If the fear of learning French has been holding you back from France, let go of it. France has quietly become one of the most English-friendly study destinations in Europe, with over 1,700 programs taught entirely in English. Pakistani students can study at top French universities and business schools, earn a globally respected degree, and never sit a French exam for admission. The only catch is knowing where to look, and that’s exactly what this guide is for.
We’ll show you where the English-taught programs are, how to find them, what you need instead of French (usually IELTS, and sometimes not even that), and how to build a smart shortlist. Let’s open France up for you.
The Truth About French (You Don’t Need It for Admission)
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right away. For English-taught programs, French is not required for admission:
- Over 1,700 English-taught programs across French universities and schools, from Bachelor’s to Master’s and PhD.
- No French exam for admission these programs ask for English proof (like IELTS), not a French test.
- Full degrees in English you study, submit assignments, and are assessed entirely in English.
- Top institutions included many leading universities and all major business schools offer English tracks.
Where the English-Taught Programs Are
English-taught programs cluster in certain places. Knowing where to look saves you time:
- Business schools almost entirely English at Master’s level (HEC, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, emlyon, SKEMA, and more).
- Engineering & tech schools many English Master’s (IP Paris, Grenoble, INSA, Télécom).
- Public university Master’s a growing number of English-taught Master’s in science, tech, and management.
- Grandes Écoles & research institutes English programs, especially at postgraduate level.
- Some English Bachelor’s fewer than Master’s, but they exist (often at private and international schools).
Popular English-Taught Fields for 2027/2028
Some fields are especially rich in English-taught options, and align with France’s strengths:
- Business & management the biggest category; MiM, MBA, finance, marketing, all in English.
- Engineering & technology English Master’s across France’s top engineering schools.
- Computer science, AI & data science fast-growing, in high demand, widely taught in English.
- Economics & finance strong English offerings at universities and business schools.
- International relations & political science Sciences Po and others teach in English.
- Sciences & mathematics many research-focused English Master’s at top universities.
Want a list of English programs matched to your field?
With 1,700+ options, finding the right English-taught programs takes know-how. Westside Visa builds you a shortlist of English programs that fit your field, level, budget, and profile.
How to Find English-Taught Programs
Here’s the reliable, step-by-step way to find genuine English-taught programs in France:
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Use the Campus France catalog
Search the official Campus France “Taught in English” program directory, it lets you filter by language, level, and field. This is your primary, trusted source.
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Check each institution’s own website
Confirm the program is fully in English (not just partly), and note the exact entry requirements and deadlines.
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Verify the institution on WHED
Make sure the university or school is listed in the UNESCO WHED database, so it’s recognised for your visa.
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Confirm it’s on Études en France
Check whether the program runs through the EeF platform (most do) or requires a direct application, then plan accordingly.
What You Need Instead of French
For English-taught programs, you prove your English, not your French. Here’s what’s usually accepted:
- IELTS the most common; typically 6.0 to 6.5+, with business schools often wanting 7.0+.
- TOEFL widely accepted as an IELTS alternative.
- PTE Academic accepted by many institutions.
- Duolingo English Test accepted by a growing number of programs.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) some universities accept an MOI letter if your prior education was in English.
- GMAT/GRE required by top business schools for MBA/MiM (in addition to English proof).
No IELTS? You May Still Qualify
Don’t have IELTS, or want to avoid it? You may still have options, though this varies by institution:
- Medium of Instruction letter if your previous studies were in English, some universities accept an MOI certificate.
- Alternative tests TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo may be accepted where IELTS is.
- Institutional English tests some schools run their own English assessment.
- Prior English-medium education a strong English academic record can help at some institutions.
How to Shortlist English-Taught Programs
With so many options, a smart, focused shortlist beats a scattered one every time. Weigh these:
- Pick a lane choose one field and keep your list coherent (this matters at the interview).
- Confirm “fully in English” some programs are only partly English; verify before applying.
- Match your English level apply where you meet (or can meet) the required score.
- Balance ambition & realism mix reach, match, and safe programs.
- Factor in budget & city public university vs business school changes your costs hugely.
Should You Still Learn Some French?
You don’t need French for admission, but here’s the honest, practical answer: a little French helps a lot once you’re there.
- Daily life shopping, transport, admin, and making friends are all easier with basic French.
- Part-time opportunities more student roles open up with some French.
- Settling in faster French helps you feel at home and integrate.
- Future prospects French can widen your opportunities after your studies.
- It’s a bonus, not a barrier you can learn it gradually, after you arrive.
Quick Facts
English-Taught Programs in France 2027/2028 Key Facts
Mistakes to Avoid With English-Taught Applications
Even with English programs, avoidable mistakes cause rejections. Watch for these:
Assuming a program is fully in English
Some “English” programs are only partly taught in English, and applying without checking causes problems.
Fix it first: Confirm on the institution’s own site that the program is 100% English-taught.
Missing the English test requirement
Applying without the required IELTS/TOEFL score (or assuming an MOI letter is accepted) leads to rejection.
Fix it first: Check each program’s exact English requirement and sit the test in good time.
A scattered, incoherent shortlist
Mixing unrelated fields, even in English, reads as a non-genuine study plan at the interview.
Fix it first: Pick one field and keep your program list focused and coherent.
Overlooking business-school extras
Applying to a top business school without the GMAT/GRE it requires wastes the application.
Fix it first: Check whether your target schools need GMAT/GRE, and prepare early if so.
Not verifying the institution
Applying to a program at an institution not on WHED or the Campus France catalog can cause visa problems.
Fix it first: Verify every institution on WHED and the Campus France catalog before applying.
Thinking English means no effort with French
Refusing to learn any French can make daily life and settling in unnecessarily hard.
Fix it first: Plan to pick up basic French for daily life, often free through your university.
How Westside Visa Helps You Find the Right Program
Here’s the honest truth: France’s 1,700+ English-taught programs are a huge opportunity, but the sheer number makes finding the right ones genuinely hard. Confirming which are fully in English, meet your level, fit your budget, and form a coherent list is exactly the kind of work that pays off. That’s where we come in.
At Westside Visa, our consultants in DHA Lahore help Pakistani students find and apply to the right English-taught French programs. We help you:
- Find genuine English programs matched to your field and level.
- Confirm they’re fully in English no partial-French surprises.
- Sort out your English proof IELTS, alternatives, or a no-IELTS route.
- Build a coherent shortlist focused, balanced, and winnable.
- Fit your budget & city public vs business school, with scholarships in mind.
- Verify everything WHED, Campus France catalog, and deadlines.
We turn a world of English-taught options into the right handful for you, so language is never the thing standing between you and France. Think of us as your teammate, experienced, transparent, and fully on your side.
Study in France, in English
French is not a barrier, France has 1,700+ English-taught programs waiting. Let Westside Visa find the right ones for you for 2027/2028. Book your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French to study in France? +
No, not for English-taught programs. France offers over 1,700 programs taught entirely in English, and these ask for English proof (like IELTS), not a French test. You study, submit work, and are assessed in English. Some French helps with daily life once you arrive, but it’s not required for admission or study.
How many English-taught programs does France have? +
More than 1,700, across universities, Grandes Écoles, and business schools, from Bachelor’s to Master’s and PhD. English options are most abundant at Master’s level. You can find them through the official Campus France “Taught in English” program catalog, filtering by field, level, and city.
What English test do I need? +
IELTS is the most common (typically 6.0 to 6.5+, with business schools often wanting 7.0+). TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo are widely accepted alternatives. Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter if your prior education was in English. Top business schools usually also require GMAT or GRE. Always check each program’s exact requirement.
Can I study in France without IELTS? +
Sometimes, yes, it depends on the institution. Options include a Medium of Instruction letter (if you studied in English before), alternative tests like TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, or an institution’s own English assessment. These routes are institution-specific, so never assume. See our dedicated study without IELTS guide for the full picture.
Are English-taught programs at good universities? +
Yes. Many of France’s top universities and all major business schools offer English-taught programs, especially at Master’s level. Institutions like IP Paris, Sciences Po, and the leading business schools (HEC, ESSEC, ESCP) teach extensively in English. You can earn a globally respected, QS-ranked degree entirely in English.
Does Westside Visa help me find English programs? +
Yes — we find genuine, fully English-taught programs matched to your field, level, and budget, confirm they’re 100% in English, sort out your English proof (IELTS, alternatives, or a no-IELTS route), build a coherent shortlist, and verify every institution. Contact us to get started.
Explore More France 2027/2028 Guides
Plan the rest of your application here:
- France September 2027 intake guide the full timeline & rules.
- Study in France without IELTS your no-IELTS options.
- Top universities in France 2027 where to study.
- France scholarships 2027 fund your studies.
- Contact Westside Visa book your free consultation.
Ready to study in France, in English?
With 1,700+ English-taught programs, France is more open than you think. Westside Visa finds the right ones for you, with honest, expert advice you can trust.
Disclaimer: This blog is general information only and not official advice. The number of English-taught programs (1,700+), English test requirements, and admission rules change every cycle and vary by institution, and were correct at the time of writing. Always confirm current details on the official Campus France “Taught in English” catalog and each institution’s own website, and seek personalised guidance from Westside Visa before applying. Admission decisions rest solely with the institutions.
