By Zekeria Madadi | September 12, 2026 | 0 Comments

Study in France Without IELTS: Universities and Scholarships

Introduction

Studying in France without IELTS is possible for some international students, but it does not mean that every French university accepts students without an English test. The requirement depends on the university and study program. Some universities may accept a previous degree taught in English, another English certificate, or another proof of English. France also has many English-taught programs. Campus France lists more than 1,300 active programs taught fully or partly in English. Therefore, students should check the official university requirements before applying.

1. University of Rennes – International Graduate Program

University: University of Rennes

Program: International Graduate Program (IGP)

Advantages:

English-taught study
IELTS may not be required
Previous English degree accepted
International study environment

Conditions:

Relevant academic degree
Good academic record
English ability
Program-specific requirements

The University of Rennes states that an English test is not mandatory for native English speakers or students who graduated from a degree taught in English. This makes it an important option for students who want to study in France without IELTS. However, applicants must still meet the academic requirements of the selected program.

Official registration / website:
University of Rennes – IGP

2. Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour

University: Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour

Program: International Master Programs

Advantages:

English-taught master’s
No French required
International students welcome
Different study fields

Conditions:

Relevant bachelor’s degree
Academic documents
English ability
Program requirements

UPPA offers international master’s programs taught entirely in English. The university states that students in these programs do not need previous knowledge of French. Applicants should check the English requirement for their selected program because requirements can differ.

Official registration / website:
Université de Pau – International Master Programs

3. IAE Angers – Université d’Angers

University: Université d’Angers

Program: English-taught Master’s programs

Advantages:

English-taught options
French may not be required
Suitable for international students
Master’s study

Conditions:

Bachelor’s degree
Academic documents
English knowledge
Program-specific conditions

IAE Angers states that no French level is required for students who only attend classes taught in English. The exact English requirement depends on the program, so applicants should check the official admission page before applying without IELTS.

Official registration / website:
IAE Angers – Admissions

4. Université de Brest – STORM Master’s Degree

University: Université de Brest

Program: Sustainability Transition for Ocean and Marine Resources (STORM)

Advantages:

Master’s degree
Sustainability focus
Environmental subject
English study option

Conditions:

Relevant bachelor’s degree
B2 English or equivalent
One year of higher education in English may be accepted
Other program requirements

The STORM program states that applicants can show B2 English or evidence of at least one year of higher education taught in English. Therefore, some applicants may meet the English requirement without submitting IELTS, depending on the accepted proof.

Official registration / website:
Université de Brest – STORM Program

5. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1

University: Lyon 1 University

Advantages:

English-taught programs
Bachelor and Master’s options
International students
Science and engineering fields

Conditions:

Relevant academic background
English ability
Program requirements
Required documents

Lyon 1 offers degree programs in English in several fields. For example, its Polytech programs include English and French study options at Bachelor/Master level. Applicants should check the exact language requirement of their chosen program because not every program has the same IELTS policy.

Official registration / website:
Université Lyon 1 – International Students

6. Université de Toulouse

University: Université de Toulouse

Advantages:

English-taught Master’s
Many study areas
International environment
Master’s opportunities

Conditions:

Bachelor’s degree
Relevant academic background
English ability
Program-specific requirements

Université de Toulouse provides information about Master’s programs taught in English. Students can review the available programs and then check the language requirements of each program before applying.

Official registration / website:
Université de Toulouse – Master’s in English

7. Campus France – English-Taught Programs

Platform: Campus France

Advantages:

Official French platform
1,300+ English-taught programs
Many study fields
Search by program

Conditions:

University admission
Program requirements
English proof if required
Visa requirements

Campus France provides an official catalog for programs taught in English. It is one of the best places to search for French universities and programs before applying. Importantly, the absence of IELTS is not automatic; each program can set its own language rules.

Official website:
Campus France – Programs Taught in English

8. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

Scholarship: France Excellence Eiffel

Study level: Master’s and PhD

Advantages:

French government scholarship
Master’s and PhD
International students
Financial support

Conditions:

Apply through an eligible French institution
Meet age requirements
Meet academic requirements
Follow university language rules

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for international students at Master’s and PhD level. It is important to understand that Eiffel itself does not mean “IELTS not required.” The university and selected program decide the language requirements.

Official registration / website:
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship – Campus France

How to Study in France Without IELTS

The easiest way is to search for an English-taught program and carefully check its official language requirements. Some universities may accept a previous degree taught in English instead of IELTS. For example, the University of Rennes clearly states that an English test is not mandatory when the applicant graduated from a degree taught in English. Other programs may accept another English certificate or equivalent proof.

Students should never assume that “without IELTS” means “without English proof.” Campus France also explains that English-taught programs can still require English certification such as IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the institution.

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