What PTE Score Do You Need for France?

The tables above reveal something most blogs ignore: French schools do not use the same PTE-to-IELTS conversion. KEDGE treats PTE 46 as matching IELTS 6.0, while GEM pairs PTE 63 with IELTS 6.5 and HEC pairs PTE 72 with IELTS 7.0.

Use this planning guide:

Remember: PTE Academic scores are generally valid for two years. Schools such as HEC and INSEAD want results that are under two years old at the application deadline.

The Pacific 3-Tier PTE Verification Framework

This is the exact decision method our counsellors use for France.

1. Tier 1 – Confirmed: The official page names PTE and a score → book PTE and aim for the minimum + 5 points.
2. Tier 2 – Programme-dependent: The school accepts PTE for some courses only → get written confirmation for your course and intake.
3. Tier 3 – Not listed: No PTE on the page → take IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo, or use an English Medium of Instruction (MOI) waiver if the school offers one.

Our data-based conclusion: Of the 10 institutions we checked directly for this guide, only 4 publish a clear PTE score, 2 are programme-dependent and 4 do not list PTE at all. In other words, roughly 6 in 10 French options need extra checking before PTE is a safe bet.

Find English-Taught Courses in France That Accept Your PTE Score — Search Now

PTE vs MOI Waiver: Can Indian Students Skip the Test?

Many French business schools waive the English test if your bachelor's degree was taught fully in English. HEC Paris, EDHEC and IÉSEG all describe such exemptions, usually proven with an MOI letter from your university.

However, a waiver is the school's decision, not a right. We recommend keeping a valid English score if you are also applying for scholarships, since some scholarship panels still rank applicants on test scores.

France Student Visa Rules 2026-27: What Changed and What Doesn't Involve PTE

Your PTE score gets you admitted. The visa depends on money and paperwork. For the full step-by-step process, read our France student visa guide. Below are only the 2026 updates that affect your budget.

How Much Money Should You Show? (Worked Example)

The new €877.50/month rule means €10,530 for 12 months of living funds — roughly ₹11.6 lakh at about ₹110 per euro. This is on top of tuition.

For business schools, replace the tuition line with your programme's fee (often €15,000–€45,000).

Tuition Fees in France 2026-27: Public vs Business Schools

From the 2026-27 academic year, non-EU students at public universities pay differentiated fees of €2,902 (Bachelor's) and €3,950 (Master's) per year. A decree dated 19 May 2026 also limits how many international students a university can exempt: 30% in 2026-27, falling to 25% in 2027-28 (Service-Public.fr).

In practice, fewer Indian students will get fee waivers at public universities for the 2027 intake. Business schools, where PTE is more commonly accepted, charge far more but also run their own merit scholarships.

For programme-level fees and salaries at top business schools, see our guide to the Master in Management in France.

PTE Cost for Indian Students and Smart Timing

The PTE Academic fee in India is ₹18,900 (incl. 18% GST) from 16 March 2026. Results usually arrive within about 48 hours, which helps if a French deadline is close. See our breakdown of PTE exam fees in India and how to book your PTE test step by step.

PTE Go/No-Go Checklist for France

Tick every box before you pay for PTE:

• ☐ My exact programme page names "PTE Academic" (not just "equivalent")
• ☐ I know the minimum overall score and any per-skill minimum
• ☐ My test date leaves at least 3 weeks before the application round deadline
• ☐ The score will still be under 2 years old at the deadline
• ☐ I've checked whether an MOI waiver makes the test unnecessary
• ☐ Every other school on my shortlist also accepts PTE

If any box stays empty, pause and verify. Our PTE coaching programme includes a free France shortlist check before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which universities in France accept PTE?
Official pages confirm PTE Academic at HEC Paris (MBA), INSEAD (MBA), EDHEC (MiM) and KEDGE Business School. GEM and emlyon accept it for some programmes only. Always confirm on your exact programme page.

Q2. Is PTE accepted for a France student visa?
The visa itself does not require any English test. Campus France and the consulate check your admission, funds, accommodation and documents. You need PTE only if your university asks for it.

Q3. What is the minimum PTE score for France?
It ranges from 36 (KEDGE BBA Year 1) to 72 (HEC Paris and INSEAD MBAs). Most Master's programmes that accept PTE ask for roughly 41–65.

Q4. Do French public universities accept PTE?
Rarely. Most public universities list IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge or Duolingo. Grenoble IAE, for example, does not include PTE.

Q5. Is IELTS better than PTE for France?
IELTS is accepted more widely across French schools. PTE is a good choice only when every school on your shortlist names it.

Q6. How much bank balance is needed for a France student visa in 2026?
From 1 August 2026, you must show at least €877.50 per month, which is €10,530 for 12 months, plus your tuition fees.

Q7. Can I study in France without PTE or IELTS?
Yes, many business schools waive the test if your bachelor's was fully taught in English and you submit an MOI letter. The waiver is at the school's discretion.

Q8. How long is a PTE score valid for French admissions?
Generally two years. HEC Paris and INSEAD require results under two years old at the application deadline.

Q9. Can Indian students stay in France after graduation?
Yes. Under an Indo-French agreement, Indian graduates can stay up to 24 months after their studies. French Master's and PhD alumni can also apply for a 5-year Schengen circulation visa.

Plan Your France Application With Pacific Educational Consultant

Choosing the right test is the first decision in your France journey — and the easiest one to get wrong. Our counsellors will verify PTE acceptance for every school on your list, plan your funds under the new €877.50 rule and handle your Campus France file and visa assistance. Explore more about studying in France, then book your free counselling session today.