Checklist · France
Documents you need to study in France
What French universities typically ask for — Licence or Master, from application to enrolment. Tick items off as you go; your progress stays in this browser. Requirements differ by programme and by your country of residence, so compare with your programme's own list. Each item links to the official source.
Checked against official sources: October 2026
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Before you apply
0/2If you live in one of the roughly 75 countries listed by Campus France, you apply through the Études en France platform, which also leads to your visa. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals use Parcoursup for the first year of a Licence.
Source: Campus France
French-taught programmes ask for proof of French: for a first-year Licence via DAP at least B2 (TCF, DELF/DALF) or 400/699 on the TEF. English-taught programmes set their own English requirement.
Source: Campus France
Application documents
0/6Your school-leaving certificate (and your degree for a Master's) plus the transcripts for each year of study.
Source: Campus France
Documents not in French need a translation by a professional translator — for a DAP, all documents except your passport.
Source: Campus France
TCF, DELF/DALF or TEF for French; IELTS, TOEFL or similar if the programme is taught in English.
Source: Campus France
Part of every application file, and needed later for the visa.
Source: Campus France
Usually part of the file; for a DAP it is written in French.
Source: Campus France
Motivation letter (lettre de motivation)
Expected in almost every French application, often one per programme. It follows French letter conventions — our guide explains them.
Depending on your situation
0/2For the first year of a Licence with a non-French qualification: up to three programmes through Études en France, usually from 1 October to 15 December. Universities answer by 30 April; you reply by 31 May — no answer counts as a refusal. Dates can differ by country.
Source: Campus France · Campus France
The Campus France office in your country charges a fee for the procedure; the amount depends on the country.
Source: Campus France
After admission: visa and money
0/3Only for students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.
With your acceptance, request the student visa (VLS-TS étudiant). If you went through Études en France, the platform takes you to the visa application.
Source: Campus France · Campus France
You must show at least €615 a month for your stay — half if your housing is provided free of charge.
Source: Campus France
At public universities in 2026/27: €2,902 a year for a Licence and €3,950 for a Master. Some institutions grant exemptions.
Source: Campus France
Enrolment and arrival
0/3The student and campus life contribution is €105 for 2026/27. You need the payment certificate (or an exemption notice) before you can register at your institution.
Source: Campus France
Only if it applies to you
Validate your VLS-TS online within three months of arrival and pay the residence tax. After that deadline you would need a new visa to re-enter France.
Source: Campus France
Questions
Do I have to go through Études en France?
Only if you live in one of the countries covered by the procedure — Campus France lists them. Students from other countries apply directly to the institution; EU, EEA and Swiss nationals use Parcoursup for the first year of a Licence.
How much does studying in France cost?
At public universities, non-EU students pay €2,902 a year for a Licence and €3,950 for a Master (2026/27), plus the CVEC of €105. For the visa you show at least €615 a month for living costs.
Do EU citizens need a visa?
No. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need no visa, pay the same tuition as French students and use their European Health Insurance Card.
Is this list complete for my programme?
No list can be. Selective programmes may ask for a portfolio, a test or an interview. Always compare with the documents list on your programme's page and on your Études en France account.