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Study in France

    Overview

    France is Europe's third most popular higher education location, followed by the United Kingdom and Germany. The perfect blend of historic and modern universities coupled with 5-star rated quality education entices many international students to study in France.

    The French government is eager to invite international students to study in France and diversify the educational system. Around 370,000 international students worldwide are enrolled in higher education universities in France. Approximately 70% of all international students attend state universities, where tuition is subsidised. This guide will let you know the complete nuances of studying in France.

    Key Highlights to Study in France

    If you plan to study in France, check out the key highlights below.

    Universities in France 100+
    Average living expense 1,800 Euros each month
    Popular courses in France Engineering, MBA, Hotel Management, Fashion design, Finance, Luxury Brand Management, etc.
    Part-time work allowance Up to 964 hours per year
    France study visa costs €50.

    Study in France: Top Universities in France

    France is home to over 3,500 governmental and private colleges known as universities and Grandes Ecoles. According to the QS world ranking, France has 83 globally famous institutions for international students, with 37 of them ranking among the top universities in the world. France's top 10 universities and higher education institutions are listed below:

    Top Colleges QS World Ranking 2025 Average Tuition Fees in CAD
    universite-psl 24 40
    institut-polytechnique-de-paris 46 71
    sorbonne-university 63 75
    universite-paris-saclay 73 58
    ecole-normale-superieure-de-lyon 187 251-300
    ecole-des-ponts-paristech 205 401-500
    universite-paris-1-pantheon-sorbonne 283 801-1000
    universite-paris-cite 302 152
    universit-grenoble-alpes 334 301-350
    sciences-po 350 501-600

    Why Study in France?

    France is now becoming the top destination among international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. Here are some benefits of studying in France.

    • Top Class Universities : France has some of the most renowned universities across the globe. Students who study in France can be confident that they will receive a high-quality education and practical training. A globally-renowned degree increases your chances of securing a job in top companies.
    • Multi-Cultural Society : Students planning to study in France have a high chance of discovering a multicultural society. The French are proud of their history and interested in sharing it with people from different cultures.
    • Cost of Study : Compared to other study-abroad countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the cost of studying in France is very modest. Students applying for bachelor's courses at public universities in France must pay €2,770 a year and €3,770 for master's degrees. However, tuition fees in public universities, notably private business schools, are significantly costlier than in public universities.
    • Learn a New Language : French is a widely spoken and influential international language. Indeed, studying in France allows Indian students to strengthen their language skills and improve their fluency.
    • Rich Culture and History : France is well-known for its history and cultural heritage. Indian students can learn about their history and enjoy the art, music, food and architecture while they study in France.

    Popular Courses to Study in France for Indian Students

    Studying in France is an economical choice for both national and international students. While there are a few prominent business courses, a few courses, such as dessert making, have increased in popularity among overseas students in recent years. So, some of the top courses to study in France are:

    Program Duration Average Tuition Fees
    Bachelor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering 5 years 6,000 EUR/ year
    Bachelor in Management 3 years 10,000 EUR/ year
    MSc Finance 2 years 13,000 EUR/ year
    MSc International Business 2 years 13,000 EUR/ year
    Masters Pharmaceutical Management 12-15 months 18,000 EUR/ year
    MBA 2 years 32,000 EUR/ year
    MSc Engineering 2 years 5,000 EUR/ year
    Master of Computer Science 2 years 4,000 EUR/ year

    How to Study in France Universities: Application Process

    French universities welcome international students between September and January, usually in the spring, fall, autumn, and summer. Even within the same season, many French colleges offer various admission schedules. Here are some steps to follow to begin the application process.

    • Choose a Program : Choosing a study major is a challenging task because it defines your life and long-term career goals. In that case, France has a lot of courses to offer that may boost your career.
    • Admission Requirement : Depending on your purpose, nationality, and academic level of study, there are specific entrance standards to consider when completing your application for French universities. Make a plan and select your preferred universities and majors. To obtain answers to your prospective queries, contact the French Embassy in your home country or the universities to which you wish to apply, as well as existing support services such as Campus France.
    • Prepare Documents : Gather all the required documents to avoid any inconvenience later. Check out the additional requirements of a particular university. Remember that you may require your original documents translated into French. These services are available from the French Embassy in your home country.
    • Submit the Application : For European nationals, there is no specific application process for enrolling in the second or third year of a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree. In that scenario, contact the universities you intend to apply to.

      Non-European students must pass the Preliminary Admission or "Demande d'Admission Préalable - DAP" before applying to French universities. They also need to apply online through Campus France.

    • Apply for the Visa : When you receive your admission letter, contact your university to pay the first instalment of your tuition, if applicable. Following that, you should apply for a French student visa as soon as possible. Decide if you require a short or long-term visa, then carefully understand the restrictions that apply based on your nationality.
    • Get Ready for Departure : Once you receive the student visa and have all the documents prepared, get ready with your luggage and tickets. This is only the beginning. You will live and study in one of the world's most sophisticated, modern, and beautiful countries.

      You can reach out to credible study-abroad consultants or study in France consultants for application and student visa assistance.

    Admission Requirements to Study in France

    International applicants have been advised to begin their applications only after they have obtained all the relevant documentation. Before you start the application, you need to present all the documents

    • Long-term stay application for more than 90 days (Completed form)
    • A valid Passport
    • Two Letters of Recommendation
    • Proof of Funds
    • English language proficiency test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent
    • Academic Transcripts
    • Resume or CV
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Receipt of payment of Application fees
    • Campus France authorisation

    Tests Required to Study in France

    As with any other study abroad destination, you must complete specific language competence assessments. This covers English proficiency tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and TOEIC.

    Apart from the English language competence exams, student applicants may need to write French language exams because many undergraduate courses are still taught in French. Students applying to study in France for these courses must complete French language examinations such as the DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF and submit their results.

    tests-required-to-study-in-france

    When to Study in France

    Applicants should know that there are two main admission intakes: Fall and spring. Fall admissions normally begin in December/February, whereas spring intake starts in June/July. Some institutions use a rolling application system, which results in different course start dates and keeps their application procedures open throughout the year. The majority of candidates focus on applying for the September or January intakes. The fall intake is particularly noteworthy, with all courses open, as opposed to the summer intake or other rolling admissions, which may be limited to select courses.

    Deadlines for Entry Applicants

    France has two intakes, and their deadlines are as follows

    • Fall Intake : Between July and August of the previous year.
    • Spring Intake : November

    Intakes in France

    There are two major intakes in France. These are as follows.

    • Fall Intake : The fall intake in France is also known as September intake. During this intake, almost all the universities in France opened admission and offer courses now for international students. And since the number of seats available during this intake is more, there is a high rate of acceptance. Also, it is a great opportunity for students to enrol in top-notch universities for a popular course. The deadline for this intake usually falls in July-August.
    • Spring Intake : Spring intake is also known as January intake in France. Basically, this intake is for the students who missed the fall intake. However, since fewer students apply during this intake, the chances of getting admission increase. The deadline for this intake generally falls in Mid of November.
    intakes-in-france

    Study in France Cost

    The cost of living in France is less expensive than in the capital, but when you live alone in a different country, the cost will eventually increase. This is all determined by various factors, and considering each one will help you live comfortably while studying in France. Let us now have a look at the expenses to study in France.

    Cost of Studying in France

    The average study cost in France is briefed in the tabulated form below.

    Course Level Average Fee
    Bachelor's From ₹ 0 to ₹ 25 L
    Master's From ₹ 0 to ₹ 1 Cr
    Doctorate No Fees

    NOTE : The cost of studying in France is zero because public universities there do not charge tuition fees, even for international students.

    Cost of Living in France

    The average cost of living in France is tabulated below.

    Particulars Average Monthly Cost in EUR Average Monthly Cost in INR
    Rental for 1 bedroom apartment 550 37,603.50
    Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) 140 9,571.80
    Monthly Pass (Transport) 48 3,281.76
    Telephone, Internet, etc. 28 1,914.36
    Recreation 100 6837.00
    Food and Drink 145 9,913.65

    Top Cities Preferred by Students in France

    In this list, we have included the students' favourite cities based on variables such as affordability, student reviews, and global known variables. Here are the top towns chosen by international students in France.

    • Paris

      paris-city
      QS Rank 6

    • Lyon

      lyon-city
      QS Rank 44

    • Toulouse

      toulouse-city
      QS Rank 84

    • Montpellier

      montpellier-city
      QS Rank 130

    Student Visa in France

    You can select the sort of visa you need based on how long you plan to study in France. Students asking for a long-stay visa (more than 90 days) must complete the Campus France application before applying for a French visa. Candidates must complete and submit the Campus France Form and pay the applicable charge. After review, candidates must attend an academic interview with the Campus France advisor, followed by an appointment with VFS-France.

    Candidates must validate their Long-stay Visa / Residence Permit (VLS-TS) during their first three months of arrival. Candidates who want to stay beyond the end of the validity period of their VLS-TS must apply for a post-study work permit in France

    How to Study in France on Scholarships for Indian Students?

    Scholarships are a simple way for international students to pay their tuition fees to study in France. These scholarships either pay the cost of living or tuition or provide grants.

    Here are some common scholarships that most overseas students apply for

    Scholarship Name Amount/Covers/Benefit
    The Charpak Scholarship Programme,
    • Pursue an Undergraduate, Graduate or Postgraduate studies
    • Monthly living expenses of up to 700 EUR
    • Waiver of student visa. Etudes En France fees
    • Tuition fee waived of up to 5000 EUR (Charpak Master), etc
    La Femis
    • Develops practical and theoretical knowledge related to filmmaking
    • Monthly allowance of 910 EUR
    • Covers medical insurance
    • Provides return ticket to France
    • Helps to find accommodation
    • Waives of student visa fees
    The Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships for International students
    • Pursue joint Masters
    • Cover living and accommodation expenses
    • Offer Mobility Scholarship for entry and exit in France
    Emile Boutmy Scholarship 2020
    • Pursue Undergraduate and Master's program
    • Bachelor studies- 3,600 - 13,000 EUR tuition grant
    • Master studies- 12,200 EUR/year
    AIFS- General study abroad scholarships
    • Pursue education abroad
    • 447- 895 EUR (grant)

    Job Opportunities

    The table here shows the job opportunities available after studying in France. Take a look below

    Job Title Average Salary (EUR)
    Accountant 33,200
    Administrative Assistant 25,500
    Creative Director 46,400
    Aerospace Engineer 63,500
    Architect 58,400
    Bank Branch Manager 88,800
    Business Analyst 62,400
    Engineer 43,400
    Chief Executive Officer 110,000
    Information Technology Manager 82,500
    Journalist 52,700

    FAQs

    Ans. France is one of the few countries with low tuition fees. International students pay tuition fees ranging from 2,770 to 3,770 EUR in public institutions. However, tuition at private universities like Grandes Ecoles might reach 30,000 EUR per year. International students should budget between 1000 and 1600 EUR per year for living expenses.

    Ans. International students wishing to pursue a UG or PG degree in France must obtain a long-stay visa. Applicants must submit the following documents:

    • Two current passport-sized photos.
    • Valid passport with at least two blank pages.
    • Official enrollment/acceptance letter from the French institution.
    • Proof of available funds (about EUR 615 per month)
    • Airline ticket shows the departure date.
    • Medical insurance certificate
    • Proof of French and English language competency.

    Ans. The cost of living in France varies based on geography and lifestyle. Numbers indicate that the average yearly cost of living in France is between €1000 and €1500, which includes housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.

    Ans. To apply to a French university. They must then fill out an application form, which typically includes academic records, a letter of motivation, and a CV. Students must produce language competence exam results and letters of recommendation.

    Ans. The most common language competence test required for admission to a French institution is the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF).

    Some universities may also need additional language competency examinations, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

    Ans. The most in-demand jobs in France include

    • Healthcare
    • Engineering
    • Finance,
    • Technology.

    However, the job market is highly competitive, and finding work without fluency in French can be challenging.

    Ans. Paris is France's most expensive city and the highest-paying city. Other cities, like Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse, have lower living costs while still giving numerous work options.

    Ans. France enables international students to work after earning their Master's degree. The qualifying candidates will receive a 5-year post-study work visa. To lure overseas students, France recently increased the validity of work visas from two to five years. This is the best option for students considering France as a study destination. France's 5-year post-study visa is precious for professional advancement.

    Ans. The Campus France application method takes at least three weeks, but the Consulate application process takes at least two weeks. The application process must begin at least 90 days before the departure date. In unexpected delays, it is highly recommended that students begin the process as soon as feasible.

    Ans. Only once you have received acceptance into a program at a French institution will you be eligible to apply for your student visa in France. To apply for your visa, you will need to contact the French consulate in your home country and provide them with the following when requested:

    • An official acceptance letter for an accredited program at a French university.
    • Proof of sufficient funds for living in the country.
    • Proof of a return ticket to your home country.
    • Health insurance policy proof (minimum coverage €30,000, US$40,150).
    • Proof of accommodation is required.

    If you’re taking a French course, you’ll need proof of your French language proficiency.

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