January Intake at French Universities – The What, When and Why

France’s reputation for an incredible student experience and its world-renowned universities makes it a popular study destination. In France students have the added advantage of being able to apply twice in a year. French universities have two intakes per year with the one starting in January (also called the spring intake).

Even though the September intake in France is more popular among students and there are more number of courses on offer, the quality of teaching is the same in both. If you’re still undecided whether France is the correct choice, applying for the spring intake next year will give you more time to decide! We’ve detailed everything you need to know about the January intake in France including important dates, deadlines and application timelines.

If you’re ready to make an application, you can start now and apply for the September (fall) intake. You can read our other guide on the September intake for more information.

The January intake

The spring intake in France starts in January. Even though it is sometimes referred to as the secondary intake, it is equally as important as the September intake. Classes for the spring intake usually begin around early January.

If you’re planning to apply for the French spring intake, you must start preparing by early August of the year before you want to study. Applications usually open in September and close by November, but this can vary depending on your course and institution. You can usually find this information on the institution website or contact them directly.

The January intake timeline

There are a number of steps to go through when applying for a postgraduate course in France. We have highlighted some important milestones and created a rough timeline for how you should go about preparing your application, so you don’t miss anything. These timelines can vary depending on your individual circumstances such as whether you need a student visa or the kind of funding you apply for.

Step #1 - Early August of the year before you want to study – Prepare and shortlist

Even though applications for the fall intake won’t open till September, it is always a good idea to start early. This is a good time to start looking at universities that offer courses you might be interested in and shortlisting where you wish to apply. Take note of any specific deadlines set by specific institutions so you can time the next steps accordingly.

Step #2 - August/September – Get supporting documents ready

Once you’ve decided where to apply, you can start getting the bulk of your application ready. The documents you need are usually specified in the course listing and can vary depending on your course. However, you can expect to need an English or French language test result depending on the language your course is taught in.Give yourself enough time and account for any second tries to save last minute hassles.

You might also be asked to provide transcripts, references and personal statements as part of your application. Its good to give your referees plenty of time to get this to you.

Step #3 – September/October – Search for funding options

Even though studying a Masters in France is one of the more affordable options, it is always a good idea to apply for funding especially if you’re an international student on a budget. You must also account for living costs when calculating your budget. The French government estimates that a student needs €615 per month. Depending on the kind of funding, you might be able to apply at this stage or you might have to wait till you have confirmation from your university.

Step #4 – September/October/November – Apply to your chosen university!

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to make your application. Depending on your nationality, you can either apply directly to your university or via the Ètudes en France online portal. We have more information on how to apply for a Masters in France in our guide.

You’ll usually start hearing back from the universities you have applied to in July or August.

Step #5 – November/December – Apply for your student visa and find accommodation

Once you have received confirmation from your university, you can apply for your student visa. It’s good to give yourself plenty of time to make your visa application and account for any delays in processing.

This is also a good time to start looking for your Masters accommodation. Student accommodation in France is competitive and it is good to start your search early.

Step #6 – December/January – Get ready to fly!

Classes for the fall intake usually begin in mid-September so it is a good idea to fly with a few days to spare so you can get acquainted with the new culture and place

Why should you study in France in the January intake?

The January intake, though the less popular of the two, has a lot to offer students. Even though the decision of when to start your studies depends on so many different factors, we have listed some reasons why the spring intake might be the one for you.

• There are about the same number of courses on offer but less demand during this time so there is a higher chance of a successful application.
• You don’t have to wait an entire year if you miss the fall intake.

Application for the January intake open later in the year so you have plenty of time to decide whether you wish to study a Masters in France next year. You can read our comprehensive guides on French Masters applications, courses and visas on our website.

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