France remains a top destination for academic excellence, welcoming approximately 300,000 international students from across the globe each year. Beyond its rich culture and history, France is highly sought after for its accessible, high-quality education and significantly lower tuition fees compared to other European nations.
If you are planning to pursue your degree in France, understanding the nuances of the French university application process is the first step toward securing your spot at a world-class institution.
French universities to consider for your studies
To help you begin your journey, here are some of the most prestigious French universities to consider for your study abroad adventure:
How to apply
- For some universities, you can apply directly on their website.
- Carefully check entry requirements: standardised tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT are required for some undergraduate and graduate courses.
- Apply to at least three different institutions in order to increase your chances of being admitted.
- Non-EU/EEA students will be required to pass the compulsory Preliminary Admission ("demande d’admission préalable" - DAP). Apply for DAP at the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your home country.
Exemptions from DAP
- Children of diplomats posted in France and who themselves currently live in France
- Candidates coming from a partner university with a cooperation agreement (special procedures apply)
- Students with a scholarship from the French government, or a French organisation
- Candidates holding a French, International, European, French-German, French-Italian or a French-Spanish baccalaureate
Where to apply for a French university programme
It is important to note that the specific application procedure varies depending on your country of origin and citizenship status.
- European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) students can apply directly to the university, under the same conditions as French students.
- Non-EU/EEA students should apply through an online application system, formerly know as CEF and currently called the 'Studying in France procedure'. Through this system, you may also apply for your visa online and track the progress of your application.
If you are currently residing in Europe but do not hold European citizenship, you will typically need to submit your application through the French embassy or consulate located in your country of residence.
Application at technological universities, grandes écoles, and other specialised schools
- Apply through an online system for preliminary admission at Parcoursup, which starting from 2018 replaces the Admission Post-Bac (APB) platform.
- Applicants are selected based on the results obtained at very competitive entrance examinations, which take place at the end of a two-year preparation programme called "Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles" (CPGE - Preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles).
- You will also have a personal interview.
Language requirements for universities in France
While the primary language of instruction is French, there is an increasing number of programs taught entirely in English, particularly for Master’s and PhD candidates. French academic institutions generally accept several recognized language proficiency tests.
For French proficiency
Certain students may be eligible for exemptions from the standard French language proficiency requirements based on their educational background.
- Holders of the French baccalauréat, the international or European baccalauréat, and the Franco-German baccalauréat
- International recipients of scholarships from the French government, international organisations, or foreign governments whose grants are administered by an approved French entity
- Nationals of states where French is the official language
- Students graduating from bilingual programmes, in which French was one of the languages
For English proficiency
Each university sets its own admission standards, including minimum scores for language proficiency. Always verify which specific tests your target university accepts and confirm the required passing grades for international applicants.
Required university application documents
- Prior admission or pre-registration certificate provided by the university
- Campus France authorization
- Passport or ID card (valid for the duration of your stay)
- ID/passport-type photos
- Copies of graduation diplomas and their French translation
- Registration fee
- Social security registration (free)
- A civil liability certificate
- Students from the EU: a copy of your European health insurance card
- Resume (only in some cases, and only for postgraduate degrees)
- Cover letter
- French and/or English Language certificate (depending on tuition language of chosen degree)
- Transcript of records
- Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating you graduated)
- Proof that you can fund your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 EUR per month)
University application deadlines in France
Universities in France typically open their application windows twice a year. Keep track of these key deadlines to ensure your application is submitted on time.
- For the fall admission: January 17th or April 1st, depending on degree type and other factors (in some cases, after this date as well, based on the available spaces)
- For the spring admission: September 15th, and after this date, based on the available spaces
- Applications for Post-Bac (Parcoursup): from January 22nd to March 13th
- Applications for TCF during DAP process: from November until January 22nd
For more detailed information, consult this resource on application deadlines at universities in France.
Final steps after receiving your acceptance letter
- Institutions inform students of their admission decisions between June 15 and September 15 for programmes beginning in October. Thus, you will only have around a month to prepare all the arrangements for your departure to France.
- If you're a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you will have to apply for a student visa.
- If you plan to study more than six months in France, you will have to apply for a residence permit at French local authorities ("Préfecture").
- You will have to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself.
EU/EEA students may utilize their European Health Insurance Card. Non-EU students are eligible for France's national health insurance coverage; you must register via the website to access social security benefits and health reimbursement services.
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Upon arrival in France, you will need to complete your official registration in person at your university. Be prepared to pay an administrative fee of approximately 90 EUR, which contributes toward campus facilities and student life initiatives.
- Moving to France for your studies? Explore student housing options with University Living in Paris, Lyon and other top cities.
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