Intakes in France: Everything You Need to Know About Academic Admissions

France features one of the most esteemed and approachable higher education systems worldwide, recognized for its academic quality, cost-effectiveness, and international reputation. In the academic year 2023/2024, more than 430,466 international students enrolled for higher education in France. 

The Key Intakes in France:

• September Intake (Fall). The most widely available choices for programs
• Spring Intake (Secondary): Applicable for a number of Master’s and business programs.

Frances possesses various sorts of Institutions that include, 

• Public Universities in France: Government-funded, offering a wide range of academic programs at low tuition costs.
• Grandes Écoles: Founded as elite institutions, Grandes Écoles require successful applicants who will study engineering, business, and public administration.
• Colleges and schools focused on art, architecture, fashion, food, and hospitality.
• Many private institutions offer programs in business, technology, or design, with teaching carried out in English and partnerships available worldwide.

Also, the list of degrees provided in France includes:

• The Licence (Bachelor’s) program is completed in three years.
• Master’s degree, for which you need 2 years 
• To complete a Doctorate (PhD) in the country, it takes 3 or more years.

If you miss the acceptable intake period, you might have to wait one more year or settle for fewer choices.

Overview of France Intakes 2025

France provides various enrollment options for international students in 2025, mainly the September/October (Fall) and January (Spring) intakes. The September intake is the most prevalent and favored, whereas the January intake offers a second chance for those who did not apply in the Fall. A few universities provide intakes in February and March, although these are not as common. 

France provides two primary enrollment periods for international students intending to study in 2025: 

September 2025 Intake (Fall Intake)

It is the main and the most popular intake.

Application Period: January – March 2025 (may vary by university)

Courses Available: Wide range, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across all disciplines.

Pros:

• Maximum program availability
• Access to major scholarships (e.g., Eiffel Excellence)
• More housing and visa appointment slots

January 2025 Intake (Spring Intake)

It is the secondary intake with limited offerings.

Application Period: June – September 2024

Courses Available: Mainly Master’s programs in business, technology, and engineering fields.

Pros:

• Flexible start for late applicants
• Less competition for certain programs
• More time to prepare documentation and finances

January (Spring) Intake in France

In France, January is labeled the “Spring Intake” and helps to spread out the intake for the year, with the main intake in September. It permits students to begin their studies at the start of January, which is called a "secondary intake." You’ll find a wider range of programs among intakes in September, but January intakes are less competitive and ideal for students who need more time or who missed their chance in September. 

What You Will Get From This Intake:

• An alternative for students who did not make the deadline for September admission.
• Those who finish school in June or July often need extra time to get admission and visas, which prolongs their preparations.
• With less competition, you have a higher chance of being welcomed to popular programs.
• Using the model allows you to apply well ahead of the main application period.
• Things can stay consistent for students from countries where the end of the school year is in December. 

However, the selection of courses is more restricted in this session, and there might be fewer scholarships available. 

Top Universities for January Intake in France

While not as extensive as the September admissions, a number of esteemed institutions provide programs commencing in January, particularly at the Master’s level. 

University	Popular January Intake Programs
INSEEC Business School	International Business, Marketing, Finance
EBS Paris	Business Administration, Entrepreneurship
ESC Clermont Business School	International Management, Data Analytics
EDC Paris Business School	Luxury Management, Finance
Paris School of Business (PSB)	MBA, International Management
EPITA School of Engineering & Computer Science	Computer Science, AI, Data Science
Rennes School of Business	MSc programs in Management, Marketing, Supply Chain
IESEG School of Management	Master in Fashion Management, Big Data Analytics
Toulouse Business School (TBS Education)	MSc in Finance, Aerospace Management
NEOMA Business School	Spring-start MBA and specialized Master’s programs

September (Fall) Intake in France

The September enrollment in France, referred to as the Fall enrollment, is the main academic entry point for international students, beginning in mid-September. It’s the most sought-after and competitive enrollment period, featuring a wide range of courses and programs, along with increased opportunities for scholarships and networking. 

The majority of French universities provide a diverse selection of programs, such as bachelor's, master's, and diploma courses, during this enrollment period. 

What This Intake Provides: 

• Broadest Selection of Programs: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, diploma, and certification programs spanning numerous fields. 
• Numerous Universities Accept Applications: Almost all significant universities in France are open for the Fall application period. 
• Increased Scholarship Opportunities: Numerous scholarships from the French government and institutions are associated with this intake (e.g., Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Émile Boutmy Scholarship). 
• Improved Housing Opportunities: A greater variety of student accommodation options can be found prior to the beginning of the academic year. 
• Simplified Visa Appointments: Embassies have improved their organization to handle this significant influx, and visa appointments are more frequently accessible. 
• Academic Coordination: Harmonizes with the academic timetable of numerous nations, facilitating easier credit transfers and transitions. 

Top Universities for September Intake in France

The majority of leading institutions take part in the September enrollment. A few of the significant ones are: 

University	Popular Programs Offered
Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)	Engineering, Physics, Economics, Humanities
École Polytechnique	Engineering, Applied Sciences, Data Science
HEC Paris	MBA, Finance, Management
INSEAD	Business, Global Executive MBA
Sorbonne University	Natural Sciences, Medicine, Humanities
Sciences Po	Political Science, International Relations, Law
ESSEC Business School	Business, Analytics, Finance
Grenoble Ecole de Management	Business, Entrepreneurship, Digital Strategy
Université Paris-Saclay	Computer Science, Life Sciences, Engineering
NEOMA Business School	MBA, Marketing, International Management

Intake Timeline: When to Apply for French Universities?

As shared, French universities typically have two primary enrollment periods: September (Fall) and January (Spring). The main intake is in September, when most universities provide a diverse selection of programs beginning in mid-September. The January intake serves as the secondary admission period, enabling students to begin classes in early January. 

For the January intake

The January or Spring intake is appropriate for specific Master’s programs and several undergraduate choices. A smaller number of universities provide courses during this intake than in the September intake. 

Steps	Timeline
1. Research Programs & Universities	March – May (previous year)
2. Take Language Proficiency Tests (IELTS/TOEFL/DELF)	April – June
3. Prepare Application Documents	May – June
4. Submit Applications	June – September
5. Admission Decisions & Interviews	August – October
6. Apply for a Student Visa	October – November
7. Arrival in France & Start of Classes	January – February

For the September intake

The Fall or September intake is the main intake in France, featuring the highest number of programs offered at public universities, grandes écoles, and private colleges. 

Steps	Timeline
1. Research Programs & Universities	August – October (previous year)
2. Take Language Proficiency Tests (IELTS/TOEFL/DELF)	October – December
3. Prepare Application Documents	November – December
4. Submit Applications	January – March (Campus France or directly)
5. Admission Decisions & Interviews	March – June
6. Apply for a Student Visa	June – July
7. Arrival in France & Start of Classes	September – October

Eligibility Criteria for France Intakes 

To get into a program, international students usually need to show they have a strong education and can speak English well. If you want to study for a bachelor's degree, you will need your high school diploma or an equivalent, but for master’s programs, you usually need a bachelor’s degree related to the subject. Most of the time, English proficiency is assessed using step exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. 

Academic Qualifications

The eligibility rules for academics are different at every learning level.

• For students in Undergraduate Programs:
• Finishing a course of study similar to the French Baccalauréat.
• The majority of universities require at least 60–70% in high school, depending on your course.
• There are programs, for example, in engineering or medicine, that require higher levels to pass entrance exams.
• For those interested in Master’s courses:
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, which takes 3 or 4 years to complete.
• A minimum grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0 on the 4.0 scale is usual, but the highest universities could ask for more.
• You might need job experience in addition to your degree if you study for an MBA in a business school.
• If you are pursuing a doctoral degree, you should look for dissertation specific courses.
• A proper Master’s degree (or its equivalent) is required.
• Sound academic knowledge and an outline for what you intend to study.
• Preferred are individuals who already have research or publication experience.

Ability to speak and understand English & French

The language needed to study depends on which program you pick, as instruction is given in different languages.

English-Taught Programs:

• Admissions often require you to obtain a minimum of 6.0–6.5 overall on your exam.
• Scoring 80–90 on the Internet-based TOEFL is required.
• PTE Academic: Learners need scores from 55 to 65 to meet the usual requirements.

For programs taught in French: 

• The required grade point average is 3.5.
• DELF/DALF: You must be on Level B2 or higher (Level C1 may be needed for the best programs).
• TCF/TEF is recognized by some high schools; it places students at B2 level.
• A few universities provide special courses in French before the term begins.

Required Documents

When applying to French institutions, international students must prepare the following documents:

• Completed Application Form
• Academic Transcripts – Secondary school or university-level certificates, depending on program level.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Typically 1–2, from teachers or employers.
• Language Proficiency Test Scores – IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or DELF/DALF.
• Passport Copy
• Portfolio (if applying to art, architecture, or design programs)
• Passport-sized Photographs
• Proof of Financial Resources – For visa purposes (e.g., bank statements, sponsor letters).
• Application Fee Payment Receipt (if applicable)
• Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)

How to Apply for January & September Intakes in France?

To apply for January or September intakes in French universities, you'll need to research programs, prepare required documents, apply online, submit your application, and potentially attend an interview.

Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for both intakes.

• Start Early with Research
• Begin researching at least 8–12 months in advance.
• Visit the Campus France website to explore programs and universities.
• Shortlist your preferred courses based on eligibility, tuition fees, and location.
• Check Intake Availability
• September Intake (Primary): Most programs available; deadlines typically from November to March.
• January Intake (Limited): Fewer programs; deadlines typically from May to September of the previous year.
• Prepare Required Documents
• Gather and prepare the following:
• fdscValid passport
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• CV/Resume
• Language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL or DELF/DALF for French-taught courses)
• Portfolio (for design/architecture programs, if required)
• Create Your Études en France Account
• Register on the Études en France portal (pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance)
• Fill in your academic profile and upload required documents.
• Apply to Selected Universities
• Apply through Études en France or directly to universities (as required).
• For public universities, follow the DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable) procedure for undergraduate courses.
• Pay Campus France Fee & Schedule an Interview
• Pay the Campus France application fee.
• Book your interview at the nearest Campus France office.
• Carry all original documents for verification.
• Track Application & Receive Offers
• Monitor application status via the Études en France portal.
• Once shortlisted, receive conditional or unconditional offer letters.
• Apply for a Student Visa
• After Campus France validates your admission, apply for your France long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) through VFS Global.
• Schedule an appointment and attend the visa interview with all required documents.
• Prepare for Departure
• Confirm your accommodation, book your flights, and arrange health insurance.
• Attend pre-departure briefings from Campus France.
• Keep all visa and admission documents ready for travel.

Admission Intake Process Through Campus France

The Campus France admission procedure in France typically requires setting up an account on their site, filling out an online application, possibly participating in an interview, and thereafter sending your application to universities. After being accepted by the university, you will then continue with the visa application. 

Here is a detailed guide to assist you in smoothly navigating the admission intake procedure. 

• Register for an Account on Campus France: Go to the official Campus France site for your country and set up an account. This will enable you to monitor your application and handle documents. 
• Choose Your Program and University: Campus France provides a diverse range of accredited programs from French universities. Look for the program and university you want and start the application procedure. 
• Upload Your Documents: Provide all your documents to Campus France and complete the necessary forms. You must also submit any application fees via the portal. 
• Campus France Interview: Based on your country of origin, you might need to participate in a Campus France interview to review your application and verify your plans to study in France. 
• Await Confirmation: After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will obtain an admission letter that you can utilize to apply for a student visa for France. 

How upGrad Helps You With Study in France Preparation

Students in France can enjoy great educational opportunities, worldwide exposure, and cultural fun, with upGrad assisting them every step of the way.

upGrad provides guidance, so students confidently figure out how to choose a university and fulfill their dream of studying in France.

Key Benefits of upGrad for Education in France: 

• Tailored university and program choices 
• Affordable learning pathways 
• Support with applications and enrollments 
• Linguistic and cultural readiness 
• Visa assistance 
• Arrival support 

Whether you aim for a business school in Paris or a tech college in Lyon, upGrad supports your dream of studying in France, simplifying the process and making it more achievable.