About us


Alliance Française de Sydney

The Alliance Française de Sydney (AFS) is an independent, not-for-profit language and cultural organisation promoting Franco-Australian exchange. With 120 years’ experience in teaching French, the AFS offers a wide range of French courses, cultural events and services for all levels and ages at its CBD and Chatswood locations.

With an ambitious mission to spread the French language and culture well beyond the borders of France, it is one of 829 Alliances Françaises in 135 countries all over the world and the most highly regarded school for learning French in Sydney.

Since 1989, AFS has organised the annual Alliance Française French Film Festival (AFFFF). This prestigious festival has become a very important event in Australia with an exponential increase in attendees every year.

    Our Locations

    The CBD school is home to a media centre, conference room and French café, housed in an attractive building designed by the famed architect Harry Seidler between 2005 - 2009. Representing Seidler's final commercial comission before his passing, this project was realised thanks to the tenacity and vision of the Board, spearheaded by Joel Hakim and Bruce Bland. 

    AFS also offers French courses to North Sydneysiders with classes for kids at the Dougherty Community Centre in Chatswood.

    Our Mission and Values

    Our mission is to:

    To promote the learning and use of the French language in our state

    Enhance the knowledge of Francophone cultures

    Contribute to the cultural and linguistic diversity of Sydney

    Contribute to and be a part of the innovative network of Alliance Française branches around the world 


    We are driven by our values:

    The Alliance Française de Sydney embraces and promotes understanding of cultural diversity through its extensive range of events and experiences

    We collaborate closely with other organisations which share the traditional French values of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’

    We are apolitical but steadfast in our desire to bring people together from all walks of life in a safe and respectful learning environment

    We respect our environment as protecting our planet is key to all our futures

    Exterior of Alliance Francaise de Sydney Harry Seidler Building showing greenery Internal staircase of Alliance Francaise de Sydney Harry Seidler Building Internal shot of cafe at Alliance Francaise de Sydney Harry Seidler Building