The Foundation

Founded in 1795, the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (Inalco)—widely known as Langues O’—has always been a singular institution in the academic world.

It remains the only public university in the world to offer such a broad and prestigious range of programs dedicated to languages and civilizations, both in France and internationally.

Inalco at a glance :

  • 106 languages and civilizations taught,

  • 9,000 students

  • 14 research laboratories

  • 1,250 researchers in areal studies and language sciences

  • Trains one-third of France's top diplomats

More than a university, Inalco is a meeting ground for ideas, people, and cultures—a space that champions intercultural dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and equal opportunity.

The Fondation Inalco was created to support the Institute’s mission and long-term growth. As a partnership foundation, it provides a dedicated legal and financial framework for advancing projects of public interest. Its structure combines flexibility in action with strong accountability, thanks to independently certified reporting.

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Our mission

The Fondation Inalco Inalco exists to drive the Institute’s development by supporting initiatives that:

  • Deepen understanding of today’s world through research, teaching, and public engagement focused on languages and civilizations
  • Sustain academic excellence in both education and research
  • Highlight the unique skills of Inalco’s students and support their professional success
  • Strengthen Inalco’s visibility and influence in France and beyond, through strategic partnerships and global networks

Our priorities for the future

Education:

  • Expand opportunities for student mobility and immersive experiences and support academic excellence through scholarships and awards
  • Promote innovative learning methods, including MOOCs and digital tools

Research:

  • Support Inalco’s cutting-edge research in area studies and language sciences
  • Launch and grow research programs or endowed chairs focused on rare or endangered languages and knowledge, in collaboration with universities and museums

Society:

  • Help protect endangered cultures and knowledge systems
  • Contribute to Inalco’s evolving story and global impact
The Foundation's priorities
The Foundation's priorities © Fondation Inalco‎

Key figures

The Foundation's key figures
The Foundation's key figures © Fondation Inalco‎
CONTACT

FONDATION INALCO

fondation@inalco.fr

01 81 70 11 68