France is one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students who want a respected degree, affordable public education, internship opportunities, Schengen mobility, and the chance to work while studying. For the September 2026 intake, several French public universities are still receiving applications for 100% English-taught Master’s programs in health-related fields, business, management, IT/data science, and tourism-related areas.
Here is the sweet truth: France can be affordable, but students must apply early, choose carefully, and verify the exact fee for each program. Public university tuition can be as low as €254 per year at Master’s level for eligible/exempted students, while many first-time non-EU Master’s students may pay differentiated fees of about €3,941 per year, unless the university grants a partial or full exemption. Some international Master’s programs also have special program fees, so always confirm on the official portal before payment.
Some universities require applicants to apply on both the university portal and Campus France, especially students from countries under the Études en France procedure such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Senegal and several others. Campus France confirms that Études en France is the official online procedure for many international students applying to French higher education up to the visa stage.
1. Université Côte d’Azur — Health, IT, Data Science, AI, Environmental Risk
Suitable courses:
MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, MSc Biobanks and Complex Data Management, MSc Modeling for Neuronal and Cognitive Systems, MSc Biocontrol Solutions for Plant Health, MSc Environmental Hazards and Risks Management.
Direct application portal:
https://ecandidat-uca1.univ-cotedazur.fr
Official application information page:
https://univ-cotedazur.eu/msc-programs/application-registration
Université Côte d’Azur states that applications to its International MSc programs are submitted online through the eCandidat portal, and the same page lists 2026 deadlines for several MSc programs.
2. University of Rennes — IGR-IAE Rennes School of Management
Suitable courses:
International Management, International Human Resources Management, Accounting and Auditing, Finance-related management programs.
Direct application portal:
https://applying-pegase.univ-rennes.fr
Official how-to-apply page:
https://www.igr.univ-rennes.fr/en/how-to-apply-2/
IGR-IAE Rennes states that students apply through the university’s online “Applying” platform and that applicants from relevant countries must also complete Campus France where required.
3. University of Rennes — Faculty of Economics
Suitable course:
International Graduate Programme in Applied Economics for Business, Finance and Markets.
Application information page:
https://eco.univ-rennes.fr/en/admission-and-application-process-igp
University application portal:
https://applying-pegase.univ-rennes.fr
The Faculty of Economics lists the next intake as September 2026 and states that its application website is open from November 15, 2025 to May 30, 2026 for the 2026 intake.
4. University of Lille — Health, Sport, Management, Science, Technology
Suitable courses:
English-taught Master’s programs in Health, Sport, Law, Economics, Management, Science and Technologies.
Direct eCandidat portal:
https://ecandidat-2026.univ-lille.fr
Official eCandidat application page:
https://www.univ-lille.fr/en/studies/apply-enrol/ecandidat
English-taught Master’s course list:
https://www.univ-lille.fr/en/studies/find-your-course/masters-taught-in-english-1
The University of Lille states that eCandidat supports students from application file creation to admission, and that the 2026–2027 campaign opens gradually according to each course timetable.
5. Université Jean Monnet Saint-Étienne
Suitable courses:
Data Science, Innovation Management, Health and Performance Science, science and technology-related Master’s programs.
Direct eCandidat portal:
https://candidatures2.univ-st-etienne.fr/ecandidat/
Alternative portal homepage:
https://candidatures2.univ-st-etienne.fr/
Official admissions/candidature information page:
https://fac-sciences.univ-st-etienne.fr/fr/candidater/admissions-2025-2026-1.html
Université Jean Monnet’s official pages direct Master 2 applications through eCandidat and list 2026 application waves for the 2026–2027 academic year.
6. University of Angers — ESTHUA Tourism and Hospitality
Suitable course:
International Hospitality Management.
Direct eCandidat portal:
https://e-candidature.univ-angers.fr/ecandidat/
International admissions page:
https://www.univ-angers.fr/en/you-are/non-exchange-student/admissions.html
ESTHUA course/candidature page:
https://www.univ-angers.fr/fr/acces-directs/facultes-et-instituts/ufr-esthua-tourisme-et-culture/formations/candidature.html
University of Angers states that students holding foreign diplomas may need to apply through Études en France/Campus France, while the Angers eCandidat portal is also available for 2026 applications depending on the course and applicant profile.
7. University of Bordeaux — Business, Health, Wine Tourism, International Master’s Programs
Suitable courses:
Business Administration, International Business Management, European Business Administration, Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Wine Tourism Innovation and other English-taught international Master’s programs.
Direct eCandidat portal:
https://ecandidat-licence-master.u-bordeaux.fr/
Official admissions page:
https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en/international/come-to-bordeaux/international-students/applying-for-admission
Masters in English page:
https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en/international/come-to-bordeaux/international-students/international-study-programmes/masters-english
The University of Bordeaux lists international Master’s programs taught 100% in English and directs international applicants to follow the appropriate admissions procedure depending on profile and country of origin.
8. Official Campus France / Études en France Portal
Many international students must apply or complete visa-related procedures through Études en France, especially if their country is listed under the Campus France procedure.
Official Études en France login portal:
https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html?codeLangue=EN
Official Campus France explanation page:
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/application-etudes-en-france-procedure
Campus France states that students applying for a Master’s degree from countries affected by the Études en France procedure must follow the platform until the student visa stage.
Working While Studying and Job Placement After Graduation
International students in France can work during their studies, up to 964 hours per year. This is useful for part-time income, but it should be treated as support money, not the full source of tuition and living expenses.
The stronger advantage is professional integration. Many English-taught Master’s programs include internships, professional projects, research exposure, or industry contact. Rennes Accounting and Auditing prepares students for roles in international accounting and audit, while Rennes International HRM lists career paths such as International HR Officer, Global Mobility Manager, International Recruiter and Talent Manager.
After graduation, eligible Master’s graduates may apply for the French “job seeker/new business creator” residence permit, which allows them to stay in France for up to 12 months to look for work or create a business related to their studies.
Why Applying Early Gives You a Powerful Advantage
Applying early is not just about beating the deadline; it gives you a stronger chance of success. Many English-taught Master’s programs in France are selective and have limited places. For example, Rennes IGR-IAE lists only 25 student places for some English-taught management programs, meaning serious applicants should not wait until the last week before submitting.
Early applicants also get more time to correct documents, upload missing transcripts, attend interviews, and respond to admission offers. Some universities clearly state that applications may take up to two months to review, while Université Côte d’Azur says applicants should expect feedback within about two months after submission.
Applying on time also protects your visa process. For Nigerian and other non-EU applicants, even after receiving admission, students still need to complete Études en France/Campus France and visa steps. Campus France Nigeria advises students with admission to create an Études en France account before completing the visa application, and students are advised to start the visa process up to three months before the program start date.
Another big advantage is accommodation. The cheapest student rooms in France are usually limited, especially CROUS residences and affordable private housing. Students who apply late may still get admission but struggle with housing, higher rent, or delayed visa appointments.
Finally, early application gives you emotional peace. Instead of rushing documents, begging referees, panicking over translations, or missing portal deadlines, you can prepare calmly, strengthen your motivation letter, and submit a professional application that looks serious.
Do not wait until the portals close. France is already receiving applications for September 2026, and the best-prepared students will move first. Choose your course, prepare your CV, transcripts, passport, English proof, motivation letter and references, then apply directly through the official university portal today. Your French Master’s journey, your Schengen experience, your internship opportunity, and your European career path can start with one timely application. Apply now — before the deadline closes the door.