Admission Preparation Plan for France
Planning to study in France? Follow this step-by-step admission plan to prepare your application, meet every requirement, and stay on schedule. Build your free personalized plan below — no registration required.
35 universities available
Your admission plan for France, step by step
- Choose your program and university — Decide on your field of study and shortlist universities in France that offer it.
- Check admission requirements — Review GPA, entrance exam, and portfolio requirements for your chosen universities in France.
- Prepare your documents — Gather your diploma, certified translations, motivation letter, recommendations, and proof of funds.
- Take the required language test — Prepare for and pass IELTS, TOEFL, or any other language exam your programs require.
- Track application deadlines — Keep an eye on application and scholarship deadlines so you never miss an intake.
- Apply and arrange your visa — Submit your applications to universities in France and start your student visa process.
Why study in France?
France offers a world-class education system with prestigious universities and Grandes Écoles. Public universities are highly affordable, with fees around €170–380 per year for non-EU students following the Bienvenue en France initiative. Most programs are in French, though English-taught master's programs are increasingly available.
Applications go through the Études en France portal or directly to institutions. French proficiency (DELF/DALF B2 or TCF) or English (for international programs) is required. Campus France is the official gateway for prospective students.
Top institutions include Sorbonne University, École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, and HEC Paris. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program supports international students at the master's and doctoral level.
Universities in France
- Sorbonne University
- Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL)
- École Polytechnique
- INSEAD
- Sciences Po
- HEC Paris
- HEC Paris
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
- ESCP Business School
- Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
- École Polytechnique
- ESSEC Business School
- Université Paris-Saclay
- EMLYON Business School
- CentraleSupélec