Admissions Process FAQs

Applying to a Master Program is done in three steps:

1. creating your application by filling in the application form on our platform. You will receive a confirmation email at the end of this step with a link to create your login at the very bottom of this email.
2. creating your login. You will receive another email containing your login and password.
3. uploading your supporting documents (see FAQ #4, below).

You will receive a confirmation email when your application is complete (all documents submitted and validated). Your application must be complete in order to be considered by the academic committee for admission.

The documents to be submitted are:

1. A curriculum vitae / résumé
   
2. A letter of motivation stating your full name, the Master Program to which you are applying, and your motivations for this choice.
   • Please note: you must submit one PDF file containing one to three letters of motivation, one per Master Program to which you are applying. That is, if you are applying to three Master Programs, you should upload three letters of motivation, combined into one PDF.
3. A letter of reference from the supervisor of the program you are currently attending or from your latest academic supervisor, as well as any additional recommendation (academic or professional, if applicable)
4. Transcripts of records including student ranking. If ranking is not available, a GPA score can be provided.
5. An English proficiency certificate (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, CPE, PTE, CAE... minimum equivalent to a B2 level), unless English is your native language, or you have completed higher studies in English. Your English may also be assessed during the admission process. For more information, please see FAQ #9. 

We are aware that some documents cannot be obtained right away (studies currently underway) and delays may be unavoidable gathering the information needed to consider your application (e.g. references, certificates). Unofficial transcripts may be submitted in order to allow us to evaluate your application, but after admission, official documents will be required for enrollment.

The UPPA accepts original diplomas issued in French, English and Spanish. If your copies are not in one of those languages, you will need to translate them into French by a sworn translator. The French embassy in your country will have a list of local sworn translators.

No prior knowledge of French is required to be admitted to an International Master Program taught in English at the UPPA.

During the admission process, we ask you to indicate your approximate level of French, as this helps us to prepare French-language courses for incoming students.

Here is an informative guide for evaluating your language abilities.

The Campus France - Études en France procedure is an application process for non-EU nationals living in one of these countries. Candidates living in a country using this system should apply via Etudes En France first, according to the calendar published by the local Campus France office, in order to streamline the visa application process.

All candidates interested in our Master Programs must also apply via our dedicated platform, as this is a requirement for being admitted.

Yes. If you are interested in joining the UPPA but are worried about potential travel restrictions, we would still encourage you to apply. We continue to monitor the situation and provide support to incoming admitted students as needed.

The total cost of a Master Program at the UPPA is made up of administrative tuition and student fees.

Administrative tuition in France is determined at a national level. The French Ministerial Order of April 19, 2019, amended on June 9, 2020, sets the national diploma fee for a Master Program as follows:

• European nationals: €243
• Extra-European nationals: €3770

For academic year 2023-2024, the board of directors of the UPPA extended its policy of automatically providing partial exemptions from differentiated enrollment fees to international students who would otherwise be subjected to these higher rates, except for students enrolling in the GREEN Graduate Program (no exoneration, cost: 3770 euros).

As a result, extra-European nationals who enroll in Master programs other than the GREEN Graduate Program, and via formation initiale (classic enrollment), were granted automatic partial reductions such that they will be able to pay the same enrollment fees as European nationals.

Fees for academic year 2024-2025 will be updated soon.

Important: Additional pedagogical fees are required for enrollment in Management degrees (EIBS). Please see the program brochure for more information.

Important: Admitted candidates in any course of study who have taken a break of two or more years from their studies may not enroll via formation initiale (classic enrollment). Instead, they must enroll via the UPPA’s Continuing Education service (Formation Continue / DFTLV / FORCO). FORCO students are exempt from the CVEC, however they are subject to a different tuition scale, determined by the FORCO in the spring. One year of a Master's degree for a non-European FORCO student will cost a minimum of €3770. European FORCO students are subject to a different tuition scale and should contact the FORCO directly (accueil.forco @ univ-pau.fr) to request a personalized quote for their studies.

Extra fees: 

• In addition to academic tuition, most formation initiale (classic enrollment) students must pay a student body fee (CVEC, which cost €100 in 2023-2024). 
• In order to enroll at the UPPA, all students must provide proof of Third-Party Liability Insurance (assurance responsabilité civile - vie privée). See page 7 of our International Student Guide for more information and money-saving tips.

On page 4 of our International Student Guide, you will find an estimated budget which breaks down program costs, optional and required insurance, and cost of living for your stay in France.

To be considered for a merit-based grant, you have only to apply on time to a Master Program via our platform. Our academic committees evaluate each application and put forth the best candidates for grants.

To be considered for an Eiffel Scholarship of Excellence  you must apply by November 30, 2023.

To be considered for a grant from the Conseil Régional Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you must apply by December 15, 2023. 

You have no further steps to take.

Most meri-based grants are awarded for one year only.

Students have the option of applying for a second year of funding the following year but do not necessarily take priority over new applicants.

Non-EU nationals will need a visa to study in France. The visa application process varies depending upon nationality AND current place of residence.

Please refer to the France-Visas.gouv.fr website for accurate information specific to your situation.

Candidates applying to an International Master taught in English at the UPPA are first admitted to the program and then apply for a visa via a fast-track process for admitted students.

Within two weeks of receiving your admission letter, you must confirm your intent to enroll in the master program.

If we do not receive your confirmation within the two-week timeframe, you will be transferred to the waitlist and we cannot guarantee that your place in the master will be available.

Please send your confirmation by email to the International Master Programs Admissions Office (master.programs @ univ-pau.fr), copying the Academic Director of the program. You will find his/her email in the program brochure.