Missed the September intake? The January intake in France, also known as the Spring Intake, offers international students another opportunity to begin their studies through a secondary admission cycle.
While the September intake remains the primary entry point for most public universities, the January intake is mainly available for management, business, and specialised postgraduate programs. Application deadlines for this intake generally fall between October and December of the preceding year.
In the sections ahead, you'll learn about this intake, including participating universities, popular courses, eligibility, application deadlines, required documents, and the admission process.
Application Timeline and Deadlines for January Intake in France
Applying to a university involves more than just submitting an application. Students also need time to prepare documents, meet university deadlines, complete Campus France formalities, and apply for a student visa.
Following a structured timeline can help ensure a smooth application process:
June – July (Previous Year): Research and Shortlist
This is the ideal time to begin planning your application.
Explore universities, business schools, and programs available for the January intake.
Shortlist courses based on your academic background and career goals.
Review admission requirements, eligibility criteria, and language proficiency requirements.
July – September: Prepare Your Application
Once you've shortlisted your universities, start gathering the required documents.
Collect academic transcripts and supporting documents.
Prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and update your CV.
Request recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
TakeIELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE (if required) and ensure your scores are available before applying.
September – October: Submit Your Applications
Most institutions begin accepting applications during this period.
Submit your applications as early as possible.
Track individual university deadlines carefully.
Some competitive programs may follow rolling admissions or multiple application rounds.
October – November: Complete the Application Process
Many universities close their application windows during this period
Review your application before final submission.
Ensure all documents, essays, and application fees have been submitted successfully.
Monitor your application status regularly for updates or additional requirements.
November – December: Admission Decisions
Universities begin evaluating applications and releasing admission decisions.
Attend interviews if required.
Accept your admission offer.
Complete the necessary Campus France procedures.
December – January: Apply for Your Student Visa
Once you've received an admission offer, begin your visa preparations.
Apply for your French student visa.
Arrange accommodation and health insurance
Complete your travel and financial planning.
January – February: Begin Your Studies
After arriving in France:
Attend orientation sessions.
Complete university registration formalities.
Begin classes according to your institution's academic calendar.
Starting your preparations at least 8–9 months before the intake can give you enough time to secure admission, complete visa formalities, and avoid last-minute delays.
Eligibility requirements for this intake vary by university and program. However, most institutions assess applicants based on their academic qualifications, language proficiency, and supporting documents.
Here are the common eligibility criteria to qualify for the spring intake in France:
Undergraduate Programs
Students applying for bachelor's programs must generally meet the following requirements:
Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat.
Strong academic performance in high school, with many institutions expecting approximately 70% or equivalent grades.
Proof of language proficiency:
French-taught programs: DELF B2, TCF, or equivalent.
English-taught programs: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
Some Grandes Écoles may require additional entrance assessments such as the SAT, ACT, or institution-specific examinations.
Postgraduate Programs
The majority of January intake admissions are available at the master's level.
Requirements include:
A recognized bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Official academic transcripts and grading details.
Language proficiency requirements:
French-taught programs: DELF B2 or DALF C1.
English-taught programs: IELTS or TOEFL.
Supporting documents such as: Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), CV/Resume
Some business and engineering schools may also request GMAT orGRE scores.
PhD Programs
Doctoral applicants are expected to meet more advanced academic and research requirements.
Common requirements include:
A recognized master's degree in a related discipline.
A detailed research proposal aligned with the interests of a prospective supervisor.
Language proficiency:
French: C1–C2 level for many humanities and social science programs.
English: IELTS or equivalent for many STEM-focused programs.
Additional requirements may include: Academic publications (preferred but not always mandatory), Research experience, Interview with a potential supervisor
Top Universities Offering January Intake in France
Unlike the September intake, which is the main admission cycle, this intake is offered only by select business schools and universities in France.
Public universities participate more selectively, while private institutions and Grandes Écoles show relatively higher flexibility.
Here are the top January intake universities in France:
Note: Most January intake programs are offered at the postgraduate level, particularly in business, management, finance, analytics, and technology-related fields.
As a result, the masters in France January intake are far more widely available than undergraduate admissions.
Applying to study in France is a step-by-step process. Along with your university application, you'll need to prepare your documents, complete admission formalities, finish the Campus France process (where applicable), and apply for your student visa.
Follow these steps to successfully apply for the spring intake in France:
Step 1: Research and Shortlist Universities
Begin by identifying universities and institutions that offer programs during the January intake.
Shortlist courses based on your academic background and career goals.
Compare tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, and admission requirements.
Check whether the program is offered in English or French.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents
Once you have shortlisted your universities, gather all the required documents.
English or French language proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, DALF, etc.)
Step 3: Submit Your Applications
Apply through the university's admission portal or the required application platform.
Fill out the application form carefully.
Upload all supporting documents.
Review your application thoroughly before final submission.
Step 4: Receive Admission Offers and Confirm Enrollment
After your application is evaluated, universities will release admision decisions.
Review offer letters carefully.
Accept your preferred offer.
Complete any enrollment formalities or deposit payments required by the institution.
Step 5: Arrange Accommodation and Travel Plans
After confirming your admission:
Search for suitable student accommodation.
Explore housing options provided by the university.
Begin planning your travel arrangements.
Step 6: Apply for a Student Visa
Once your admission is confirmed, begin the visa process.
Complete Campus France procedures if applicable.
Apply for a French student visa.
Prepare supporting documents such as admission letters, financial proof, health insurance, and accommodation details.
Step 7: Arrive in France and Begin Your Studies
After reaching France:
Attend orientation sessions.
Complete university registration requirements.
Familiarize yourself with campus facilities and student services.
Begin classes according to your institution's academic calendar.
Scholarships Available for January Intake in France
Studying in France can be more affordable than many other study destinations, but scholarships can further reduce the financial burden by covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and other academic expenses.
Here are some of the top scholarships available for the spring intake in France:
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
Eligibility: Open to international students applying for master's or PhD programs in France. Applicants must be nominated by a participating French institution and meet the age criteria set by the scholarship provider.
Coverage: Includes a monthly allowance of €1,181 (INR 1.28L) for master's students, along with international travel, health insurance, and various additional benefits.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
Eligibility: Available to students applying for eligible Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programs offered by a consortium of European universities.
Coverage: Covers tuition fees, travel expenses, visa costs, and provides a monthly living allowance throughout the program.
3. Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
Eligibility: Open to first-time non-European Union applicants who have been admitted to an eligible undergraduate or master's program at Sciences Po.
Coverage: Awards can range from partial tuition support to tuition grants worth up to €13,100 per year (INR 14.21L), depending on the student's profile and level of study.
4. École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection Scholarship
Eligibility: International students under a specified age limit who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and wish to pursue studies at ENS.
Coverage: Provides a scholarship of approximately €1,000 per month (INR 1.09L) for up to three years, along with accommodation support in some cases.
5. France Excellence Charpak Scholarship
Eligibility: Primarily available to Indian students applying for bachelor's, master's, exchange, or research programs in France. Eligibility varies by scholarship category.
Coverage: May include monthly stipend support, visa fee waivers, tuition assistance, and additional student benefits depending on the scheme.
January Intake in France VS Other Intakes in France
France follows a two-intake system, with September (Fall) as the main intake and January–February (Spring) as a secondary option.
Comparing these helps students understand differences in program availability, timelines, and academic alignment.
Comparison of Intakes in France
Intakes in France
Availability Level
Key Characteristics
September Intake (Fall)
High
Primary intake with the widest range of UG, PG, and doctoral programs
Maximum scholarship availability
Full academic-year alignment
January Intake (Spring)
Limited
Secondary intake with fewer programs
Mainly postgraduate courses
Common in private and business schools
Other / Rolling Intakes
Very Low
Offered by select private institutions
Focused on niche, executive, or short-term programs
Conclusion
The January intake in France offers an opportunity to begin your studies at selected universities and business schools without waiting for the next major intake. With timely planning, a well-prepared application, and a clear understanding of the admission process, you can make the most of this intake and start your academic journey with confidence.
If you're preparing to apply for the January intake, book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts. Our experts can help you shortlist universities, prepare your application, and stay on track with important deadlines.
FAQs
Is January a good time to go to France?
Yes. January is a good time to study in France if your preferred university or program offers a Spring Intake. It allows students to begin their studies without waiting for the next main admission cycle.
What are the requirements for the January intake in France?
Requirements vary by university and program but generally include academic transcripts, proof of English or French language proficiency, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and a valid passport. Some programs may also require GMAT or GRE scores.
What is the January intake in France 2026 deadline?
Application deadlines vary by institution, but most universities accept applications between October and December for the January 2026 intake. Always check the official university website for the latest deadlines and admission schedule.
Which universities offer the Spring intake in France?
Several institutions offer January admissions, including KEDGE Business School, NEOMA Business School, SKEMA Business School, INSEEC Business School, Paris School of Business, and Grenoble Ecole de Management, mainly for postgraduate programs.
What courses are available in the January intake in France?
Business, management, finance, marketing, business analytics, and technology are among the most common programs available during this intake. As most participating institutions focus on postgraduate education, the masters in France January intake is more widely available than bachelor's programs.
Can international students apply for the Spring intake in France?
Yes. International students can apply if they meet the university's academic, language, and admission requirements. They must also complete the required visa process and, where applicable, the Campus France formalities.
Is the January intake in France available for undergraduate programs?
Undergraduate options are limited during the January intake. Most participating institutions offer postgraduate, diploma, and specialised business programs, while the majority of bachelor's programs continue to admit students through the September intake.
When should I start preparing for the January intake in France?
It's advisable to begin preparing 8–9 months before the intake. This provides enough time to shortlist universities, prepare application documents, meet deadlines, complete Campus France procedures, and apply for a student visa.
Is the Spring intake in France less competitive than the September intake?
Competition is generally lower because fewer students apply. However, available seats and programs are also limited, so universities continue to follow a competitive selection process based on academic performance and overall applicant profiles.
Are scholarships available for students applying for the January intake in France?
Yes, although scholarship options may be fewer than the September intake. Eligible students can explore institutional scholarships and selected funding opportunities, depending on the university and the program they choose.
Can I apply to multiple universities for the January intake in France?
Yes. Students can apply to multiple universities to improve their admission chances. However, each institution has its own application process, deadlines, and document requirements, so careful planning is essential.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4626 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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