Study in France in English is possible for international students, including students from Nepal. You do not necessarily need to speak French to study for an English-taught degree in France. France offers more than 1,600 programmes taught partly or entirely in English, across areas such as business and management, law and economics, engineering and technology, science, humanities, art, design and fashion.
However, choosing an English-taught programme does not mean every course in France is available in English. The language of instruction, English test requirements and French-language requirements can vary by university and programme. Therefore, students should check the exact language requirements of their chosen course rather than assuming that the same rules apply across France.
Can You Study in France in English?
Yes. Nepali students can study in France in English if they choose a programme that is officially taught in English and meet that programme’s admission requirements.
Around 85% of these programmes are offered entirely in English, while the remaining programmes include some courses in French. English-taught opportunities are particularly strong at Master’s level and in fields including Business and Management, Engineering and Technology, Sciences, Environment and Health Science, and Law and Economics.
This means students do not necessarily have to become fluent in French before starting their degree. If the programme is officially listed as 100% taught in English, students can complete their academic coursework in English. However, they should always check the individual programme details because the language percentage can differ from one course to another.
How Many English-Taught Courses Are Available in France?
There are more than 1,600 programmes taught partly or entirely in English in France. These programmes cover a wide range of academic fields, including:
- Business and Management
- Law and Economics
- Engineering and Technology
- Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture
- Languages and Humanities
- Art and Design
- Fashion
Students can search for English-taught programmes according to their study level, field and language of instruction, including programmes that are 100% taught in English.
English-taught options are especially common at Master’s level, so students planning postgraduate studies may find a wider selection of programmes than students looking for an English-taught Bachelor’s degree.
Do You Need French to Study in France in English?
Generally, you do not need French proficiency to study a programme that is officially taught entirely in English. The important requirement is that you meet the English-language requirements specified by your chosen institution.
For example, if a university’s programme page states that the programme is taught in English and requires proof of English proficiency, you may be able to study the entire academic programme without having prior French-language knowledge.
However, there is an important difference between studying in English and living in France.
You may not need French for your lectures, assignments or examinations, but basic French can be very useful for everyday activities such as shopping, communicating with landlords, using local services, travelling, dealing with administrative matters and interacting with people outside the university.
Many French higher education institutions also provide French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses for international students. Some programmes allow students to take French-language classes alongside their degree, helping them develop language skills while studying in France. Students should check with their chosen institution to confirm whether these classes are available.
So, the simple answer is:
French may not be required for an English-taught degree, but learning basic French can make your life in France considerably easier.
English Language Requirements to Study in France
If you choose to study in France in English, your university may ask you to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. The exact requirement is determined by the institution and programme.
There is no single IELTS score that applies to every English-taught programme in France. Different universities and schools may set different minimum scores depending on the academic level and nature of the course.
Some institutions may accept IELTS Academic, while others may also recognise TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or another approved English-language qualification. Some institutions may also have their own assessment procedures or exemptions.
Therefore, students should check the official language requirement for their chosen programme before booking an English-language test.
Is IELTS Required to Study in France in English?
IELTS is not universally required for every English-taught programme in France.
Many universities and higher education institutions accept IELTS as proof of English proficiency, making it one of the most useful tests for students planning to apply to English-medium programmes. However, the required score and accepted alternatives depend on the institution.
For example, one programme may require IELTS 6.0, while another may ask for 6.5 or higher. Another institution may accept TOEFL or PTE instead. Some programmes may also consider other forms of English-language evidence.
This is why students should not rely on a general statement such as “France requires IELTS 6.5.” The correct requirement comes from the university and programme you are applying to.
What IELTS Score Do You Need for France?
There is no universal IELTS score for studying in France. However, students can use the following ranges as a general planning reference, not as official French government requirements:
| IELTS Score | General Planning Level |
|---|---|
| 5.5 | May be sufficient for some programmes with lower language requirements |
| 6.0 | Common target for many English-taught programmes |
| 6.5 | Stronger target for many Master’s and competitive programmes |
| 7.0+ | May be required by some highly selective or language-intensive programmes |
The actual requirement can be higher or lower depending on the university, degree and field of study. Students should also check whether the university has minimum scores for individual sections, such as Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
For this reason, if you are preparing for IELTS for France, it is better to select your target score after checking the requirements of the programmes you are interested in.
Can You Study in France Without IELTS?
Yes, some students may be able to study in France without IELTS, but this does not mean that IELTS is automatically unnecessary for everyone.
The key question is what alternative evidence your chosen institution accepts. Depending on the university and programme, alternatives may include another recognised English-language test or an institutional exemption. In some cases, a university may consider previous education conducted in English, but this is entirely dependent on its own admission policy.
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is not a universal substitute for IELTS in France. Some institutions may accept it, while others may still require a standardised English-language test.
Similarly, PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test acceptance varies between institutions. Students should confirm acceptance directly with their chosen university rather than assuming that a test accepted by one French institution will automatically be accepted by another.
Therefore, if you are searching for study in France without IELTS, focus on the individual programme’s official English-language requirements.
IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo: Which Test Should You Take?
The best English test depends on the universities and programmes you plan to apply to.
| Test | What to Know |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Widely recognised and commonly accepted by universities worldwide, including French institutions |
| TOEFL iBT | Commonly used for academic English assessment and accepted by many institutions |
| PTE Academic | Accepted by some French universities and higher education institutions |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted by some institutions, but acceptance varies significantly by programme |
For Nepali students, IELTS Academic can be a practical option if multiple universities are being considered, because it is widely recognised. However, students should still check their shortlisted institutions before deciding which test to take.
There is no benefit in taking a particular test simply because it is popular if your chosen programme does not accept it.
English-Taught Courses Available in France
Students looking to study in France in English can find programmes across a variety of academic disciplines. English-taught opportunities are particularly well established in business and management, engineering and technology, science, environment and health science, and law and economics.
Business and Management
Business is one of the strongest areas for English-taught programmes in France. Depending on the institution, students may find programmes related to:
- Business Management
- International Business
- Finance
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
- International Management
- Luxury Brand Management
France can be particularly attractive for students interested in international business and management because of its strong presence in global business, luxury, tourism and other international industries.
Computer Science and Information Technology
Students interested in technology can also find English-taught programmes in areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology
- Digital Transformation
The exact availability depends on the institution and academic level.
Engineering and Technology
Engineering is another important area for English-taught higher education in France. Available programmes can include areas such as:
- General Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Engineering
- Aerospace-related studies
- Technology and Innovation
Engineering and Technology is among the fields with a particularly strong selection of English-taught programmes in France.
Science, Environment and Health
English-taught opportunities are also available in science-related areas, including programmes connected to:
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability
- Life Sciences
- Health Science
- Natural Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Technology
The availability of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes varies by institution.
Law, Economics and Social Sciences
Students interested in law, economics and related social sciences can also find English-medium options. These may include:
- Economics
- International Economics
- European Studies
- International Relations
- International Business Law
- Political Science
- Public Policy
Again, students should verify the programme language carefully because some courses in these fields may be bilingual or partially taught in French.
Art, Design, Fashion and Humanities
France is also well known for education related to creative industries. English-taught options can be found in areas such as:
- Fashion
- Fashion Management
- Art and Design
- Graphic Design
- Creative Industries
- Humanities
- Languages and Cultural Studies
Portfolio requirements may apply to certain creative programmes, so students should check the individual institution’s admission criteria.
What Should Nepali Students Check Before Choosing an English-Taught Programme?
Finding a programme advertised as “English-taught” is only the first step. Before choosing a university, Nepali students should check how much of the programme is actually delivered in English and whether French is required for any compulsory part of the course.
University programme pages and official course catalogues can provide information about programme content, admission conditions, degree status or accreditation, the percentage of courses taught in English, tuition fees, location and the possibility of taking French-language courses.
Students should therefore check:
- Whether the programme is 100% taught in English
- Whether any compulsory courses are taught in French
- The required English test
- The minimum IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score, if applicable
- Whether an English-language exemption is available
- Whether previous English-medium education is accepted as proof
- Whether the programme is Bachelor’s or Master’s level
- The institution’s admission requirements
- Whether the qualification is officially recognised/accredited
This is especially important because “English available” does not always mean “100% English.”
Study in France in English: What Does It Mean for You?
For Nepali students, the opportunity to study in France in English means you can access French higher education without necessarily becoming fluent in French before starting your degree.
France offers more than 1,600 programmes taught partly or entirely in English. Many of these are concentrated in fields such as business, management, engineering, technology, science, law and economics.
The most important point is that there is no single English-language requirement for all of France. Your university and programme determine whether IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo or another form of English proficiency evidence is accepted.
Likewise, you should not assume that you need French simply because you are going to France. If you select a programme that is officially taught entirely in English, French may not be an academic admission requirement. Nevertheless, learning basic French can be a valuable advantage for everyday communication and integration.
If you are exploring study in France in English, BrightPath can help you understand the language requirements, compare suitable English-taught programmes and identify options that match your academic background and future plans.
The right approach is simple: choose the programme first, check its official language requirements, and then prepare the English test or alternative evidence that the institution actually accepts.
Common Mistakes Nepali Students Should Avoid
- Assuming every programme is in English: France has a large English-taught programme catalogue, but not every course is completely in English.
- Assuming IELTS 6.0 works everywhere: English-language requirements vary between institutions and programmes.
- Assuming IELTS is universally required for the visa: Always distinguish between university admission requirements and visa requirements.
- Using outdated financial information: For applications submitted from 1 August 2026, the current France-Visas minimum resource requirement is €877.50 per month.
- Ignoring French completely: You may be able to study your degree in English, but basic French can be valuable for daily life, networking and employment.
- Choosing a course only because it is taught in English: Also consider tuition fees, academic quality, location, career relevance, internships and long-term goals.
How BrightPath Can Help
Planning to study in France in English involves more than finding a course taught in English. You need to identify a programme that matches your academic background, understand its language requirements, prepare the correct documents, complete the applicable Études en France procedure and prepare your student visa application properly.
BrightPath Nepal can assist students with:
- Academic profile assessment
- University and programme selection
- IELTS, PTE and Duolingo guidance
- Application assistance
- SOP and CV guidance
- Documentation support
- Études en France guidance
- Student visa documentation guidance
- Interview preparation
- Pre-departure guidance
You can explore BrightPath’s Study Abroad Counselling service for guidance based on your academic profile and study plans. If you are comparing France with other destinations, you can also explore BrightPath’s Study in the UK from Nepal guide.
Final Thoughts
You do not necessarily need fluent French to study in France. France offers a growing range of opportunities for international students who want to pursue higher education in English.
For Nepali students, the key is to choose the right programme, not simply an English-taught programme. Check the university’s academic and English-language requirements, understand the applicable Études en France procedure, and use the latest France-Visas guidance when preparing your visa. In particular, remember that applications submitted from 1 August 2026 require proof of resources of at least €877.50 per month under the current France-Visas requirement.
If you are planning to study in France in English, start with three questions:
What does my university require?
What does my programme require?
And what does the latest French visa guidance require?
Getting these three areas right can help you build a stronger and more realistic plan for studying in France.