Want to Study in France Without IELTS? Here’s How?

Did you know? Over 25+ universities in France now accept international students without IELTS, if you meet the alternative English proficiency criteria.

France has become a top choice for international students looking for world-class education and global career opportunities. With over 1,600 English-taught programs in fields such as business, technology, and design, it welcomes thousands of students from India, Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

But many students face one common hurdle: the IELTS exam. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and not always necessary. The good news? Many universities now let you study in France without IELTS by accepting other proof like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, or scores from Duolingo English Test (DET), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or Cambridge English Qualifications.

In this blog, you’ll discover how to study in France without IELTS, explore accepted alternatives, view a list of universities and programs, understand the visa process, and learn expert tips to boost your application success.

Why Study in France Without IELTS?

France makes it easier for international students to study without an IELTS score. Many universities and visa officials accept other ways to prove your English, like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, Duolingo, or TOEFL.

Key Benefits: Study in France without IELTS

• No need to take or pass IELTS
• Saves money on tests and coaching
• Faster applications without waiting for results
• More chances for scholarships
• Ideal for students from English-medium schools

Key Highlights: Study in France without IELTS

Particulars	Description
Why Study in France Without IELTS?	Top study spot, large EU country, affordable living
Top Universities Without IELTS	Toulouse Business School, INSEEC, EBS Paris
Intakes	January, September
Accepted English Tests (Alternatives)	TOEFL, PTE, DET,  Medium of Instruction (MOI)
Visa Cost	₹9,100 (approx. €99)
Visa Processing Time	1 to 3 months
Scholarships Without IELTS	Eiffel, Erasmus Mundus, Emile Boutmy

Not sure which exam you need? Explore key exams for studying abroad and choose the right one for your destination and goals.

Criteria for English Proficiency at a French University Without IELTS

French universities offer various ways to prove your English skills if you don’t have an IELTS score. This flexibility helps students from English-medium backgrounds or working professionals who may not have taken formal language tests.

Below are the most widely accepted options you can use to meet English language requirements.

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
  A letter from your school or college confirming that your previous education was in English. This is one of the most accepted IELTS substitutes.
• Alternative English Tests
  Instead of IELTS, many French universities accept the following:

Test Name	Minimum Score Required
TOEFL (iBT)	82+
PTE Academic	55+
Duolingo English	100+

• University Interview or Online Assessment
  Some institutions may assess your English through a video or Skype interview. A successful interview may allow you to skip language tests entirely.
• Work Experience in an English-speaking Environment
  Relevant professional experience using English can sometimes be accepted as proof, especially if supported by documents.
• Employer-issued Certificate
  A letter from your employer confirming that your job requires English communication may be valid at select universities.
• Foundation Course in France
  If you don't meet the required English level, you may be allowed to take a short preparatory course before starting your main program.

Note: While IELTS is not mandatory in France, accepted alternatives like MOI or Duolingo are usually valid only for English-taught programs, but not for French-medium courses.

 Top 10 Universities in France Accepting Students Without IELTS

Some of the top universities in France accept students without an IELTS score. Instead, they allow alternative English proficiency proofs like MOI, Duolingo, or TOEFL. 

Here's a list of institutions that offer this flexibility:

University Name (City)	Accepted Alternatives to IELTS
Toulouse Business School (Toulouse)	• MOI • Duolingo (100+) • TOEFL (82+)
INSEEC Business School (Paris/Lyon)	• MOI • Duolingo (100+) • University Interview
EBS Paris (Paris)	• MOI • TOEFL (82+) • PTE (55+)
NEOMA Business School (Rouen/Reims)	• MOI • Duolingo (100+) • TOEFL (82+)
SKEMA Business School (Paris/Lille)	• TOEFL (82+) • Duolingo (100+) • MOI
Paris School of Business (Paris)	• MOI • PTE (55+) • University Interview
American Business School (Paris)	• MOI • Duolingo (100+) • TOEFL (82+)
IESEG School of Management (Lille/Paris)	• Duolingo (100+) • MOI • TOEFL (82+)
ESC Clermont Business School (Clermont-Ferrand)	• TOEFL (82+) • MOI • PTE (55+)
Rennes School of Business (Rennes)	• MOI • Duolingo (100+) • University Interview

Courses in France Without IELTS for International Students

Many French universities offer English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs that don’t require an IELTS score. Fields like Business, Engineering, Hospitality, Design, and Data Science are available through alternative options like MOI, Duolingo, TOEFL, or PTE.

Here is a list of popular courses you can apply to without IELTS:

• BBA in Global Management
• MSc in International Business
• MSc in Data Science & AI
• BSc in Hospitality & Tourism
• MSc in Marketing & Luxury Management
• Master's in International Finance
• BSc in Computer Engineering
• MSc in Fashion & Brand Management

These courses are popular among international students and are offered in English. Many universities accept alternative proofs of English proficiency, making it easier to apply without IELTS.

Applying for a French Student Visa Without IELTS: Documents & Steps

Getting a student visa to study in France without IELTS can be tricky. In 2024, about 15.7% of student visa applications were rejected, mostly due to missing documents or errors. To avoid this, ensure your application is complete and clearly explains your English proficiency alternative.

Here’s what you need to know about the eligibility and application process:

1. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a student visa in France without IELTS, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• Apply for a short-stay visa if your course duration is less than 3 months.
• Apply for a temporary long-stay visa if your course lasts between 3 to 6 months.
• If your course exceeds 6 months, you will need a long-stay visa (which doubles as a residence permit).
• Once approved, no additional paperwork is needed upon arrival.

1) List of Required Documents

Make sure to prepare the following documents for your visa application:

• Completed the France student visa application form
• Visa fee payment receipt (₹9,100 or €99)
• Official admission letter from a recognized French university
• Proof of financial support (at least €7,400 or ₹6.8 lakh)
• Travel details or flight booking proof
• Valid medical insurance (coverage of €900 or more)
• Confirmed accommodation details in France
• Language proficiency proof (French certificate if the course is in French, or MOI, Duolingo, etc., if in English)

2)Visa Fee and Processing Time

 The cost and duration of processing the type of French student visa are as follows:

Visa Type	Fee (INR / €)	Processing Time
Short-stay visa	₹8,010 (€80)	Up to 1 month
Temporary long-stay	₹9,100 (€99)	1 to 3 months
Long-stay visa	₹9,100 (€99)	1 to 3 months

Note: IELTS is not a visa requirement in France. If your university has already accepted an alternative like MOI, Duolingo, or TOEFL, your visa application will still be valid.

Tips to Strengthen Your France University Application Without IELTS

Not having an IELTS score doesn’t mean you can’t make a strong application. French universities still want to know that you’re ready for English-taught classes, and there are other ways to prove that. 

Here’s how you can improve your chances without IELTS:

• Add a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
  If you have studied in English before, get a letter from your school or college confirming it. Many universities accept this.
• Write a focused SOP
  Talk about your background, goals, and why France is the right choice for you. Be honest, clear, and confident in your writing.
• Include strong recommendations
  Ask your teachers or employers to write about your academic strengths and your comfort with English.
• Be ready for an interview
  Some universities may want to talk to you online to assess your English. Practice speaking clearly and naturally.
• Mention any work experience in English
  If you've worked in an English-speaking office or job, include that in your resume. It shows real-world communication skills.

Looking for scholarships to study in France? Explore top France scholarships for Indian students and find the right one for your goals.
 

Conclusion

Studying in France without IELTS is now a real option for international students. With more universities accepting alternatives like MOI, TOEFL, and Duolingo, students can access high-quality education in English without facing IELTS-related stress. From top programs to visa approvals, you can plan your journey to France confidently, even without an IELTS score.

Need help applying without IELTS? Connect with an expert for a free 1:1 session and get personalized guidance for studying in France.