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日本語Admission Requirements to Study in France
A prestigious system with two distinct pathways: open universities and selective grandes écoles.
France is home to one of the world's most distinctive higher education systems — a mix of open public universities serving hundreds of thousands of students, and highly selective grandes écoles that train France's top engineers, scientists, and business leaders. Understanding which pathway suits you is the first step. This guide explains admission requirements for both routes, covering language tests, required documents, and the Campus France process for non-EU applicants.
Academic Qualifications
Public universities vs. grandes écoles — two very different entry bars
French public universities are relatively open-access at Bachelor's level — a secondary school diploma equivalent to the French Baccalauréat is generally sufficient. Admissions are managed through Parcoursup for EU students and Campus France for most non-EU applicants. Grandes écoles (institutions like Sciences Po, HEC Paris, CentraleSupélec, or École Polytechnique) are highly selective and typically require competitive entrance examinations (concours), very strong academic records, and often one or two years of preparatory classes (classes préparatoires). At Master's level, admission requires a recognized three-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent 180 ECTS credits.
Language Requirements
| French-taught programs | DELF B2 (minimum), DALF C1 preferred for Master's |
|---|---|
| English-taught programs | IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–95 |
| TCF (alternative French test) | B2 level minimum for most programs |
| Native French speakers | May submit school records instead of a language test |
How to Apply
The French application process differs significantly depending on your nationality
- Determine your pathway: if you are from outside the EU, most applicants must go through Campus France in their home country before applying to a French institution.
- Create a Campus France account and complete the pre-application (Demande d'Admission Préalable — DAP) or the Études en France procedure, depending on your country.
- Research your target institutions: public universities through Parcoursup (EU students) or the university's own international portal (non-EU), and grandes écoles directly.
- Prepare and upload your academic documents, language certificates, motivation letter, and CV.
- Attend a Campus France interview at the French Embassy or consulate in your home country if required.
- Once accepted, apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) at your nearest French consulate.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your secondary school diploma (Baccalauréat equivalent)
- Official transcripts for the last two to three years of schooling
- Certified French or English translations of all documents
- Proof of French language proficiency (DELF, DALF, or TCF)
- Proof of English language proficiency (for English-taught programs)
- Motivation letter / Statement of purpose (lettre de motivation)
- CV / Résumé
- Passport copy (valid throughout your planned stay)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means (minimum €615/month recommended)
- Campus France registration confirmation (non-EU applicants)
Financial Requirements
Demonstrating sufficient means for your student visa
Non-EU students applying for a French student visa must demonstrate financial means of at least €615 per month (the French minimum student allowance). Accepted proof includes a bank statement, a sponsor declaration, a scholarship letter, or a combination. France also requires health insurance coverage — students under 28 are covered by the French national student health insurance scheme (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante) upon enrollment.
Key Application Deadlines
| Campus France (most countries) | December – February for September intake |
|---|---|
| Parcoursup (EU undergraduate) | January – March |
| Grandes écoles | Varies widely — check each institution |
| Student visa application | Apply 2–3 months before program start |
Watch Out For
The Campus France process takes several weeks — start it several months before your intended intake date.
Not every country uses the Études en France online procedure. Some still require an in-person DAP submission — check the Campus France website for your specific country.
grandes écoles entrance exams are highly competitive and often require years of preparation through French classes préparatoires.
French university tuition fees are very low for EU students (around €170–€400/year) but since 2019 non-EU students pay differentiated fees (around €2,770/year for Bachelor's, €3,770/year for Master's).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from students applying to study in France
Campus France is the French government agency that manages international student mobility. Most non-EU applicants must register with Campus France in their home country as part of the application process. This involves creating an online profile, uploading your documents, and in many countries attending a Campus France interview at the French Embassy. The Campus France website lists which countries must follow this procedure.
French public universities charge very low tuition — around €170/year for a License (Bachelor's), €243/year for a Master's, and €380/year for a Doctorate for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students have paid differentiated fees since 2019: approximately €2,770/year for a License and €3,770/year for a Master's. Many scholarships and exemptions are available for non-EU students — ask your target university directly.
Yes, though the range is more limited than in countries like the Netherlands or Germany. France has over 1,500 English-taught programs, many at grandes écoles and business schools. IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–95 is the typical requirement. Even in English-taught programs, it is beneficial to learn some French for daily life.
French public universities admit based on the Baccalauréat (or equivalent) and are relatively open-access. Grandes écoles are small, highly selective institutions — often specialising in engineering, business, or political science — that admit through competitive exams. Entry to the top grandes écoles (Polytechnique, HEC, Sciences Po) is extremely competitive. For international students without French preparatory schooling, admission is usually through a direct international intake with its own requirements.
Yes. All students in France must have health insurance. Students under 28 enroll in the French national student health insurance scheme (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante) automatically upon registering at their institution. Students 28 or older need to take out private health insurance. Non-EU students must show proof of health coverage as part of their visa application.
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