Study in France: Application Process

Are you excited and ready to apply for your new academic journey in France? We hope you are! The application process for French universities is not demanding at all since we have gathered all the important steps you need to follow in order to be admitted to the French university of your choice.

1. Choose your study major

This is probably the most important and maybe difficult step. Choosing your study major will define your life and career. Imagine yourself in the future and take into consideration the numerous degrees France has to offer you in a variety of disciplines. Do you want to study fashion management in one of the fashion capitals of the world or graduate with a business degree from a Grandes écoles? The choice is yours!

2. Check the admission requirements 

Depending on the objective, your nationality and the academic level of your studies, there are particular admission requirements you need to pay special attention to when preparing your application for French universities. Make a plan, select the universities of your choice and majors. Contact the French Embassy in your home country or contact the universities you aim to apply to along with the existing support services such as Campus France in order to find the answers to your potential questions. 

3. Prepare the necessary documents

Start gathering the necessary documents as soon as possible. This is a time consuming step. Take note of the special requirements for documentation regarding your nationality, study level and university of choice. Remember that you might need translations into French of your original documents. The French Embassy in your home country can provide these services. Most applications to French universities include: 

• A completed application form signed by the official authorities
• Campus France authorization
• A civil liability certificate
• ID photos
• Passport
• High school transcripts
• An essay (if asked by the university)
• Proof of language competency in either English or French depending on the program
• Proof of payment of the application fee

For non-European students, you might be asked to provide additional documents such as your birth certificate, financial support proof for your studies and, after admission, your French student visa. Please note that each program might ask for additional documents, so make sure you have the time to evaluate what is needed from your side. 

4. Submit your application

European nationals who wish to apply to the first year of a Bachelor’s need to apply through the Parcoursup Platform. However, there is no particular application procedure for enrolling in the 2nd or 3rd year of a Bachelor's, a Master's or Doctorate degree. In that case, contact the universities you want to apply to.

Non-European students need to pass the Preliminary Admission or  "Demande d'Admission Préalable - DAP" for applying in French institutions and should also apply online through Campus France.

5. Apply for a French student visa

Félicitations! You are officially a student in France! When you receive your letter of acceptance, contact your university in order to pay the first installment of your tuition fees if applicable. Next, you need to apply for a French student visa as soon as possible. Decide what type of visa you need, short or long term and read carefully the rules that apply depending on your nationality. Contact the French embassy in your home country if you need help with the visa process.

6. Arrive in France 

After you have obtained your French student visa and have prepared all the necessary documents, prepare your luggage and get on the plane for France. This is just the beginning. You are about to live and study in the most sophisticated, modern and romantic countries in the world!