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Your complete guide to Campus France, Parcoursup, and applying to French institutions.
France has a two-track application system: Parcoursup for undergraduate programs, and Campus France for most non-EU international students at any level. Understanding which track applies to you is the first step. EU students and applicants to most master's programs apply directly to institutions after completing the Campus France dossier.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Determine your application route
If you are a non-EU student in a Campus France "procedure CEF" country, you must complete the Études en France dossier first. EU/EEA students and applicants in non-CEF countries can apply directly to institutions. Check campusfrance.org for your specific country.
Create your Campus France dossier (non-EU)
Register on the Études en France platform (campusfrance.org). Fill in your academic history, upload transcripts and diplomas, write a motivation letter, and add your language test results. The dossier is reviewed by Campus France staff.
Start your dossier in November for a September start — the system opens early and review takes time.
Attend a Campus France interview
Most non-EU applicants are invited for an interview at the Campus France office in their home country. The interview is in French or English and assesses your motivation and project coherence.
Prepare to explain clearly why you chose France and your specific program.
Apply on Parcoursup (undergraduate)
French and international students applying to undergraduate programs register on parcoursup.fr between January 15 and March 8. You can apply to up to 20 programs. Attach all supporting documents (transcripts, language tests, motivation letters) to each application.
Apply directly to master's programs
Most master's programs require a direct application through the university's own portal or monmaster.gouv.fr. Deadlines range from January to April. Attach your Campus France clearance number to all applications.
Check whether your program uses the national monmaster.gouv.fr portal or the university's own system.
Receive and accept your offer
Parcoursup sends admission decisions from late May. Accept your preferred offer within the stated deadline (typically 3 days). For master's programs, universities contact you directly.
Apply for a student visa
After your Campus France clearance and acceptance, apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) at VFS Global or the French consulate in your country. The visa doubles as a residence permit for the first year.
Apply for your visa as soon as you receive your acceptance — processing takes 3–6 weeks.
Register at the university and validate your visa
Complete administrative registration (inscription administrative) at your French university. Within 3 months of arrival, validate your VLS-TS visa online through the ANEF portal to convert it to a residence permit.
Required Documents Checklist
- Campus France account with completed dossier (non-EU)
- Certified copies of all diplomas and transcripts (translated into French)
- French language test (DELF/DALF/TCF) or English test (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs)
- Motivation letter in French (or English for English programs)
- CV / résumé
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial means (€615/month minimum)
- Campus France clearance number
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Campus France dossier if you are in a CEF country — applications without clearance will not be processed.
Applying to only 1–2 programs on Parcoursup — the system allows up to 20 choices and competition for popular programs in Paris is intense.
Not validating your VLS-TS visa on ANEF within 3 months of arrival — failure results in an expired residence permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about applying to universities in France
For most undergraduate programs yes. However, a growing number of master's programs — especially in engineering, business, and sciences — are fully taught in English. Grandes écoles like HEC, INSEAD, and Sciences Po offer extensive English-medium programs.
Monmaster is the national platform for master's program applications at French public universities. It allows you to apply to multiple programs with one account. Not all programs use it — some prestigious schools have their own systems.
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