Eligibility for the Pre-College Programmes

Age and education requirements

The Pre-College Programmes are open to students currently enrolled in secondary school, and who will still be enrolled in secondary school in Fall 2025. Please note that candidates for the on campus programme must be under 18 years old at the time of the programme.

Candidates in their final year of secondary school, who will obtain their high school diploma by Summer 2025, are not eligible for the Pre-College Programme. These candidates are invited to apply to the University Programme.

Language requirements

For more information on the language levels, download an explanation of the CEFR levels (in English).

English language requirement

The main language of the academic programme is English, which is the language of instruction for all tutorials, all Master Classes, and most elective classes. Students are therefore required to demonstrate advanced (high Level B2-C1) proficiency in English.

Candidates who are not native English speakers may demonstrate their proficiency in English in one of three ways:

Option 1: Provide an official language certification taken within the last three years. The following tests and minimum scores are accepted:

• TOEFL (IBT or Home Edition): 90 - Comprehension (Reading and Listening) minimum: 46 ; Expression (Speaking and Writing) minimum: 44.
• IELTS: 6.5, no subscore under 5.5
• Cambridge English: First (CEF) - "Reading" and "Listening": Grade A (minimum:180) ; "Use of English", "Writing" and "Speaking" minimum: Grade B (minimum: 173)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Option 2: Provide proof of at least two years of study entirely taught in English within the last three years. This includes:

• An academic transcript showing at least two years of courses entirely taught in English
• A diploma from an English-speaking institution

Please note that two years of English language courses alone are not sufficient.

Option 3: Complete a Summer School language assessment and upload it as part of your application file.

Optional: Elective course taught in French

In 2024, the on campus Pre-College Programme offers one elective class taught in French, for which a minimum level of B2 proficiency in French is required. Candidates who choose an elective course taught in French need to provide proof of their current level of French as part of their registration.

Candidates who are not native French speakers may demonstrate their proficiency in French in one of three ways:

Option 1: Provide an official language certification taken within the last three years. For French, the following tests are accepted:

• DELF B2, DALF C1, DALF C2
• TCF

Option 2: Provide proof of at least two years of study entirely taught in French. This includes:

• An academic transcript showing at least two years of courses entirely taught in French
• A diploma from a French-speaking institution

Option 3: Complete a Summer School language assessment and upload it as part of your application file.