Over time, there has been a significant increase in the number of students enrolling in universities in France due to their advanced state-of-the-art technology and high-quality education. There were 370,000 international students enrolled in universities in France in 2020/2021. If you are also planning to study in France but are unsure about the France intakes, this guide is for you. This article will take you through everything there is to know about the intakes in France.
In France, there are two main intakes that international students can apply for. These are - January and September intakes. Both intakes have equal emphasis; however, some consider September intakes more important.
Let us look at both of these intakes in France.
January Intake:
Also known as the spring intake, as the name suggests, it starts at the beginning of the year. Almost every university in the country offers a wide range of courses in this intake.
September Intake:
The September or Fall intake is considered the main intake by many people and offers many courses to the students. Students who wish to apply for this intake are advised to start preparing by early March.
France Intakes
Deadline
January
Mid-November
September
July-August
Timeline for France September 2024 Intakes
While applying for the France September intake, the timeline of your actions plays an integral role. Read on to understand the timeline you need to apply for the intake.
Timeline
What to do?
March 2024- April 2024
The first and foremost step is to start by shortlisting the top universities and choosing your course. You can do this by taking counseling or visiting the university websites.
It is imperative to do some research before you start applying.
April 2024 - June 2024
You need to take numerous tests and gain a minimum score to be accepted into a French university. The English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, etc., GMAT, and GRE are some of the tests required for admissions in France.
These tests are significant to your admission decision, so one must work hard and prepare efficiently.
May 2024 - June 2024
During this time, get prepared with the applications. Go to the university website and fill out the application form.; Remember to submit it before the deadline. Gather LORs and start writing impactful SOPs/ essays.
July 2024 - August 2024
This is the time when the universities start reverting to your applications. If an interview is scheduled, start preparing for it.
Also, you are required to pay the non-refundable fee to lock in your admission.
August 2024 - September 2024
After your admission is confirmed, it is time to look for educational loans, apply for your visa, and search for any scholarships. Keep all the documents and your offer letter safely in one place.
September 2024
The last step includes booking tickets, packing bags, and going through the checklist to double-check that you have kept all the necessary utilities and documents.
Top Universities in France for September & January Intakes
Here is a list of the most popular September and January intake universities in France:
Popular French Universities for September Intakes
University
QS World Ranking 2024
PSL research university
N/A
HEC Paris
N/A
Ecole Polytechnique
36
Sorbonne University
59
CentraleSupélec University
N/A
Popular French Universities for January Intakes
University
QS World Ranking 2024
CentraleSupélec, Paris
N/A
Grenoble School of Management, Grenoble
N/A
INSEAD Business School, Fontainebleau
N/A
Paris Diderot University, Paris
N/A
Paris Dauphine University, Paris
N/A
Admission Requirements to Study in France
You must be familiar with the general admission requirements while applying for a university in France.
Visa
Passport size photographs
Passport
Official offer letter
High school transcripts (or equivalent)
Copy of Birth certificate (ensuring you are over 18 years of age)
Proof of financial means for coverage of expenses
Medical insurance
Proof of civil status
Scores of all the tests - GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
Further, if you are enrolling in a French-taught course, you need the certificate for DELF or DALF, proving your French proficiency.
Conclusion
You must complete a wide range of formalities before boarding the flight to your dream university in France. Everything is crucial for a smooth transition to study abroad, from preparing for exams to booking your flight ticket. However, it is advised that you are well-prepared not only from the admissions perspective but also to make accommodation arrangements and plan your budget accordingly.
Disclaimer: The timeline is indicative, and applicants are advised to check the official websites of their selected universities to know the exact application deadline and determine the timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing fee for a visa application for France?
The processing fee for a visa application for France is €32.20 (approximately ₹2931) for a single applicant.
For how long does the study visa allow students to work?
During the year, the study visa allows international students to work for a total of 964 hours.
Is IELTS necessary for admission to a French university?
If you apply for an English course, you must submit certificates for English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. However, there are some courses in France that you can study without taking the IELTS exam.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience.
She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.
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