Master’s in France for American students: a French master’s degree (master) takes two years and 120 ECTS credits after a bachelor’s, and most US applicants apply through Campus France’s online platform, Études en France. For fall 2027, master’s applications there are due January 15, 2027, and schools not connected to the platform take applications directly.
For tuition, the visa, work rights and the money to show on one page, start with the Diplonaut France guide.
How the French master’s degree works
France organizes its degrees in three levels, called LMD: the bachelor’s degree (licence, three years, 180 ECTS), the master’s (two more years, 120 ECTS) and the doctorate (doctorat). ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. One semester is worth up to 30 ECTS, so a master’s is four semesters.
Campus France is clear on one point: each institution defines its own admission criteria. A US bachelor’s degree does not give automatic entry. Our article on the US bachelor’s and the French licence explains how schools read a four-year US degree, and GPA to French grading system covers how they read your grades.
Master’s in France for American students: which route?
Campus France USA says students who plan to study in France for 90 days or more follow its procedure before applying for a student visa. Citizens of the European Union do not: they apply through Parcoursup, Mon Master (the national master’s platform) or directly to schools.
| Route | For whom | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Études en France | Master’s programs at schools connected to the platform | One common application to up to 7 programs, a fee, an interview with Campus France USA, then each school decides |
| Direct application | Schools not connected to the platform | You apply on the school’s own website, with its own deadlines |
| CampusArt | Art programs | A separate procedure for art schools |
Whichever way you are admitted, plan for the Campus France step before you request the visa on France-Visas.
How to study a master’s in France in English or in French
Campus France USA counts over 1,600 degree programs taught in English in France, including over 1,300 master’s. Its Programs in English catalog lets you filter by level, field of study and “100% Taught in English”.
For French-taught programs, Campus France USA asks for an official French test: TCF (Test de connaissance du français), TEF (Test d’évaluation de français), DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) or DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française). Each program can set its own minimum level, so read its page before you book a test.
If you choose an English-taught program, your statement of motivation can be in English. Many schools also offer courses in French as a foreign language (français langue étrangère, or FLE) alongside the degree.
The fall 2027 calendar
- October 1, 2026: Études en France opens for fall 2027.
- January 15, 2027, 6 pm EST: deadline for master’s applications.
- By April 30, 2027: schools send their answers.
- By May 31, 2027: you accept an offer.
- Then: you apply for the visa on France-Visas and book an appointment with TLS, the visa center.
Schools outside the platform set their own dates, so check each one.
Documents to prepare
- Passport, a headshot and a CV.
- A statement of motivation of up to 2,500 characters, in French, or in English for English-taught programs.
- One or two letters of recommendation (suggested, not always required).
- Official transcripts (unofficial ones are not accepted) and a copy of your diploma.
- Official French test results for French-taught programs.
- French translations of all documents except your passport and test results, stamped by a professional translator. Notarization is not required.
The Études en France application fee listed by Campus France USA in November 2026 is $460 for master’s applicants. It is not refundable and does not include the visa fee. French government scholarship holders and Fulbright awardees are among those exempt.
What a master’s in France costs
| 2026-2027, public institution | Tuition per year |
|---|---|
| National master’s, non-EU student | €3,950 |
| National master’s, EU, EEA or Swiss student | €255 |
Campus France notes that some institutions may waive these “differentiated fees” case by case, on request, and that French government scholarship holders are exempt. Programs outside the national master’s set their own fees. To see how France compares with other countries, use the Diplonaut comparator; to weigh a full degree abroad against a US college, read degree abroad vs. a US college. Fee rules change: our latest changes page tracks them.
Frequently asked questions
How do I do a master’s in France as an American?
Most US applicants use Campus France’s Études en France platform: one application to up to 7 master’s programs, a $460 fee and an interview with Campus France USA. Schools not connected to the platform take applications on their own websites.
Can I study a master’s in France in English?
Yes. Campus France USA counts over 1,300 master’s programs taught in English, searchable in its Programs in English catalog. Many schools also offer French as a foreign language courses alongside.
When should I apply for a master’s in France starting fall 2027?
Études en France opened on October 1, 2026. The master’s deadline is January 15, 2027 at 6 pm EST, schools answer by April 30, 2027, and you accept by May 31, 2027.
How much does a master’s in France cost for American students?
For 2026-2027, a national master’s at a public institution costs €3,950 per year for non-EU students, against €255 for EU students. Some institutions may waive part of it on request.
Official sources
- Campus France: French degrees, LMD and equivalences
- Campus France: tuition fees in France
- Campus France USA: application overview and calendar
- Campus France USA: types of students
- Campus France USA: applying to a French institution
- Campus France USA: Études en France application fee
- Campus France USA: programs taught in English
Checked November 7, 2026. Diplonaut is not affiliated with any school or evaluation body.