International Master Programs Admissions Process FAQs
Applications to International Master Programs taught in English at the University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) will be open from October 2025 to spring of 2026 for admission at the UPPA in 2026-2027.
To find the application process applicable to your case, refer to this page.
Here, you will find FAQs about the application procedure, program costs, grants, and visas. We will continue to add to this page over time.
If your question is not covered here, you may email the International Master Programs Admissions Office.
Applications to our Master Program taught in English at the UPPA are open from October to Spring for admission in the following September. We do not have a January intake.
Applications must be submitted on the appropriate platform (Etudes en France / MonMaster / eCandidat) in order to be examined for admission.
To find the application process and deadlines applicable to your situation, refer to this page.
Application procedures and deadlines depend upon several parameters: an applicant's nationality, country of residence when applying, previous studies undertaken, level and type of studies he/she wishes to undertake at the UPPA.
See here for more information.
As of 2026-2027, there is no longer a ranking system during the application process.
It is generally a good idea to prepare
- A curriculum vitae / résumé
- A letter of motivation stating your full name, the Master Program to which you are applying, and your motivations for this choice.
- 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)
- Transcripts of records including student ranking. If ranking is not available, a GPA score can be provided.
- 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.
- A curriculum vitae / résumé
The UPPA offers a 5-year integrated Master’s/PhD program which provides research-intensive training in multiple fields, called the GREEN Graduate Program (GRaduate school for Energetic and Environmental iNnovation). Several courses of study taught entirely in English are part of this program.
The GREEN Graduate Program is open to high-potential students from a variety of scientific backgrounds who have completed their undergraduate training with highest honors.
To be selected, candidates must explicitly indicate in their letters of motivation their desire to integrate the GREEN Graduate Program, providing reasons for why they wish to participate in this research-focused PhD-Track.
For more information about this program, please see the dedicated webpage: https://organisation.univ-pau.fr/en/major-projects/green-university-research-school.html
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.
Student ranking and / or GPA (Grade Point Average) is crucial information that the selection committee will take into account when reviewing your application, and in particular when selecting candidates for grants.
Candidates who are unable to provide their ranking or GPA can still apply but might not be selected for a merit-based grant.
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.
A minimum B2 level in English is required to be admitted to our International Master Programs. The University accepts a variety of English Language tests such as: TOEIC, TOEFL, TOEFL Internet-based Test, IELTS, CPE, PTE (Pearson Test of English), CAE. Please check to be sure your test results are still valid (CPE and CAE results are valid for life).
You may download our language test equivalency chart here.
You do not need to submit a certificate if: you are a native speaker of English, your undergraduate or graduate degree was conducted entirely in English or in an English-speaking country, or you have lived or worked in an English-speaking country for at least two years since graduating from university.
All other students must provide a certificate or diploma proving your level of English. If you cannot book an English language placement test due to the pandemic, online placement tests may be provided for informational purposes (Duolingo, etc). Please be aware that in this case, your English language abilities may need to be verified during an interview with your professors before processing your application. Here is an informative guide for evaluating your language abilities.
If you are applying to a GREEN ASSET Master program, taught in French and English, you will need to provide proof of a minimum B1 level of French.
To be admitted to an International Master Program taught entirely in English at the UPPA, no prior knowledge of French is required.
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.
More information coming
The Campus France - Études en France procedure pertains to non-EU nationals living in one of these countries.
All extra-European candidates living in a country using this system should apply using the Etudes En France platform and according to its calendar.
Responses to applications are given according to the calendars of the admission process (Etudes En France, MonMaster, eCandidat).
More information coming soon.
Application fees depend upon the application procedure. Fees may or may not apply.
The total cost of a Master Program at the UPPA is made up of administrative tuition and student body fees.
Enrollment Fees at the UPPA are published here: https://formation.univ-pau.fr/en/admissions/enrollment-fees.html
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.
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 €3879. European FORCO students are subject to a different tuition scale and should contact the FORCO directly 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 €105 in 2025-2026).
- 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.
Yes, as long as you meet enrollment deadlines, you may pay university tuition either in one lump sum or request to pay in installments.
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, 2025.
To be considered for a grant from the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you must apply by December 15, 2025.
You have no further steps to take.
- Most merit-based grants do not exonerate recipients from paying university enrollment fees.
- Generally speaking, such grants can only be disbursed after arriving in France and opening a French bank account, among other formalities. This may take up to 8 weeks, so it is important to plan your finances accordingly.
It is not possible to advance any grant money to laureates before their arrival in France.
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.
Be sure to check Campus France’s Grant search engine to see if you qualify for another type of grant.
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.
Know more: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/
Students living in one of the countries must apply using the Campus France Etudes en France platform:
- Your visa application must be submitted through this platform, on time.
- Upon admission, you should apply for a long-stay student visa.
If you live in a country that does not use the Etudes en France platform and you are admitted to a Master Program at the UPPA (via MonMaster or eCandidat), you can use the France-Visas.gouv.fr website to find out how to go about requesting a student visa.
Know more: https://www.campusfrance.org/en
You must confirm your intent to enroll in the master program. Upon confirmation, you will be able to download your admission letter from the application website.
Please send your admission letter by email to the International Master Programs Admissions Office, copying the Academic Director of the program. You will find his/her email in the program brochure.
We suggest you click here to read our International Student Guide which includes helpful information about administrative formalities, insurance, enrollment, bank accounts, healthcare in France, etc.
You will find an estimated budget published on page 4 of the guide, specific to the cities where the UPPA has its campuses.
Campus France has also published general information about preparing your budget.
