Long-term cooperation in the service of young people

Organized every year with the constant support of the MEJS, the Tournée francophone illustrates the lasting cooperation between Cambodian institutions and the AUF. In 2026, it was held from February 9 to 14 and February 23 to 27. During these two periods, AUF member institutions of higher education, as well as partners such as Campus France Cambodge, France Volontaires and the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie France-Cambodge (CCIF), took part in the tour.Industrie France-Cambodge (CCIFC), presented their programs to students in bilingual and modern French language classes.
The high-school students were able to find out about possible career paths in Cambodia and France, as well as job prospects, particularly with French companies based in the kingdom. With the support of the French Embassy in Cambodia through FEF funding, the tour met some 50 French teachers and over 2,500 high school students from bilingual classes or who had chosen French as a modern language 1 or 2. The aim is clear: to inform, guide and support young people as they prepare for their studies in France.
The French Embassy took the opportunity to thank all the partners for their commitment to young people and the French-speaking world.

Inspiring exchanges across the country

Representatives from Cambodian universities and Campus France visited high schools in Phnom Penh, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kep, Sihanoukville, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Battambang, Siem Reap and Pursat. In each establishment, the teams presented the admission criteria, the main courses on offer and the conditions for obtaining scholarships. Speakers pointed out that a B1 or B2 level in French is often a prerequisite for scholarships and voluntary work in France, a motivating goal for many students.
A highlight of the tour took place at the Lycée de Kampong Thom, where the team had the honor of welcoming His Excellency NUON Pharoth, Governor of the province and former student of the special curriculum.tudiant de la filière spéciale de l'Université royale de Droit et de Sciences économiques (URDSE) et ancien boursier du gouvernement français.
Chairing the presentation session, H.E. NUON Pharoth gave a brief account of his studies at URDSE and in France, sharing his experience of academic mobility with the students. He also informed the students of the 20ᵉ Francophonie Summit to be held in Cambodia in 2026, underlining the country's central place in the French-speaking world. The governor encouraged the young people to learn French and thanked the Ministry, the AUF, the French Embassy and the university delegation for organizing the Francophone Tour in his province. He also stressed the importance of the French language, which is closely linked to Cambodia's history and culture.

Francophony, a lever for the future

In view of the positive impact of the 2026 event, all the players involved are calling for the momentum to be maintained and strengthened. Year after year, the AUF, the MEJS, the French Embassy and their partners demonstrate that the French-speaking world is a powerful vector of training, academic mobility and success for young Cambodians.
By bringing high schools, universities, institutions and the professional world closer together, the Tournée francophone helps to open up new prospects for the future to by bringing together high schools, universities, institutions and the professional world, the Tournée francophone is helping to open up new prospects for a generation that is becoming increasingly international in outlook, while promoting the place of French at the heart of the Cambodian education system.

Source: www.auf.org/