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When should I apply for the September intake in France as an international student?

30 Sept 2026 · Answered by Sai Sunayan Reddy P · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

For the September intake in France, submit your dossier on the Etudes en France portal from October to December. Your Campus France interview typically falls between January and March, then expect decisions and visa filing from April to July, though timing varies by country and cycle.

Sai Sunayan Reddy P
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The September intake is France's main fall entry cycle, and its timeline starts the previous October. You submit your dossier first, attend a Campus France interview, and then handle decisions and your visa. Interview and visa timing vary by country and cycle.

September Intake Timeline

PhaseTimingWhat happens
Dossier submissionOctober to DecemberRegister and submit your course choices on the official Etudes en France portal
Academic interviewTypically January to MarchComplete file verification and an interview with your local Campus France office
University decision and visaTypically April to JulyReceive responses, confirm acceptance and submit your long-stay visa file

Why Students Pick the September Intake

  • It gives access to over 90% of undergraduate (Licence), Master and PhD programmes.
  • Its dates line up with deadlines for national grants such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship.
  • It fits the standard academic calendar, so mandatory summer internships do not delay your studies.
  • It opens the largest allocation of affordable student residence rooms (CROUS).

My Advice

Work backwards from your target September start and mark each phase in your calendar, beginning with October. Prepare your documents and language scores before the portal opens, so you can submit early and still have room for the interview.

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