This article is based on the IACAC webinar, “Applying and Studying in France”
Why Choose France for Higher Education?
France offers several compelling advantages for international students:
Growing English-language options: More undergraduate programs are now offered entirely in English
Affordability: Public universities are nearly free, even for international students
Strong international reputation: French institutions are climbing in global rankings
Welcoming environment: France remains very open to international students while other EU countries are implementing restrictions
Post-graduation opportunities: Clear pathways to work permits and citizenship
Types of Universities and Programs Available
Understanding France’s higher education system is crucial, as it’s quite different from other countries. The system is highly segmented, with different types of institutions offering specialized programs.
1. Public Universities (Universités)
What they offer:
Traditional academic subjects (history, psychology, sociology, biology, chemistry, mathematics)
Medical programs (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing)
Law programs
Three-year bachelor’s degrees (Licence), followed by two-year master’s programs
Language requirements:
Most programs offered only in French
Medical and law programs are exclusively in French
Students need B2-C1 level French proficiency (DELF, TCF, or TEF certification)
Cost:
Nearly free for both domestic and international students
Minimal administrative fees
2. Institutes of Technology (IUT/BUT/BTS)
What they offer:
Applied sciences and technical programs
Two-year programs (BTS) or three-year programs (BUT)
Career-focused education for students who want to work immediately after graduation
Language requirements:
Programs offered only in French
3. Classes Préparatoires (CPGE) - The Prep School System
What they are:
Two-year intensive preparatory programs
No degree granted, but university credits earned
Extremely demanding (35+ hours/week, Saturday exams)
Preparation for entrance to elite Grandes Écoles
How it works:
Students attend prep classes at high schools
After two years, take competitive exams for Grande École admission
Successful students skip bachelor’s degree and enter master’s-level programs
Language requirements:
Only offered in French
4. Grandes Écoles - Elite Schools
France’s most prestigious institutions, traditionally accessible only through the prep school system, but now offering direct-entry bachelor’s programs.
Engineering Grandes Écoles
Top schools offering English bachelor’s programs:
École Polytechnique: Bachelor of Science program, fully international
CentraleSupélec: 2+2 program (2 years prep + 2 years engineering)
INSA Lyon: 3-year Bachelor of Global Engineering
What makes them special:
Extremely selective and prestigious
Strong alumni networks
High employment rates
International recognition
Business Grandes Écoles
Top schools with English programs:
HEC Paris: Joint program with Bocconi University (data science focus)
ESCP: Multiple campus BBA programs
ESSEC: International BBA
EDHEC: Global BBA
5. Sciences Po - Political Science Institute
Unique offerings:
Bachelor’s programs in social sciences, international relations, politics
Fully English options available
Dual degree programs with top international universities:
Columbia University (New York)
UC Berkeley
UBC Vancouver
UCL London
University of Sydney
Keio University (Japan)
Important Application Components
Academic Requirements
For Engineering Programs:
Mathematics (essential)
Physics (highly recommended)
Chemistry (recommended, as French students typically study physics and chemistry together)
For Business Programs:
Strong academic record across all subjects
Mathematics recommended
Economics/social sciences beneficial
For Social Sciences:
Broad academic background
Strong writing skills
Foreign languages advantageous
Language Requirements
For French-taught Programs:
DELF, TCF, or TEF certification required
Minimum B2 level, preferably C1
IB French A or B helpful for preparation
French passport holders may be exempt (varies by institution)
For English-taught Programs:
No French required for many programs
English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) typically required
Students can arrive with zero French knowledge
Required Documents
Standard application materials:
Academic transcripts (last 2-3 years)
High school diploma or equivalent
Language proficiency certificates
Passport copy
Motivation letters (program-specific)
Letters of recommendation (for selective programs)
For paper-based applications (DAP):
Physical envelopes (regular and A4 size)
All documents translated into French
Certified copies
Important Examinations
French Language Tests
DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française):
Most widely recognized
Levels A1-B2
Valid for life
TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français):
Computer-based option available
Levels A1-C2
Valid for 2 years
TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français):
Alternative to TCF
Levels A1-C2
Valid for 2 years
Entrance Examinations
For Grandes Écoles (after Classes Préparatoires):
Highly competitive national exams
Subject-specific (engineering vs. business tracks)
Rankings determine school placement
For Direct Bachelor’s Admissions:
School-specific entrance procedures
May include interviews, portfolio reviews, or aptitude tests
Less standardized than prep school route
Step-by-Step Application Methods
The application process varies significantly based on three key factors:
Nationality/passport
Country of residence
Type of high school diploma
Method 1: Direct Application (Recommended When Available)
Who can use this:
Any student applying to institutions offering direct admissions
Available for most English-taught bachelor’s programs
Often available even for EU citizens and French Bac students
Process:
Visit individual university websites
Complete online application forms
Submit required documents directly to institutions
Pay application fees (typically €50-150)
Await admission decisions
Advantages:
Faster processing
More control over timeline
Direct communication with admissions offices
Better support services
Timeline:
Varies by institution
Generally more flexible than centralized systems
Method 2: Parcoursup (French National Platform)
Who must use this:
EU/EEA citizens (including Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra)
Students with French Baccalauréat (regardless of nationality or location)
Anyone applying to Classes Préparatoires or BTS programs
Parcoursup Timeline:
November - January (Year 12):
Browse available programs on platform
Research requirements and deadlines
Mid-January - Mid-March:
Create account and complete application
Select up to 10 programs (some have sub-choices)
Submit required documents
By April 2nd:
Rank choices in order of preference
This ranking is crucial - acceptance at higher preference stops review of lower choices
June - July:
Receive admission responses:
Accepted
Rejected
Conditional acceptance (based on final grades or additional requirements)
Key Features:
Free to use
Centralized system
Some programs require additional motivation letters
Decisions are binding based on ranking order
Method 3: DAP Applications (Non-EU Students)
For students who are not EU/EEA citizens and not studying French Baccalauréat.
DAP Online (Études en France):
Who can use this:
Citizens of 72 specific countries (list available on Campus France website)
Countries include: USA, Canada, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, and many others
Process:
Create account on Études en France platform
Complete online application
Upload required documents
Pay processing fees
Attend interview at French consulate (if required)
DAP Paper-Based Applications:
Dossier Vert (Green File):
For non-EU students residing in France
Dossier Blanc (White File):
For non-EU students residing outside France
Paper Application Process:
Download forms from French consulate website
Complete all forms in French
Gather required documents:
Passport copy
Academic transcripts (2-3 years)
High school completion certificate
Language certificates
Proof of financial support
Submit to French consulate with required envelopes
DAP Timeline:
December 15th: Application deadline (choose up to 3 universities)
April 30th: Universities send decisions
May 30th: Students must confirm acceptance
Detailed Application Process by Student Profile
Profile 1: American Student Wanting English-Taught Programs
Recommended Path: Direct Application
Steps:
Research English-taught programs (Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, business schools)
Apply directly to 5-8 institutions
Prepare for potential interviews
No French language requirements
Apply for student visa after acceptance
Profile 2: French Citizen Studying Abroad (IB/A-Levels)
Options: Direct Application OR Parcoursup
Recommendation: Choose direct application when available
If using Parcoursup:
Create account during Year 12
Convert international grades to French equivalents
Submit transcripts showing all subjects and grades per semester/trimester
Rank choices carefully
Profile 3: EU Student Wanting French-Taught Programs
Required Path: Parcoursup (unless direct application available)
Preparation:
Take French language test (DELF/TCF) - aim for B2+ level
Research programs available in French
Understand that medical/law programs are highly competitive
Consider Classes Préparatoires for access to top Grandes Écoles
Profile 4: Non-EU Student from DAP-Eligible Country
Required Path: DAP Online (Études en France)
Steps:
Verify country eligibility on Campus France website
Create online account
Submit application by December 15th
Prepare for possible consulate interview
Apply for visa after acceptance
Profile 5: Non-EU Student from Non-DAP Country
Required Path: DAP Paper Application
Steps:
Contact local French consulate early
Obtain paper application forms
Translate all documents to French
Submit complete application by December 15th
Wait for university decisions by April 30th
Special Considerations and Tips
Choosing the Right Institution
Verification Checklist:
ONISEP registration: Verify the institution is officially recognized
Physical address: Ensure the school has a real campus
Alumni network: Research graduate outcomes and employment rates
RNCP certification: For master’s programs, verify certification through France Compétences
Employment rates: Look for 6-month post-graduation employment statistics
Institution age and history: Prefer established institutions with track records
Housing Considerations
Availability:
Major cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille) have housing shortages
Many international programs guarantee housing for first year
Suburban locations offer better availability and lower costs
Costs:
Paris: €600-1,200/month
Other major cities: €400-800/month
University residences: €200-500/month
Visa and Post-Graduation Options
Student Visa Process:
Apply after receiving acceptance letter
Campus France assistance available in most countries
Processing time: 2-8 weeks depending on country
Post-Graduation Options:
Job seeker visa: 1 year to find employment
Work permit: Available after finding job
Entrepreneur visa: For starting businesses
Citizenship path: After 2 years of higher education study
VLS-TS visa: Up to 4 years to return to France for work (if you leave)
Financial Planning
Tuition Costs:
Public universities: €170-380/year for EU students, €2,770-3,770/year for non-EU
Grandes Écoles bachelor’s: €10,000-15,000/year
Private institutions: €8,000-20,000/year
Living Expenses:
Paris: €1,000-1,500/month
Other cities: €700-1,000/month
Financial Aid:
French government scholarships available
Merit-based aid from institutions
Campus jobs permitted for students
Resources and Support
Official Resources
Primary resource for international students
Country-specific guidance
Visa assistance
Website: campusfrance.org
Official application platform
Comprehensive program database
Website: parcoursup.gouv.fr
IBO Resources:
Specific guidance for IB students
Country application guides
Getting Help
When Universities Don’t Respond:
Contact Campus France representative in your country
Reach out through French consulate/embassy
Connect with current students via LinkedIn
Consider working with education consultants familiar with French system
Language Support:
Alliance Française for French learning
Online courses through France Université Numérique
Language exchange programs
Final Recommendations
Start early: Begin research in Year 11, apply in Year 12
Learn some French: Even for English programs, basic French improves daily life
Apply broadly: Use multiple application methods when possible
Verify credentials: Ensure institutions are properly accredited
Plan finances: Consider all costs including housing and living expenses
Seek guidance: Use Campus France and school counselors
Stay organized: French bureaucracy requires careful attention to deadlines and documentation
France offers exceptional educational opportunities for international students, but success requires understanding the complex application system. With proper preparation and guidance, students can access world-class education in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries. Whether pursuing engineering at École Polytechnique, business at HEC, or international relations at Sciences Po, France provides pathways to academic and professional success.
The key is matching your student’s profile, language abilities, and career goals with the appropriate application pathway and institution type. When in doubt, always consult with Campus France representatives who can provide country-specific guidance for your particular situation.