Intakes in France 2025: Top Universities, Deadlines & Application Guide

Last Updated on June 20, 2025

Students who wish to apply for a French university and enroll in their UG, PG, or PhD programme must keep abreast of the intakes in France for 2025. Indian students who wish to be a part of the French academia must definitely enroll for the September intake, also commonly known as the Fall intake. Most of the mainstream programmes are widely available during the Fall intake.

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However, those who wish to apply for a Master’s degree or a business programme in France must opt for the Spring intake. These two are the primary intakes that students must keep in mind if they wish to pursue their study abroad dreams in France. If you are an aspirant thinking of applying to a French university in 2025, this blog is for you. Continue reading to explore more about the intakes in France 2025.

Fall intake in France: Everything You Need to Know🚀

What is the Fall Intake in France? The September Intake, also known as the Fall Intake, is the primary admission period for aspirants who wish to pursue their higher education in France. Most international students, including Indian aspirants, strive for the Fall intake primarily because the majority of French universities offer their coveted undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes during this period.

Those who enroll during this intake gain access to a wide variety of courses, a broader selection of degrees, and much more. In other words, you can explore a whole new world of academics during this time. This period also allows you to experience your university campus, interact closely with your faculty, and take full advantage of the facilities your institution has to offer. 

Some key points to keep in mind while applying for the fall intake:

• The September Intake provides enough time for students to make strategic decisions regarding their preparations, whether it be documentation, scholarships or securing a student visa. 
• To sum it up, choosing the Fall intake significantly broadens your academic flexibility, provides substantial institutional support, and paves the way for a smooth and seamless start to your study abroad journey in France.

Is Fall Intake Better than Spring Intake?🤷

For students who are confused between choosing the Fall intake or the Spring intake, the key to answering the question, “Is the Fall intake better than the Spring intake?”, lies in understanding the benefits of both. Here are some of the major advantages of each intake to help you make an informed and wise decision based on your individual requirements.

Benefits of Fall Intake in 2025

Here are some of the major benefits of choosing the Fall Intake in 2025 if you are a student aspiring to pursue your higher education in France. That said, the Fall intake (September) is the most popular and strategic choice for students planning to study in France. Let’s explore why: 

• During the Fall intake, students are granted maximum access to the full spectrum of programs and courses that French universities have to offer. This is the time when you’ll find not only the most popular programs but also a wide array of niche specialisations. Such variety allows you to make a more informed decision regarding your area of study or specialisation.
• Moreover, the Fall intake provides international students with ample time to adjust to their new surroundings. Students arriving in September can take their time to explore France and its vibrant culture, making it easier to acclimatise to a new lifestyle, something that isn’t always possible for those who arrive in the January intake.
• This period also offers a golden opportunity for building social connections. Many international students use this time to develop their social skills, learn about French customs, and interact with locals. It’s a great phase to understand cultural nuances, engage in meaningful conversations, and form lasting friendships.
• In short, if you’re applying for the Fall intake, you’ll enjoy the luxury of choice, time, and a smoother transition. 

Now, coming to the benefits of the Spring Intake, here are some reasons why one should opt for the January Intake and, more importantly, who should choose the said intake. 

Benefits of Spring Intake in 2025

The month of January in France is considered as the Spring Intake. Individuals who wish to apply during the start of the year can enrol in the Spring Intake. Commonly known as the Secondary Intake, this period helps to spread out the intake for the year, with the main intake in September.

Those who wish to apply for business programmes or their Master’s can apply for this intake. Unlike the Fall Intake, the Spring Intake usually does not offer a wide variety of courses or programs and is limited to a niche spectrum of courses. January intakes are less competitive and ideal for students who need more time or who missed their chance in September.

Some of the benefits of choosing this intake are:

• This intake is ideal for those who have missed out on the application for the Fall Intake in September. It can be your secondary option in case you miss out on it.
• Students who have their school finish out in the month of June or July, and who are unable to join their university during the month of September, can opt for this intake option. As the process for admission usually takes up time and can be tedious due to all the legal documentation such as visa permits, it is ideal for such students to opt for the January Intake.
• During this period, there are fewer students flocking to French universities, which means less competition for students. One can get ample attention and help with fewer people around.

5+ Universities in France for September (Fall) Intake 2025 🏫

France boasts of housing some of the most eminent universities around the globe that not only offer lucrative courses but also provide the expertise and support to help you pave the path towards your success. Courses offered by French universities are specifically designed with students in mind; therefore, they are well-equipped to mould students to be industry-ready.

That said, here are some of the top French universities that you should definitely check out if you wish to enroll during the Fall Intake in 2025.

Top Universities in France for January (Spring) Intake 2025 

There are a number of universities in France that do offer the January Intake for those who wish to join during the start of the year. Although the intake may not offer all the programs, business and master’s aspirants should definitely enroll during this intake.

Here are some of the top universities in France that offer the Spring Intake. These universities provide top-tier education along with housing some of the most cutting-edge facilities, faculty who can guide you to thrive in the industry, and campuses that are equipped enough to take care of all your needs.

Application Timeline and Deadlines for International Students in 2025

As stated before, students aspiring to pursue their higher education in France can opt from either of two intakes: the January Intake (known as the Spring Intake) or the September Intake (known as the Fall Intake).

The September Intake is generally considered the primary intake, while the Spring Intake is considered to be a secondary admission window for those who have missed out on joining during the Fall Intake. Most of the courses and disciplines are available and offered during the Fall Intake, while business and Master’s courses are available in the January Intake.

That said, continue reading to learn more about the application timelines and deadlines for each of these intakes in 2025.

What is the Application Timeline for the January Intake? 

Individuals who wish to apply for the January Intake must refer to the following table. 

What is the Application Timeline for the September Intake? 

Individuals who wish to apply for the September Intake must refer to the following table. 

Eligibility Criteria for Intakes in France

Indian/ international students who wish to get into a good French university and apply for a mainstream program must have a strong academic record with high-quality projects. Students are required to showcase that they are able to converse and understand English, which is why taking language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE is a must.

Here are the details about the eligibility criteria that you must keep abreast of prior to applying for a French university:

What are the Documents Required for Intakes in France? 

Here is a curated list of documents that are imperative for admission to French universities, irrespective of the intake period you are enrolling for.

• Completed Application Form
• Academic Transcripts – Secondary school or university-level certificates, depending on program level.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Typically 1–2, from teachers or employers.
• Language Proficiency Test Scores – IELTS/TOEFL/PTE.
• Passport Copy
• Portfolio (if applying to art, architecture, or design programs)
• Passport-size Photographs
• Proof of Financial Resources – For visa purposes (e.g., bank statements, sponsor letters).
• Application Fee Payment Receipt (if applicable)
• Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)

So that was all about Intakes in France. To sum it up, there are two intakes for French universities, one being the Fall Intake, which is the primary intake, and the second being the Spring Intake, which offers a secondary admission window for students.

FAQs

1.  Which intake in France is better for international students?

The Fall Intake is generally considered better for international students as it is the primary intake. Most universities offer a wider range of courses, scholarships, and research opportunities during this period. 

2. Do all French universities offer both Fall and Spring Intakes?

No, not all French universities offer both intakes. While the Fall Intake is widely available across institutions and disciplines, the Spring Intake is more limited. Individuals aspiring to pursue business courses usually opt for the Spring Intake. 

3. When should one start preparing for the Fall and Spring Intakes in France?

For the Fall Intake, you should start preparing around October to January of the previous year, as applications typically open in November. For the Spring Intake, begin preparation by May–July, as applications often open around August and close by October–November. 

Gaurav Kandari

Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.