Campus France interview questions, and how to practise your answers out loud
Updated 18 October 2026 · from 47 first-hand applicant accounts and 148 interview videos
The Campus France interview (« entretien pédagogique ») lasts about 20 minutes according to Campus France; applicants report anything from 5 to 50 minutes, with a median of 15. The adviser often checks your original documents first, then asks about your project. In 47 first-hand accounts, the most reported questions are « Why France? » (24), your plans after the degree (19), « Why this course? » and « Why these universities? » (16 each), and the content of the course (14).
No marking grid is published. Campus France offices describe the same three things everywhere: whether your project fits your academic path, your motivation and your level. Generic answers get pushed back, and the interview often feels like an exam on your own file: « Explain the module of the course you choose », one Indian applicant was asked.
Named in 10 of 47 applicant accounts and 35 % of 148 interview videos
What the adviser checks
Whether you can sum yourself up, and your level of French. The adviser already knows your file.
What works
One minute, two at most: name, diplomas and honours, what you do today, what you want to do and why you are here, one strength you want to be asked about.
Answers that get pushed back
An applicant« My name is X » and nothing elseWhat the adviser hearsThey have to dig for everything.
Named in 11 of 47 applicant accounts and 42 % of 148 interview videos
What the adviser checks
The path, diploma by diploma, and whether it covers every programme in your basket.
What works
A dated sequence: first, then, after, in order to. If your basket mixes specialisations, an answer broad enough to cover them all: the adviser writes down what you say and every institution reads it.
Answers that get pushed back
An applicant« I want to do economics »What the adviser hearsToo vague: no diploma, no step.
Named in 24 of 47 applicant accounts and 26 % of 148 interview videos
What the adviser checks
A reasoned choice rather than a wish to leave. Applicants say it is the answer advisers challenge most.
What works
A reason tied to your field, the programme and your path, with a verifiable fact: a course, a lab, an internship, a city where this industry is based. Language can count if you say exactly why.
Answers that get pushed back
An applicant« The degree is recognised internationally »What the adviser hears« Is our degree not recognised worldwide? » That is what an adviser replied to an applicant.
Practise: one minute to answer out loud, as if the adviser were in front of you. Nothing is recorded.
Named in 16 of 47 applicant accounts and 25 % of 148 interview videos
What the adviser checks
Whether you did your research yourself, and on which sources.
What works
The admission requirements you meet, specific modules or internships, the city when it serves the project. Being able to name the website where you read it.
Answers that get pushed back
An applicant« It is cheaper », « my uncle studied there », « lots of parties »What the adviser hearsNothing about the programme.
How many programmes did you apply to? Can you name them, and where they are?
Named in 7 of 47 applicant accounts
What the adviser checks
Whether you built your basket yourself. Some advisers cut the introduction short to ask this.
What works
The programmes in order, the institution and the campus city, and one requirement of each.
Answers that get pushed back
An applicantMixing up the university and the campus city (one university can have campuses in several cities)What the adviser hearsThey doubt you know your programme.
Who is sponsoring you? How will you fund your studies and your life in France?
Named in 7 of 47 applicant accounts and 43 % of 148 interview videos
What the adviser checks
Whether the funding holds without a job, and whether the sponsor has a provable link to you.
What works
Who pays the fees and who pays for living costs, with amounts and the proof you will bring to the visa. The person's name. The minimum is €877.50 per month since 1 August 2026.
Answers that get pushed back
An applicant« My uncle » with no provable linkWhat the adviser hears« How are you related? » « He watched me grow up »
Named in 2 of 47 applicant accounts and 26 % of 148 interview videos
What the adviser checks
Whether you master your own file. Campus France says no intermediary is approved.
What works
The truth, and a file you know so well that the question causes no problem.
Answers that get pushed back
An applicantHesitating, then not knowing what is writtenWhat the adviser hears« Someone who did something themselves and someone who was told to recite: it shows »
Updated 18 October 2026. Entretien France is an independent service, not affiliated with Campus France or any consulate. The advisers you practise with are virtual. No admission or visa is guaranteed. Françaisالعربية