Did you know that France is one of the most visited countries in the world and also home to more than 15,000 cheeses? Do you dream of studying in France while sipping coffee in Paris? If yes, you're not alone! Thousands of students choose France yearly because of its excellent education system, diverse culture, and affordable tuition fees.
Let’s understand the intake seasons in France. Knowing when to apply can make or break your study abroad plans. In this guide, we'll walk you through the intakes in France for international students for the academic year 2025-26, so you can plan accordingly.
Table of Contents
- What makes France stand out from other countries?
- Popular intakes in France
- September intake 2025
- January intake 2026
- Comparison table: September vs January intake
- How to choose the right intake?
- How to apply to study in France 2025-26
- Documents required to study in France
- French visa application timeline for international students
- Best universities in France and their intake schedules
- Tips for international applicants looking to study in France
- FAQs
What makes France stand out from other countries?
After your studies, the Extended Stay Visa offered in France allows you to stay in the country and seek employment for up to a year. Besides, the job market in France is flourishing, especially in sectors such as technology, engineering, and business. Quite a few multinational companies are offering employment opportunities to skilled graduates.
Popular intakes in France
How many intakes does France have?
In France, universities generally offer 2 major intakes for international students throughout the academic year. Some institutions may also offer a smaller April intake, but it's limited to specific programmes or private universities. These 2 major intakes are:
- September intake
- January intake
Understanding these major intakes in detail is important to study in France because it helps you understand your application deadlines, visa process, course availability, and even your chances of getting a scholarship. In this article, let’s understand the 2 major intakes in France: September and January.
September intake 2025
The September intake is the primary and most popular intake in France. It's also known as the Fall intake. Most students prefer applying for this intake.
Application timeline for September intake 2025
- Applications open: March 2025
- Application deadline: July 2025
- Semester begins: Mid to late September 2025
Why should you choose the September intake?
- Most French universities open all their programmes for this intake, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programmes. So you have many course options available to choose from.
- You have higher scholarship options as there are many scholarships offered in the Fall intake. This reduces the burden on your budget.
- Easier to find accommodation: Since most students join during this time, universities and housing services are well-prepared, and it’s easier to find accommodation.
Popular courses in the September intake are:
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Finance
- Fashion Design
- Supply Chain Management
- Data Sciences and Big Data
- Education
- Hospitality Management
- Project and Event Management
January intake 2026
The January intake, also known as the Spring intake, is a secondary option. It is a less popular but more flexible one.
Application timeline for January intake 2026
- Applications open: September 2025
- Application deadline: November 2025
- Semester begins: Early January 2026
Why should you choose the January Intake?
- January gives you more time to prepare. If you missed the September intake, January gives you extra time to gather documents and improve your language scores.
- Fewer applicants mean better chances of getting into your desired course. There is less competition, so a higher chance of getting in.
Courses offered in the January intake
- The January intake offers limited programmes in Business, IT, and select Engineering fields
- Some universities offer foundation or language programmes to prepare you for the next academic year
Apply for the upcoming intake today!
Related articles
Comparison table: September vs January intake
| Feature | September intake | January intake |
|---|---|---|
| Course availability | Wide range | Limited options |
| Application deadline | March-July | September-November |
| Scholarship availability | Higher | Moderate |
| Popularity | Most popular | Less common |
How to choose the right intake?
Are you confused about which intake is best for you? Here are some things to consider. You can also connect with us to get a free consultation, and we will help you with everything, right from course selection to visas and accommodation!
- The first thing you will have to check is programme availability. Check if your desired course is available in the September or January intake.
- The next thing is readiness. Do you have your documents ready? If not, aim for January.
- Plan your budget and look for scholarships. September may offer more financial aid options. So, plan according to your budget.
- Keep in mind the visa timeline. Make sure you have enough time to apply and receive your student visa.
How to apply to study in France 2025-26
A step-by-step explanation of the application process to study in France is given below:
- First of all, be clear about the programme that you want to study
- Then, check for the colleges and/or universities offering that programme
- Get familiar with the admission requirements of the universities
- Next, check the tuition fee
- Fulfil all the eligibility criteria before applying to French universities
- Next, submit the application form
- Lastly, pay the application fee
Documents required to study in France
The admission requirements to study in France may vary depending on the chosen programmes and universities. You can find below a basic list of the documents required while applying to universities situated in France.
- Attested copies of mark sheets of previous qualifications/transcripts
- SOP
- Resume/CV
- LOR
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Proof of funds
- English language proficiency scores - IELTS/TOEFL
- French language proficiency scores: DELF or TCF
- Health insurance
- A copy of the passport
- Scanned passport-size photographs
Need help? Get started with us and make the whole process easier!
French visa application timeline for international students
Applying for a French student visa is a step-by-step process. Here’s how you should plan based on your intake:
For September intake:
- Start the visa process by June 2025
- Submit documents including acceptance letter, financial proof, and insurance
- Visa interview at the French consulate or Campus France
For January intake:
- Start the visa process by October 2025
- Follow the same document checklist: acceptance letter, financial proof, and insurance
- Visa interview at the French consulate or Campus France
Best universities in France and their intake schedules
These are some of the Edvoy-recommended universities in France and their intake schedules. However, it is always best to check the university's official website or contact them directly to confirm deadlines.
- Paris School of Business - September & January
- INSEEC Business School - September & February/March
- ESSCA School of Management - September
- ESC Clermont - September
- Schiller International University - Multiple intakes throughout the year
- JUNIA (HEI, ISA, ISEN) - September
- HEIP (Hautes Études Internationales & Politiques) - September
- Aivancity School for Technology, Business & Society - September
- ESCE - International Business School - September
- Ecole de Management Appliqué (EMA) - September
- ECE Engineering School - September
- CY Tech - Cergy Paris University - September
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation - Paris Campus - March, June & November
- Sup de Pub - September
Tips for international applicants looking to study in France
- Start early. Begin researching at least 10-12 months before your intended intake.
- Some programmes are in English, but others require French proficiency. Take the IELTS/TOEFL or DELF/DALF accordingly.
- Prepare your documents well in advance. Transcripts, SOP, LORs, passport, and financial proof are must-haves.
- Use the Edvoy app to get help with everything from university selection to accommodation in France.
Choosing the right intake is one of the most important steps when you decide to study in France. Whether you go for the popular September intake or the flexible January intake, make sure you plan ahead. From preparing your documents to applying for a visa, every step matters. France offers amazing opportunities, world-class education, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. So take the leap, follow your dreams, and let us help you every step of the way.
FAQs
Can I apply for both September and January intakes?
Yes, you can apply for both, but it’s usually better to pick one. Focusing on a single intake helps you stay organised and meet deadlines more easily. Applying to both might get confusing and stressful when it comes to paperwork and timelines.
Are scholarships available for January intake?
Yes, but there are usually fewer scholarships in January compared to September. Still, some universities do offer them, so it’s worth checking directly with the university you’re applying to. Apply early to increase your chances of getting one.
Can I switch my intake after getting admission?
Sometimes, yes. Some universities allow you to defer or change your intake, but it depends on their rules and the availability of courses. It’s best to check with the admissions office as soon as possible if you’re thinking about doing so.
What is the deadline for the September 2025 intake?
Deadlines for the September 2025 intake usually fall between March and July 2025. However, it can vary by university and country, so make sure to double-check the exact dates on the official websites of the universities you're interested in.
Is January intake less valuable than September intake?
Not at all! A January intake degree is just as valuable. The quality of education stays the same. The main difference is that there might be fewer course options or extracurricular activities, but the degree you earn holds the same weight.
