Exam Prep for Studying in France
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Dreaming of studying in France? You’re in excellent company. France offers world-class programmes at internationally ranked institutions, from business in Paris to aerospace engineering in Toulouse, and many of them are taught entirely in English. Securing your place and your student visa depends on the right tests and a specific application process, so the earlier you understand what’s required, the better your chances.
Not sure which exams you need for France? This page covers everything, from language tests to field-specific requirements, for the upcoming intake.
Step 1: Language Proficiency (Required for Everyone)
You need to prove you can study in your chosen language. This is part of both your admission and your student visa process.
For English-taught programmes, most French institutions require IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90, and top business schools often ask for more (source: Campus France). Some schools accept PTE Academic or Duolingo, or waive the test for English-medium education, so check with your target institution.
French-taught programmes generally require at least B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and some require C1 (source: Council of Europe, CEFR). The recognised certifications are DELF, DALF and TCF, all administered by France Éducation International and available at Alliance Française centres across India. If you’re applying for the first year of a bachelor’s at a public university, you’ll need the TCF DAP unless you already hold DELF B2 or DALF (source: France Éducation International).
Step 2: Entrance Requirements (Depends on Your Subject)
France has no national entrance exam for most international applicants. Selection is usually based on your academic record, test scores, statement of purpose and interview.
Business & Management Master’s → GMAT / GRE
Competitive Master in Management, MSc and MBA programmes at schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP and INSEAD typically require a standardised aptitude test.
- GMAT and GRE are widely accepted, and competitive applicants generally score 650+ on the GMAT (Classic scale)
- Some schools also accept the TAGE MAGE, a French business aptitude test
- Selection also includes essays, CV review and one or more interviews
Engineering & Science → Academic Profile + Interview
Engineering schools and universities select international master’s applicants mainly on academic performance, statement of purpose and interview. Some competitive programmes recommend a GRE score. French students enter many engineering Grandes Écoles through national competitive exams, but international applicants usually have a separate admissions track (source: Campus France).
English-taught Bachelor’s → School Tests & Interviews
Undergraduate programmes such as bachelor’s degrees at business schools or École Polytechnique use their own online tests, interviews and academic review. Some accept SAT or ACT scores as optional supporting evidence. Check each programme’s admission page.
Architecture, Art, Design & Fashion → Portfolio
France’s national schools of architecture (ENSA) and its art, design and fashion schools select on portfolio, motivation letter and interview. Most public architecture programmes are French-taught, so B2 or C1 French is usually needed.
A Note on Medicine
France has no English-taught medical degree at public universities. Entry is through French-taught first-year programmes (PASS or L.AS), which require strong French and offer very limited places to non-EU students. India’s National Medical Commission also requires foreign medical degrees to be taught in English for licensing eligibility (source: NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021). France is therefore rarely a practical route for Indian students who plan to practise medicine in India.
Step 3: Apply via Campus France (Don't Skip This)
All Indian students must complete the Études en France procedure through Campus France India before applying for a French student visa (source: Campus France India). This applies whether you apply to a university through the platform or directly to a Grande École.
- First-year bachelor’s at public universities: Submit a DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable) via Études en France. The deadline is typically mid-December for the following September intake.
- Selective first-year programmes (such as BUT, BTS and CPGE) use the Parcoursup platform instead.
- Master’s and Grande École programmes: Apply via Études en France or directly to the institution. Deadlines range from November to April.
- Campus France interview: This academic interview is mandatory before your visa appointment.
- Financial proof: From 1 August 2026, students must show at least €877.50 per month (about €10,530 per year) to obtain or renew a French student residence permit. This amount is now linked to the French minimum wage and is updated every year, so always check the latest figure before applying. (Sources: GISTI France-Visas)
Quick Exam Reference Map
| Exam | Who Needs It | Field |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS / TOEFL | All English-medium applicants | Language proof for admission & visa |
| DELF / DALF / TCF | All French-medium applicants | French language proof (B2 minimum) |
| TCF DAP | First-year public university applicants | Required for the DAP procedure |
| GMAT / GRE | Master's applicants | Business, Management, some Engineering |
| TAGE MAGE | Business school applicants (optional) | Business school applicants (optional) |
| Portfolio + Interview | Creative applicants | Architecture, Art, Design, Fashion |
Your Prep Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 10–12 months out | Shortlist programmes, confirm requirements, book IELTS / TCF / GMAT dates |
| 8–10 months out | Sit your tests, create your Études en France account, submit DAP by mid-December (if applicable) |
| 5–8 months out | Submit Master's and Grande École applications, prepare for admission interviews |
| 3–5 months out | Accept your offer, complete your Campus France interview |
| 1–3 months out | Book your visa appointment, finalise financial documents and housing |
The Eleevate Advantage for Your France Prep
At Eleevate Overseas, we give Indian students personalised exam prep strategies built for the French education system. We offer high-scoring IELTS and GMAT coaching and guidance for DELF and TCF, so you don’t just meet the benchmarks but stand out. Our experts will also handle your Études en France application, keep you on track with DAP and Grande École deadlines, and prepare you with mock Campus France and visa interviews to maximise your chances at top institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is IELTS mandatory for studying in France?
For most English-taught programmes, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 is required (source: Campus France). Some institutions accept alternatives or offer waivers for English-medium education, but IELTS remains the safest choice for admissions and visa processing.
2. Can I study in France without knowing French?
Yes. France offers more than 1,600 programmes taught fully or partly in English, especially at master's level (source: Campus France Taught in English catalogue). You only need to meet the English requirement, though basic French makes daily life and part-time work much easier.
3. Is Études en France mandatory for Indian students?
Yes. Every Indian student must complete the Études en France procedure and the Campus France interview before applying for a French student visa, even if admitted directly by the institution (source: Campus France India).
4. Can Indian students study medicine in France in English?
No. Medicine at French public universities is taught only in French, with very limited places for non-EU students. Indian students who plan to practise in India should also note that the NMC requires foreign medical degrees to be taught in English (source: NMC).
5. Does a strong exam score help with scholarships?
Yes. Strong academic profiles and high GMAT, GRE or IELTS scores strengthen applications for merit-based school scholarships. They also help with government awards like the Charpak Scholarship, offered by the French Embassy in India, and the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (sources: Campus France India · Campus France).
