Language of thesis

As a preamble, it is recalled that the Toubon Law (04/08/1994), modified by the Fioraso Law (22/07/2013) specifies, in its Article L 121-3, that "the language of instruction, examinations and competitions, as well as theses and dissertations in public and private educational establishments is French." Consequently, and in accordance with the law, at INALCO the language of instruction, work and communication with the administration is French.
Exceptionally, a request for authorization to write a doctoral thesis in English is possible.

The administrative process
1.) The request for authorization to write the thesis in English as well as the application for registration in the first year of the thesis must be written in French.
2.) The choice of English must be scientifically justified.
3.) Applicants must also provide proof of proficiency in French (B2 minimum) and English (C1 minimum or diploma in English studies or from an English-speaking university).
4.) Each request will be subject to the opinion of the Doctoral School Council at the time of registration for the first year of the thesis.
5.) If, at the same time, the candidate wishes to apply for funding via a doctoral contract, both the written application and the oral presentation at the audition must be made in French.
6.) Theses written in English are permitted in the case of cotutelles and funded projects governed by decree.

Doctoral studies and the English language: follow-up and defense
1.) Candidates are reminded that theses written in English must be accompanied by a substantial summary in French (around 30 pages), and that the candidate's introductory presentation must be in French. The defense may be conducted in either English or French. Examiners may choose to express themselves orally and write their reports in English. In the final version of the defense report, at least the thesis director's report must be written in French.
2.) Candidates are also reminded that doctoral training at INALCO, with some exceptions, is conducted in French. INALCO recommends that candidates be supervised in French and requires that, for administrative reasons, at least CSID reports be written in French.
3.) As already mentioned, at INALCO, French remains the language of work and communication, particularly with the administration.