Documents for Studying in France: Translation, Legalization (2027)

To apply to a French university you need clear scans of your passport, diplomas, transcripts, CV and English certificate, and every period of your studies or work must be backed by a document. Documents that will be used officially in France may also need a sworn translation into French and legalization or an apostille, depending on the country that issued them.

This guide explains what to prepare for the application and the visa, how French translation and legalization rules work, how diploma recognition (ENIC-NARIC) fits in, and what applicants from Afghanistan must do differently.

Documents for your university application

Campus France Pakistan publishes this list for the 2027/28 Études en France campaign. Other offices ask for similar documents.

• Passport valid until 18 months after the student visa appointment
• Passport photo on a white background
• Secondary school certificates (for example SSC/HSSC or equivalent)
• Bachelor's and/or master's degree and transcripts
• CV, with experience letters supporting it
• A letter explaining any gap of more than six months
• IELTS or another English proficiency certificate

Scans must be clear and match the information in your application. On EEF, your motivation is written on the platform, not as a separate letter. Program-specific items, such as references or a research proposal, are covered in our admission requirements guide.

Documents for the student visa

At the visa stage, the French consulate in Pakistan asks for originals of your transcripts and diplomas, a family registration certificate, proof of funds of at least €877.50 per month and other items. The full list is in our France student visa guide. Keep originals and copies together in one folder, because you will show the same documents at the Campus France interview, the visa centre and enrolment in France.

Sworn translations into French

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) explains that documents presented for legalization must be in French or come with a French translation by an authorised translator. That means a translator authorised by:

• French judicial or administrative authorities (for example a translator certified by a French Cour d'appel)
• A French diplomatic or consular post
• The authorities of another EU/EEA state or Switzerland
• The authorities of your state of residence

The original and the translation must carry the translator's stamp, signature and the same translation number. Many English-taught programs accept documents in English for the application stage, but universities often ask for a professional translation if your documents are in another language. Paris 1, for example, asks for a professional French translation of diplomas in its DAP file.

Legalization or apostille?

The MEAE states that a foreign public document must normally follow double legalization to be used in France:

1. 1

   Pre-legalization at home

   The competent authority of the issuing state, usually its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalizes the document.

2. 2

   Over-legalization by France

   The French embassy or consulate in that state then legalizes it.

3. 3

   Check the exceptions for your country

   International agreements can replace this with an apostille or remove the requirement. France's official summary table lists the rule for each country and document type.

The MEAE puts it simply: it is up to you to check which regime applies by consulting its summary table of legalization rules (updated 15 September 2026). You can also check whether your country is a party to the Apostille Convention on the HCCH status table.

Diploma recognition: ENIC-NARIC France

France Education International runs the French ENIC-NARIC centre, which issues comparability statements (attestations de comparabilité) for diplomas obtained abroad. You usually don't need one to apply, because universities decide on admission themselves. It becomes useful if an employer, a public body or an institution asks how your degree compares with a French one.

Check the current cost and processing time on the ENIC-NARIC France page before you apply; we could not verify those figures.

Special case: documents from Afghanistan

France's legalization table lists Afghanistan as 'L' (legalization required) for every document category, including diplomas. Afghanistan does not appear among the contracting parties of the Apostille Convention, so an apostille is not an option.

The France Excellence scholarship call for Afghan students (2027) also asks for your latest diploma with a French translation. Plan the translation early, and use a translator who meets the MEAE rules above.

Who checks which document, and when

Your documents are checked several times by different people. Knowing who looks at what helps you prepare the right version at the right moment and avoid paying twice.

How to write a gap letter

Campus France Pakistan asks for a letter explaining any gap of more than six months, and says every academic or professional period must be backed by a document. Keep the letter short and factual:

• List each period with start and end dates (month and year)
• Say what you did: work, an internship, language study, family responsibilities, illness or test preparation
• Attach proof for each period, such as an experience letter, a contract, a course certificate or a medical note
• Make sure the dates match your CV and your EEF form exactly

Experience letters

If your CV lists jobs or internships, attach experience letters from the employer on letterhead, with your role, dates and a contact. An unsupported line on your CV is exactly the kind of inconsistency that slows a file down.

What to carry to France

Bring the originals of your diplomas, transcripts and their translations in your hand luggage. You will need your admission letter and ID for enrolment, your CVEC certificate (paid online before enrolment), and the details of your visa for ANEF validation. Once tuition is paid you receive your certificat de scolarité and student card, which prove you are enrolled; then register for free health cover on ameli.

Document checklist and timeline

Tips for applicants in Pakistan, India and Iran

• Pakistan: bring all original documents and the fee receipt to the Campus France interview, and make any corrections Campus France requests within two working days.
• India: after Études en France with Campus France India, every applicant attends a VFS centre in person for biometrics.
• Iran: Campus France Iran warns about forged documents and holds the interview in English for English-taught programs.
• Everywhere: apply through the Campus France office of the country where you live; offices do not transfer files between each other.

Mistakes to avoid

• Uploading blurred phone photos instead of clear scans
• Names spelled differently across passport, diplomas and translations
• Using a translator who isn't authorised, so the translation is rejected
• Legalizing documents that nobody asked for, or too late for the one that was needed
• Leaving work or study periods without a supporting document

Next steps: see how to apply to universities in France, visit the France country hub, or track deadlines for free on FindUniPath.