French B2 — DELF B2

DELF B2 is the usual entry requirement for a French-taught degree. You can follow complex text on concrete and abstract topics, interact with enough fluency for conversation with native speakers to be comfortable, and argue a position in writing.

What B2 demands

Argument, not description. Both the writing and the speaking ask you to defend a position.
Abstraction. Topics move to society, media, work, environment.
Natural speed listening with no accommodation.
Register control between formal and informal, which is scored.

The production écrite at B2 is where most candidates are decided: a formal argued text — often a letter of complaint, a contribution to a debate, or a structured essay — in which a clear position developed with reasons is the whole task.

Using it for admission

Check whether your programme accepts a DELF diploma, a TCF score, or either.
Check the minimum — some courses want a specific B2 score rather than the diploma alone.
Remember the diploma never expires, which matters if you apply over several cycles.
Allow time: sessions run on a schedule and results take weeks.

Campus France procedures have their own deadlines, which are frequently earlier than the university's. Book the exam session around the Campus France date, not the course deadline.

B2 — FAQs

2 questions

Is DELF B2 enough for a French university?

For most French-taught courses, yes. Selective and some postgraduate programmes ask for C1.

Can I use TCF instead?

Often, but it depends on the institution. TCF scores have a validity period; DELF does not.

More levels (a1–c2) question types

A1 Beginner — DELF A1 A2 Elementary — DELF A2 B1 Independent — nationality level C1 Advanced — DALF C1 C2 Mastery — DALF C2

Sources

Written from the test board's own published material and checked on 1 October 2026.