Top Exams to Study in France

Studying in France is an altogether different experience for students with lots many places to explore and engaging with some of the most brilliant minds in business, tech, hospitality and luxury management. However, to live this dream, Indian students need some exams to study in France as international students. 

The gateway to higher education in France is taking the exams required to study in France. These exams act as screening rounds for filtering lakhs of applications received from students worldwide. There are three such types of exams for studying in France. First type is the subject-based exams - which including testing for the knowledge of a particular field, second type is the language based exams. Since most Indian students are comfortable studying in English as a foreign language, they need to provide English exams like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo (as naturally English is not their first/primary language). Indian students might also be asked to take French language tests if their course is taught in French or just for basic and day-to-day interaction with the locals. The third type of exams are the university specific exams - needed for admissions at specific universities. 

Common Requirements to Study in France for Indian Students

To study in France, two most important things that the Indian students woud need are the acceptance letter from the university of their choice and a long-term French student visa (VLS TS). For getting the two of these documents, you need several supporting documents to prove your eligibility for selection and a genuine interest in studying and completing education in the country. The list of common requirements for studying France are given below. 

• Your high school marksheets for admission to bachelor’s courses and bachelor’s degree and marksheet for postgraduate and above courses
• 2-3 LORs from previous faculties and/or employers
• Police Clearance Certificate
• SOP
• English language/French language exams
• Subject-specific exams
• Duly filled out application forms - for university and visa
• Proof of having enough funds to support yourself for the period of studies in the country
• Medical examination certificate, if required. 

What Exams are Required to Study in France?

Exams are the main deciding factors for getting admitted to a university in France. Universities use scores from your test to understand your competencies, interests, seriousness and intent of taking their course. On the basis of these exams, universities not just decide on admissions but also - whether to give you some waiver on tuition fee or a scholarship also. There are three types of exams that you may be required to take to get into a university in France. These include language-based exams, subject-based exams and university admission exams. Check out all the exams required to study in France for Indian students in 2026 below. 

Language Tests to Study in France

Language proficiency is the non-negotiable first layer of any French university’s admission. There are two main languages in practice in France at higher education institutes - one is French and the other one is English. Depending on whether your target program is taught in French, English or both, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in the relevant or both the languages by means of approved international certification/exams.

The language tests are required by universities and visa authorities to understand whether you will be able to take the course and its instructions in a completely foreign environment.

1. French Language Proficiency Exams (For taught-in-French programs)

If your program is taught in French - which applies to the majority of public universities, most engineering schools (Grandes Ecoles d'Ingenieurs) and all national architecture schools - you need an officially recognised French language certificate. The two most important systems in 2026 are DELF/DALF and TCF DAP - you can choose one on the basis of your requirement and condition.

A. DELF (Diplome d'Etudes en Langue Francaise) and DALF (Diplome Approfondi de Langue Francaise)

DELF and DALF are the globally recognised French language certifications issued by the French Ministry of National Education. They are the only French language certifications with no expiry date that means - a diploma once earned is valid for life (unlike all English-language proficiency tests which expire after two years).

The DELF covers beginner-to-intermediate levels of proficiency, i.e. equivalent to CEFR levels from A1 to B2. The DALF covers advanced level of proficiency, i.e. from levels C1 and C2. For Indian students in 2026, the minimum proficiency level required for undertaking higher studies in France is the “B2”.

• DELF B2: The minimum standard for undergraduate admission at French public universities. It certifies you can follow lectures, write structured essays and engage in academic discussion in French.
• DALF C1: Required for most master's programs, research degrees and competitive Grandes Ecoles. C1 means you can operate at a near-native academic level across complex professional and academic contexts.
• DALF C2: Rarely mandatory but expected for elite doctoral programs, Ecole Normale Superieure applications and teaching-track admissions.

Each level tests four skills independently: Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Listening Comprehension, and Oral Production. The pass threshold is 50 out of 100 overall with a mandatory minimum of 5 out of 25 in each component.

For Indian students, DELF and DALF exams are conducted at Alliance Francaise centres across India in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh and other cities. Exams are held twice a year - typically in March-April and June-July. Registration for these exams opens 2-3 months in advance and seats fill up too quickly in metro cities. Note that the preparatory classes are also available at all Alliance Francaise locations in hybrid (online + offline) format.

Fees: The fees vary significantly based on whether you’re applying in connection with Alliance Française or not. The fees for B2 and above level of proficiency exam is INR 8,500+.

B. TCF DAP (Test de Connaissance du Francais pour Demande d'Admission Preliminaire): 

The TCF DAP is a specialised version of the TCF and this exam is designed specifically for students applying to higher education in France. Unlike the general TCF, the TCF DAP variant includes a mandatory Written Production component required for the Campus France application portal. It is issued by France Education International under the French Ministry of Education.

2. English Language Proficiency Exams (For taught-in-English programs)

Over 1,500 programs in France are now taught fully or partially in English as of 2026. This figure has increased by over 35% since 2020. English-medium programs are most prevalent in business schools, international master's programs and engineering schools with global partnerships.

There are 4 standardised English language tests that are accepted widely around the world. These tests differ in their accessibility, ease and process of booking, test booking, format and syllabus and more. These 4 English tests are explained in brief below. 

Note, there are various different types of each of these English tests also available. Indian students seeking to study abroad often need to take the “academic” versions of the test - as they are the accepted form of English exams - by most universities abroad.

1. IELTS Academic: The International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) is the most widely accepted English proficiency test at French institutions. Co-administered by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge Assessment English, the IELTS exam is available at over 100 authorised centres across India. Scores are reported on a band scale of 1.0 to 9.0. Results are delivered within 13 days for paper-based tests and 3-5 days for computer-delivered tests
2. TOEFL iBT: Administered by ETS, the TOEFL iBT is available year-round at authorised centres across India. The exam is accepted by most French institutions for admissions to their esteemed universities. 
3. PTE Academic: The PTE exam is accepted for English-taught programs at roughly 18-20+ business schools and universities, including prestigious institutions like Sorbonne University and Paris Sciences et Lettres University. Generally, a minimum PTE score of 50-60+ is required for admissions but this varies by university.
4. Duolingo test scores are also accepted by some French institutions. It is taken entirely online via computer with AI proctoring, takes approximately 1 hour and costs around Rs. 6,000.

Subject-based Tests to Study in France| Aptitude Tests

Subject-based exams are the second layer of the French admissions process, applying primarily at the postgraduate level. These are standardised international benchmarks that measure academic aptitude or domain-specific knowledge of students in a particular field.

For Indian students planning to study in France in 2026, the specific subject-based or merit-based tests required depend on the field of study and the type of institution. The different exams required to enter different specific fields in France are given below. 

(i) MBA and Management

Test accepted: GMAT Focus Edition

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is the primary qualification credential for MBA and MSc Management programs at France's elite business schools like HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, EDHEC, EM Lyon, ESCP and Kedge Business School. The GMAT Focus Edition consists of three sections - Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions, 45 minutes - problem solving only, no geometry), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions, 45 minutes - reading comprehension and critical reasoning) and Data Insights (20 questions, 45 minutes - data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table and graph analysis). Total test time is 2 hours 15 minutes. Scores range from 205 to 805 in 10-point increments and each section is scored from 60 to 90.

The minimum GMAT marks required at top French business schools in 2026 are- 

• INSEAD MBA: 650-780.
• HEC Paris MBA and Grande Ecole: 650.
• ESSEC, EDHEC, ESCP: 650+ for MBA-equivalent tracks.
• EM Lyon, Kedge, Grenoble EM: 580-630 

(ii) Engineering and Sciences

Tets accepted: GRE

The GRE General Test (Graduate Record Examination), administered by ETS, is the standard aptitude benchmark for master's and PhD programs in engineering, computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, chemistry and social sciences at French institutions. 

The revised GRE format takes approximately 1 hour 58 minutes and has three sections - Verbal Reasoning (27 questions, 41 minutes, scored 130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (27 questions, 47 minutes, scored 130-170), and Analytical Writing (1 task, 30 minutes, scored 0-6).

(iii) Medicine and Health Sciences

Test required: NEET UG

NEET-UG is not a test required by French universities - it is a mandatory Indian regulatory requirement for Indian students who wish to study medicine abroad and practice later in India - as per the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. 

Indian students who complete an MBBS-equivalent medical degree (FGSM -- Formation Generale en Sciences Medicales) at French public universities like Universite de Bordeaux, Universite Paris Cite, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Universite Aix-Marseille or Universite de Strasbourg must clear NEET-UG before departing from India.

(iv) Undergraduate Science and Liberal Arts

Test required: SAT

The SAT is not a standard requirement for most French public universities, which use the French Baccalaureat as their reference. However, certain internationally oriented undergraduate programs in France - particularly at Sciences Po (especially the European Affairs, Middle East and Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific campuses), the American University of Paris and dual-degree programs with US partner institutions - may require or accept SAT scores.

The SAT consists of two sections - Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (800 points) and Math (800 points) for a total of 1600. For competitive programs in France that accept the SAT, a score of 1350 or above is generally expected; 1450+ for highly selective programs.

(v) Arts, Design, and Architecture

Requirements: Portfolio and Studio Entrance Examinations

For programs in fine arts, graphic design, product design, fashion, and architecture at institutions such as ENSBA, ESAD networks and all 20 national architecture schools (ENSA), admission is portfolio-based rather than test-based. There is no standardised aptitude test requirement; instead - applicants must submit a visual portfolio of original work and in most cases, undergo a studio-based entrance examination consisting of drawing exercises, spatial reasoning tasks and visual analysis questions conducted at the institution.

University Tests to Study in France

The third and most distinctive layer of French higher education admission consists of institutional exams - tests, dossier processes and oral examinations that are unique to a specific university or Grandes Ecoles. These all requirements are not interchangeable across institutions. These processes are central to how France's Grandes Ecoles tradition functions - merit is evaluated through a combination of academic history, competitive examination and personal interview. For Indian students, understanding these institutional processes is not optional - it defines your strategy and timeline

This was all about the exams required to study in France. For seeking assistance to study in France, reach out for Shiksha’s Counselling Services for free. 

Exams Required to Study in France for Indians FAQs