pooja_chic (asker) Dec 21, 2016:

diplome universitaire d'initiation. They are talking about DSEF

Nikki Scott-Despaigne Dec 21, 2016:

Ah! How did I miss your post? Thanks for the info about what the letters stand for. It would have been helpful to have posted the full title from the word go. ;-) As with most DUs, this appears to be specific to the institution concerned.

The translation is probably best rendered by something fairly literal. You cannot (should not) provide an equivalence. Not only does this type of diploma vary from one uni to another, outside France they are not part of the LMD system at all.

Maybe there is a more complete title as "diplôme universitaire d'initiation" begs the question "initiaion à quoi?".

Suggestion : "diplôme universtaire d'initiation". Even beyond "initial", I'd suggest "introductory" for "initiation". Thus, "introductory university diploma in ???"

Nikki Scott-Despaigne Dec 21, 2016:

DU, DIU, DUI You will find DU for 'diplôme universitaire', DIU for 'diplôme interuniversitaire' with two or more unis working together and/or validating the diploma, and finally, DUI for 'diplôme universitaire interdisciplinaire'.

It might be an idea to check, unless a website can already confirm for you particular context, as it is eady to get the letters the wrong way round. Once you know the centre, you'll be able to check which way round it is.

Note that DUs are not degrees. Some are "diplômant" others are "qualifiant". In the UK we would probably describe these as a "certificate". I have done a DU in France and I have done "certificates" in the NL and in the UK. Entry usually depends on qualification and experience. Some are profession specific. There are a fair number of medical DUs for example.

It is important to note that each DU will specify its own entry requirements. You can probably only safely provide quite a literal translation. Some require a degree or above to apply. They are generally professionally-orientated.

pooja_chic (asker) Dec 21, 2016:

DUI: diplome universitaire d'initiation I have searched the CEFL site but I want its equivalent in English.

cchat Dec 21, 2016:

DUI It probably depends on the university delivering the DUI.
Diplôme Universitaire I (several possibilities)
The levels suggest that this is a University Diploma to prepare university entrance, or perhaps representing different levels of French proficiency.