How to Apply to France Universities
A step-by-step walkthrough of the university application process for France. Learn how to navigate application systems, meet deadlines, and track your applications.
France University Application Systems
Which platform you use depends on your level and school.
Key Features
- Apply to programmes in the catalogue
- Academic interview with Campus France
- Links to your visa application
Perfect For
- Bachelor's and master's applicants from India and Pakistan
Application Fees
India INR 20,000; Pakistan PKR 30,000
Comparing Application Systems
| Feature | Centralized System | Individual Portals |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Schools in the Études en France catalogue | One school per application |
| Main Focus | Bachelor's and master's in the catalogue | Admission to one school |
| Essay Requirements | Motivation written on the platform | School's own rules |
| Special Features | Interview with Campus France | Études en France steps afterwards |
- First-year university bachelor's uses DAP (the first-year bachelor's application on Études en France), not Parcoursup.
- Art and design: CampusArt, plus Études en France.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Études en France route, step by step.
Search the Études en France catalogue. More than 1,600 programmes are taught fully or partly in English.
Key Considerations
- Bachelor's or master's level
- Language of teaching
- Public or private school
Pro Tip
Pakistan: check that the school is in the WHED list of world universities, so Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) can recognise your degree.
Register, fill in your details, upload papers and submit your programme choices.
Key Considerations
- CV and statement of purpose
- Marksheets and degrees
Pro Tip
India: note your Campus France number (INXX-XXXX).
India: INR 20,000 (Indian rupees). Pakistan: PKR 30,000 (Pakistani rupees).
Pro Tip
Pay only through the official request.
In person with Campus France. Explain why France and why this school.
Pro Tip
Bring originals and copies.
Schools answer on the platform. Choose one programme.
Apply on France-Visas, the French visa website. India: then VFS Global, the company that takes visa papers. Pakistan: AEG Travel Services books your appointment, then you go to the embassy.
Pro Tip
Apply at least three months before your course.
Dates for courses starting in autumn 2027.
Important Note
Application Fees & Fee Waivers
Fees you pay when you apply. Money in France is the euro (EUR).
Études en France (India)
Paid after your online application is validated.
Études en France (Pakistan)
Paid to Alliance Française Karachi within one week of the request.
Private school application
Some schools charge their own fee.
Multiple Applications Add Up
Fee Waiver Eligibility
Some students qualify for application fee waivers, which lower the cost of applying
Common Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify for application fee waivers if you meet any of these criteria:
- In India, scholars on French government scholarships (such as Eiffel) and Charpak scholarships do not pay the Études en France fee.
- Pakistan: French Government and Erasmus Mundus (European Union) scholars do not pay the fee, or get it back.
How to Request Fee Waivers
University-Specific Waivers
Contact admissions offices directly to inquire about fee waiver options
Need-Based Waivers
Submit documentation of financial need or hardship
Program-Specific Waivers
Some universities offer waivers for specific programs or initiatives
Getting Help with Fee Waivers
Contact university admissions offices, your school counselor, or education consultants for assistance with fee waiver applications. Many universities are willing to work with students who demonstrate genuine financial need.
- CampusArt (the application site for art and design schools) charges its fee only if a school accepts you.
Common Issues & Solutions
Common problems and how to avoid them.
Details do not match
Campus France checks your form against your documents.
Solution:
Make every detail match your papers.
Unclear scans
Blurry files are sent back.
Solution:
Upload clear scans.
Paying too early
Pakistan: do not pay before Campus France asks.
Solution:
Pay only after the payment request.
Campus France India
- Offices across India
- Weekly webinars
Campus France Pakistan
- [email protected] for file questions
- [email protected] for general questions and appointments
How to Ask for Help Effectively
- Put your Campus France number in the subject of every email (Pakistan: [PK NUMBER - your issue]).
- Fix any correction fast. Pakistan: within two working days. India: as soon as Campus France asks.
- Use only the official payment link.
After Submission
What happens after you submit your online application.
Complete Guide to France
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