Guides
France Master's Application Basics. Campus France, Parcoursup, and Programme Portals
Campus France, university portals, bilingual requirements, and French Master's deadlines explained for international applicants.
France combines prestigious grandes écoles and public universities with relatively low public tuition. The administrative path for international students, however, runs through Campus France and institution-specific portals that reward early preparation.
This guide covers Master's (Master) applications at public universities and many graduate schools. Verify requirements for your nationality and programme on the official pages.
Step 1: understand Campus France
If you are applying from outside the EU/EEA, Campus France is often your first step:
| Step | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Account creation | Register on the Campus France portal for your country of residence. |
| Document upload | Transcripts, passport, language certificates, motivation materials. |
| Interview | Some countries require a Campus France interview before university review. |
| University application | Parallel submission to the programme portal or Etudes en France workflow. |
EU/EEA applicants may bypass parts of this route but still use university portals directly. Check your specific nationality rules on campusfrance.org.
Step 2: application channels beyond Campus France
Depending on your profile, you may also use:
- Mon Master (national platform for some Master's programmes at public universities).
- Direct institution portals for grandes écoles, business schools, and specialised programmes.
- Parcoursup (primarily for Licence/Bachelor, but know it exists to avoid confusion).
Build a matrix: one row per programme with portal type, deadline, language requirement, and Campus France status.
Step 3: intakes and deadlines
Most programmes start in September. Some offer January entry.
- September intake: Application windows often open in December to January and close between March and April, but top programmes may close earlier.
- January intake: Deadlines typically fall in September to October of the prior year.
French deadlines are firm. Missing a Campus France step can block your university application even if the programme deadline has not passed.
Step 4: academic eligibility
Expect:
- A Licence-equivalent Bachelor's (180 ECTS minimum for a standard Master).
- Subject prerequisites for specialised programmes (engineering, economics, sciences).
- GPA in context: French committees review your grading system. A motivation letter explaining academic trajectory helps borderline cases.
Some programmes accept M1 direct entry for candidates with a strong four-year Bachelor's or equivalent. Others require completing M1 before M2.
Step 5: language requirements
Programmes fall into three bands:
- French-taught: DELF B2 or DALF C1 commonly required. Some accept TCF scores.
- English-taught: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80 to 90+ typical, programme-specific.
- Bilingual: Both French and English certificates may be required.
Even in English-taught programmes, basic French helps with housing, administration, and internships. Do not assume English alone covers daily life.
Step 6: documents to prepare
- CV (European format preferred).
- Lettre de motivation in French or English as specified.
- Certified transcripts and degree certificates with sworn translations if not in French or English.
- Two reference letters, usually academic.
- Research proposal for thesis-track Master's at some universities.
Business schools may require GMAT or GRE scores. Check each programme individually.
Step 7: tuition and funding
Public university tuition for non-EU students was revised in recent years and now commonly runs €2,770 to €3,770 per year for Master's at public institutions (verify current rates). Grandes écoles and private schools charge significantly more.
Funding options include Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, university grants, and regional aid. Competition is high. Budget living costs in Paris at €1,000 to €1,400+ per month.
Common failure modes
- Starting Campus France after university deadlines open. Fix: begin the Campus France process months early.
- Applying only in English without checking French requirements. Fix: read the language section of each programme page.
- Ignoring Mon Master vs direct portal differences. Fix: map each programme's channel explicitly.
- Underestimating translation timelines. Fix: order sworn translations before application season.
Your next step
If France is on your shortlist, open your Campus France account before application windows open. Parallel-track university portal submissions and treat language preparation as a gating item, not an afterthought.
