Home to major names in philosophy, the arts, and science, France is a country at the center of modern life as we know it. It is a member of major political and economic groups such as the EU, G7, NATO, and WTO. It also has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage properties and many museums. This puts students with a French education in an excellent position to be part of global developments as they happen.
France is known for its high-quality education, which has developed over many years. Students pursuing higher studies may apply to public universities or to selective grandes écoles. Well-known subjects in the country include business, fashion, and hospitality.
With its enduring commitment to educational excellence, unique linguistic and cultural traditions, and central seats of influence, France remains a strong international study destination. Check out how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in France below:
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- application through the correct platform or procedure, such as Études en France, Parcoursup, CampusArt, or DAP, depending on your nationality, residence, program, and year of entry
- a high school diploma, French baccalaureate, European baccalaureate, or equivalent qualification giving access to higher education complete official transcripts and, when required, official translations
- passport or valid identification, passport-style photo, CV, and motivation letter, when requested by the institution or application platform
- proof of language proficiency in French or English, depending on the language of instruction
- portfolio, interview, entrance examination, or other program-specific requirements for selective courses, art/design programs, or grandes écoles registration fees and the CVEC, where applicable, after admission and during administrative enrollment
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Most degree programs in France use French as the main medium of instruction. However, English-taught programs are also available, and Campus France provides catalogs that can help students find them. For students who wish to study for a bachelor’s degree in France, here are some commonly accepted language tests:
Minimum scores and accepted tests vary by university and program. Many French-taught bachelor’s programs expect at least B2-level French, and some require C1. For example, the University of Paris-Saclay states that most of its undergraduate degrees are taught in French and require a good B2 or C1 level. Sorbonne University generally requires B2 or higher for university-level courses in Arts and Humanities or Science and Engineering, while Medicine requires C1 French. PSL’s bachelor’s admissions are selective and program-specific, so applicants should check the relevant PSL program page and application route.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Step 1: Enlistment under Campus France
Applications are submitted through the platform or procedure that matches the applicant’s profile and program. Students living in countries covered by the Études en France procedure must use that process when required. The platform can cover the steps from the admission request through visa preparation.
For first-year bachelor’s admission, Parcoursup is used by European students, students with a French or European baccalaureate, and many applicants to selective first-cycle programs. Non-European students applying to the first year of a public university program or school of architecture generally use the DAP procedure. If the applicant’s country is covered by Études en France, the DAP is completed online through that platform; otherwise, it is submitted to the French embassy or cultural service in the student’s country of residence. The dossier blanc is for first-year university admission, the dossier jaune is for architecture, and the dossier vert is for non-European applicants already living in France. CampusArt may be used for participating programs in art, design, fashion, music, cinema, 3D, and architecture.
Here are some universities and their admission requirements: University of Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University, and PSL Research University.
Step 2: Wait for the Confirmation of Enrollment
Admission results and response deadlines depend on the platform, program, and application year. Applicants must answer admission offers on the platform or through the procedure used for the application. If a student does not respond by the stated deadline, the lack of response may be treated as a refusal, and the place may be forfeited.
Step 3: Apply for Student Visa
Student visa applications are facilitated by France-Visas, the official visa portal for France. Students planning to study in France for more than three months generally apply for a long-stay student visa. Applicants must already have been accepted by a higher education institution and should prepare documents such as a valid passport, proof of admission or pre-registration, proof of sufficient financial resources, and any country-specific documents requested by France-Visas or the visa center.
Students from countries covered by the Études en France procedure usually complete that process before the visa step. Visa fees vary by situation; France-Visas lists indicative student visa pricing of €50 for countries or territories covered by the EEF procedure and €99 for other countries, with some special cases. Some applicants may also need to provide biometric data through a consulate or visa service provider. Processing times vary by country and season, so applicants should follow the instructions and tracking information provided by France-Visas and their local visa center.
After arrival, students with a VLS-TS student visa must validate it online within three months. This validation is separate from university enrollment.
Step 4: Process the Enrollment in France
The last step is administrative and academic enrollment at the university in France. Depending on the university, some steps may be completed online before arrival, while others may be completed after arrival. These tasks may include confirming personal information, choosing courses and class schedules, paying applicable registration fees and the CVEC, and submitting any final documents. The university then grants an enrollment certificate or certificate of school attendance and an official student card certifying the student’s status at the institution. After this, you’re all set to study for an undergraduate degree in France.
Obtaining an undergraduate degree in France is a great opportunity for international students. Not only will you get a widely recognized diploma, but you will also have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of the country.
We hope this article on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in France was helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Programs in Europe and France Study Guide for more articles and study opportunities!
