EU students and non EU students will find guidelines about registration procedures in French Higher Education institutions and information about language tests or equivalences.

EU Nationals

European Union nationals wishing to study in France may apply for registration by contacting directly the French university of their choice.

Information on higher education courses and degrees offered in French universities may be obtained by visiting the Bureau des Etudes en France,

Institut français
17 Queensberry Place
London SW7 2DT
T: 020 7073 1378
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Baccalauréat or its equivalent is required to gain admission into the first year of a French university. For British students, this is taken to be a minimum of either 2 A-Levels and 3 "O"-Level; or GCSEs in 5 different subjects (grade C or above) or 3 A-Levels and one "O"-Level; or GCSEs in 4 different subjects (grade C or above) or the Scottish Certificate of Education (higher grade).

To register in the second and any subsequent year, you must contact the university or school of your choice directly and request information on procedures and degrees required. Decisions regarding the equivalence of any foreign degree with a French degree are taken by a university commission. We recommend that you also request information about student accommodation and other student support services offered by the university. A good command of the French language is essential as this is the language used in most French universities.

The DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) is accepted by all French universities as proof of competence in French. Students who do not have the DALF may be required to take a language test either in France or at the Institut français in London (in February).
There is no set deadline for applications, but it is recommended that you apply early to avoid disappointment.

NON-EU Nationals

Non-EU nationals wishing to register in the first "cycle" (i.e. the first or second year of higher education) at a French university must apply via the Cultural Department of the French Embassy in London. A pre-registration form (dossier de pré-inscription) may be requested by writing to

Institut français
17 Queensberry Place
London SW7 2DT
or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
fax: 020 7073 1355

The pre-registration procedure is as follows:
• In December, write to the Institut français at above address and request the dossier de pré-inscription. In the letter, state your nationality, address, telephone number and the degrees/diplomas/certificates you already have, and enclose an A4 self-addressed envelope with a 57p stamp.
• The completed application form, with all requested documents, must be returned each year before 31 January at the latest to:

Bureau de Coopération Universitaire
Cultural Department
French Embassy
23 Cromwell Road
London SW7 2EL

• At the beginning of February you will receive a letter to acknowledge receipt of your application form and, if required, an invitation to take a language test (which usually takes place in the second half of February at the Language Centre of the Institut français)

• Application forms (with examination papers where applicable) are sent to the university you have listed as your first choice. The university will write to you to advise you of their decision and, if it cannot accept you as a student, will forward your application to the university listed as your second choice. Likewise, if the second university cannot accept you, it will let you know and forward your application to your third choice. You can expect a first reply in April and if you have received nothing in May, we recommend you call the universities directly. The Cultural Department is not informed of the decisions taken by the universities regarding your application.

Language test

Nationals of countries where French is not an official language and who have not attended French speaking secondary schools will be required to take a language test to assess their command of the French language.

Starting in 2004 non-EU students will be required to take the TCF-DAP (Test de Connaissance du Français-Demande d'Admission Préalable). This test, held once a year, usually at the end of February, at the Language Centre of the Institut français in London , the Institut français d'Ecosse in Edinburgh and the Alliance française in Manchester , will be marked by the CIEP (Centre International d'Etudes Pédagogiques) . In 2008 the charge for the TCF-DAP is £100. A cheque for that amount must be enclosed with the registration form and sent with the "dossier de pré-inscription." On the day of the test, you will be required to bring a proof of identity with photo. The test lasts approximately 3 hours.

Equivalences of French and British Qualifications

There is no set official system of equivalences between British and French degrees. When you apply to register with a French university, you will be asked to provide a certified copy of the translation of your degree, which will be examined by the University commission.

Neither the Cultural Department nor the French Consulate can provide translation services. However the Consulate can provide you with a list of certified translators. If you do the translation yourself, the Consulate (020 7073 1225) can, for a fee, attest that the translation is true to the original.

Information on equivalences of British qualifications with French qualifications may be obtained from

Ministère de l'Education Nationale
ENIC-NARIC France
CIEP
4 rue Danton
75006 PARIS
Tel : 00 33 (0)1 55 55 04 29

Grandes écoles

French Grandes Ecoles include prestigious institutions offering courses of study leading to careers in both the civil service and the private sector. Although some Grandes Ecoles offer courses in a variety of subjects, most specialise in a particular field, for instance political science, business, engineering, administration.

Admission into a Grande Ecole is always highly selective and normally requires passing a competitive examination (concours). However, some of the Grandes Ecoles have put in place special schemes allowing foreign students to be admitted without taking the concours.

Those wishing to take the concours must be accepted in a classe préparatoire and study for 2 or 3 years. Entry requirements for classes préparatoires include getting a baccalauréat with distinction, and top grades in the chosen subject of study, as well as good references.

For a list of French Grandes Ecoles and special schemes for foreign students, please visit www.cge.asso.fr

Special admissions in Medecine French Schools

French schools of medicine offer places to EU and non-EU nationals who are already qualified generalist practitioners and wish to specialise. Information on these places may be obtained by calling 020 7073 1312.

Translation of birth certificates

Starting in 2004 the Service Culturel will certify the translation into French of the full birth certificate for British students wishing to register with a French university and who have been asked to provide such a document.

The translation can be made by the student using our form and must be sent, with the original full birth certificate and proof of your registration with a French university, to:

M. Michel Monsauret - Conseiller Culturel Adjoint
Service culturel - Ambassade de France
23 Cromwell Road
London SW7 2EL

This service is free of charge, but you must enclose a "recorded delivery" stamped self-addressed envelope.