Studying in France is the dream of almost every student, but the dream will be fulfilled only if the student can satisfy all the eligibility and admission procedure for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses in France. This blog encompasses all the admission process as well as the eligibility criteria needed for the undergraduate and postgraduate programs in French Universities. The applicants should note that these requirements may fluctuate according to the university. Therefore, it is required to be confirmed from the official website at the time of admissions.
France has long been a hub of the arts, science and philosophy, having birthed great thinkers and innovators such as Descartes, Voltaire, Foucault, Sartre etc. Given their cultural heritage, it comes as no surprise that education in France is globally acclaimed and attracts around 300,000 international students every year. France promises an interactive and stimulating study environment, and its cutting edge position in most disciplines including the arts, technology and business ensures an intellectually probing and inquisitive atmosphere that values education highly. Whether the applicants envision themselves breakfasting on croissants on sun-soaked terraces, or sipping wine in lace-curtained bistros, a study in France is an excellent way to experience this marvellous country, assimilate with its vast and diverse culture, and accomplish a qualification from a country that continuously ranks well in international rankings of study abroad.
The graceful and sophisticated France draws around 300,000 international students from both EU and non-EU countries annually. One of the main reasons behind the popularity of France is that French universities have much lower tuition fees as compared to the other European countries.
If the applicant dreams of studying at colleges and universities in France, they are probably curious to know more about the admission possibilities at French universities.
Popular Degree subjects you can study in France
There are plenty of disciplines you can pick from, which allow you to study in French or English. Here are just a few of the most popular options to consider:
- Masters in Management and Organisation in France
- Masters in Fashion and Luxury Goods in France
- Masters in Political Science in France
- MBA degrees in France
- Masters in Biotechnology in France
French universities to consider
Some of the top French universities the applicant should consider for the study abroad adventure:
- INSA Lyon
- École Polytechnique
- Groupe ESA — ÉcoleSupérieure D’Agriculture D’Angers
- Montpellier Business School
- HEC Paris School of Management
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How to Apply
For some universities, the applicant can apply directly on the university website.
- Meticulously review the entry requirements: standardised tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT are mandatory for some undergraduate and graduate courses.
- Apply to at least three different institutions to increase the applicant’s chances of being accepted.
- Non-EU/EEA students will be expected 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 the applicants home country.
Exemptions from DAP
- Children of diplomats posted in France and who themselves currently reside in France
- Candidates arriving from a partner university with a cooperation agreement (specific procedure apply)
- Candidates with a scholarship from the French government, or a French organisation
- Candidates having a French, International, European, French-German, French-Italian or a French-Spanish baccalaureate
Where to apply for a French university
The application procedure is varies depending on the applicant’s nationality. European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) students can apply straight to the university, under the equivalent conditions as French students.
Non-EU/EEA students should apply through an online application program, previously known as CEF and currently called the ‘Studying in France procedure’. Through this system, the applicant may also apply for their visa online and track the progress of their application.
If they are already living in Europe but they don’t have European citizenship, they will have to apply through the French embassy or consulate in the European country where they are residing.
Application at technology institutes, grandes écoles, and other specialised institutions
- 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).
- Applicants will also have a personal interview.
Language requirements for universities in France
Most degrees are taught in French, but the applicant will find numerous study programmes taught in English, particularly at Master’s and PhD levels. Educational institutions in France accept the following language proficiency tests:
For French proficiency
- DELF or DALF
- TCF
Exemptions from the condition to prove French language proficiency at the time of admission:
- Holders of the French baccalauréat, the foreign or European baccalauréat, and the Franco-German baccalauréat
- International receivers of scholarships from the French government, international organisations, or foreign governments whose grants are administered by an approved French entity
- Nationals of countries where French is the official language
- Students graduating from bilingual programmes, with French as one of the languages.
For English proficiency
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
Each university determines the minimum grade or score for language proficiency tests. Always verify which tests are accepted by the university and what’s the minimum passing grade they expect from international students.
Documents Required for the University Admission Process:
- Former admission or pre-registration certificate provided by the university
- Campus France authorization
- Passport or ID card (valid for the duration of the stay)
- ID/passport-type photos
- Copies of graduation diplomas and their French translation
- Registration fee
- Social security registration (free)
- A civil liability certificate
- Applicants from the EU: a copy of their European health insurance card
- Resume (only in some circumstances, and only for postgraduate levels)
- Cover letter
- French and/or English Language proficiency certificate (depending on tuition language of chosen degree)
- Academic Transcript
- Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating the applicant has graduated)
- Proof that they can fund their stay in France (with a minimum of 800 EUR per month)
University Application Deadlines in France
Application for French universities are available bi-annually and the following are the deadlines:
- For the fall semester: 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 semester: September 15th, and after this date, based on the available spaces.
- Applications for Post-Bac (Parcoursup): January 22nd to March 13th
- Application.s for TCF through DAP process: November until January 22nd.
Final Steps after Getting the Final Acceptance Letter
Institutions inform the applicants of their admission decisions between June 15 and September 15 for programmes beginning in October. Thus, the applicant will only have around a month to prepare all the arrangements for the departure to France.
- If the applicant is a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, they will have to apply for a student visa.
- If they plan to study for more than six months in France, they will have to apply for a residence permit at French local authorities (“Préfecture”).
- They will have to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves.
If the applicant is from the EU/EEA, the applicant can use the European health insurance card. If they are non-EU, they are eligible for the national health insurance offered in France. The applicant must register on the website to benefit from French social security and health spending repayments.
Once they arrive in France, register in person at their university. They must pay about 90 EUR as a contribution to campus and student life.
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