Study in France in 2027: A Step-by-Step Guide for International Students

Explore course selection, application deadlines, language requirements, budgeting, and arrival preparation.

Picture your first week in France: finding your classroom, meeting new friends and ordering lunch in French for the first time.

Before you get there, though, you need to choose a course, prepare your application and work out how to pay for it.

The biggest surprise? A September 2027 start can mean a December 2026 application deadline. Some students miss their chance because they start preparing too late.

Here is how to turn “I want to study in France” into a plan you can follow.

1. Find a course that fits your future

Choosing a city is exciting. But choosing the right course should come first.

Think about what you want to do after graduation. Do you want to work in business, engineering, hospitality, design or another field? Look for courses that help you build the skills you will need.

For each programme, check:

• Entry requirements: Does your current qualification meet them?

• Teaching language: Is the course in French, English or both?

• Practical experience: Are internships part of the course?

• Total fees: What will you actually pay?

• Deadline: When must you submit your application?

France has programmes taught in English as well as French. You can explore them through the Campus France catalogues, then visit the university’s website for the full details.

Your first task: shortlist three to five courses. Write down why each one suits you, not just why you like the city.

2. Check how to apply and when

You might apply through Études en France, directly to a university, or through another admissions platform. The correct route depends on your background, where you live and the course you choose.

Indonesia is included in the Études en France system. Even if you receive an offer directly from a school, you may still need to complete the relevant Campus France procedure before applying for your visa.

For certain first-year university applications, the DAP procedure, short for Demande d’Admission Préalable, or preliminary admission application, has a 15 December 2026 deadline for the 2027-2028 academic year. That deadline does not apply to every course. Master’s programmes and specialist schools may use different calendars.

Check Campus France Indonesia and your chosen university’s instructions. Save the dates in your phone, with reminders several weeks before each deadline.

Do this early: find out whether you must apply through more than one platform.

3. Give yourself time for language tests

You do not necessarily need fluent French to study in France. English-taught programmes are available, but you must meet their English entry requirements.

If your course is taught in French, check which language certificate and level it requires. Campus France guidance commonly identifies B2 for undergraduate and master’s study, although the exact requirement depends on the programme.

Before paying for a test, confirm:

• Which tests your university accepts.

• The minimum score or level.

• When you can take the test.

• Whether your results will arrive before the deadline.

Allow time for a retake if you need one.

Even with an English-taught course, basic French will help outside the classroom. Practise introducing yourself, asking for directions and discussing accommodation.

4. Build a budget you can actually live on

Tuition is only one part of the cost.

You will also need money for rent, groceries, transport and the first few weeks of settling in. Before accepting an offer, ask the university to confirm your 2027-2028 tuition fee, including any exemption available to you. Fees vary by institution and student status.

Split your budget into three simple groups:

Before departure: applications, language tests, translations, visa costs and flights.

Every month: accommodation, food, transport, phone and personal expenses.

When you arrive: temporary accommodation, a rental deposit and essential purchases.

There is an important change to know. France-Visas currently states that long-stay student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026 require proof of resources of at least €877.50 per month. Check the applicable amount again when you apply in 2027.

At that rate, 12 months equals €10,530. That calculation does not include tuition or every arrival expense, and the accepted financial documents depend on your application checklist.

Ask yourself: “Can I cover my first months even if I do not find a job straight away?”

5. Look for scholarships before you need them

Start researching scholarships while you shortlist courses.

Check what each award covers. A scholarship might help with living expenses without paying all your tuition. Others may cover only selected costs.

Indonesian applicants can explore French and Indonesian funding opportunities through Campus France Indonesia’s scholarship page. Check the current conditions for each scheme.

Here is a detail many students miss: you cannot apply directly to Campus France for the Eiffel scholarship yourself. A French university or eligible institution must support and submit your application.

You can ask the university:

“Do you nominate students for the Eiffel scholarship? If so, what is your internal application deadline?”

Put scholarship deadlines in the same calendar as your course deadlines.

6. Explain why this course makes sense for you

Your application may require transcripts, qualifications, a CV, a motivation letter, references and language results. Follow the programme’s exact checklist.

The motivation letter can feel difficult, but its purpose is straightforward: explain why you are a good fit.

Answer three questions:

1. What have you studied or done so far?

2. What do you want to learn on this course?

3. How will you use that knowledge afterwards?

For example, “I want to study business because France is beautiful” tells the reader very little.

A stronger explanation would connect your experience to specific course content:

“Working in customer service made me interested in how companies serve international customers. This programme’s marketing modules and internship would help me develop the skills to move into that field.”

Use your own experiences. A clear, honest explanation is easier to believe than a letter filled with impressive phrases.

7. Plan your visa, housing and arrival

Once you receive an offer, prepare your next steps. University admission does not automatically mean visa approval.

Complete the relevant Campus France process and use the France-Visas website to obtain your personal visa checklist.

Your application will need admission evidence and accommodation information, among other documents. Follow the requirements for your country and situation.

Ask your university’s international office for housing guidance. Before paying a deposit, check the accommodation agreement and cancellation terms.

Also plan the small things that make your first week easier:

• How you will travel from the airport.

• Where you will sleep on your first night.

• How you will contact your university.

• Which documents you need to carry.

If you receive a VLS-TS, a long-stay visa that serves as a residence permit, you must validate it online within three months of arriving in France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in France without speaking French?

Yes, if you meet the requirements of an English-taught programme. Learning basic French is still useful for daily life.

When should I start preparing for 2027?

Start now by checking your course’s deadline. Certain first-year applications close on 15 December 2026, while other programmes follow different schedules.

Can I work while studying?

Foreign students generally may work up to 964 hours per year, with exceptions. Treat potential earnings as extra support: France-Visas advises that part-time work will not cover all your expenses.

Is studying in France free?

Not automatically. Tuition varies, and you still need to pay for living and arrival costs. Confirm your fees before committing.

Ready to take your first step?

Start with three actions: shortlist your courses, check their deadlines and calculate your budget. Those decisions will make the rest of your preparation easier.

Need help organising your options? The Vortex’s Study Planning Consultation helps you build a practical preparation timeline. Our France Arrival Preparation service helps you get ready for the move and your first weeks abroad.

Contact The Vortex to start planning your studies in France for 2027.

Information checked on 14 October 2026. Confirm current deadlines, fees and visa requirements before applying.