Campus France vs Direct Enrollment: Which Procedure to Study in France?
Quick Summary
| Criterion | Campus France (EEF) | Direct Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Who | 60+ country nationals, public universities | EU students, private schools, some nationalities |
| Platform | etudes-en-france.fr | Parcoursup (L1), MonMaster, institution website |
| DAP deadline | Mid-January | N/A |
| Language test | TCF DAP or DELF B2 (DAP only) | Varies by institution |
| Cost | ~50–200 € (varies by country) | None (Campus France fees) |
| Duration | 3–6 months total | 1–3 months |
Official Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campus France mandatory? For 60+ countries applying to French public universities, yes. Check campusfrance.org for your country.
What is DAP vs Hors-DAP? DAP is for L1 enrollment (deadline mid-January, language test required). Hors-DAP covers L2, L3, Master, and professional programs (later deadlines, no mandatory language test).
Can I enroll directly without Campus France? Yes if you are EU/EEA/Swiss, applying to a private school, or your country is not on the EEF list.
How much does Campus France cost? Varies by country: approximately 50–200 € in fees, separate from the 99 € visa fee.
What are the 2026 deadlines? DAP closes mid-January 2026. Hors-DAP closes March/April 2026. Start your dossier from November 2025.