TOEFL Requirement for France Student Visa: The 2025 Guide for Indian Aspirants
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Introduction
So you dream of studying in France, the country of croissants, cutting-edge research and world-class universities. But before packing your bags, there’s a necessary step: to know the requirements of TOEFL France for the visa of Indian students. For Indian students, the prospect of navigating the ToEFL landscape and meeting the required threshold in France can be daunting. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the TOEFL France test for a French student visa, from the minimum required score to university policies and the latest trends for Indian applicants. And if you aspire to study at Sciences Po, HEC Paris or a top university in a scientific field, let’s make your French student TOEFL journey as easy as it can get.
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Why This Topic Matters: The Global & Indian Perspective
The TOEFL France requirement isn’t a mere formality, but your ticket to a transformative international education. In 2025, the number of Indian students in France will be higher than ever, thanks to the cheap tuition, the English-taught courses, the good employment prospects. According to the latest figures, more than 12,000 Indians are expected to enrol in French universities this year, with the majority choosing courses in science, technology, engineering and management. TOEFL is now a standard requirement for French students applying to an English-medium programme.
France is rising in the world rankings of the QS, with Paris-Saclay, HEC Paris, and Sciences Po among the first choices of ambitious Indian students. The TOEFL France you need depends on your course and university. But competition is becoming fiercer as more and more students opt for France as their destination, attracted by its academic excellence and its European lifestyle.
| Year | Indian Students in France | % Growth YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8,500 | +18% |
| 2023 | 10,200 | +20% |
| 2024 | 11,500 | +13% |
| 2025 (est.) | 12,800 | +11% |
🎯 Important: 2025 Policy Update
TOEFL France requirements are now aligned with the minimum requirements of the university you’ve chosen. There’s no national cut-off score, but you must meet or exceed the TOEFL score required by the university to be granted a visa. Before applying, always check your program’s most recent requirements.
Understanding TOEFL France: Minimum Scores & Band France Explained
Let’s be real: TOEFL France score you need isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. Each university, and sometimes each course, has its own minimum. Thing is, for most English-taught bachelor and master’s degree courses, the TOEFL France requirement is:
- TOEFL iBT: The total test score is 79-100. TOEFL France most programs have an expectation of 85-95, and competitive programs such as business and engineering could have an expectation of 100+.
- TOEFL PBT: 550-600 is a good score, although it is not so popular. It is always advisable to enquire of your university in France before applying.
- Sectional Scores: TOEFL France also requires the minimum of 20+ on Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing so that the student knows that they are equally proficient in all of the skills.
For Indian students, the TOEFL iBT score of 90+ is often enough for the top public universities, while business schools such as HEC Paris or Sciences Po may demand a score of 95-100.
| University | Level | TOEFL iBT Min. |
|---|---|---|
| Paris-Saclay University | Undergraduate | 79 |
| HEC Paris | UG/PG | 100 |
| Sciences Po | All English Programs | 95 |
| École Polytechnique | UG | 90 |
| American University of Paris | UG/PG | 88–101 |
🎯 Important: TOEFL France and Visa Approval
TOEFL minimum requirements of the university are the reference point for the If you fall short of the minimum, even by a single point, you may Always try to get a TOEFL score for French students that’s well above the requirements.
TOEFL France for Indian Students: Application, Documents & Visa Checklist
We can now look at the practical measures of Indian students. The TOEFL France experience is more than the test itself, it entails a lot of knowledge paperwork and planning as well.
Step 1: Short list universities and programs.
Ensure that you have the France university TOEFL requirements, rules, and regulations to ascertain that you satisfy their eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Sign up for the TOEFL iBT
Aim at the needed TOEFL band France and leave a safety margin so as to optimize your opportunities.
Step 3: Gather documents
You will need to prepare your TOEFL score report (forwarded by ETS), admission letter, transcripts, passport, evidence of funds (approximately INR 55,000 monthly), health insurance, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
Step 4: Ask your French student visa (VLS-TS)
Apply via VFS and Campus France.
Step 5: Visit visa interview.
You should be prepared to demonstrate excellent communication abilities and your preparation of editing an essay as an example of academic preparedness as a student of France and TOEFL preparations.
Indian students are advised to initiate the procedure at least 10-12 months prior to intake, this is because French universities and embassies are usually characterized by a long queue.
TOEFL France vs Other English Tests: What Indian Students Should Know
Moreover, although TOEFL France is generally recognized, some universities also accept IELTS, Duolingo, and Cambridge English. However, for the student visa to France, TOEFL is the most widely accepted test, by both universities and consular officials.
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| Test | Accepted for Visa? | Typical Min. Score |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Yes (all universities, all visas) | 79–100 |
| IELTS Academic | Yes (most, but not all programs) | 6.0–7.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | Some universities only | 110–120 |
TOEFL is the “surest thing to Indian students, not only when it comes to getting into college, but also getting a visa. When you apply to a university in France to take a highly selective course, you are more than likely to require a high TOEFL France score- often 95 to 100+ to be accepted.
Check Out: IELTS Registration Guide for Indian Students
Challenges & Benefits of Meeting TOEFL France Requirements
We know that preparing for TOEFL France isn’t easy, especially for Indian students who have to take the matric exam, pass the entrance test, and fill out the details. But the rewards are worth it! Here’s a balanced view of the journey:
Key Benefits
- Access to the world-class French universities and their English-taught.
- Eligibility for Scholarships and Financial Aid.
- Stronger chances of visa approval with a high TOEFL France score
- Improved communication skills for success in academic and career.
- Pathways to post-study work and PR in France.
Common Challenges
- High Competition for Top France programs
- The preparation for the tests, along with the Indian board exams, makes it challenging for students to balance time, focus, and consistency.
- Understanding varying France university TOEFL cutoffs
- The visa application and the interview.
Gateway International helps you overcome these hurdles with expert counselling, free SOP tools and a personalised study strategy.
Nilisha Christian
“I recently used Gateway International for my France student visa application, and I am thrilled with their service. Harshil and Simran guided and supported me throughout the entire process, making it incredibly smooth and stress-free. Their expertise and dedication ensured that I received my visa without any issues. I am truly happy with their performance and would highly recommend Gateway International to anyone in need of visa assistance. Thank you, Harshil and Simran, for your exceptional support!”
Check Out: How to Improve Your IELTS Band Score
How Gateway International Helps You Achieve Your Dreams
Step-by-Step Consultancy Support
- Profile Evaluation & Personalization: We’ll assess your academic background and career goals, and recommend the best France university TOEFL targets.
- Country & Course Selection: Get a shortlist of top TOEFL band France programs that are designed to fit your ambitions.
- Application & Visa Guidance: From document check lists to mock interviews, we ensure your. <>French student TOEFLThe Journey is.
- Scholarship & Funding Support: Maximize your chances with a specialized scholarship application and financial planning .Gateway EduConnect can help you with everything.
- Pre-Departure Assistance: For Indian students heading for France. Orientation in the culture, accommodation and travel tips.
Success Story Spotlight
One of our students, Marutesh Rathod from Bombay, secured admission to SKEMA Business School, Lille, France, after he scored a good score in the TOEFL. With the help of Gateway. He met the TOEFL requirements of French universities, passed the visa interview and now thrives in a truly international classroom. His advice: “Start early, trust the process, and let Gateway International handle the details.”.
Marutesh Rathod
“I had an outstanding experience consulting Gateway International for my master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and Procurement at SKEMA Business School, Lille, France. My mentor, Gaurav Sir, and Simran Ma’am guided me through every step, from shortlisting the best colleges to completing my visa process. Their advice was precise and tailored, ensuring I made informed decisions. Thank you, Gateway International, for making this possible!”
Student Queries & Direct Q&A
Q1: What is the minimum TOEFL France score for a student visa?
There’s no minimum TOEFL France score. You must meet the minimum TOEFL iBT score required by the university you wish For the top programs, aim for 90+.
Q2: Is TOEFL France accepted by all French universities?
All the major French universities accept TOEFL iBT for their English-taught courses. Always confirm the exact TOEFL score required by your French university for your course.
Q3: Can Indian students use Duolingo or IELTS instead of TOEFL France?
Some universities accept the TOEFL general, but TOEFL France is the safest both for admission and visa approval. Before choosing a program, check its policy.
Q4: How early should I take the TOEFL France test before applying?
Take the test at least 9-12 months before the intended intake. This gives you time to retake it if necessary, and ensures that your score is valid for both admission and visa.
Q5: What documents are required for a French student visa with TOEFL France?
TOEFL score report, admission letter, academic certificates, passport, I mean, proof of funds, health insurance and other supporting documents.
Q6: What if my TOEFL France score is below the required band France?
You may be refused entry or a visa. Always aim to achieve above the minimum score and consider retaking the exam if necessary.
Q7: Are scholarships available for Indian students meeting the TOEFL France requirement?
Yes! Many French universities and the French government provide scholarships to Indian students with high TOEFL France scores. Gateway International can help you apply for a visa.
Ashmitha Mendon
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Aditi Singh Padiyar from Gateway International for my admission process to the MSc in Data Analytics at BSBI, Germany, and I am happier with the experience! From the very beginning, Aditi guided me through every step of the admission process. She provided invaluable assistance with my application, ensuring that my documentation was in perfect order. Thanks to her efforts, I received my offer letter much faster than I anticipated! The visa process can be daunting, but Ashray Jain and Aditi made it seamless. She was always available to answer my questions and helped me navigate the fees payment process without any hiccups. Her attention to detail and support made all the difference. One thing that truly stood out was the late-night support Aditi offered—always willing to help, even outside regular hours. I like dedication and commitment! Major is they didn’t not even charge anything for the process. Everything was clear and transparent. I wholeheartedly recommend Aditi Singh Padiyar and Gateway International to anyone looking for guidance in their study abroad journey. Thank you, for making my dreams come true!”
Conclusion
The TOEFL France requirement for a French student visa in 2025 is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s the key to world-class education, international careers and a vibrant European lifestyle for Indian students. Having knowledge of the TOEFL requirements, aiming for the right band, and carefully preparing your documents will increase your chances of success. Remember that Gateway International is here to guide you every step of the way, from test preparation to visa approval. Ready to begin your TOEFL journey as a French let’s make your dream of studying in France a reality!
About the Author
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialistWith 17+ years of experience and 50,000+ successful placements, Abhinav Jain is a leading authority on international education for Indian students. His vision: to make global education accessible, affordable, and life-changing for every aspiring student.
Frequently Asked Questions
The required TOEFL score can vary, typically between 79 to 100 depending on the university and program.
Most French universities require TOEFL for courses taught in English. However, some may accept other tests like IELTS or Duolingo.
Indian students need to submit TOEFL scores, passport, proof of funds, and various university admission documents to apply for a visa.
Challenges include obtaining the required TOEFL score, preparing the necessary documentation, and navigating the visa interview process.
It’s advisable to take the TOEFL well in advance, about 9-12 months before university applications, to account for any needed retakes.
Yes, many French universities and programs offer scholarships to students who meet their specific TOEFL score requirements.
Yes, meeting or exceeding the TOEFL score requirements of your chosen university can significantly enhance your visa approval chances.
