France University Intakes and Application Deadlines for Nepali Students (2025–2026)

French universities operate on a single annual intake starting in October (occasionally late September for some programs). The academic year is divided into two semesters: Semester 1 (October–January) and Semester 2 (February–May/June). There is no September intake — France aligns with continental European academic calendars rather than the UK September model.

A February intake exists for a limited number of postgraduate programs and professional bachelor's programs. If you miss the October intake due to visa delays or application issues, inquire about a February start for specific programs. In general, plan your application timeline around October as the only realistic entry point for most programs.

The academic year at French universities is structured around three examination periods: end of Semester 1 (January), end of Semester 2 (May/June), and make-up exams (September). French grades use a 20-point scale — a 10/20 is the passing grade. Understanding the French grading system helps manage academic expectations.

Parcoursup (parcoursup.fr) is France's national undergraduate admission platform, used for Licence (bachelor's) programs at public universities, IUT (BUT programs), BTS (vocational), and some preparatory programs. International students from outside France apply through Parcoursup using the 'Etudes en France' procedure — this includes the Campus France Nepal pre-registration step.

Parcoursup timeline: platform opens for formulation of wishes in early January. Deadline for wish submission: mid-March. Offers communicated: from late May (Phase Principale). Acceptance deadline for offers: rolling in May–July. For non-EU students, the Parcoursup process must be combined with Campus France Nepal registration and the French student visa application.

You can add up to 10 program wishes on Parcoursup. List programs from most to least preferred. Each wish includes a motivation letter (lettre de motivation) of 1,500 characters — write individually for each program, referencing specific aspects of that program that match your background. Generic letters reduce your admission chances for competitive programs.

MonMaster (monmaster.gouv.fr) is France's national master's application platform, launched in 2023. All master's (Master 1 and Master 2) programs at French public universities are listed on MonMaster. International students use MonMaster for postgraduate applications — combined with the Campus France Nepal pre-procedure.

MonMaster timeline: platform opens approximately February–March for October entry. Application deadline: mid-April for most programs. Offers issued: May–June. Acceptance deadline: rolling in June–July. Competition is high for research-oriented (master's recherche) programs in competitive fields — apply to 6–10 programs across different universities.

Grandes Écoles and private institutions (Sciences Po, HEC, ESSEC) have their own independent application platforms and timelines — not on Parcoursup or MonMaster. Sciences Po's master's applications typically open September–October for the following October entry. HEC master's applications open June–October.

Campus France Nepal is the mandatory pre-visa procedure for all Nepali students applying to French higher education. Step 1: register at nepal.campusfrance.org — create your dossier, enter your academic background, upload certificates, and pay the Campus France fee. Step 2: complete your university application(s) through Parcoursup or MonMaster. Step 3: attend the mandatory Campus France interview at the Institut Français du Népal (IFN) in Lazimpat, Kathmandu.

The Campus France interview is an advisory session, not a selection process. A Campus France advisor reviews your academic profile, chosen programs, and French language level. You receive guidance on program fit and practical study-in-France advice. After the interview, you receive your Campus France reference number — this is required for the French student visa application.

Campus France Nepal contact: nepal.campusfrance.org. Institut Français du Népal (IFN), 525 Lazimpat Road, Kathmandu. Campus France typically opens for the academic year's application cycle in October–November and closes intake around March–April. Start your Campus France registration in October–November for October entry the following year.

Full timeline for October 2027 entry: October–November 2026 — register on Campus France Nepal, begin French language study (if not already at B2). January–March 2027 — submit Parcoursup wishes or MonMaster applications. Attend Campus France interview (schedule in February–March). March–April 2027 — complete DELF B2 (if required for French-medium programs).

May–June 2027 — receive Parcoursup/MonMaster offers. Accept preferred offer and confirm enrollment (pay any required deposit). Receive university acceptance letter. June–July 2027 — apply for the French Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) at TLScontact Kathmandu with Campus France reference number, acceptance letter, and all supporting documents. Apply for MoEST NOC simultaneously (2–4 weeks).

July–August 2027 — receive visa decision (3–6 weeks processing). Book flights (Kathmandu–Paris, typically via Dubai, Doha, or Delhi; NRs 80,000–150,000 return). Arrange accommodation (CROUS application, student residence, or private rental). September–October 2027 — arrive in France. Complete OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration) formalities at the prefecture within 3 months of arrival to validate your VLS-TS. Enroll at university and begin classes.

If your October 2026 visa application is delayed or denied, or if you receive a late offer from a French university, contact the university's international admissions office about deferring enrollment to February 2027 for programs with a February intake. Defer requests are handled case-by-case. Most French universities permit one free deferral per accepted student.

February intake programs: primarily available for Licence Professionnelle (LP), certain BUT pathways, some professional master's programs, and a limited number of universities with biannual intake (University of Bordeaux, some Toulouse programs). Research specifically whether your target program has a February intake before planning around it.

Using extra time productively: a 6–12 month gap between completing NEB +2 or bachelor's and starting in France can be used to reach DELF B2 or C1 French proficiency, improving both admission competitiveness and daily life quality in France. Alliance Française Kathmandu offers 3–6 month intensive French courses. DELF B2 achieved before departure means you can integrate into French university life from Day 1.