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Dates and portals for applying to French universities, grandes écoles, and master's programs.
France has two parallel application systems: Parcoursup for undergraduate studies and Campus France for non-EU international students applying to most programs. Master's and grandes écoles admissions follow their own institutional calendars, which can open as early as October for a September start.
Key Application Deadlines at a Glance
| Campus France procedure opens (non-EU) | November 1 |
|---|---|
| Campus France application deadline | February–March (varies by country) |
| Parcoursup (undergraduate) opens | January 15 |
| Parcoursup application deadline | March 8 |
| Grandes écoles entrance exam registration | October–January |
| Master's direct applications (most schools) | January–April |
| Academic year starts | September |
Annual Deadline Calendar
Campus France — The Non-EU Application Portal
Most non-EU students must go through Campus France before applying to French institutions. The online dossier includes your academic records, motivation letter, language test results, and CV. Campus France then validates your file and, in most cases, invites you for an interview before issuing a clearance. Only after receiving Campus France clearance can you apply for a student visa. The procedure varies slightly by country — some countries use the full CEF (Études en France) procedure, others a lighter-touch process.
Watch Out For
Campus France deadlines vary by country — Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, China, and India each have slightly different timelines. Check campusfrance.org for your specific country.
French universities are technically open enrollment at license (bachelor's) level but popular programs in Paris and Lyon fill early — apply in January.
Grandes écoles require applicants to have completed two years of preparatory school (CPGE) or equivalent — direct international entry is limited and competitive.
Language test results (DALF, TCF, DELF, or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs) must be ready before submitting your Campus France dossier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about application deadlines in France
No. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens apply directly to French institutions without the Campus France procedure. You may still find Campus France resources useful for program searches and scholarship information.
A limited number of master's programs and language schools offer a January intake. Most undergraduate and full-degree programs start exclusively in September.
The full procedure — from account creation to clearance — typically takes 6–10 weeks. Factor in interview scheduling and document translation time when planning your timeline.
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