Every year, thousands of foreign students apply to come and study in France. The procedure varies according to the country of origin and the type of training (bachelor's degree, master's degree, engineering school, etc.). Knowing the deadlines is essential to avoid missing a session and to increase your chances of admission.
The majority of students coming from partner countries use the Études en France (EEF) platform.
- Opening of the platform: in October
- Submission of applications: between November and January/February depending on the country.
- Educational interviews: from February to April.
- Responses from institutions: between April and June.
- Student visa application: starting in June, once admission is obtained.
Example: for the 2025-2026 academic year, many partner countries open the platform in autumn 2024 and close applications at the end of January 2025.
2. For European students (Parcoursup procedure)
Students from the European Union or from a country exempt from Campus France apply for a license via Parcoursup.- Opening of the platform: end of December (consultation of training courses).
- Registration and wishes: from January to March.
- Confirmation of wishes and file: March-April.
- Responses from institutions: from May.
3. For Master applications (excluding Parcoursup)
Masters often have their own calendar, managed directly by the universities.- candidacies : generally between February and April.
- Admission results : between May and July.
- Some universities offer a second term in June or July, but places are limited.
4. For specialized schools (business, engineering, art)
Exams and admissions depend on each institution.- Entries for competitions often start as early as December-January.
- The tests can take place between March and June.
- Admission results usually fall in June-July.
5. Deadline for applying for a student visa
Once admission is obtained, the foreign student must apply for a long-stay visa.- Recommended period: from June to July/August.
- Processing times vary depending on the country, but it is best to anticipate as much as possible (1 to 2 months before school).
Tips for meeting deadlines
- Prepare your file in advance (translations, financial certificates, diplomas).
- Check the exact dates on the Campus France website in your country or on the university website.
- Don't wait until the last minute: some platforms automatically close at midnight on the deadline day.
Conclusion
The deadlines for applying for higher education in France depend on your nationality and the type of training. In general, the procedure starts as early as the autumn preceding school year and ends no later than June-July with the admission results. To maximize your chances, prepare your file as soon as the platform opens and strictly respects the official calendars.