Studying in France has always been a dream for thousands of international students, especially those from India. Known for its globally recognized universities, affordable tuition, rich culture, and career opportunities, France offers two main admission cycles for international students: the September Intake in France and the January Intake in France.
If you are planning to study in France in 2026, understanding these intakes, deadlines, courses, universities, and fees will help you make the right decision. In this guide, we’ll cover everything about January Intake in France 2026, so you can plan your study abroad journey effectively.
Why Study in France?
Before diving into the intakes, here are some reasons why France is a top choice for international students:
- Home to top-ranking universities and Grandes Écoles.
- Affordable education compared to the UK or USA.
- Wide range of English-taught courses.
- Post-study work opportunities under France’s stay-back policy.
- Rich cultural and professional exposure in Europe.
With two major intakes—September Intake for France and January Intake for France—students have flexibility in planning their academic journey.
September Intake in France 2026
The September Intake in France is the primary admission cycle, also known as the Fall intake. It is the most popular among international students due to the wide range of programs, scholarships, and maximum seat availability.
Key Highlights of September Intake in France:
- Largest number of courses and universities.
- Maximum scholarship opportunities.
- More time for applications and visa processing.
- Huge student community arriving at the same time.
September Intake Universities in France
Some of the top September Intake universities in France are:
- Sorbonne University
- University of Paris-Saclay
- École Polytechnique
- HEC Paris
- ESSEC Business School
- Grenoble École de Management
- Toulouse Business School
- Sciences Po
September Intake Courses in France
Popular September Intake courses in France include:
- Business & Management (MBA, International Business, Finance)
- Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics & Big Data
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software)
- Fashion, Luxury & Design
- Hospitality & Culinary Arts
- Public Health & Life Sciences
September Intake France Fees
The September Intake France fees vary depending on the course and university:
- Public Universities: €2,770/year (Bachelor’s) & €3,770/year (Master’s)
- Private Universities/Grandes Écoles: €10,000 – €30,000 per year
September Intake in France Deadline
The general September Intake in France deadline is between February and June 2026, depending on the university.
- Application Start: November 2024 – January 2025
- Deadline: February – June 2025 (varies by program)
- Visa Process: July – August 2025
- Course Start: September 2025
September Intake France Last Date
The September Intake France last date for applications is usually June 2025, but highly competitive universities may close earlier.
January Intake in France 2026
The January Intake in France, also known as the Spring Intake, is the secondary admission cycle. It is ideal for students who missed the September deadlines or need more preparation time.
Key Highlights of January Intake France 2026:
- Good number of English-taught programs.
- Less competition compared to September intake.
- Flexible admission timeline for late applicants.
- Ideal for postgraduate and business courses.
January Intake Universities in France 2026
Some popular January Intake universities in France 2026 include:
- INSEEC Business School
- NEOMA Business School
- SKEMA Business School
- ESC Clermont Business School
- EBS Paris
- EPITA School of Engineering
- ESDES Lyon Business School
January Intake Courses in France
Popular January Intake courses in France are:
- Business Administration (MBA & MSc)
- International Business & Finance
- Marketing & Digital Strategy
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Fashion & Luxury Management
January Intake in France 2026 Fees
The January Intake in France 2026 fees are similar to the September intake:
- Public Universities: €2,770 – €3,770 per year
- Private/Business Schools: €9,000 – €25,000 per year
January Intake in France Deadline
The January Intake in France deadline generally falls between September and October 2025.
- Application Start: May – July 2025
- Deadline: September – October 2025
- Visa Process: November – December 2025
- Course Start: January 2026
January Intake France Last Date
The January Intake France last date to apply is usually October 2025, depending on the university.
September Intake for France vs January Intake for France
| Feature | September Intake in France 2025 | January Intake in France 2026 |
| Universities | More universities & programs | Limited but focused options |
| Courses | Wide range (UG & PG) | Mostly PG & Business programs |
| Deadlines | Feb – June 2025 | Sept – Oct 2025 |
| Fees | €2,770 – €30,000/year | €2,770 – €25,000/year |
| Competition | High | Moderate |
| Best For | Students seeking variety & scholarships | Students who missed September or need extra prep time |
Which Intake Should You Choose?
- Choose September admission in France if:
- You want maximum program choices.
- You’re applying for undergraduate courses.
- You need more scholarship opportunities.
- You want maximum program choices.
- Choose January admission in France if:
- You missed the September intake deadlines.
- You want a smaller class size and less competition.
- You prefer starting studies in the new year.
- You missed the September intake deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Both the September Intake in France 2026 and the January Intake in France 2026 offer excellent opportunities for international students.
- The September Intake for France is the most popular, with more universities, courses, and scholarships. However, the September Intake in France deadline falls early, so applying in advance is crucial.
- The January Intake for France is a great backup for those who miss the September cycle. With a good number of January Intake universities in France 2026 and career-oriented courses, it gives students flexibility without waiting for another year.
Whichever intake you choose, plan early, keep track of the France intake deadlines, arrange finances, and prepare for your visa application on time. With the right preparation, studying in France can be a life-changing academic and cultural experience.
