How do I enrol in a French university as an international student?

The procedure depends on your nationality. Non-EU students from the 73 covered countries use the Études en France platform from Campus France. Students from non-covered countries submit a Dossier Blanc (from abroad) or Dossier Vert (from within France). EU/EEA students use Parcoursup (L1) or Mon Master (master's).

What is the difference between DAP and Hors-DAP?

The DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable) is mandatory for international students in certain countries wishing to enrol in first year of a Bachelor's degree (L1) or architecture school; it requires the TCF DAP test and must be submitted before 15 December. The Hors-DAP procedure covers all other levels (L2, L3, master's, doctorate) with more flexible timelines.

Do I need to go through Campus France?

Yes, if you reside in one of the 73 countries with the Études en France procedure (including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, China, India, Brazil, etc.). No, if you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national or if your country is not on the list. Check the applicable procedure with the Campus France office in your country.

What is the CVEC and how do I pay it?

The CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus) is a mandatory contribution of 105 € (2025/2026) for all students in initial training. Pay it on cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr and download the certificate, which is required for university enrolment. CROUS scholarship holders, refugees, and Erasmus students are exempt.

What are differentiated tuition fees?

Since 2019, French universities have applied a differentiated fee structure for non-EU international students: 2,770 € per year for a licence (Bachelor's), 3,770 € per year for a Master's, and 380 € per year for a doctorate. These rates are higher than the nominal rates paid by EU students (170 €/year for a licence). Many universities grant waivers (exonérations) based on merit or financial need — check with your target institution.

What documents are required for the Campus France procedure?

Standard documents: valid passport, certified and sworn translations of all diplomas and transcripts, language certificates (TCF, DELF, IELTS, or TOEFL), letter of motivation, CV. Some programmes require recommendation letters. All documents in French or English. Certified translations must be done by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté).

What is Parcoursup and should I use it?

Parcoursup is the French national platform for applications to first-year Bachelor's (L1), BTS, and IUT programmes. EU/EEA/Swiss students use Parcoursup like French students. Non-EU students going through Campus France can also use Parcoursup in parallel for certain programmes. The platform opens in January and results are published in June.

What is MonMaster and should I use it?

MonMaster is the national platform for applications to Master's programmes at French public universities. All students (French and international) must use MonMaster for public university Master's programmes. Applications open in February. Private schools and Grandes Écoles have their own separate admissions procedures.

Can I apply to multiple universities at the same time?

Yes. Via the Études en France platform, you can apply to several institutions in the same dossier. Via Parcoursup, you can submit up to 10 wishes (vœux). Via MonMaster, you can apply to multiple Master's programmes. It is recommended to apply to several institutions to increase your chances of admission.

What is an academic transcript and how should it be translated?

An academic transcript (relevé de notes) is an official document issued by your institution listing your grades and credits earned. It must be certified (original or certified copy), translated into French by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté), and attached to your Campus France application. Some universities also accept translations in English.

What are the French language levels required for study?

For a licence (Bachelor's): minimum B2 level (TCF score ≥ 400, DELF B2, IELTS equivalent). For a Master's: minimum C1 level recommended. The DAP specifically requires the TCF DAP, a special version designed for access to French universities. DELF and DALF are also widely accepted. Some programmes taught in English do not require French.

What is the certificate of enrolment (certificat de scolarité)?

The certificat de scolarité is an official document issued by your French institution confirming your enrolment for the current academic year. It is required for: opening a bank account, applying for CAF benefits, obtaining a student transport pass, applying for the CVEC exemption (if applicable), and for residence permit renewal. Download it from your institution's student portal.

Can I change my programme or institution after arriving in France?

Yes, but a change of programme may affect your residence permit. A change of institution in the same field is generally accepted. A significant change of programme (e.g. from engineering to humanities) requires justification and may be refused by the prefecture at residence permit renewal. Always inform both institutions and Campus France of any changes.

What student associations can help me integrate?

Most French universities have international student associations (associations d'étudiants étrangers), BDE (student union), ESN (Erasmus Student Network), and welcome offices (Accueil Étrangers). The Welcome Desk at many universities centralises administrative support for international arrivals. Student associations organise integration events, city tours, language tandems, and buddy programmes.

What is the Grande École system and how do I apply?

Grandes Écoles are elite institutions specialising in engineering (Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Mines Paris), business (HEC, ESSEC, ESCP), or public service (Sciences Po, ENA). Admission is highly selective: competitive entrance exams (concours) for French students, or international admission tracks (Admission sur Titre, AST). International applicants apply directly to each school with a specific dossier. Tuition fees are significantly higher than public universities.

FAQ — University Enrollment for International Students in France

1. How do I enrol in a French university?

The procedure depends on your nationality and level of study. Non-EU students from covered countries use Études en France (Campus France). EU students use Parcoursup (L1) or MonMaster (master's).

2. DAP vs Hors-DAP

DAP: L1 enrollment in public universities (deadline 15 December, requires TCF DAP). Hors-DAP: all other levels with later deadlines.

3. CVEC — 105 € mandatory contribution

Pay on cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr. Certificate required for enrolment. Exempt: CROUS scholarship holders, refugees, Erasmus students.

4. Differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students

2,770 €/year (licence) or 3,770 €/year (master's). Many universities grant waivers — check with your institution.

5. Required documents for Campus France

Passport, certified translations of diplomas and transcripts, language certificates (TCF/DELF/IELTS), motivation letter, CV.

Official Sources

campusfrance.org
parcoursup.fr
monmaster.gouv.fr
cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr
service-public.fr — International student enrollment

FAQ — University Enrollment for Students in France

FAQ — University Enrollment for International Students in France

1. How do I enrol in a French university?

2. DAP vs Hors-DAP

3. CVEC — 105 € mandatory contribution

4. Differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students

5. Required documents for Campus France

Official Sources

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FAQ — University Enrollment for Students in France

FAQ — University Enrollment for International Students in France

1. How do I enrol in a French university?

2. DAP vs Hors-DAP

3. CVEC — 105 € mandatory contribution

4. Differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students

5. Required documents for Campus France

Official Sources

Conseil expert

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