France Intakes 2026-27: Dates, Deadlines & Which One You Should Pick

France has two main admission cycles for international students. Most Indian applicants are aware of this, but many realise too late that their preferred intake deadlines have already passed.

Close to 9,500 Indian students were enrolled in French universities in 2024, according to Campus France. The French government has stated its goal of increasing Indian student enrolment to 30,000 by 2030. As a result, many institutions are gradually expanding English-taught programs, improving application support systems, and introducing additional scholarship opportunities for international applicants.

This guide explains France intakes in 2026, including expected admission windows, key differences between the January and September intakes, the Campus France application process, and practical factors that can help you decide which intake suits your academic timeline.

France has two main intakes for international students: September (Fall) and January (Spring). The September intake offers the widest range of programs across universities and Grandes Écoles, while the January intake provides limited course options, mainly in business and selected specialised master’s programs.

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A few private business schools occasionally offer February or March cohorts, but these are niche executive programs. For most Indian students planning to study in France, the main choice is between the September and January intakes in France.

January vs. September France Intakes: Key Differences

The September intake is the primary academic cycle in France, while the January intake acts as a secondary opportunity for students who need more preparation time.

Because of the broader program selection and scholarship opportunities, most international students prefer the September intake in France. If you are still deciding whether France is the right destination, you can explore the top reasons Indian students choose to study in France.

For most Indian students planning to study in France in 2026, the September intake is usually the better option because it offers the highest number of programs, better scholarship availability, and more predictable visa timelines.

The January intake works as a practical alternative if you need additional preparation time or miss earlier deadlines. However, course availability is lower, and some competitive technical programs may not open mid-year. If your documents and test scores are ready, applying for the September intake usually improves admission and funding chances.

September Intake in France

The September intake in France is the main admission cycle. Nearly all universities open applications for this intake, and it offers the largest selection of programs.

For Indian students finishing their Class 12 or graduation between May and June, this intake aligns naturally with the academic calendar.

Key Timeline for September Intake 2026

Starting early is essential. Students who start researching programs in April or May of the intake year are usually too late for competitive universities.

Many of the top universities in France offer programs starting in September.

The January intake in France is smaller and offers fewer courses compared to the main September cycle. Many public universities do not open full program admissions in January, and this intake is primarily offered by business schools and selected specialised master’s programs.

Who Should Choose the January Intake?

The January intake may be suitable if:

• You missed the September application window and cannot wait another year
• You need more time to improve your IELTS, DELF, or GMAT scores
• Your Indian university graduation timeline falls in November or December
• You are targeting a specific MBA or management program that runs a January cohort
• You received a rejection in September and want to reapply within the same academic year
  

While program choices are limited, the January intake still provides a practical pathway to begin studies without delaying your plans by a full year. Students should, however, carefully check course availability and intake confirmation on official university websites before applying.

January Intake Timeline

Visa timelines for this intake are usually tighter, so applications must be submitted early.

January Intake Universities in France 2026

Several business schools offer programs beginning in January.

Note: The January intake visa timeline is genuinely tight. You can expect to receive your offer in November, and it would be advisable to apply for a visa promptly thereafter. Processing takes 6–8 weeks, meaning any delay risks missing your start date. Apply for the visa the same week you accept your offer.

Also Read: Top 5 Universities in France for International Students in 2026

France offers a wide range of English-taught programs, particularly in business, technology and engineering.

Some of the most popular courses among international students include:

• MBA and Global MBA
  
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  
• Business Analytics
  
• Finance and FinTech
  
• Luxury Brand Management
  
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  
• International Business and Management
  
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
  

Graduates in data science, AI, and engineering often move into consulting, automotive, aerospace, and digital technology roles with starting salaries of around €35,000 to €45,000 per year (approximately ₹37 lakh to ₹48 lakh). Business and management graduates commonly enter consulting firms, multinational companies, and startups with salaries ranging from €32,000 to €40,000 annually (approximately ₹34 lakh to ₹43 lakh).

Engineering and science programs are mostly available during the September intake, while many business schools offer January intake cohorts for management programs. Students planning their studies should also understand the employment opportunities available during and after their degree. You can learn more about this in our guide on jobs in France for international students.

The eligibility criteria for French universities vary depending on which out of the two France intakes you choose, the program, and the level of study. However, there are some general requirements that every student must meet.

Most French universities accept up to 5 backlogs at the undergraduate or postgraduate level if the overall academic performance is strong. Highly ranked Grandes Écoles and competitive technical programs may prefer applicants with no active backlogs and higher academic scores.

Students should always verify the exact eligibility criteria on the official university website because percentage requirements and backlog policies can vary significantly by institution and course.

Required Documents for French University Admissions

Get these ready before you open the EEF portal. Missing documents are the most common reason Indian students miss their deadlines.

• Valid passport (must be valid for the entire duration of your course and preferably at least 15 months beyond your planned arrival in France)
• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate (UG applicants)
• Bachelor's degree and all semester mark sheets (PG applicants)
• IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79–90 (English-medium programs)
• DELF B2 or DALF C1 (French-medium programs)
• Statement of Purpose 
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
• Updated CV / Resume
• Bank statements showing financial proof of approximately €10,000–€12,000 (₹10.7–₹12.8 lakh) to cover one year of living expenses, in addition to tuition fees
• Passport-size photographs 
• GMAT / GRE scores (business schools and some engineering programs)
• Portfolio (Architecture, Fine Arts, Design programs)

Note: Documents not in French or English must be officially translated by a certified translator. This takes 1–2 weeks in India. Do not leave it for the last few days before your deadline.

Cost of Studying in France for International Students

The cost of studying in France varies depending on whether you choose a public university or a private business school. Public institutions are heavily subsidised by the government, making them significantly more affordable for international students.

Tuition Fees

Note: INR conversions are approximate and calculated using an exchange rate of €1 = ₹106.70. Tuition fees may vary by university and program.

Average Monthly Living Expenses

Living costs depend largely on the city you choose to study in.

Note: INR estimates are based on an exchange rate of €1 = ₹106.70. Living expenses depend on accommodation type, lifestyle, and transport choices.

Part-Time Work Earnings in France

International students in France can work up to 20 hours per week and typically earn €10–€15 per hour (1,067-₹1,600).

Note: Earnings vary by city, job role, and French language proficiency. Currency conversion is based on €1 = ₹106.70.

Salary Outcomes in France

Starting salaries after graduation typically range from:

• €35,000–€45,000 (₹37 lakh–₹48 lakh) in data science, AI, and engineering
  
• €32,000–€40,000 (₹34 lakh–₹43 lakh) in business, finance, and consulting
  

Note: Salary conversions are indicative and calculated using €1 = ₹106.70. Actual compensation depends on experience, city, and industry demand.

France Scholarships for Indian Students 

Most major France scholarships for Indian students are tied to the September intake. If scholarships are part of your financial plan, September is not optional.

Note: INR values are approximate and calculated using an exchange rate of €1 = ₹106.70. Scholarship benefits and amounts may change each year.

Eiffel and France Excellence Charpak Master scholarships require nomination through your Indian institution or the French Embassy; you cannot apply for them independently. Start the nomination process at the same time as your university application. 

You can apply to French universities in two ways. Some universities accept applications directly through their own admission portals. Others require students to apply through Campus France.

• Applying through a university website means submitting your application and documents directly on that university’s admissions portal.
• Campus France works differently. It is the organisation that supports international students who want to study in France and helps coordinate applications,

How to Apply for France Intakes Through the University’s Website

Some French universities allow direct applications through their official portals. While every university has its own process, the overall steps are quite similar.

1. Research Programs: Start by shortlisting universities that offer the course you want. Spend some time reading the course structure, language requirements, and eligibility criteria before moving ahead.
   
2. Prepare Required Documents: Before beginning the application, gather all required documents. Most universities ask for academic transcripts, language test scores, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Always check the official university website to confirm the exact requirements.
   
3. Apply Online: Create an account on the university’s admission portal and complete the online application form. Upload the required documents and review the details before submitting.
   
4. Submit Application: After completing the form and uploading all documents, submit the application through the portal. Some universities may also require an application fee.
   
5. Attend Interviews (if necessary): For certain programs, particularly business or management degrees, the university may schedule an interview. These interviews are usually conducted online.
   
6. Wait for Results: After submission, universities will review your application. This process can take 3-4 weeks, so stay patient and follow up if necessary.

The Campus France Process: Step by Step

You cannot apply directly to most French public universities without going through the Études en France (EEF) platform. This is a government-managed process and is mandatory for Indian students.

1. Create Your EEF Account
Register on the Études en France portal. This will be your main application hub. Create the account as soon as the portal opens instead of waiting until you finalise your program choices.

2. Complete Your Academic Profile
Enter your Class 10, Class 12, and graduation marks along with any test scores. Universities review this profile directly, so make sure the information is accurate.

3. Upload Documents
Upload mark sheets, language certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF or DALF), statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and financial documents in PDF format.

4. Apply to Programs
The EEF portal allows students to apply to up to 12 programs. Some universities may also ask for a separate application on their own website.

5. Pay the Campus France Fee
After submitting the applications, the Campus France processing fee must be paid. The fee is usually around ₹18,500.

6. Attend the Campus France Interview
Indian students must attend a Campus France interview. The interview usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and focuses on your study plans and reasons for choosing France.

7. Accept Your Offer
Universities send admission decisions through the EEF portal or by email. Accept the offer within the deadline to confirm your seat.

8. Apply for the France Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Submit your France student visa application through VFS Global or the French Embassy after accepting your offer. Visa processing usually takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Note: Undergraduate applicants applying for a first year Licence (Bachelor’s) program at a public university must also complete the DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable) process. This procedure has separate deadlines and should be checked in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for France Intakes

It's common to make mistakes when applying for France intakes, and you want to make sure that you do not. Here are the common mistakes to avoid when applying for France intakes:

• Starting too late:  The EEF portal opens in October for the following September. Most students who miss their intake started researching in March or April.
  
• Applying to programs without checking language requirements: Some programs are French-only. DELF B2 takes months to prepare for.
  
• Forgetting the DAP process: Undergraduate applicants at public universities need to complete DAP separately from the EEF application.
  
• Not getting documents translated early:  Certified translation takes 1–2 weeks. Leaving it until the week of the deadline causes avoidable rejections.
  
• Applying for scholarships late: Eiffel and Charpak have nomination deadlines before the university application deadline. Miss the nomination and you miss the scholarship entirely.

In conclusion, the choice between France intakes depends on your preparation and academic timeline. Planning early helps you apply to the right programs and meet important deadlines.

If you need help with university selection, applications, scholarships, or the France student visa process, LeapScholar can guide you through every step of studying in France for the 2026–27 intake cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)