A bachelor’s degree in France can be a good option if you want a recognised European degree and many study choices. The exact rules depend on the university, the programme, and your nationality, but the main steps are usually the same. You should always check the university’s admissions page and the official French student and visa websites before you apply.
Who can apply
International students can apply to many bachelor’s programmes in France if they have the right school-leaving qualification. Some programmes accept students straight after secondary school. Others may ask for a previous college year or a specific subject background.
- If you finished high school, your diploma must usually be accepted as equal to the French baccalauréat level.
- If you already started university, some schools may ask for transcripts and may let you enter at a later year.
- For some selective programmes, there may be extra tests, interviews, or a portfolio.
The university decides what it accepts. If you studied outside France, the admissions office may look at your school curriculum, grades, and country of education. For some cases, you may be asked for an official diploma recognition or a comparison document. Check the programme page and the admissions office guidance.
Entry requirements
Most bachelor’s programmes ask for a completed secondary education and proof that your studies match the level needed for entry. They also ask for documents such as your passport, transcripts, diploma, and a CV or motivation letter.
- School diploma or leaving certificate
- Transcript or grade report
- Passport or ID
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Proof of language level, if required
Some universities want certified translations if your documents are not in French or English. Some also ask for legalisation or an apostille. The exact document rules depend on the university and your country. Do not guess. Follow the checklist on the official admissions page.
Language requirements
Many bachelor’s degrees in France are taught in French. In that case, you usually need to show French language ability. Common proof includes DELF, DALF, TCF, or another accepted test. The exact level can vary by programme.
Some programmes are taught in English, especially in business, engineering, or international studies. For these, universities often ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another English test. Some may accept previous studies in English instead of a test.
- French-taught programmes usually ask for French proof
- English-taught programmes usually ask for English proof
- Some universities waive a test if your previous education was in the same language
Check the programme page for the exact test and level. The admissions office can tell you whether your school background is enough.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in France depends on the type of university and whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Public universities often have lower tuition than private schools. Some institutions charge the same fee for everyone, while others use different fees for EU and non-EU students. Do not rely on general numbers only. Always check the official programme page.
- Public universities usually have lower tuition
- Private schools and business schools often cost more
- Some fees can be different for EU and non-EU students
- Extra costs may include registration fees, health insurance, and materials
Living costs also vary by city. Paris is usually more expensive than smaller cities. You should plan for rent, food, transport, phone, books, and personal spending. Many students also need money for the first months after arrival, because you may need to pay a deposit for housing and other start-up costs.
For visa and financial planning, use official guidance from the French government or the French consulate in your country. Do not assume one fixed monthly amount will fit every city or lifestyle.
When to apply
Application windows for bachelor’s degrees in France usually open months before the academic year starts. For autumn intake, many applications open in the winter or early spring. Deadlines can be in spring, early summer, or later, depending on the programme and whether you need a student visa.
- Some programmes use a national procedure for international applicants
- Some universities use their own online application portal
- Deadlines can differ for EU and non-EU applicants
- Scholarships, housing, and visas may have earlier deadlines than admissions
It is best to start early. Prepare your documents before the portal opens. If you need a visa, leave time for the visa process, document checks, and possible interviews. The official source for deadlines is the university’s admissions page or the official national application platform for France, if the programme uses one.
How the application process usually works
The exact process depends on the programme type. Some bachelor’s programmes are open admission. Others are selective and require a review of your file. The basic process usually looks like this:
- Choose a programme and check the entry rules
- Prepare your documents and translations
- Submit your application online
- Wait for review, interview, or test if needed
- Receive an admission decision
- Use the offer to start your visa and housing steps
If you are not sure whether your diploma is accepted, contact the admissions office before applying. Send a short message with your country, school, diploma, and grades. That is often faster than guessing and risking a wrong application.
Common questions
Can I study in France in English?
Yes, some bachelor’s programmes are taught in English. They are less common than French-taught programmes, so check each programme page carefully and look for the required English test or proof.
Do I need to know French?
Not always. If the programme is in English, French may not be required for admission. But basic French can help you with daily life, housing, transport, and part-time work.
Can I get a scholarship?
Possibly, but never assume it will be automatic. Scholarships usually have their own rules, deadlines, and selection process. Check the scholarship’s own website and the university funding page.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. 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.