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Did you know France is ranked eighth globally and fifth in Europe for the finest study destinations? Yes, you heard it right. The country possesses some of the top-ranked universities in the world, which offer high-quality education and research opportunities.
But do you know when you should be admitted to French universities? French universities mainly offer two intakes, January and September. Of the two, September is the most popular intake. So, if you are planning to study in France, then September intake in France is the right option. Read this blog till the end to know all the details about the September intake in France.
Below, let’s check a few important details of September intake in France
| September Intake 2025 Application Deadlines | May/ June |
|---|---|
| Starting Date of Classes | September 2025 |
| End Date of Classes | January/ February 2025 |
| Popular Programs |
|
Here are the top 5 reasons to study in France in September intake.
It is the primary intake in France. Therefore, almost all universities in France accept applications from international students for all courses.
This intake is the only option for students planning to enrol in a top-notch university for a popular course.
A large number of seats are available during this intake, which allows more chances of getting an offer letter from the university.
More financial support and scholarships are offered during the September intake in France.
Since September intake is the start of the new session, you’ll be part of the diverse class environment.
Majorly, the universities in France offer two intakes to international students which are mentioned below.
September Intake in France - Many international candidates believe that it is the principal intake because nearly all universities offer diverse courses during this time. All applicants who plan to apply for this intake must begin shortlisting universities by March. The deadline for September intake in France is in July or August.
January Intake in France - The January intake is the second most popular intake in France and begins at the start of each year. It provides options for various universities and courses. All applicants wishing to apply for this intake must start the process of shortlisting universities between January and July of the previous year. The application deadline for the January intake is mid-November.
September Intake in France Universities 2025
Here is the list of all universities accepting September Intake in France, along with their deadlines.
| Universities Name | Qs Ranking 2025 | Deadline for September Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) | 24 | March 11, 2025 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 46 | May 30, 2025 |
| Sorbonne University | 63 | 25 August, 2025 |
| Universite Paris-Saclay | 73 | 15th May 2025 |
| Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 187 | Closed |
| Ecole des Ponts ParisTech | 205 | 19th June 2025 |
| Universite Paris Cite | 302 | 12 July 2025 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 334 | Closed |
| Sciences Po | 350 | April 2025 |
| Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne | 283 | December 2025 |
Here are the best 5 September intake universities in France for international students.
Universite PSL : It is a research-based public university located in Paris, France. It was founded in 2010 and officially recognised as a university in 2019. It is a collegiate university with eleven constituent institutions, the oldest of which was founded in 1530. It is one of the best September intake universities in France. The vision of Université PSL arose from its schools' lengthy intellectual and scientific heritage, which resolved to collaborate and establish a shared destiny to create a radical new institution. PSL is a global university dedicated to excellence in teaching, training, and research to reflect, represent, and influence society today and the world of tomorrow in all its variety. Moreover, the university has around 3,000 industrial partners that offer internship and job opportunities to international students.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris : The Polytechnic Institute of Paris is a public technology university based in Palaiseau, France. It was established on 31st May 2019. It is a world-class scientific and technology institute that combines five famous French engineering schools: ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, École Polytechnique, Télécom SudParis, and Télécom Paris. Under the Institute's auspices, they combine their bicentennial knowledge to accomplish two key goals: establishing world-class training programs and conducting cutting-edge research. Apart from this, the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and its Schools offer a wide range of training courses to meet the needs of both students and professionals. Students admitted through selective recruiting receive top-tier instruction from teacher-researchers and recognised field specialists.
Sorbonne University : Sorbonne Institution is a world-class, multidisciplinary institution with a strong research focus. Located in the centre of Paris and with a regional presence, it is dedicated to its students' success and solving the scientific challenges of the twenty-first century. Sorbonne University encourages diversity, creativity, innovation, and global awareness via the efforts of its 55,000 students, 7,300 academic and partner researchers, and 3,900 administrative and technical personnel. It has a long history of promoting physical activity and athletics, providing its students and society with the most excellent possible environment. The institution offers around 750 international programs, allowing students to choose from various options.
Universite Paris-Saclay : Universite Paris-Saclay was founded on the joint objective of French universities, grandes écoles, and national research bodies. It is a leading institution in Europe and worldwide, with programs in science and engineering, life sciences and health, and humanities and social science. The university's scientific strategy is strongly linked to research and innovation, combining basic and applied science to address critical societal concerns. Université Paris-Saclay offers a wide range of undergraduate and doctoral degrees and programs through its grandes écoles to attain student success and employability. The university prepares students for a rapidly changing environment where the ability to think critically, stay nimble, and update one's skills is vital. Université Paris-Saclay also offers a wide variety of lifelong learning courses.
Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon : The École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is a French institution located in Lyon. It is one of the five most prominent September intake universities in France. The institution consists of two academic units—Arts and Sciences—with sites in Lyon, near the Rhône and Saône rivers. It trains and educates professors, researchers, senior civil servants, and business and political leaders. Currently, the institution hosts around 2,400 students from around the world, making it a culturally diverse place to live and enjoy.
Here is the list of bachelor’s courses offered at French accepting September Intake 2025 for international students.
| University Name | Course Name | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | Bachelor of Science | €18,800 / year |
| Universite Paris Cite | BACHELOR IN FRONTIERS OF LIFE SCIENCES | 170 € + 100 € CVE |
| Sciences Po | Bachelor of Arts | €20,380 per year |
Here is the list of various master’s courses offered at French accepting September Intake for international students in 2025.
| University Name | Course Name | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Universite PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) |
|
243 euros / year + 100€ (CVEC) |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
|
€ 14, 900 - €18,400 Per Year |
| Sorbonne University |
|
243 euros / year + 100€ (CVEC) |
| Université Paris-Saclay |
|
243 euros / year + 100€ (CVEC) |
| Ecole des Ponts ParisTech |
|
1200 Euros €6,250 |
| Universite Paris Cite |
|
243 € + 100 € CVEC |
| Université Grenoble Alpes |
|
3770 Euros |
| Sciences PO |
|
€20,380 per year |
| Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne |
|
243 € + 100 € CVEC |
Application start time - January 2025
Application end time - May - June 2025
Acceptance letters - July - August 2025
Term dates - September 2025
Below is the timeline for the September intake in France.
| Timeline for September Intake in France | ||
|---|---|---|
| Month | Task | Action Taken by the International Students |
| Early March of the same year | Shortlist the university | This is an excellent time to start researching universities that offer degrees you may be interested in and shortlisting where you want to apply. Take note of any deadlines established by individual institutions so that you may plan your future activities properly. |
| April | Prepare documents | Once you’ve decided where to apply, you can start collecting the necessary documents, such as language test scorecards, transcripts, references, personal statements, etc. |
| May - June | Search for funding options | Even if doing a Master's in France is one of the more reasonable options, applying for financial aid is always a good idea, especially if you are an international student on a tight budget. Depending on the type of financing, you may be allowed to apply at this time, or you may need to wait until you receive confirmation from your university. |
| June - July | Apply to your chosen university | Now that you have everything ready, it is time to submit your application. Make sure that you attach all the necessary documents. |
| July - August | Get the offer letter from the university and apply for the visa | Once your university has confirmed your enrollment, you can apply for a student visa. Giving yourself plenty of time to complete your visa application and account for any processing delays is advisable. |
| August end | Find accommodation for yourself | This is also an excellent time to begin looking for accommodation. Student housing in France is competitive, so it is best to start your search early. |
| August | Get ready to fly | The sessions for this intake starts in mid-September, so book your flight tickets accordingly and fly. |
Before applying for September intake universities in France, international students must fulfil the following criteria:
Because France is an English-speaking country, Indian students must demonstrate their language skills by one of the English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Enrolling at a French university requires at least 6.0 IELTS bands or an equivalent score on any other proficiency test.
To show their eligibility for the selected course, candidates must submit the results of standardised entrance examinations. These examinations allow the university's admissions committee to choose applicants based on a common ground, which is their test scores. However, these tests may vary based on the course level. As a result, it is recommended that you visit the official university website to confirm the specific criteria for the university of your choice.
If you wish to apply for France September intake, prepare the following documents to make an application to the university.
Marksheet and transcripts of high school, college/graduation mark sheets (if applicable)
Two letters of recommendation (LOR) from the employer/manager who can comment on your certificate of work experience in the related field (in case you have one)
Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation
Updated Resume and a cover letter
English language test score (IELTS/ TOEFL, or PTE)
Standardise admission test scores like GRE/GMAT test results (if applicable)
Portfolio (in case you are applying for art and design courses)
Financial documents to prove your funds
Health insurance
A copy of your passport
Couple of scanned passport-size photographs
Any other required documents, depending on the university
Here is a step-by-step guide for international students to apply to September intake universities in France.
Research for your University and Courses - Given that France hosts some of the world's best universities, it is important to thoroughly investigate factors such as world ranking, education reputation, career opportunities, and course syllabus that are most important to you when making this important decision.
Create a Financial Plan - A bachelor's or master’s degree can cost between 10,000 Euros and 15,000 Euros per year. As a result, it is important to research the cost of university and taking courses.
Prepare your application - Develop a long-term strategy for your application. Prioritise your essay, statement of purpose, reference letters, and interview process while you work on your complete student profile.
Take a Standardised Test to Study in France - To pursue higher education in France, prospective Indian students must demonstrate their English language skills through tests such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Tests like the SAT/ACT and GRE/GMAT may also be required to demonstrate academic skills for certain courses.
Apply for a France student visa - Once you have received an offer from the university, visit the nearest Embassy or consulate to apply for a student visa.
For more information regarding the application, you can contact ourexpert counsellorsat any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC).
September intake universities in France offer numerous scholarship opportunities for international students. Below are certain scholarships for studying in France during the September intake.
| Scholarship Name | Value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
|
Fulbright Nehru Master's Fellowship |
provide J-1 visa support Round-trip economy class air travel tuition and fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage |
|
|
National Overseas Scholarship |
Get assistance of Tuition Fees, Visa Fees, Medical Insurance Premium, Annual Maintenance Allowance |
|
|
TATA Scholarship |
INR 60,000 to INR 4 Lakhs to each scholar |
|
|
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship |
total cost of tuition fees and course-related fees for the Stanford MBA Program also included to cover living expenses and other educational expenses |
|
|
K.C. Mahindra Education Trust |
Amount varies according to the chosen course |
|
|
Trustee Scholarships Boston University |
covers full undergraduate tuition and required undergraduate student expenses for four years |
|
France is one of the most affordable countries where Indian students can study abroad. Tuition fees in France may vary according to the university and subject. Students prefer cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice, Grenoble, and Bordeaux.
The universities in France offer two intakes to international students: the January and September intakes. Although the September intake is the more popular one, the quality of teaching offered in both intakes is the same.
If you are applying to French universities for the September intake, you should begin admissions as early as March. In the first month of the admissions process, begin shortlisting universities, reviewing admission standards and deadlines, and researching finance alternatives.
Yes, international students are permitted to work while studying in France. International students with valid student visas in France can work up to 964 hours annually, which is 60% of the maximum working hours allowed. As of 1st January 2025, the minimum salary is INR 1050, and a student working 10 hours per week at minimum wage can expect to earn around INR 8400.
No, an IELTS score is not required to secure a student visa from France, especially if the university does not request the test results. A few universities accept candidates without the IELTS test. So, if you enrol in those universities, you don’t need an IELTS score to get a student visa.
Applications can usually be submitted online through the university's official website or a centralised application system like Campus France. Ensure you meet all the requirements and submit all necessary documents before the deadline.
Yes, many universities and external organisations offer scholarships for international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain programs or nationalities. It's advisable to explore scholarship options early and apply as required.
While many programs are offered in English, especially at the postgraduate level, knowing French can enhance your experience and daily life in France. Some universities may require proof of French proficiency for certain programs.
Application deadlines vary by institution and program. Typically, deadlines for the September intake range from January to June 2025. It's crucial to check specific deadlines on the universities' websites that interest you.
Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, a completed application form, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, proof of English or French language proficiency, and a passport copy. Some programs may also require a resume or portfolio.
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