Tunisia Basic Education: French Language Instruction

The Tunisian education system is structured around a nine-year basic education program (Enseignement de base), followed by secondary and tertiary education. This basic education is divided into two stages: six years of primary school and three years of preparatory school (equivalent to middle school or junior high).

While Arabic is the official language of instruction, French plays a significant role in the Tunisian education system. French is introduced as a foreign language in the third year of primary school and continues throughout the basic education cycle and beyond. It is often the language of instruction for scientific and technical subjects in secondary school and higher education. This bilingual approach aims to equip Tunisian students with proficiency in both Arabic and French.

The Tunisian education system has historical ties to the French education model. While reforms have focused on Arabization of the curriculum, French remains an important component of the education system, particularly in the scientific fields.