Erasmus+ GPA Requirements: What French Grade Do You Need?

Quick Answer

To be eligible for Erasmus+ from a French university, you typically need a minimum of 12/20 (Mention Assez Bien). Competitive destinations may require 14/20 or higher.

👉 Use our France GPA Calculator to see how your French grades convert to US GPA—and whether you meet the academic threshold for Erasmus+.

Important: You Apply Through Your French University

Erasmus+ applications are managed by your home university. You cannot apply directly to the European Commission. Each French university has its own internal application process, deadlines, and grade requirements. Always check with your university’s international office first.

French Grade (/20)	French Mention	US GPA	Erasmus+ Competitiveness
16 – 20	Très Bien	3.8 – 4.0	Highly Competitive — eligible for any destination
14 – 15.9	Bien	3.5 – 3.7	Strong — competitive for most destinations
12 – 13.9	Assez Bien	3.0 – 3.2	Eligible — minimum for most universities
10 – 11.9	Passable	2.0 – 2.6	Borderline — may require exceptional circumstances
Below 10	Échec	Below 2.0	Ineligible — not eligible for Erasmus+

💡 Key Insight

Most French universities require 12/20 or higher. Some universities set the minimum at 12/20, others at 10/20. More competitive destinations (e.g., UK, Germany, Netherlands) often require 14/20 or higher due to high demand. Check your university’s specific policy.

French Grade (/20)	French Mention	US GPA	ECTS Grade
18 – 20	Très Bien	4.0	A
16 – 17.9	Très Bien	3.8 – 3.9	A
14 – 15.9	Bien	3.5 – 3.7	B
12 – 13.9	Assez Bien	3.0 – 3.2	C
10 – 11.9	Passable	2.0 – 2.6	D
Below 10	Échec	Below 2.0	F

📊 Worked Example

Student: Thomas, applying for Erasmus+ from a French university

• Overall average: 13.2/20
• Mention: Assez Bien
• US GPA equivalent: 3.1
• Erasmus+ eligibility: Eligible

Thomas’s 13.2/20 meets the 12/20 minimum. He is eligible to apply, though he may be less competitive for highly popular destinations like the UK or Germany.

Important: Your Grades Are Just One Factor

Erasmus+ selection is not purely grade-based. Your motivation letter, language proficiency, and the strength of your Learning Agreement also matter. A student with 12/20 but a compelling application may be selected over a student with 14/20 and a weak motivation letter.

📅 Key Deadlines (Typical)

• October-November: Application opens
• January-February: Application deadline
• March-April: Selection results announced
• May-June: Learning Agreement finalised
• September-October: Mobility period begins

⚠️ Important: Deadlines Vary by University

Each French university has its own deadlines and procedures. Some may have two application rounds (October and February). Check with your university’s international office for their specific timeline and grade requirements.

📋 The Learning Agreement

Before you go, you and your home and host universities must agree on the Learning Agreement. This document:

• Lists the courses you will take abroad
• Specifies how many ECTS credits each course is worth
• Ensures your credits will transfer back to your French degree
• Is signed by you, your home university, and your host university

💡 Pro Tip: Apply to Multiple Destinations

Many French universities let you apply to up to 3-5 Erasmus+ destinations in order of preference. This increases your chances of being selected. Put your most competitive choice first, but include a less competitive backup.

Key Takeaway

Lucas’s 13.5/20 was above the 12/20 minimum but not exceptional. He was selected because he applied to a less competitive destination (Spain) and wrote a compelling motivation letter. You don’t need top grades to go on Erasmus+—you need to apply strategically.

🎓 What GPA do I need for Erasmus+ from France?
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Most French universities require a minimum of 12/20 (Assez Bien) for Erasmus+ exchange eligibility. Competitive destinations may require 14/20 or higher. In US terms, this is approximately a 3.0-3.2 GPA or higher.

📊 Can I go on Erasmus+ with a 10/20?
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It is possible but challenging. A 10/20 is the minimum passing grade in France and is considered borderline for Erasmus+. Some less competitive destinations or specific agreements may accept 10/20, but most universities require 12/20 or higher.

🌍 How do my French grades transfer to my host university?
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French grades transfer through the ECTS system using the ECTS Grading Scale. Your French 12/20 is approximately a C in the ECTS system. However, most Erasmus+ agreements use a simple pass/fail system for exchange credits—you typically need to pass to receive credit, but the grade may not transfer to your home transcript.

📊 What is the minimum GPA for Erasmus+ in Europe?
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There is no single European minimum. Each university sets its own requirements. In France, most universities require 12/20 or higher. Some host universities may also have their own minimum grade requirements—always check both your home and host university’s policies.

🎓 Can I apply for Erasmus+ with a French Baccalauréat?
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Erasmus+ is for university-level students (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD). You cannot apply with only a Baccalauréat—you must be enrolled in a French higher education institution.

💰 Does Erasmus+ cover tuition fees?
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Erasmus+ students typically do not pay tuition to their host university—you continue paying your home university tuition. Erasmus+ provides a monthly mobility grant (typically €150-€600 per month, depending on the country) to help with living costs.

About the author: This Erasmus+ GPA guide was created by the LearnViaHub academic team and reviewed by a former French university admissions counselor. GPA conversion tables follow official French Ministry of Education guidelines and World Education Services (WES) evaluation standards. Erasmus+ information is based on official European Commission guidelines.