A summer course

PIL is a summer course (between July and September) of French lessons for non-French natives run by specialized organisations.
 
The level of language (French or English) required before the beginning of the training is indicated in the description of each training (see Find a program). This is a condition for definitive admission to the Master.

Also are organised: cultural activities during the stay, and a help is provided to open a bank account.

In general, a B2 level is requested in the language used for the training (French or English) in Master programmes. The PIL (or even the Extended PIL) was created to help students reach the right level.

The French language

In the vast majority of cases, for training in science, technology and engineering taught in French, it is requested to justify a minimum level A2 as of 1 April. 

The PIL (to French), which begins in mid-July, reaches the B1 level in September before the start of the master's course. The PIM package is then needed to complete his/her integration and reach the level of French B2 required to follow the courses with French students.

Advice: Begin French lessons before your arrival in France to show your motivation to study in France and give yourself every chance of succeeding.

The English language

For training courses taught in English it is requested to justify a minimum level B1 as of April 1st.
The PIL (to English) starts in mid-July and reaches B2 in September before the start of the master course.

Attention even for the trainings taught in English it will be asked, to obtain the degree a minimum level of French B1.

PIL that make progress in both languages (English and French) are possible.

Quality

All "n+i" PIL centers are certified "FLE quality" and follow specifications required by Network n+i.

Accomodation

During this course, students will stay with families to boost their knowledge of the French language and culture.
For reservations accommodation during the PIL, we ask students to deposit the average cost of housing before their arrival (see Housing in France).

Cost of "n+i" programmes 

More than a PIL: the "extended PIL"

The programme called “extended PIL” for Extended Package of Linguistic Integration is designed as:

1. Duration of 5 months (can be modified on demand),
2. Students must be admitted in a Full time master programme through the “n+i” process,
3. Intensives Courses of French Language (FLE) from early April to early September (5 months),
4. Students will be welcomed early April in Paris airport (CDG, ORY)
5. Services includes: transfers in France between Airport, FLE centres, engineering schools, accommodation (first night in Paris), insurances (health, civil liability, repatriation),
6. Accommodation and meals are not included, but, of course, Network “n+i” helps in booking accommodation
7. The accommodation must be pre-paid, in addition to the tuition fees,
8. Touristic visit in Paris and region.

To be ready to arrive in France early April students must be recruited during the Session 1. This gives time to accept the offers of French schools and to apply for the visa.

See the n+i price list 

Exemption procedure

Each exemption request will be considered and examined carefully, and reasons for accepting or rejecting always signified.
It is mandatory to follow all courses, lectures, workshops, etc. of the PIL.

1. Only the "n+i" student department is authorised to exempt a student from the linguistic Integration package and will do so if proof is submitted within the time limit.
2. To request an exemption from the course, students must prove their level of French with an official test to start the process of exemption. By presenting a certificate of DELF B2 or a level B2 in a French test, students increase their chances to be exempted. Note that exemption will need the approval of the recruiting institute.
3. The "n+i" network may also accept a certificate from an approved body or letter from an accredited person.

Students validated in session 4, and who justified of a minimum B2 level in French (for a training taught in French) or in English (for a training taught in English), can be exempted from the PIL.

Enrolment will be in September for students who are exempt and the cost of the package will be deducted from their invoice

PIL Exemption is not compulsory

A student who already has the required level to pursue his / her training can nevertheless pursue a PIL: this allows to continue to progress (the courses are adapted to the level of each student) while adapting to life in France, before engineering courses.