While France is mostly known for the French language, there has been considerable growth in English-taught higher education programs, with many universities offering English-taught programs. Thus, when applying to such universities for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in English. For non-native speakers, one of the most common ways to do this is by submitting IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores.
English proficiency is vital for understanding lectures, reading academic texts, writing assignments, and participating in class discussions. This article provides information about selected universities in France that accept IELTS scores. Because language requirements often vary by degree, department, and intake year, students should always confirm the latest requirements on the official program page before applying.
Minimum IELTS Band Scores for French Universities
If you are considering studying at a French university with English-taught programs, here are some institutions that accept IELTS scores for selected programs.
| INSTITUTION NAME | MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) | MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| HEC Paris | Program-specific; proof of English may be required | Program-specific; MBA applicants need IELTS 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each component |
| Université Paris Cité | Program-specific | Program-specific; examples range from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, while some incoming exchange cases list IELTS 5.5 |
| Schiller International University | 5.5 | 6.0; MBA programs require 6.5 |
| Université Catholique de Lyon | Program-specific; examples include IELTS 5.5 for some business bachelor’s programs and IELTS 7.0 for the Law/LL.B. double degree | Program-specific; the LL.M. in International Business Law requires IELTS 6.5 |
| Université PSL | Program-specific | Program-specific; selected tracks list B2/C1 English or IELTS 6.5 |
| Université de Tours | Not generally listed for the English-taught programs reviewed | Program-specific; the IDOH master’s lists IELTS 6.5, while Planning and Sustainability does not show a public IELTS score on the page reviewed |
| Toulouse School of Management | Not applicable for the doctoral program mentioned | Preferred for the doctoral program: IELTS 7–8, corresponding to CEFR C1 |
1. HEC Paris
- IELTS Requirement
- IELTS Band Requirement: program-specific; HEC Paris MBA applicants need IELTS 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each component
HEC Paris is a well-known business school in France with a strong international reputation. It offers a variety of programs in English, including MBA, Executive MBA, master’s, and bachelor’s-level options.
HEC Paris generally requires international students to demonstrate proficiency in English if their prior education was not in English. However, the exact IELTS requirement depends on the program. For the MBA, HEC Paris lists a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each component. Some HEC master’s programs require an English test report but do not list a single minimum IELTS score at the application stage, so applicants should confirm the requirement on the page for their chosen program.
2. Université Paris Cité
- IELTS Requirement
- IELTS Band Requirement: program-specific; examples range from IELTS 5.5 to 6.5
Université Paris Cité is a major public university in Paris, created from the merger of several institutions, including Université Paris Diderot (Paris 7) and Université Paris Descartes (Paris 5). It offers a range of English-taught programs across fields such as humanities, sciences, medicine, and social sciences.
Université Paris Cité accepts IELTS for selected English-taught programs, but it does not use one single IELTS score for every program. For example, some incoming students taking courses in English may be asked for IELTS 5.5, while the Master in International Business Law lists IELTS 6.0 and the Fundamental Physics: Soft Matter track lists IELTS 6.5. Applicants should check the official page of their specific program before applying.
3. Schiller International University Paris
- IELTS Requirement
- IELTS Band Requirement: 5.5 for undergraduate programs; 6.0 for most graduate programs; 6.5 for MBA programs
Schiller International University (SIU) is a private international university with campuses in several locations, including Paris, Madrid, Tampa, and Heidelberg. Many of the programs at Schiller are taught in English to serve international students from around the world.
Undergraduate applicants generally need an IELTS score of at least 5.5. Graduate applicants generally need an IELTS score of at least 6.0, while MBA programs require at least 6.5. Schiller may waive the English proficiency requirement for applicants who meet its English-language education background conditions, such as completing prior studies in English.
4. Université Catholique de Lyon
- IELTS Requirement
- IELTS Band Requirement: program-specific; examples include IELTS 5.5, 6.5, and 7.0
Université Catholique de Lyon (UCLy) is a private Catholic university located in Lyon, France. It offers many programs in French, as well as several English-taught programs aimed at international students.
IELTS requirements at UCLy vary by program. Some English-taught business bachelor’s programs list a B2 English level corresponding to IELTS 5.5. The LL.M. in International Business Law requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, while the Double Degree in Law and LL.B. of Law recommends IELTS 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each section.
5. Université PSL
- IELTS Requirement
- IELTS Band Requirement: program-specific; selected tracks list B2/C1 English or IELTS 6.5
Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) is a Paris-based university grouping several higher education and research institutions. It offers a selection of programs and tracks taught fully or partly in English.
For international students applying to English-taught programs at PSL, proof of English language proficiency is typically required, but the level depends on the program. PSL lists B2 English for the Energy field, B2/C1 English for Quantum Engineering, and IELTS 6.5 for selected master’s tracks such as Quantitative Economics and Fashion and Materials.
6. University of Tours
- IELTS Requirement
- IELTS Band Requirement: program-specific; the IDOH master’s lists IELTS 6.5
Another French university accepting IELTS scores for selected English-taught programs is the Université de Tours. While most courses at this university are taught in French, the university lists several master’s programs taught fully in English.
The university currently lists English-taught master’s programs such as Master Planning and Sustainability, Erasmus+ International Master of Science in Infectious Diseases and One Health (IDOH), and Erasmus+ International Master in Insects as Solutions for a Sustainable Future (ISSF). The IDOH master’s lists IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each module, but it also notes that there is no new cohort in 2026. The public Planning and Sustainability page reviewed did not list a specific IELTS score, so applicants should check the official program page or contact the university before applying.
7. Toulouse School of Management
- IELTS Requirement
- IELTS Band Requirement: preferred score of 7–8 for the doctoral program
Toulouse School of Management (TSM) is a business school located in Toulouse, France, and is part of Toulouse Capitole University.
TSM’s doctoral program is taught 100% in English. For applicants who are not native English speakers and whose university degree was not taught in English, the admissions page states that a TOEFL or IELTS test taken within the last two years is required. The admissions committee prefers a TOEFL score of 95 or an IELTS score of 7–8, corresponding to CEFR C1. This is listed as a preferred level rather than a universal minimum for all TSM programs.
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in France
| Recipients | Institution | Degree | Subject | IELTS Score |
|---|
| Duong | University of Orléans | Master’s in International Economics | International Economics | 7.0 |
| Huong Giang | IÉSEG School of Management | Master’s in Management | Financial Management & Control | 7.0 |
| Anita Halnazarova | University of Lille | Master of European Affairs | European Affairs / Financial Economics | Passed IELTS (score not listed) |
FAQs: IELTS in France
What IELTS score do French universities typically require?
There is no single IELTS score for all French universities. Requirements are usually program-specific. In the examples above, published requirements range from IELTS 5.5 for some undergraduate or business programs to IELTS 7.0 or 7–8 for more selective law, MBA, or doctoral tracks. Some programs state CEFR levels such as B2 or C1 instead of an IELTS score.
Do I need IELTS if my French program is taught in English?
Many English-taught programs in France ask for proof of English proficiency, and IELTS is one commonly accepted test. However, universities may also accept other tests or waive the requirement if you previously studied in English. For example, Anita Halnazarova passed IELTS before studying in France, but each applicant should check the requirement for the specific program.
Do I also need French, or is IELTS enough?
It depends on the program. Some France-based degrees are fully taught in English and may not require French for admission, while others are French-taught or bilingual and may require French proficiency. French can also be useful for daily life, internships, and part-time work. Always verify whether your track is English-taught, French-taught, or bilingual before applying.
Do universities in France consider students who have not passed the IELTS exam?
Yes, universities in France can consider students who have not taken or passed IELTS, but the situation depends on the program. Many universities accept other standardized English proficiency tests, including TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge English, PTE, Duolingo, or other approved tests. Some institutions may also waive the English test requirement if you completed previous education in English.
Students from countries where English is the primary language may also be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test score, depending on the university’s policy.
Is it compulsory to take the IELTS even if you are applying for a French-taught program?
No. It is usually not compulsory to take the IELTS exam if you are applying for a French-taught program at a university in France, as long as you meet the university’s language requirements in French. If the program is taught in French, most universities will require proficiency in French through standardized tests like DELF and DALF.
However, some programs are taught partly in English and partly in French. In these cases, you may need to prove proficiency in both languages. Additionally, some programs like the International Master in Business Studies at the University of Burgundy require applicants to be proficient in English and French.
While IELTS is a widely accepted English language proficiency test for international students in France, band scores differ from one institution to another and often from one program to another. Many programs require proof of English proficiency through IELTS or an equivalent test, while others state a CEFR level such as B2 or C1. Some institutions also offer alternatives, such as accepting other language tests or providing waivers based on previous education in English-speaking environments. We hope the above article will help you prepare adequately for the English language requirement of your chosen school in France.
We hope that this article on the IELTS Band Requirements for universities in France was helpful. If you are interested in studying in France, make sure to check out the Available Programs in Europe and Study in France!
