Applying for a Masters in France

Application procedures for different nationalities

Documents required for a Masters application in France

Even though French universities are free to set their own criteria, here are some of the things that you might need to make an application to a Masters course in France:

• Academic transcripts – These may be requested if a university wishes to check the content of your undergraduate degree (this is more likely for international students from outside Europe) or if a university is seeking further ways to distinguish between applicants to courses with limited places. Transcripts should be properly certified by the institution that granted your existing degree.
• Admission tests results – They are likely for competitive courses. University business schools will often require MBA applicants to submit a score from a standardised admissions test such as the GRE or GMAT.
• Interviews – These are sometimes required for courses with limited places or a competitive admissions process. This is particularly likely for Grandes Écoles, which will shortlist applicants across several stages of their selection process.

You also must meet the language test requirements and international students must meet the required visa and immigration requirements .

Language test requirements for international students

Even though France has a number of international institutes of higher education that offer courses in English, French continues to remain the primary language of instruction.

Institutions offering Masters courses require you to have a certain level of proficiency in either of the two languages, depending on what language your course is taught in.

• If your course is taught in French – You can take the DELF or the DALF French language test. You can read our guide on French language tests for more information.
• If your course is taught in English – There are a number of different internationally accepted English-language tests including the IELTS, PTE and Cambridge tests. Check with your university which ones are acceptable.

Application deadline for Masters courses in France

Applications for Masters courses usually close on 31 January in the year you wish to study. However, this deadline differs depending on the institution.

If you’ve found the French Masters course of your dreams on our website, you can start applying – and then all that’s left to do is apply for a visa and pack your bags!