Admission requirements - International relations degree
Who should apply?
The International Relations LLCER program is aimed at students who are proficient in one or more of the languages taught at Inalco, have a good level of English (B2 minimum) and have demonstrated their analytical and writing skills. The recruitment procedures meet a dual requirement of prerequisites in both oriental language and human and social sciences.
External students wishing to apply will need to demonstrate skills equivalent to those in the L1 "fundamental teaching" block in the oriental language they specialize in.
L2 IR admission criteria (120 students)
The admission criteria for the L2 International Relations are as follows:
- a professional project in international relations;
- L1 Oriental language and civilization validated by good results in both language and civilization (writing skills). Also accessible after obtaining an intensive diploma from Inalco (Arabic or Russian), under the same conditions as for students from an L1 ;
- competence in one or more languages taught at Inalco. External students wishing to apply must demonstrate skills equivalent to those of the L1 "fundamental teaching" block in the Oriental language in which they specialize;
- level B1 in Oriental language;
- level B2 minimum in English (working language);
- + for foreign students: level C1 in French.
FAQ International Relations
FAQ International Relations
What are the International Relations prerequisites required to enter the course?
→ For entry into L2, we don't require any specific International Relations prerequisites, either in terms of training or internship. It is precisely through this training that students acquire the fundamentals. Applications are assessed as a whole, with a particular focus on motivation.
Is there a minimum eliminatory average for the selection of candidates?
→ No UE must be validated by compensation, i.e. the candidate must have validated each subject with an average of at least 10.
Although selected candidates have higher averages, we are not in a position to indicate a specific minimum average. The best files are those selected.
I have a poor mark on my transcript, is this a redhibitory factor?
→ We evaluate each file as a whole. A poor mark in one subject among a set of good results will not be eliminatory.
I have very good marks in civilization but less good marks in language, do I stand a chance of being selected?
→ We attach great importance to a balance of results. Only applications with civilization AND language skills will be selected.
Is there a quota per language in the International Relations stream?
→ No, there is no quota. Each application is assessed as a whole on the same criteria as the others, without regard to the specific language studied. The International Relations stream has a wide range of languages studied, although some classes have larger numbers of students.
How do I prove my English B2 level?
→ The level of English is assessed on the basis of baccalaureate grades. It is possible to provide additional proof of English level, but this document is optional.
I've heard that institutions can organize online assessment sessions for the TOEIC. Will you be setting up this assessment during the candidacy campaign?
→ No, we do not plan a standardized English language assessment test for external applicants.
We accept any documentary evidence that reflects your English language level (certificates, internship experience in an English-speaking environment, higher education in English, etc.).
Can I enter L3 directly?
→ Direct admission to L3 is exceptional, and remains at the discretion of the admissions jury. Students must demonstrate that they have attained a level of proficiency in the Oriental language equivalent to the "fundamental teaching" block of L2, and also have validated SHS teaching corresponding to the courses taught in L2 international relations.
To apply, use the eCandidat L2 platform and indicate your project in the cover letter.
Can I simultaneously take L2/L3 courses?
→ Admission to L2/L3 (one-year course) is also exceptional and subject to the opinion of the jury. It can only be considered in the case of prior validation of a complete LLCER from Inalco, without compensation, thus leaving free the slots usually occupied by departmental language and civilization courses.
To apply, go through the eCandidat L2 platform and indicate your project in the cover letter.
I have skills in several Oriental languages, which one should I choose for my application?
→ In the event that you have skills in several Oriental languages, you should first give priority to the language for which you have the minimum B1 level. If you have the required level for both your languages, please indicate the one for which you would like to take courses at Inalco when you apply.
Please note, an oriental language here refers to the languages taught at Inalco, please refer to the list of languages available on the school's website. Thus, German or Spanish, for example, cannot be studied there, but Russian or Chinese can.
Is it possible to study two oriental languages in the International Relations professionalization course?
→ No, it's only possible to study one language in this course. Both the Bachelor's and Master's courses are organized to enable students to learn just one oriental language.
In addition, a specialized English course around IR themes is scheduled each semester in L2 and L3. It is not possible to integrate into the timetable sufficient training time for two languages in addition to IR courses (e.g. a dual-language license). We therefore ask that you select a single oriental language of specialization.
If you still wish to take courses from introductory to advanced level in a second language, please contact the Continuing Education department for intensive courses on Saturday mornings. Please remember to estimate the total workload.
Is it possible to do a double degree in the IR program?
→ It is strongly discouraged to do a double degree while in the IR program, due to the density and requirements of the courses. However, this decision remains at the free discretion of students. More information on the RSE.
The IR bachelor's degree also does not allow students to merge with another bachelor's degree (dual-language bachelor's degree, LAS, etc.). Students wishing to pursue another license are therefore obliged to do so in parallel.
I am a foreign student, do I need to prove my level of French?
→ If you are currently following or have followed a higher education course in French, your transcripts will suffice as proof of your level of French. If you come from a country where one of the official languages is French, you don't need to provide proof of your level of French.
I'm currently in L2 Commerce International at Inalco. Is it possible to apply directly for L3 RI?
→ It is not possible to enter L3 RI directly from the International Commerce pathway. Despite common courses between these two tracks, the L2 CI does not provide training in the prerequisites expected in L3 International Relations.
I applied last year for the L2 International Relations professionalization pathway, but was unsuccessful. Is it possible to reapply for L3?
→ It is entirely possible to reapply. It's up to you, however, to make sure that the Language and Civilization and International Relations courses are compatible in terms of timetable.
Application procedure (May 2 - 31, 2024)
Application deadline: May 2 - 31, 2024.
In order to improve the quality of teaching and due to limited lecture hall capacity, the LLCER International Relations course welcomes 120 students in L2 and 100 students in L3. Once these numbers have been reached, the course is unable to accept additional students.
Attention! No applications will be accepted after the campaign opening date. Applicants are therefore advised to make sure they have submitted all the required documents on the relevant platform in good time. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No additional documents will be accepted by e-mail.
For candidates who have already studied in Europe (secondary or higher education), an application file must be sent via the eCandidat platform, and include the following documents:
- application form to be completed and scanned (downloadable from the eCandidat platform) ;
- updated CV (1 page) ;
- letter of motivation and professional project (1 page) ;
- transcripts for the first semester of the current year ;
- transcripts for the baccalauréat (or equivalent) ;
- copy of diploma(s) obtained since the baccalauréat (for students who have already completed one or more university courses);
- transcripts of diploma(s) obtained since the baccalauréat;
- In addition, for foreign applicants:official attestation of C1 level in French; sworn translation of documents supplied not written in French or English;
- Optionally, any proof of minimum B2 level of English.
Applicants from outside Inalco may be asked to take a language test.
No paper applications will be accepted.
NB:Students taking Licence 2 LLCER Relations internationales exams in session 2 must submit their application before the campaign closing date, without waiting for the final results.