Ready to boost your English and your career?
If you’re a French professional working in healthcare, law, IT, education or another sector, you may be able to access funding to study English in Scotland.
This guide explains how you can use CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation), Transition Pro, or Erasmus+ Staff Mobility to join a short, high-impact English course at ECS Scotland — perfect for professionals who want to improve their communication skills, gain confidence and explore a new culture.
Why study English at ECS Scotland?
If you’re considering a short, immersive English course in Scotland, ECS Scotland offers the perfect combination of academic rigour and cultural discovery. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, ECS Scotland is a specialist language school for adults offering:
• General English courses for adults aged 30+ to boost everyday fluency
• Communication at Work courses for professionals across industries
• Small group classes with a focus on speaking and real-world communication
• Flexible short-course formats (1–4 weeks) ideal for training leave
Can French professionals use CPF for English training abroad?
Yes — if the course includes certified learning outcomes, such as preparation for recognised exams like TOEIC, Linguaskill or LanguageCert.
Many French professionals use their CPF credits to fund language training, especially for work-related English.
At ECS Scotland, we offer support for professionals using CPF to:
• Improve spoken English for meetings, negotiations or international teamwork
• Prepare for certification exams required by French CPF rules
• Receive confirmation documents to support CPF reimbursement
🧾 Note: ECS Scotland can provide documentation for CPF-linked certification training.
What is Transition Pro (ex-CIF) and who can apply?
Transition Pro (Projet de Transition Professionnelle) replaces the former CIF scheme and is available to employees with at least 2 years of experience.
It allows workers to take time off for long-form training aimed at career change or advancement. While Transition Pro is usually used for domestic retraining, some overseas language courses may be considered if part of a certified career path.
📝 Funding decisions are handled by your regional Transition Pro association. Applications require a formal dossier and employer agreement.
Do employers in France contribute to training costs?
Yes — beyond CPF, French companies often support employee training through:
• Internal training plans (plan de développement des compétences)
• Co-financing of CPF-approved courses
• Authorised training leave (congé de formation) for certified language programmes
ECS Scotland can provide official confirmation letters, course outlines and learning objectives to help support your request.
What about Erasmus+ for university and adult education staff?
French university and adult education staff can access Erasmus+ Staff Mobility to study English in Scotland. The current Erasmus+ Guide (version 2, Jan 2025) outlines how organisations and individuals can participate and benefit from funding
Eligible benefits typically include:
- Course fees (based on daily rate)
- Travel support in proportion to the distance between home and ECS Scotland
- Daily allowances for accommodation, meals and incidental expenses
- Possible additional support for inclusive or green travel options
More information here.
To apply:
- Check that your institution is eligible and has an Erasmus+ mobility plan (with OID number)
- Request a learning agreement and mobility contract from your sending institution
- Submit your Erasmus+ KA1 application before the deadline, using the 2025 Call for Proposals documentation
- ECS Scotland will provide:
– Course outlines, learning outcomes and confirmation letters
– Certificate of attendance / progress reports to satisfy Erasmus+ requirements
🗣️ A case study: a French radiographer learning English in Edinburgh
French students can use their CPF to take a short, practical English course with us. One recent student from Lyon was a radiographer working in a bilingual hospital. She used her course time to focus on:
• improving patient communication
• writing clearer emails
• participating in team discussions
These real-life scenarios are exactly what our Communication at Work course is designed for: helping professionals use English with more confidence in everyday workplace situations.
Why Edinburgh?
• An English-speaking environment full of history and culture
• A safe, compact city ideal for professional learners
• Beautiful scenery, excellent transport and a warm welcome
• Daily opportunities to practise English beyond the classroom
How to get started
1. Check your CPF balance via moncompteformation.gouv.fr
2. Talk to your employer about co-funding or study leave options
3. Explore ECS Scotland’s General English or Communication at Work
4. Contact us for a course confirmation letter or support with documentation
🖥️ Useful websites
For more detailed information about your training rights and how to apply, we recommend checking the following official websites:
1. Mon Compte Formation - Check your CPF balance, find eligible courses, and submit your application online.
2. Service-public.fr – CPFOfficial French government page explaining CPF eligibility and usage rules.
3. Service-public.fr – Transition Pro (ex-CIF) - Learn about paid training leave and how to apply for a Projet de Transition Professionnelle.
4. Cedefop Adult Learning Database – FranceA European-level overview of CPF and Transition Pro, with additional comparisons.
5. Erasmus+ France Education Formation - Details on Erasmus+ funding for university and adult education staff interested in studying English abroad.
