Negotiating a contract, leading a meeting, writing a report or going through a job interview in French: these are precise skills, and they are not learned quite the same way as general French. In Paris, the CCFS offers two semester programmes in business French, taught in person on its campus in the 17th arrondissement. This guide explains what they cover, who they are for, which one to choose for your project and, the deciding point for many international students, which one qualifies for a student visa.
Key facts
- Two in-person semester courses in business French: S11 (150 hours) and S21 (240 hours), on the CCFS campus at 7-11 avenue des Chasseurs, 75017 Paris.
- S11 combines 120 hours of language and business French with 30 hours of phonetics in the language lab; S21 adds 90 hours of French civilization lectures.
- Required level: B1 or above (the programmes cover B1 to C1), with a compulsory online placement test when you enrol.
- Student visa: only S21 meets the criteria. S11 does not qualify for a student visa.
- Next intake: spring 2027, from 25 January to 20 May 2027. The programme also starts every year in September.
What business French covers at the CCFS
Business French is not a vocabulary list to memorise. It is a way of communicating in a professional setting, with its own codes, set phrases and typical situations. Both CCFS programmes are built around those situations.
In speaking, you practise the conversations that matter in a career: the job interview, the annual performance review, the meeting, the phone call. In writing, you learn to produce the documents a French company expects: CV, cover letter, administrative emails, meeting minutes, summary notes. You also analyse articles from the economic and professional press, which trains both your comprehension and your business culture.
The method is communicative, with plenty of role plays and simulations. Teachers are experienced in FOS (français sur objectifs spécifiques, or French for specific purposes), the field that adapts French teaching to a given professional use. The 30 hours of phonetics in the language lab complete the picture: clear pronunciation counts for a lot in a meeting or on the phone.
Progress is assessed continuously. If you pass, you receive a language certificate, together with a certificate of hours attended at the end of the semester.
S11 or S21: two formats for two goals
Both courses share the same core of language, business French and phonetics. The difference lies in the cultural dimension and the total number of hours.
The semester course in business French (S11) totals 150 hours: 120 hours of language and business French, 30 hours of phonetics in the lab. It is the most focused format, designed for learners who want a direct professional result.
The semester course in business French and French civilization (S21) totals 240 hours. It includes the 150 hours of S11 and adds 90 hours of French civilization lectures. Understanding the country’s history, society and institutions helps you read French corporate culture, and the lectures turn the semester into a full immersion in language and culture.
In short:
- You do not need a student visa and your priority is professional effectiveness: S11 is enough.
- You are coming from abroad on a student visa, or you want a complete semester of language and culture: choose S21.
Student visa: settle this before you choose
This is the first question international students ask, and the answer is clear.
S21 meets the criteria for a student visa. With 240 hours over the semester, it reaches the required volume.
S11 does not meet those criteria: its 150 hours fall below the threshold. If you need a long-stay student visa to study in Paris, S11 is not the right option, and S21 is the course to choose.
If you do not need a student visa, both courses are open to you, and the choice depends only on your goals.
Who these programmes are for
These courses are designed for adults who already have a solid base in French and a professional goal:
- international professionals who work, or will work, with French-speaking partners;
- business and management school students preparing an internship, an exchange or a first job;
- managers and entrepreneurs who negotiate, recruit or develop a business in France;
- anyone aiming for an international job market where French is an asset.
A B1 level is required, so this is not a course for beginners: you should already be able to hold a simple conversation and understand the main points of an everyday text. For a wider view of why French pays off in a career, read our article on why learn business French. All specialised programmes are listed on the specialized French courses page.
2026-2027 intakes: aim for January
Business French starts every year in September, and a spring session is also scheduled. The autumn 2026 session began on 14 September and ends on 18 December 2026.
The next intake is therefore spring 2027: from 25 January to 20 May 2027, for both S11 and S21. Classes take place Monday to Friday, in person in Paris.
If you are applying for a student visa, plan ahead: consular procedures take time, and full payment is due at least one month before classes begin.
Business French online?
The business French programmes are taught in person only. If you cannot come to Paris, or if you want to strengthen your B1 level before starting, the CCFS online French courses are a good step: they cover general French, phonetics and oral expression by videoconference. Dates, formats and prices are detailed in our article on the spring 2027 online sessions.
How to enrol
Admission requirements: you must be at least 18 and hold a secondary school diploma or a certificate of completion of secondary studies. The online placement test is compulsory; it confirms that you have the required B1 level.
You can enrol online or at the admissions office. A 30% deposit secures your place, and the balance must be paid at least one month before the semester starts. Current tuition and registration fees are shown on each course page, under fees and enrolment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the S11 course qualify for a student visa?
No. With 150 hours, S11 does not meet the student visa criteria. S21, with 240 hours, does: it is the course to choose if you need a visa.
What level do I need for business French?
B1 minimum. The programmes accept levels B1 to C1, and an online placement test is compulsory when you enrol.
Can I learn business French online at the CCFS?
Not at present: S11 and S21 are taught in person in Paris. Online, the CCFS offers general French and oral expression courses by videoconference.
When does the next session start?
The spring 2027 session runs from 25 January to 20 May 2027. The programme also starts every year in September.
