September Intake in France 2026: Universities, Courses & Admission for Indians

Intake

September Intake France

France is one of the most popular study destinations for International students. September Intake in France 2026 is the most preferred admission cycle for any student who wishes to take higher education in France. The other popular words to define this intake are Fall Intake, Autumn Intake, and Late Intake. It offers a variety of courses in all fields at all top universities in France.

French higher education institutes are among the best in the world and provide quality education along with modern infrastructure and a strong professional network. The number of Indian students heading to France for education is growing continuously. According to the latest data, the number of Indian students in France increased from 7,484 in 2023 to 8,536 in 2024.

This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, application procedures, top universities, deadlines, scholarships, student life, cost of living, and FAQs for the September Intake in France 2026. Students planning to study in France in 2026 can understand the whole process and then make informed decisions through this article.

Why Choose September Intake in France 2026?

Several reasons emphasize the idea of September Intake being the most favored by students in France:

Wide Course Availability: Most universities offer the maximum number of programs in this intake; hence, students have a wider choice of disciplines.
High Acceptance Rate: Since this is the primary intake, there are more seats available in the universities than in other intakes, hence increasing the chances for students to get accepted.
Internships and placement opportunities: Many internships and job recruitments in France align with the September intake, thus benefiting students regarding working after graduation or post-graduation.
Great Networking: This intake receives the highest number of international students; hence, it offers better networking and socializing opportunities.
Availability of Scholarships: More scholarships are available under the Fall intake in France than in other admission cycles, increasing the options for financial aid.
Streamlined Visa Application Process: There are a lot of students who apply during this intake; hence, embassies and visa centers are geared up to assist the students' visa application process with the utmost ease.

Scholarships for September Intake 2026

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

This is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for the Level of Study Master’s & PhD. This is open for non-French students under the age of 30 for Master’s and 35 for PhD.

2. Charpak Scholarship (For Indian Students)

The scholarship is funded by the French Embassy in India for a level of Study for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD. Indian nationals with strong academic records are eligible for this scholarship.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (EU & Non-EU)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships are funded by the European Union and are available for Master's-level studies. It is open to students worldwide, including both EU and non-EU applicants. To qualify, students must apply to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program, such as Data Science or Renewable Energy.

4. University-Specific Aid

Non-European students with outstanding academic performance can apply for this scholarship. This is funded by various universities like Sciences Po University or HEC Paris for a level of Study Bachelor’s & Master’s.

These were some of the scholarships available for the September Intake in France. The amount of scholarship varies with the institutions, merit and requirements. We highly recommend that students check the individual university website as well.

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Application or Visa Process for September Intake in France 2026

With proper planning, the application process for the Autumn Intake in France becomes easier. To apply smoothly, here are the steps:

Cost of Living for International Students in France

As a student, it is important to realize the cost of living when you are going to study in France. Below is the estimated monthly budget in major cities.

Expense	Cost (in EUR)
Accommodation	€300 - €800
Food	€200 - €400
Transportation	€50 - €100
Health Insurance	€40 - €60
Miscellaneous	€100 - €200
Total (Approx.)	€700 - €1600

The price depends on the city since Paris is a lot more costly than the average cities in comparison to Lyon, Toulouse, or Nantes.

Student Life in France

For students, the whole experience of their life in France is said to be lively and enriching:

Cultural Diversity: France has thousands of international students from different backgrounds, thereby making it a culturally inclusive space.
Reasonable Public Transport: Discounts are offered to students on the metro, buses, and trains using student passes.
Part-Time Jobs: International students can work for 20 hours a week, which can help students earn a little pocket money.
Extracurricular Activities: Almost all universities have clubs, sports, and various cultural events that engage students.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in France

France provides excellent work opportunities for graduates/postgraduates, such as:
Post-Study Work Visa: Allows students to stay for 18 months after graduation or post-graduation.
Job Search Visa: Allows students to apply for a temporary residence permit to find a job.
Internship and Employment Opportunities: Strong demand for professionals in technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering.

Steps No.	Month	Action to Perform
step 1	Research and Shortlist Universities (October 2024- December 2024)	Find universities that you want to apply to. Different academic programs can be researched at specific universities as per the field of interest. Read through eligibility requirements and tuition fees and find out about available scholarships. Shortlist universities in your search that fit your academics and finances.
step 2	Prepare Required Application Documents (January 2025- February 2025)	You need to prepare these documents for the application process: Passport Updated Resume/CV Academic transcripts and certificates Statement of Purpose (SOP) Letter of Recommendation (LOR) English or French proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, DALF, etc.)
step 3	Apply to Universities (March 2025 – May 2025)	Submit your application to the university. Recheck all information before finalizing your application.
step 4	Receive Acceptance Letters and Confirm Enrollment (May 2025 – June 2025)	After receiving an acceptance letter from the university. Accept an offer letter and pay the enrollment fee.
step 5	Book Accommodation and Travel Ticket (June 2025 - July 2025)	Make bookings for student accommodation. Plan and book your flight for travel arrangements.
step 6	Apply for a Student Visa (July 2025 - August 2025)	Apply for a student visa at the French Embassy or Consulate. Submit the documents related to proof of admission, and financial support will be required. If necessary, attend a visa interview.
step 7	Arrive and begin your studies in France (September 2025)	Attend university orientation programs to get settled. Students should know about the student services, clubs, etc., which are available in order to integrate into the new environment.

Top 10 Universities for September Intake in France 2026

Here are the best universities in France for international students:

1. PSL Research University (Paris Sciences et Lettres)

Graduate Courses: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, Business & Management
Postgraduate Courses: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Finance, International Business, Biotechnology

2. HEC Paris (Top-ranked Business School in Europe)

Graduate Courses: Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Financial Engineering
Postgraduate Courses: MBA, Master in Finance, Master in International Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation

3. École Polytechnique (Renowned for Engineering & Science)

Graduate Courses: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science
Postgraduate Courses: Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Cybersecurity, Financial Engineering, Renewable Energy

4. Sorbonne University (Historic & Prestigious University)

Graduate Courses: History, Political Science, Computer Science, Linguistics, Physics
Postgraduate Courses: MBA, International Relations, Philosophy, Advanced Mathematics, Neuroscience

5. CentraleSupélec University (Leading Engineering & Technology Institute)

Graduate Courses: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Energy Systems
Postgraduate Courses: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science & Big Data, Business Analytics

6. NEOMA Business School (Renowned for Business & Finance)

Graduate Courses: Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting & Finance, International Business
Postgraduate Courses: MBA, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Global Management

7. KEDGE Business School (Top School for Business & Management Studies)

Graduate Courses: Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management
Postgraduate Courses: International Business, Luxury Brand Management, Sustainable Finance, Sports & Event Management

8. ENS Lyon (École Normale Supérieure de Lyon) (Excellence in Research & Teaching)

Graduate Courses: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Political Science, Mathematics
Postgraduate Courses: Master’s in Philosophy, Cognitive Science, Computational Biology, Physics & Materials Science

9. SKEMA Business School (Global Business & Management Focus)

Graduate Courses: Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Management
Postgraduate Courses: MBA, Luxury & Fashion Management, Financial Markets & Investments, Digital Business

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