If you're an Indian student planning to study in France, the first tactical question you need to answer isn't 'which university?' — it's 'which intake?' France operates on two primary intake cycles: the September intake (also called the Fall or Autumn intake), which is the main admission window, and the January/February intake (Spring intake), which is smaller but increasingly popular. Miss the right deadline, and you'll lose an entire year — no matter how strong your profile is.
This guide maps out every intake cycle available to Indian students in France, the exact deadlines you need to hit, which programmes accept applications for each intake, and a month-by-month planning calendar so you never fall behind. Whether you're aiming for a public university, a Grande École, or a business school, the timeline below will keep you on track.
How many intakes does France have?
France has two main intakes: **September/October** (primary, ~85% of programmes) and **January/February** (secondary, offered by ~200+ business schools and select public universities). Some Grandes Écoles also have a March/April intake for specific programmes. The September intake has the widest course selection, while the January intake is ideal for students who missed Fall deadlines or graduated mid-year.
Intake Overview: September vs January at a Glance
France Intake Comparison for Indian Students
September Intake (Fall)
September–October
January Intake (Spring)
January–February
September Intake (Fall)
October–March (previous year)
January Intake (Spring)
June–November
September Intake (Fall)
~85–90%
January Intake (Spring)
~15–25%
September Intake (Fall)
March–April
January Intake (Spring)
September–October
September Intake (Fall)
May–July
January Intake (Spring)
October–December
September Intake (Fall)
All — public, private, Grandes Écoles
January Intake (Spring)
Mostly business schools, some public universities
September Intake (Fall)
Maximum — Eiffel, Charpak, university-specific
January Intake (Spring)
Limited — mostly institution-specific
September Intake (Fall)
High — most applicants target this cycle
January Intake (Spring)
Moderate — smaller applicant pool
September Intake (Fall)
First-time applicants with strong planning
January Intake (Spring)
Gap-year students, late deciders, career changers
September Intake in France — The Primary Window
The September intake is France's main academic cycle. Nearly every university, Grande École, and business school opens admissions for this period. For Indian students, this is the intake with the widest course selection, maximum scholarship opportunities, and the most structured Campus France processing window.
Who Should Target the September Intake?
- ✓Final-year students graduating in May/June who planned 8–12 months ahead
- ✓Students targeting public university programmes (most only admit in September)
- ✓Applicants for competitive scholarships like Eiffel or France Charpak
- ✓Students applying to research-based Masters or PhD programmes
- ✓Those who want the widest choice of English-taught programmes
September Intake Timeline for Indian Students
Research & Shortlisting
Identify 5–8 target universities. Check programme-specific deadlines on university websites and the Campus France catalogue. Begin IELTS/TOEFL and TCF/DELF preparation if needed.
Document Preparation
Gather transcripts, [Statement of Purpose](/blog/sop-for-france-student-visa), [Letters of Recommendation](/blog/lor-for-france-student-visa), CV, [financial proof](/blog/financial-documents-france-student-visa), and passport copy. Get documents attested and translated (if in Hindi or regional language).
Submit Applications
Apply directly on university portals or via platforms like Campus France's 'Études en France' (EEF). Most public university deadlines fall between January and March. Grande École deadlines may extend to April–May.
Campus France Interview
Complete your Campus France registration, pay the fee (₹12,600), and attend the mandatory academic and motivational interview at your nearest Campus France centre (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Chandigarh).
Receive Offers & Accept
Universities send admission decisions. Accept your preferred offer, pay any deposit or tuition fees, and request your official admission letter.
Visa Application
Apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) at the French consulate. Submit biometrics, financial proof (€615/month minimum), accommodation proof, and the Campus France approval. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Book flights, arrange accommodation (CROUS résidence, private studio, or shared flat), complete OFII formalities on arrival, open a French bank account, and attend orientation week.
September Intake Pro Tip
Public universities in France have much earlier deadlines than private business schools. Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, and Université de Strasbourg typically close applications by February–March. Don't assume you have until summer — check each university's portal in October itself.
January Intake in France — The Spring Alternative
The January intake (also called the Spring intake or February intake) is France's second admission cycle. While it doesn't offer the same breadth as the September intake, it has grown significantly over the past five years — especially at private business schools, some Grandes Écoles, and select public university programmes. For Indian students who missed the Fall cycle or graduated in December, the January intake is a lifeline, not a compromise.
Read our dedicated deep-dive: January Intake in France — Complete Guide for a full breakdown of eligible programmes, universities, and application strategy.
Who Should Target the January Intake?
- ✓Students who graduated in October–December and don't want a gap year
- ✓Those who missed September intake deadlines or received late rejections
- ✓Working professionals looking for a career pivot without waiting 8 months
- ✓Students who need more time to improve IELTS/GMAT scores
- ✓Applicants targeting business, management, or hospitality programmes specifically
January Intake Timeline for Indian Students
Research & Shortlisting
Identify programmes that specifically offer January intake. Check business school portals — ESSEC, SKEMA, Rennes School of Business, Audencia, NEOMA, and Burgundy School of Business are strong options. Filter the Campus France catalogue by Spring entry.
Document Preparation & Applications
Prepare all documents (transcripts, SOP, LOR, CV, test scores) and submit applications. Many business schools use rolling admissions for January — earlier applications have better acceptance rates.
Campus France Process
Register on the Études en France portal, upload documents, pay the fee, and schedule your Campus France interview. The window is tighter for Spring intake — don't delay beyond October.
Receive Offers & Accept
Accept your offer, pay deposits, and obtain your official admission letter. Some schools send conditional offers that convert once you submit final transcripts.
Visa Application
Apply for your student visa at the French consulate. Winter visa processing can be faster due to lower volume, but don't risk delays — apply by mid-November.
Arrival & Orientation
Arrive in France, complete OFII registration, set up your bank account, register for health insurance (CPAM), and begin classes. January arrivals benefit from smaller cohorts and more personal attention from faculty.
January Intake Limitation
Most French public universities do NOT offer a January intake. If you're specifically targeting Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, Université de Lyon, or other public institutions, you must apply for the September cycle. The January intake is primarily available at private business schools, some engineering schools, and select public university programmes in business/management.
Which Programmes Accept Which Intake?
Not every programme is available in both intakes. The table below maps common programme categories to their available intake windows so you can plan accordingly.
Programme Availability by Intake
September Intake
✓ All schools
January Intake
✓ Most business schools
September Intake
✓ Available
January Intake
✓ Available at INSEAD, HEC, ESSEC
September Intake
✓ All schools
January Intake
✓ Select business schools
September Intake
✓ All Grandes Écoles
January Intake
✗ Very rare
September Intake
✓ Public + private
January Intake
✗ Mostly unavailable
September Intake
✓ Available
January Intake
✓ Available at most schools
September Intake
✓ All universities
January Intake
✗ Not available
September Intake
✓ Primary cycle
January Intake
✓ Some labs accept rolling applications
September Intake
✓ Available
January Intake
✓ Available at select schools
September Intake
✓ Primary cycle
January Intake
✗ Rarely available
Top Universities & Schools by Intake Availability
Schools Offering Both September & January Intakes
ESSEC Business School
- QS Rank: Top 50 globally
- January MSc & MiM intake
- Strong Indian alumni network
SKEMA Business School
- AACSB + EQUIS accredited
- 6 global campuses
- January intake since 2015
NEOMA Business School
- Triple-accredited
- January MSc intake available
- Strong industry partnerships
Rennes School of Business
- AACSB + EQUIS
- 100% English-taught
- Affordable tuition: ~€14,500/yr
Burgundy School of Business
- AACSB + EQUIS
- Niche specialisations
- January intake for most MSc
Audencia Business School
- AACSB + EQUIS + AMBA
- Triple-accredited
- Strong consulting placements
Schools Offering Only September Intake
Sorbonne Université
- QS World Rank: #59
- Tuition: €243/yr (EU) / €3,770 (non-EU)
- No Spring intake
Université Paris-Saclay
- QS World Rank: #62
- Strong in Physics, Maths, CS
- Application closes March
École Polytechnique
- QS Rank: #48
- Tuition: €15,000/yr
- Only Fall intake
Campus France Process: How It Differs by Intake
The Campus France procedure is mandatory for all Indian students regardless of which intake they target. However, the timeline and processing window differ significantly between Fall and Spring applications.
Campus France Timeline by Intake
September Intake
November–December
January Intake
June–July
September Intake
December–February
January Intake
July–September
September Intake
January–February
January Intake
August–September
September Intake
February–April
January Intake
September–October
September Intake
April–May
January Intake
October–November
September Intake
May–July
January Intake
November–December
Campus France Centres in India
Campus France operates in 8 cities across India: **Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Chandigarh**. Interview slots fill up fast — especially for the September intake between February and April. Book your slot as soon as your documents are uploaded and verified.
Key Application Deadlines for Indian Students
Every university sets its own deadlines, but the table below captures the typical patterns. Always verify on the university's official portal — deadlines can shift by 2–4 weeks each year.
Typical Application Deadlines (September Intake)
Application Opens
October
Deadline
January 31
Decision By
April–May
Application Opens
October
Deadline
March 15
Decision By
May–June
Application Opens
November
Deadline
February 28
Decision By
April
Application Opens
October
Deadline
January (Round 1) / March (Round 2)
Decision By
April–May
Application Opens
September
Deadline
Rolling (4 rounds)
Decision By
4–6 weeks per round
Application Opens
October
Deadline
Rolling (multiple rounds)
Decision By
3–4 weeks per round
Application Opens
November
Deadline
February 1
Decision By
April
Application Opens
November
Deadline
March 31
Decision By
May
Typical Application Deadlines (January Intake)
Application Opens
April
Deadline
October 31
Decision By
3–4 weeks
Application Opens
May
Deadline
November 15
Decision By
3–4 weeks
Application Opens
April
Deadline
November 30
Decision By
2–3 weeks
Application Opens
May
Deadline
November 15
Decision By
3 weeks
Application Opens
April
Deadline
October 31
Decision By
4 weeks
Application Opens
May
Deadline
November 30
Decision By
3–4 weeks
Application Opens
May
Deadline
November 15
Decision By
3 weeks
Tuition Fees & Living Costs by Intake
Tuition fees don't change between intakes — a programme costs the same whether you start in September or January. However, living cost patterns differ slightly because of when you arrive and the length of your initial lease.
January Intake Cost Advantage
Students arriving in January can sometimes negotiate lower rent because landlords struggle to fill rooms mid-academic year. CROUS accommodation is harder to get for Spring arrivals, but private studios in cities like Lyon, Toulouse, or Lille are often discounted by 10–15% compared to the September rush.
Scholarships Available by Intake
Scholarship availability is heavily skewed towards the September intake. The major government-funded scholarships — Eiffel and France Charpak — only apply to Fall admissions. However, business schools offering January intake often have their own merit-based scholarships.
Scholarship Availability by Intake
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✗
Value
€1,181/mo + travel + housing
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✗
Value
€767/mo + tuition waiver
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✓
Value
Up to 40% tuition waiver
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✓
Value
€2,000–€5,000
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✓
Value
10–30% tuition reduction
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✓
Value
€1,000–€5,000
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✗
Value
€10,000/yr + tuition waiver
September Intake
✓
January Intake
✗
Value
€8,000–€12,000
Month-by-Month Planning Calendar
Here's a practical month-by-month calendar that covers both intake cycles. If you're reading this mid-year, find your current month and work forward.
12-Month Planning Calendar (Starting October)
October — Research Phase
Shortlist 6–8 universities. Register on Campus France portal. Begin IELTS/TOEFL prep if needed. Research scholarships with October–November deadlines (Eiffel nominations open in October).
November — Document Collection
Collect transcripts, degree certificates, [SOP](/blog/sop-for-france-student-visa), and [LOR](/blog/lor-for-france-student-visa). Get documents attested. Book IELTS/TOEFL test date for December.
December — Applications Begin
Submit applications to universities with early deadlines (Sciences Po, Sorbonne). Complete language tests. Upload documents to Campus France.
January — Application Sprint
Submit remaining applications. Most public university deadlines fall in January–March. Pay Campus France fee (₹12,600). Schedule interview.
February — Campus France Interview
Attend Campus France interview. Continue applying to schools with March deadlines. Begin [financial documentation](/blog/financial-documents-france-student-visa) preparation.
March — Final Applications
Last chance for most public university applications. Attend any remaining interviews. Begin accommodation search.
April — Offer Season
Receive admission decisions. Compare offers. Accept your preferred programme. Pay deposits. Request official admission letters.
May — Visa Preparation
Compile visa documents (admission letter, financial proof, accommodation proof, insurance). Book visa appointment at the French consulate.
June — Visa Application
Submit visa application. Attend biometrics appointment. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Begin booking flights.
July — Pre-Departure
Receive visa. Book accommodation (CROUS or private). Arrange airport pickup. Join student WhatsApp/Telegram groups for your city.
August — Final Preparations
Book flights. Pack essentials (Indian documents, warm clothing, basic kitchenware). Inform bank about international card usage. Get travel insurance.
September — Arrival & Orientation
Arrive in France. Complete OFII registration. Open bank account. Get transport pass (Navigo/Técély). Attend orientation. Classes begin.
September vs January Intake: Pros & Cons
September Intake
Advantages
- ✓Widest programme selection — 85–90% of courses available
- ✓Maximum scholarship options (Eiffel, Charpak, regional awards)
- ✓Largest peer cohort — better networking and social life
- ✓All public universities and Grandes Écoles admit in September
- ✓Aligned with Indian graduation cycle (May/June → September start)
- ✓CROUS accommodation priority for September arrivals
Drawbacks
- ✗Highest competition — most applicants target this cycle
- ✗Campus France interview slots fill up quickly (February–April)
- ✗Accommodation is scarce and expensive during September rush
- ✗Earlier deadlines require 8–12 months of advance planning
- ✗Visa processing volume is highest in June–July
January Intake
Advantages
- ✓Lower competition — fewer applicants per seat
- ✓Faster admission decisions from rolling-admission schools
- ✓Better accommodation deals during off-peak period
- ✓Ideal for those who missed September deadlines
- ✓Visa processing is faster due to lower consulate volume
- ✓Smaller cohorts mean more personalised attention from faculty
Drawbacks
- ✗Limited programme selection — mostly business/management schools
- ✗Major scholarships (Eiffel, Charpak) not available for Spring
- ✗Public universities rarely offer January intake
- ✗Semester misalignment with Indian academic calendar
- ✗Fewer on-campus events and clubs starting in January
- ✗CROUS housing almost unavailable for mid-year arrivals
7 Mistakes Indian Students Make with French Intakes
Assuming all universities have a January intake
Only ~15–25% of programmes accept Spring applications. If you're set on a public university or engineering school, September is your only option.
Starting Campus France too late
The Campus France process takes 6–10 weeks from registration to interview completion. Students who register in March for September intake often can't get interview slots in time.
Ignoring programme-specific deadlines
Some programmes within the same university have different deadlines. A university may accept applications until March, but a popular Masters programme within it closes in January.
Not checking language requirements early
Some programmes require TCF/DELF B2 even if they're taught in English. Discovering this 2 months before the deadline leaves no time to prepare and pass the test.
Applying to only one intake
Strategic students apply to both cycles — September for their top-choice public universities and January as a backup at business schools. This doubles your chances without doubling the work.
Treating the January intake as inferior
A January intake MSc from ESSEC, SKEMA, or Audencia carries the same degree, accreditation, and career services as the September cohort. Employers don't check your intake month.
Forgetting visa lead time for January intake
Students targeting January intake need their visa by December. That means visa application by October–November. Many underestimate this and end up deferring to the next September.
StudyFrance.in Intake Strategy
- ✓Apply to 3–4 September-intake universities (mix of public + private) as your primary targets
- ✓Simultaneously apply to 2–3 January-intake business schools as backup options
- ✓Start Campus France process 8 months before your target intake month
- ✓Book IELTS/TOEFL at least 3 months before application deadlines
- ✓Prepare financial proof early — blocked account setup takes 4–6 weeks
- ✓Contact StudyFrance.in for personalised intake planning and university shortlisting
Frequently Asked Questions — Intakes in France
France has two main intakes: September/October (Fall — primary) and January/February (Spring — secondary). Some business schools also have a March/April intake for specific programmes, but this is rare.
Very rarely. Most French public universities (Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, Strasbourg, etc.) only admit students in September. January intake is primarily available at private business schools and some Grandes Écoles.
No. You receive the same degree, same accreditation, and same diploma regardless of which intake you join. Employers and graduate schools do not differentiate between intake months.
Public university January intake options are limited. Among private schools, Rennes School of Business (~€14,500/yr), ICN Business School (~€13,000/yr), and Burgundy School of Business (~€13,500/yr) offer relatively affordable January entry.
Yes, if the university offers both intakes. However, you'll typically need separate applications for each cycle. Business schools with rolling admissions may automatically consider you for the next available intake.
No. Your Campus France registration is valid for the academic year. If you applied for September and want to switch to January, you can update your profile and request a new avis (opinion). You don't need to pay the fee again.
September — almost exclusively. Engineering programmes at Grandes Écoles (Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, INSA) and public universities only admit in September. January intake for engineering is extremely rare in France.
No. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship only applies to programmes starting in September/October. The application cycle opens in October and closes in January, with results in March — all aligned with the Fall intake.
Not Sure Which Intake Is Right for You?
StudyFrance.in has helped 500+ Indian students choose the right intake, university, and programme. Whether you're targeting September or January, our team will create a personalised timeline and handle your Campus France process end-to-end.
