French University Enrollment Process
Two mandatory steps: academic admission + administrative registration — CVEC attestation required
Enrolling in a French university involves two distinct steps:
- Academic admission (admission pedagogique): acceptance of your application based on your academic record
- Administrative registration (inscription administrative): official registration at the registrar's office with all required documents
Both steps are mandatory. Academic admission without administrative registration means you are not officially a student.
Tuition fees at public universities (2025-2026)
| Level | EU students | Non-EU students |
|---|---|---|
| Licence (Bachelor's) | €170/year | €2,770/year |
| Master's | €243/year | €3,770/year |
| Doctorat (PhD) | €380/year | €380/year |
Important: Many French universities offer waivers for non-EU students. Check with the institution's international admissions office.
Timeline for non-EU international students
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Campus France application | October – March |
| Admission letter received | March – June |
| Visa application | April – July |
| CVEC payment | August – September |
| Administrative registration | August – October |
| VLS-TS validation on ANEF | First 3 months after arrival |
Documents required for administrative registration
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Or national identity card for EU students |
| Academic admission letter | Issued by the institution |
| CVEC attestation number | Paid or exempt on cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr |
| Proof of tuition fee payment | Or scholarship exemption letter |
| Proof of health insurance | Ameli registration or EHIC |
| Proof of address in France | Lease, accommodation certificate |