If you plan to study French in France, you will likely find yourself choosing between public and private French language courses. How do they compare? Which one is better for your needs? Let us explain everything you need to know, from tuition fees and visa approval chances to class sizes, course flexibility, and refund policies.
An overall view for tuition fee in public and private language courses
| Type of the course | Annual tuition fee | Total hours per year | Cost per hour |
| Public course | ~ 3600 euros (French course in Strasbourg) | 400 hours | ~9 euros/hour |
| Private course | 4500 to 7000 euros | 800 hours | ~8 euros/hour |
Course duration and teaching time
This is where private French language courses shine. Public courses are officially 9 months long, but include only 4 months of active teaching, with many breaks in between (including the long summer and winter holidays). There are only two annual intakes, September and January, which limit your flexibility. Private language schools run real six- or 10-month programs, with more teaching hours and fewer breaks. You can start almost every month, which is ideal if you are working with a specific timeline or need to apply quickly for a visa.
French language courses: Class size and learning environment
In public language programs, you will often be in a class with 20 to 40 students, which means less speaking time and limited opportunities for feedback. Private courses usually limit class size to 12 students or fewer, creating a more personalized environment where you can practice speaking and get your questions answered. Private French language courses offer smaller but more interactive classes.
French language courses: Schedule and flexibility
Do public and private French language courses differ in terms of flexibility? Public programs have rotating schedules, sometimes morning, sometimes afternoon, making it challenging to plan your day or find a part-time job. Private programs follow a more predictable daily schedule, often from morning until early afternoon. Hence, the latter courses are better suited for people who need a consistent routine.
Visa rates and refund policies
It has been reported that public French language courses have, in general, lower visa approval rates, partly due to their limited contact hours and long breaks. On the other hand, private language schools, especially those accredited by Campus France and the Ministry of Higher Education, have higher visa success rates. Private schools have student-friendly refund policies that reduce the financial risk.This means that, most private French language courses offer a full refund (minus a small application fee) if your visa is rejected. Reapplying at a late date will not require you to pay the application fee once more.
French language courses: Certifications
Both public and private French language courses prepare you for official French exams like DELF, DALF, or TCF, which are often required for university admission or permanent residency. Students enrolled in either type of courses receive a student number in France, which offers benefits such as:
- Free public healthcare
- Monthly housing aid (CAF)
- Student discount on transport and entertainment
Final thoughts
If you are looking to save money upfront and do not mind fewer teaching hours, a public French language course can be a fine option. However, if you are aiming for more hours, better visa approval, more efficient education and flexible schedules, private French language courses are better choices.
Contact us today!
At Uni-zen, we help you register for public and private language courses, depending on your preferences and goals. Whether you want a budget-friendly public program or a more intensive private course, we will handle the entire registration process, including visa paperwork.
Whether you are unsure about choosing between public and private French language courses, need advice on studying in France, or have questions about different types of visas, we at Uni-zen are ready to help. You can send us an email (contact@uni-zen.com) or visit our contact page to get in touch with our team. Let us make your journey to France smooth, simple, and successful!