France is one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe, offering world-class universities, rich cultural life, affordable education, and strong career opportunities across the European Union. For the 2026 intake, many French universities allow international students to study without IELTS or TOEFL by accepting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.
An MOI certificate is an official letter from your previous school or university confirming that your degree was taught and assessed entirely in English. This option allows students to apply for fully funded and tuition-waiver scholarships in France without taking expensive English language tests.
France is known for its safe cities, low or no tuition fees at public universities, English-taught programs, and excellent post-study work opportunities, including up to 2 years of stay for Master’s graduates.
Why Study in France Without IELTS?
Many French universities accept MOI certificates instead of IELTS or TOEFL
Public universities offer very low or no tuition fees, even for non-EU students
Living costs are reasonable compared to other Western European countries (€800–1,400/month)
Safe and multicultural environment with English widely spoken in universities
Post-study work option through APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) for up to 2 years
More than 400,000 international students from over 180 countries
Over 1,500 English-taught degree programs in various fields
Central location in Europe with easy travel to other EU countries
Top Universities in France Without IELTS (MOI Accepted)
The following institutions commonly accept an English Proficiency Certificate or MOI letter instead of IELTS or TOEFL. Always confirm MOI acceptance by email before applying.
- American Business School of Paris
- EBS Paris
- Rennes School of Business
- ESGCI Paris
- ESLSCA Business School
- EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
- ESAIP School of Engineers
- IESA International
- INSEEC Business School
- ISC Paris
- NEOMA Business School
- Paris School of Business
- SKEMA Business School
- Toulouse Business School
Tip: Most French universities reply quickly and positively if you email them about MOI acceptance.
Major Scholarships in France Without IELTS 2026
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Fully funded Master’s and PhD programs
Monthly stipend (€1,181 for Master’s and €1,700 for PhD)
Covers travel costs, insurance, and cultural activities
MOI accepted instead of IELTS
Fields include science, engineering, economics, law, and political science
Erasmus+ Program
Fully funded Master’s degrees and exchange semesters
Covers tuition, monthly stipend (€800–1,200), travel, and insurance
MOI accepted
Available at many French universities
Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
Full or partial tuition waiver with possible living allowance
For non-EU students at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels
MOI accepted
Based on merit and financial need
Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
€10,000 per year with possible additional support
For international Master’s students
MOI accepted
Merit-based selection
University of Paris Scholarships
Partial to full tuition waivers with stipend support
For Master’s programs
MOI accepted
Available in humanities, sciences, economics, arts, medicine, and pharmacy
French Government Scholarships via Campus France
Fully funded Master’s and PhD programs
Covers tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, and travel
MOI accepted
Applications processed through Campus France offices
How to Study in France Without IELTS
Request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous institution
Choose a French university or program that accepts MOI
Apply online through Campus France (for most non-EU students) or directly to the university
Submit MOI certificate instead of IELTS or TOEFL
Receive an offer letter and apply for a VLS-TS student visa
Visa processing usually takes 4–8 weeks
Important tip: Always confirm MOI acceptance before applying.
Living Costs in France (2026 Estimate)
Average monthly living costs range between €800 and €1,400
Paris: €1,200–€1,800
Other cities such as Lyon, Toulouse, and Strasbourg: €800–€1,200
Shared accommodation: €400–€700
Food: around €250
Public transport: €50–€100
Most Eiffel and Campus France scholarships cover tuition and living expenses very well.
Application Checklist
Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
Strong motivation letter or research proposal (PhD)
Early online application
Regular application tracking
Student visa documents via Campus France
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not confirming MOI acceptance with the university
Applying to programs that strictly require IELTS
Late applications
Weak or generic motivation letters
Incomplete or incorrect document uploads
