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Should I choose the January or September intake in France as an Indian student?

02 Oct 2026 · Answered by Pallavi Attri · 1 min read
Quick Answer verified

September is the main intake in France, with more courses and universities usually available, scholarships depend on the scheme, not the intake. January has fewer choices but suits you if a course you want starts then and your documents are ready. Your course should be the first thing you check.

Pallavi Attri
Pallavi Attri Verified
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Your course should decide this. September is the main intake in France, so it offers more courses and universities, while January has fewer options but can let you start earlier.

January versus September intake

FactorJanuary intakeSeptember intake
Courses availableSelected coursesMost courses
UniversitiesSelected universities and business schoolsMore universities and schools
ScholarshipsDepends on the scheme, nationality, field and levelAlso depends on the scheme, nationality, field and level rather than the intake month
Preparation timeLess if applying close to the deadlineMore time to prepare

Which one suits you

January may be better if your course starts then, your documents are ready and you do not want to wait until September. September may be better if you want more choice, your preferred course starts then or you need more time to prepare.

My Advice

Shortlist courses first and see which intake they run. If you find a January course you like, apply early. If not, use the extra months before September to strengthen your application.

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