The springboard to art studies in France
IESA and LISAA, two renowned schools in the fields of arts and design, are launching a unique preparatory year dedicated to international students who want to enter programs in fashion, graphic design, design, and interior architecture. This program, in collaboration with the Sorbonne French Civilization Courses (CCFS), lets students reach a B2 level of French while becoming familiar with the French artistic and cultural world.
This FLE Applied Arts preparatory year is the ideal springboard for students who want to join the best art and design schools. By combining language learning, cultural immersion, and applied arts practice, this program lets students approach tomorrow’s specialized programs with confidence. A complete path to guaranteed success.
Drawing on their university heritage, the Sorbonne French Civilization Courses (CCFS) come from a long academic tradition. The CCFS hold the "FLE quality" label. This label, awarded by three French ministries, corresponds to quality criteria in teaching and services.
Classes take place on the campuses of these 3 partner institutions, located in the heart of Paris, ideal places for cultural outings to museums, galleries, and many other cultural institutions.
This preparatory year is a unique opportunity for students who do not yet have the required level of French. It prepares them both linguistically and culturally to join art and design schools. In addition to mastering the language, students develop a working methodology that is essential to success in demanding schools.
Program Highlights:
- Language classes applied to culture and applied arts
- The possibility of continuing studies in French
- A program located in Paris, the world’s cultural capital
92%
of students think the teachers are available and attentive
Toluna - Harris Interactive Survey - February 2025
This program trains students:
- To the language practice of French specific to the applied arts
- To the introduction of fundamentals in the various specialties of the arts sector. This program gives students a complete overview of careers in the applied arts so they can better understand the field.
- To learning methodologies for higher education.
- Classes taught by professional instructors who are experts in their field.
- Museum visits, performing arts outings (music, theater, dance, cinema).
- Specialized workshops providing FabLabs, dedicated equipment, and an environment conducive to creativity.
- Coaching and individual support.
- Meetings with professionals and alumni.
The FLE preparatory year lasts 1 year, 640 hours.
- 1st semester at IESA, at the CCFS
- 2nd semester at LISAA, and at the CCFS
Current-year schedule: the number of hours may vary slightly from year to year.
A dual objective: mastery of French and deeper cultural and artistic knowledge.
This preparatory year combines language skills improvement with an in-depth approach to the applied arts, for a successful entry into applied arts schools. The program is divided into two complementary parts.
By strengthening their language, methodological, and cultural knowledge, international students are thus ready to face academic and professional challenges.
Assessment methods:
- Continuous assessment throughout the year
- End-of-semester exam
At the end of this program and depending on their academic path, students have the option of continuing their studies in various programs offered by LISAA, or other universities and art schools.
Career opportunities: This program is not career-oriented but intended for further study.
- Advanced French language classes
- Phonetics classes with language lab
- Methodology
- English applied to arts and culture
LISAA
- Visits to Paris exhibitions with a French instructor and writing of illustrated reports
- Artistic project management courses
- Thematic Projects and Personal Research
- FAB LAB – Art Practice Workshop
- Studio Photography and Smartphone Reportage Courses
- Applied Risograph Workshop
- Applied Screen Printing Workshop
- Portfolio Coaching - Personal Branding
- Writing a CV, Cover Letter & Artist Biography in French
- Coaching & Training: Interviews in French
- Specialty courses: art history, European civilization, introduction to performing arts, introduction to film, introduction to music, introduction to performing arts in collaboration with the Cours Florent
- Introduction to the Specialization Areas
- Personalized Support
A Campus in the Heart of Paris
Opened in fall 2025 a few steps from the Latin Quarter, LE DELTA, a brand-new campus in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, will host IESA arts&culture and four other schools: Paris School of Business, Penninghen, Atelier de Sèvres, and the Cours Florent.
Facilitating cross-school projects, it will include shared spaces (such as the 1,700 m2 landscaped garden) as well as spaces reserved for IESA: classrooms, an auditorium, a gallery…
- IESA’s premises are accessible to people with disabilities.
- The admission interview and the course of study can be adapted to the needs of the people concerned, who are therefore invited to state them as soon as they apply to the school.
- Contact: handicap@iesa.fr
How to Join the Program?
Prerequisites:
Applicants must hold the baccalauréat or an equivalent in their country.
- French language level: TCF B1 or equivalent for the 1-year program
- Pre-admitted based on artistic portfolio
Students must have a plan to continue their studies in applied arts that fits into the Bachelor or Master programs of the LISAA schools or other art schools.
Admissions are open from October 2026 to August 2027 for the September 2027 intake.
Admission Requirements:
- Application File
- Academic interview in person or by video call
- The admission result will be notified to you by email
20%
international students at IESA
Program Cost:
8 900 €
Tuition fees: €150
Fees applicable for the 2026-2027 year, revisable each year.