Applying to France with a Foreign Diploma: Translations and Recognition
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
France does things differently from its neighbours: there is no legal principle of equivalence between a foreign school diploma and the French baccalauréat, and no authority that homologates it. Each institution decides whether your diploma is enough for the course you request. That makes the paperwork lighter, and the result less predictable.
The basic rule
You can apply to the first year of higher education in France if your diploma gives access to university in the country that issued it. The institution's admissions committee then examines your file: grades, subjects, language level and motivation.
Which procedure
- EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, and anyone preparing a French baccalauréat, apply through Parcoursup.
- Non-EU nationals living abroad applying to the first year of a university licence submit a preliminary admission request (DAP), on the Études en France platform in the countries covered by it, and otherwise through the French embassy's cultural service.
- Selective programmes that are not offered through the DAP, such as technology institutes, preparatory classes and many schools, are requested on Parcoursup by everyone.
The calendar is early: the DAP opens in the autumn and closes in mid-winter, and Parcoursup wishes are entered from January to March.
Documents
- the school-leaving diploma, or a certificate that you are in the final year
- transcripts of the last years of secondary school
- an identity document
- proof of French level. See DELF, DALF or TCF.
Documents not in French must be translated by a translator approved by a French court of appeal, or certified by the French consulate. Some institutions accept documents in English, and a few other languages, without translation: the platform states this for each programme. See sworn translations.
Legalisation or an apostille is not systematically required at the application stage, but the institution may request it at enrolment, when you must show the originals.
The statement of comparability
The French ENIC-NARIC centre, part of France Éducation international, issues a statement of comparability (attestation de comparabilité) that places a foreign diploma at a level of the French framework. It is requested online for a fee.
- It is not required to apply to a university, and it does not bind the university.
- It is useful when the institution asks for it, when your diploma is from a system the admissions office does not know, or later for employers.
Do not delay an application while waiting for it.
If your diploma is not considered sufficient
Options that universities offer:
- a university diploma in French language and culture, which combines language study with an introduction to the academic system
- a preparatory year for international students, proposed by some universities and schools
- one year of higher education in your home country before applying again, which strengthens the file
After admission
At enrolment you present the originals, with translations, and pay the registration fee and the student life contribution. Non-EU students use the admission letter for the visa. See student visa for France.
Where to look next
Official sources
- Campus France: procedures by country
- France Éducation international: ENIC-NARIC France
- Parcoursup
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.