages at the University of Fribourg (Unifr) are: French, German and English

 
Programmes by faculty

Faculty of Science and Medicine

  • Bachelor’s level: courses taught in French and German. Knowledge of both languages is recommended.
  • Master’s level: courses taught exclusively in English.

Other faculties

  • Programmes offered mainly in French and German.
  • A selection of courses is also available in English, mostly at Master’s level
  • In some cases, Bachelor’s students may enrol in English-taught Master’s courses if they have basic subject knowledge.
Language proficiency requirements
  • No language certificate is required for the application.
  • However, you must have sufficient oral and written skills in the language(s) of your chosen courses. Please consult the course catalogue to check the teaching language of each course.

Recommended minimum level (CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):

  • B1 for students from Europe
  • B2 for students from outside Europe

This ensures you can: take notes, actively participate in class and write academic papers.

 

Visa requirements (non-European students)

Students from outside Europe must:

  • provide proof of B2 level in the language of instruction.
  • submit an official language certificate (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge) when applying for a visa.

Further information is available in the section Visa.

Language support before the exchange semester
  • Before the start of the semester, the Language Centre of the University of Fribourg offers pre-semester intensive language courses to help you prepare for your studies and your stay.
  • More information (dates, registration, fees) is available on the Language Centre website.

 

Language support during your exchange

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to improve your language skills: The Language Centre of the University of Fribourg offers free language courses throughout the semester.

 

Language skills for researchers

For researchers (Unifr grants, Confederation scholarships, self-funded stays):

  • Research is generally conducted in English.
  • Knowledge of at least one national language (French or German) is recommended for daily life and integration.

Free language courses are also available through the Language Centre.