Overview

The French programme at Stanford University provides students with a robust foundation in one of the world’s most influential languages. This curriculum is designed to accommodate everyone from beginners to advanced speakers, ensuring a thorough understanding of both linguistic mechanics and cultural nuances.

As the second largest foreign language initiative at the institution, the department supports approximately 200 students each quarter. The teaching methodology integrates modern internet resources and multimedia technology to create an immersive learning environment. This approach allows participants to connect their language studies with other fields such as international relations, economics, and art.

Why French at Stanford University?

The institution provides a dynamic academic environment where language learning is integrated with content-based instruction. Students benefit from specialised tracks, including accelerated options and intensive summer sessions, tailored to different learning paces. The programme also offers unique resources such as the French Honor Society, Pi Delta Phi, and extensive digital film libraries.

Facilities include the Stanford Media and Microtext Centre, which houses a vast collection of French films and audio-visual materials. Learners have access to global news outlets and professional academic journals, ensuring they remain connected to contemporary French society. The faculty consists of dedicated coordinators and lecturers who provide personalised guidance throughout the academic journey.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 21180 per semester
National fee: USD 21180 per semester
Local fee: USD 13240 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

First-Year French
Accelerated First-Year French
Intermediate French Oral Communication
Second-Year French: Cultural Emphasis
Intermediate/Advanced French Conversation
Advanced French Oral Communication
Advanced French: Composition, Writing, and Presentation
Reading French
French Conversation in Everyday Life
Advanced French Grammar

Careers with French

Graduates who study this subject often pursue diverse professional paths across various global industries. Proficiency in the language prepares individuals for roles in international relations, engineering, and economics. The skills gained are highly valued by organisations operating in the Francophone world and within multinational diplomatic sectors.

Accreditation

Stanford University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Programme Structure

Courses included:

The View From Paris

Oscar Wilde and the French Decadents

Literature and the Brain

Coffee and Cigarettes: The Making of French Intellectual Culture

Nation in Motion: Film, Race and Immigration in Contemporary French Cinema

Word and Image: Collaboration through the Ages

The View from Paris: Key Moments in French Culture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-07 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

45 alternative credits

45 units of study

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies French studies View 79 other Masters in French studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of International applicants.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English.
International students enrolled must be able to read English with ease, understand rapid idiomatic English as used in lectures and group discussions.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Out-of-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year

Additional Details

per quarter

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for French.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About