How to Apply: Campus France & DAP Guide 2026

Applying to French universities follows two main tracks: the DAP procedure (Demande d'Admission Préalable) for first-year bachelor's programmes, and the Hors DAP track for master's and transfers. Both run through the Études en France portal managed by Campus France. The DAP deadline is typically mid-February. Hors DAP applications close between March and May depending on the university. You can apply to up to seven programmes simultaneously. French-taught programmes require a TCF or DELF/DALF at B2 level. English-taught programmes accept IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90.

Understanding the Two Application Tracks

France uses different procedures depending on your current education level and your target degree.

Track	Who Uses It	Deadline	Number of Choices
DAP Blanche	Non-EU students applying to L1 (first year of bachelor's) at a university	Mid-February	3 universities
DAP Jaune	Non-EU students applying to architecture schools (ENSA)	Mid-February	2 schools
Hors DAP	All other levels: L2, L3, master's, transfers, professional programmes	March–May (varies)	7 programmes

EU/EEA students applying to L1 use Parcoursup instead of DAP. They follow the same system as French students. Non-EU students cannot use Parcoursup — they must use the Campus France Études en France portal.

Step-by-Step: The DAP Procedure (L1)

Step 1: Create Your Études en France Account (November)

Register on your country's Études en France website. Fill in personal information, academic background, and language qualifications. Upload identity documents. The system guides you through each section.

Step 2: Select Up to 3 Universities (December–January)

Search the university catalogue and choose up to three L1 programmes. Rank them by preference. Focus on programmes that match your baccalaureate or secondary school profile. Some popular universities — like Sorbonne Université for science or Université Paris-Cité for medicine — are very competitive.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents (January)

Upload the following before the deadline:

• Secondary school transcripts (last 3 years) — translated by a sworn translator if not in French
• Baccalaureate diploma or equivalent — or a certificate of anticipated graduation
• TCF DAP or DELF B2 result — this specific test version is required for DAP
• Motivation letter — explaining why you chose each programme
• CV / résumé

Step 4: Campus France Interview (February–March)

After your deadline, Campus France schedules a 15–20 minute interview. The interviewer assesses your motivation, academic coherence, and French language ability. Prepare by reviewing your motivation letter and practising answers about your career goals. The interview is usually in French for French-taught programmes.

Step 5: University Decisions (April–June)

Universities review applications and send decisions through the Études en France portal. If accepted, confirm your choice. If rejected by all three, some universities offer a second round in May–June with remaining spots.

Step-by-Step: The Hors DAP Procedure (Master's & Transfers)

Step 1: Account and Profile (November–January)

Same as DAP — register on Études en France, complete your profile, upload documents.

Step 2: Select Up to 7 Programmes (January–March)

You can apply to seven programmes across different universities and levels. Master's applicants must check each programme's specific requirements — some have additional application materials like research proposals, portfolios, or work experience requirements.

Step 3: Programme-Specific Documents (February–March)

Each programme may require:

• Bachelor's transcripts (all years)
• Bachelor's diploma (or expected completion certificate)
• Language certificate — TCF/DELF B2+ for French programmes, IELTS/TOEFL for English programmes
• Motivation letter (lettre de motivation) — programme-specific
• Letters of recommendation — 1 or 2 academic references
• CV
• Research proposal (for research master's programmes)

Step 4: Campus France Interview (March–May)

The interview follows the same format as DAP. For English-taught programmes, the interview may be conducted in English. Focus on explaining the coherence between your bachelor's degree, your chosen master's, and your career plans.

Step 5: University Decisions (April–July)

Responses arrive progressively. Some universities decide quickly (April), others take until July. Once you receive an acceptance, confirm it in the system to begin your visa application.

Language Requirements

Programme Language	Test	Minimum Level	Notes
French-taught (L1/DAP)	TCF DAP or DELF B2	B2	TCF DAP is a specific version with essay component
French-taught (master's)	TCF, DELF B2, or DALF C1	B2–C1	Top programmes often require C1
English-taught	IELTS or TOEFL	IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL 80–90	Some require 7.0+ for competitive programmes

TCF DAP is a specific test version required for L1 applications. It includes a mandatory written expression section (essay). Standard TCF does not include this section. Register for TCF DAP at least two months before the February deadline — test centres fill up quickly.

Timeline: Full Application Calendar

Month	Action
September–October	Research programmes, take language tests (TCF/DELF/IELTS)
November	Create Études en France account, begin filling profile
December–January	Select programmes, upload documents, write motivation letters
Mid-February	DAP deadline (L1 applications)
February–March	Campus France interview
March–May	Hors DAP deadline (varies by programme)
April–July	Receive university decisions
May–July	Confirm acceptance, begin visa application
June–August	Visa processing, housing search
September	Arrive in France, begin studies

Tips for a Strong Application

Write programme-specific motivation letters. Generic letters are obvious. Reference specific courses, professors, or research labs at each university. Explain why this particular programme fits your career goals.

Get your language certificate early. TCF and DELF test dates fill up months in advance. Book your test in September or October for a February deadline. If you score below B2, you have time to retake.

Prepare for the Campus France interview. The interviewer evaluates coherence: does your academic background logically lead to this programme? Will this programme lead to a realistic career? Practise answering in French (or English for English-taught programmes).

Check individual programme requirements. Some master's programmes have additional deadlines or requirements outside the Études en France system. Grandes Écoles often have separate application portals. Sciences Po, for example, has its own deadline in January.

Apply to safety schools. Use all seven Hors DAP slots. Include at least two less competitive universities as backups. Smaller universities outside Paris often have lower admission thresholds and equally strong programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DAP and Hors DAP?

DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable) is the procedure for non-EU students applying to the first year of a bachelor's programme (L1) or architecture schools. Deadline: mid-February. You can choose up to 3 universities. Hors DAP covers all other levels — L2, L3, master's, and professional programmes. You can choose up to 7 programmes with a later deadline (March–May).

How many programmes can I apply to?

3 universities for DAP (L1), 7 programmes for Hors DAP (master's and transfers). Rank them by preference — universities see your ranking.

Do I need to speak French to study in France?

For French-taught programmes, yes — TCF or DELF B2 minimum. For English-taught programmes, IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90. Over 1,600 programmes in France are entirely in English. You can begin learning French after arrival — many universities offer free French courses.

What is the Campus France interview like?

It lasts 15–20 minutes at your local Campus France office. The interviewer asks about your academic background, motivation for France, chosen programmes, career plans, and financial situation. It is not an academic exam — it evaluates motivation and coherence. Prepare by rehearsing your study plan and being specific about programme choices.

Can I apply to Grandes Écoles through Études en France?

Some Grandes Écoles accept applications through Études en France, but many have separate application portals and deadlines. HEC Paris, Sciences Po, ESSEC, and most engineering schools (Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec) run their own admissions. Check each school's website directly.

What happens if I'm rejected by all my choices?

For DAP, some universities offer a second round in May–June with remaining spots. For Hors DAP, you can contact universities directly to ask about late openings. You can also reapply the following year with an improved application and higher language scores.

What if my documents are not in French?

All documents must be in French or accompanied by a sworn translation (traduction assermentée). A sworn translator costs about €30–50 per document. Some consulates accept English documents, but French is always safer.

When should I start preparing my application?

Start one year before your intended start date. If you want to begin in September 2026, start researching programmes in September 2025, take language tests in October–November, create your account in November, and submit by February (DAP) or March (Hors DAP).