Studying psychology in France is possible at bachelor’s and master’s level, but the path is not always the same for every student. Entry rules, language needs and tuition depend on whether you apply as an EU or non-EU student, and on the university or school you choose.
This guide gives you a clear start. Use it to check the right official pages, plan your budget and understand how universities usually find candidates.
What psychology degrees exist in France?
In France, psychology is usually studied at public universities. The main route is a bachelor’s degree first, then a master’s degree if you want to go deeper or work in a more specialised area.
- Bachelor’s level - often called licence de psychologie. This is usually 3 years.
- Master’s level - usually 2 years after the bachelor’s degree.
- Doctorate - for research, after a master’s degree.
At bachelor level, you study the basics of psychology, research methods, statistics and related subjects. At master level, you usually choose a focus, such as clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, work psychology or neuropsychology.
If you want to become a psychologist in France, check the exact qualification path on the university page and, if relevant, the professional rules in France. Some roles need a specific master’s degree and supervised training.
Typical entry requirements
For a bachelor’s degree, universities usually ask for a secondary school diploma that gives access to higher education in your home country. They may also want a good academic record, especially in subjects like maths, biology, philosophy or social sciences. Some programmes use the French application platform or ask for direct online application.
For a master’s degree, you normally need a relevant bachelor’s degree in psychology or a close field. Universities may ask for your transcripts, degree certificate, CV, motivation letter, reference letters and sometimes a short interview.
Common documents include:
- passport or ID
- school or university transcripts
- degree certificate, if you already finished
- CV
- motivation letter
- language proof
- sometimes references or a portfolio of experience
Always check the programme page. Requirements can change by university and by level. If you are applying from outside France, also check the official campus and visa guidance for your country.
English-taught and French-taught options
Many psychology degrees in France are taught in French, especially at bachelor level. English-taught options exist, but they are more common at master level than at bachelor level.
If you want to study in English, look for master’s programmes with an international track or a full English curriculum. Even then, some practical parts, internships or student services may still use French.
You should expect language checks such as:
- French-taught programme: often DELF, DALF, TCF, or another accepted French test
- English-taught programme: often IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted English test
Some universities accept a prior degree taught in English as proof, but this is not automatic. Read the programme page carefully and ask the admissions office if the rules are unclear.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in France can be very different depending on your status and the institution. Public universities usually have lower tuition than private schools, but exact fees can change. Check the university’s official fee page before you apply.
As a rough guide, public university fees are usually much lower for EU students than for non-EU students, although exemptions can exist. Some international students pay the same as locals, depending on the university, the programme, or an exemption policy. Private institutions can cost much more.
Living costs also matter. Your monthly budget depends on the city.
- Big cities like Paris - usually higher rent and transport costs
- Smaller university cities - often cheaper housing and daily costs
Plan for rent, food, transport, health insurance, books and residence permit costs. For a realistic budget, check the university’s estimate page, the local student housing office and the official French student services site. If you need a visa, also check the French immigration or consular website for financial proof rules.
Application timeline and steps
The exact deadline depends on the university and your nationality, but the process usually starts months before the academic year.
A simple timeline looks like this:
- 9 to 12 months before - research programmes, language requirements and funding
- 6 to 9 months before - prepare documents and language tests
- 3 to 6 months before - submit applications and track replies
- After admission - accept the offer, arrange housing and start visa steps if needed
If you are a non-EU student, you may need to follow a separate application route for admission and a student visa after acceptance. Check the university admissions page and the official immigration authority for your country of residence or study.
Do not wait until the last minute. Psychology programmes can ask for translated documents, certified copies or proof of language level, and these take time.
How universities usually find candidates
French universities do not all recruit in the same way, but many admissions offices now search student databases and international profiles. They look for candidates with the right field, level, language and documents.
They usually search by:
- field of study, such as psychology
- education level, such as high school or bachelor’s degree
- country and nationality
- language level
- documents already uploaded
That means a complete profile can help you get noticed earlier. If your documents are ready and your goals are clear, you are easier to match with the right programme.
Common questions
Can I study psychology in France without French?
Yes, sometimes. English-taught master’s programmes exist, but bachelor’s study in psychology is often in French. Check each programme page for the teaching language and the accepted test score.
Do I need maths for psychology?
Not always as a formal subject requirement, but psychology uses research methods and statistics. A good background in academic reading and data basics helps a lot.
Is psychology in France cheap?
Public universities are often more affordable than many private options, but your total cost also includes rent and daily life. Check the official fee page and make a full monthly budget before you apply.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see your background clearly. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.