Study in France
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Study Abroad in France: Guide for Global Students
France favourite destination to study abroad for international students. You’re not alone; it’s one of the top destinations for global students. The country’s not just about the Eiffel Tower and croissants. It’s home to world-class universities, especially in arts, fashion, business, and engineering.
Your journey usually starts by picking a course and a university. Most people apply through Campus France, which makes things a bit smoother. You’ll need your academic records, English or French test scores, maybe an SOP, and depending on the course, even a portfolio.
Once you get your acceptance letter, it’s time for the student visa. France calls it a long-stay student visa, and you’ll need to show proof of funds (around €7,000–€10,000 a year), health insurance, and a place to stay.
Why Should You Study in France as an International Student?
France has slowly turned into a go-to destination for students thinking beyond the usual study abroad spots. One big reason? The quality of education here actually lives up to the hype. You’ll find globally ranked universities and schools that focus not just on theory but also real-world training. And the degree you walk away with? It’s recognised worldwide, whether you stay in France or move elsewhere.
Living in France also means you are part of a different, multicultural crowd. People here are proud of their roots, but also open to different cultures and ideas, good news if you’re new to everything.
Now, cost. Public universities are affordable. Bachelor’s courses start from around €2,850 per year, and master’s from about €3,879. Private schools do cost more, sometimes €6,000 to €18,000, especially in business.
You are studying in one of Europe’s strongest economies, home to major brands like Airbus, L’Oréal, and Danone. So it’s not just about what you learn; it’s where it can take you.
Quick Facts: Study in France 2025-2026?
Category | Details |
Total International Students | 400,000+ (as of 2023) |
Language of Instruction | French & English (especially postgraduate programs) |
Average Tuition Fees (Public) | €2,770/year (Bachelor) €3,770/year (Master) for non-EU students |
Cost of Living | €800 – €1,200/month (varies by city) |
Top Student Cities | Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble |
Post-Study Work Visa | 1–2 years for international graduates |
Popular Universities | Université PSL, Sorbonne, École Polytechnique, Sciences Po |
What is the Education System Like in France?
France’s education system is pretty straightforward once you get past the fancy names. It’s divided into three main stages: Licence (Bachelor’s), Master, and Doctorate (PhD). Most bachelor’s programs run for three years, master’s take two more, and a PhD usually goes for another three.
Public universities are where most international students go. They’re affordable and still offer quality teaching. After that the Grandes Écoles, which are an advanced system of it. They’re known for fields like business, engineering, and public administration.
The teaching style? More independent than what some students are used to. You’ll attend lectures, sure, but a lot of the work is on you; reading, research, and showing initiative matter.
France universities offer Courses in both French and English, especially at the master’s level. If you’re planning to study in French, be ready to show language skills through tests like TCF or DELF.
What Are the Top Courses to Study in France 2025-2026?
France has become one of the top choices for international students, not just for its culture, but also for its course options. It’s known for being affordable, and many public universities offer strong programs without charging sky-high fees.
While business and management courses have always been a major reason students choose France, other fields are now just as popular. Many students are coming here for fashion design, luxury brand management, and hospitality, especially with France being home to global fashion houses and tourism hubs.
Best courses to study in France:
- MBA
- Engineering
- Luxury Brand Management
- Film Studies
- Hotel Management
- Fashion Design
- Computer Science
- Finance
- Data Science
- Medicine
What Are the Admission Requirements to Study in France?
Applying to a university in France isn’t too hard, but you have to get your paperwork right. For undergrad courses, most schools just want your Class 10 and 12 marksheets, a copy of your passport, and maybe a short write-up on why you’re choosing the course.
For master’s, you’ll need your degree transcripts, probably a resume, and a couple of recommendation letters. Some places might ask for the GRE or GMAT, but not always.
If your course is in English, you’ll need to show your language score. IELTS works fine, usually, a 6 or higher is enough. If the program’s in French, then yeah, you’ll need a TCF or DELF score to show you can keep up.
What Are the Student Visa Requirements for Studying in France 2025-2026?
Let’s say, you are planning to study in France for more than 4 months, you will need a VLS-TS student visa. It lets you stay in the country for up to a year, and once it expires, you can apply for a multi-year residence permit if your course is longer. The VLS-TS also allows you to travel freely across the Schengen zone without applying for another visa.
For Indian students, the process goes through the Etudes en France platform. This is mandatory, and it’s how you apply to your chosen university as well. Once your admission is confirmed, your visa application gets forwarded to the French consular authorities.
You’ll have to apply online at france-visas.gouv.fr and pay a visa fee of €50. You’ll also need documents like your offer letter, proof of funds, passport, and accommodation details to complete the process.
- A valid passport that has not been issued more than 10 years ago. The passport must remain valid through the envisaged departure date.
- If required, a valid visa.
- Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of your stay in France.
- Proof of funds to support yourself in the country.
- A return ticket or proof of sufficient funds required for a ticket at the envisaged departure date.
- Proof of the work experience, if any
- A health insurance certificate that covers your medical and hospital expenses.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in France?
If you’re dreaming of studying in France. You should know about the costs.
Tuition fees at public universities are heavily subsidized by the government. For non-EU students, you’re looking at €2,850 per year for a Bachelor’s, and around €3,879 per year for a Master’s. Engineering degrees might cost a bit moretypically €618 per year.
Private universities and Grandes Écoles: charge more from €1,500 up to €20,000 or even €30,000 a year for top programs.
Living and other costs. Expect €800–1,200 per month for essentials like rent, food, and transport, though big cities like Paris could push that to €1,200–1,800. Smaller cities like Lyon or Toulouse hover around €800–1,000 monthly. Don’t forget health insurance (about €200–400/year), books, and minor fees.
Your annual study budget, not fixed, could range from about €8,000 to €25,000, depending on your lifestyle and program choice.
What Is the Cost of Living in France for Students?
The cost of living in France, not a big deal; it depends on where you stay and how you live. For most international students, the average monthly expenses range may be fixed according to comfort. That includes rent, food, transport, and basic daily needs.
Like, you want to live in Paris. expect higher costs; rent alone can go higher by 40% per month for a shared apartment or studio. Cities like Lyon, Toulouse, or Lille are more affordable, with total monthly expenses often under €900.
Other essentials to budget:
- Health insurance: around €200 to €400 per year
- Public transport: approx. €30 to €50 per month
- Groceries and meals: around €200 to €300 monthly
- Phone Bill: €30–40 per month
Amazing, France offers multi-student discounts, like travel, entertainment, and meals, and students manage their cost by using these offers. Planning makes a big difference.
Which Are the Best Universities in France for International Students?
France isn’t just about croissants and the Eiffel Tower, it is also home to some of the world’s top universities. From research-heavy universities like Université PSL to globally recognized names like Sorbonne University, students flock here for high-quality, affordable education. Most public universities charge around €3,770 per year, which is a huge draw compared to other European countries. And with QS World Rankings placing several French universities in the global top 100 for 2025, it’s no wonder more and more international students, especially from Asia and Africa, are heading to France for their studies.
Top Universities in France for International Students:
University Name | QS World Rank 2025 | Location | Approx. International Tuition (EUR/year) |
Université PSL | 28 | Paris | €3,770 – 15,000 (varies by program) |
Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 | Palaiseau Cedex, near Paris | €4,500 – 10,000 |
Université Paris‑Saclay | =70 | Gif‑sur‑Yvette | €3,770 – 11,000 |
Sorbonne University | =72 | Paris | €3,770 – 12,000 |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 205 | Lyon | €3,770 – 9,000 |
Université Paris 1 Panthéon‑Sorbonne | =257 | Paris | €3,770 – 8,000 |
Université Paris Cité | 300 | Paris | €3,770 – 9,000 |
Université Grenoble Alpes | 321 | Grenoble | €3,770 – 8,500 |
Sciences Po | 406 | Paris | €4,500 – 14,200 (private grande école) |
INSA Lyon (Institut National des Sciences Appliquées) | =367 | Lyon | €3,770 – 8,500 |
What Scholarships Are Available to Study in France?
France offers a range of scholarship options that help cut study costs, some big, some small, but all worth a look:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – Run by the Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs, this one’s for top-tier Master’s and PhD students. It includes a monthly stipend (€1,181 for Master’s, €1,800 for PhD) and is super competitive (~350 awards/year).
- Campus Bourses – This is like a scholarship search engine run by Campus France. It lists grants from French ministries, regions, foundations, and universities, so plug in your nationality, field, and study level to find options.
- Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po) – For non-EU students heading to Sciences Po. Covers undergrad and Master’s, awarded based on merit and financial need.
- ENS International Selection & Grenoble Ampère Scholarships – ENS and other Grandes Écoles like ENS Lyon offer monthly stipends (~€1,000) plus tuition coverage for Master’s students.
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship – Offers €10,000 per year plus up to €900 travel support
- Erasmus+ / Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s – Funded by the EU, covers tuition, living costs, insurance, and sometimes travel, ideal for multi-country programs
Cost of Living in France
Popular Courses in France
Related Content
Top 10 Universities in France for International Students in 2025
Step-by-Step Guide to the Admission Process for French Universities
Living in France as an International Student: Culture, Campus, and Beyond
Part-Time Job Opportunities for International Students in France
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by picking your course and university, then apply through Campus France, which manages most admission processes for international students.
As of 2023, over 350,000 international students are enrolled in France, growing steadily year after year.
Bachelor’s degrees cost around €2,850 per year, while Master’s programs are approximately €3,879 annually in public universities.
Private schools and Grandes Écoles charge between €6,000 and €18,000, depending on the program and institution.
Yes, especially at the master’s level, universities provide several English-taught programs, covering fields like business, engineering, and international relations.
You need a VLS‑TS long-stay student visa, allowing stays up to one year, plus eligibility to apply for a multi-year residence permit.
You’ll need to show €7,000–€10,000 per year to cover living expenses, plus proof of accommodation and health insurance.
Yes! VLS‑TS holders can work part-time during their studies, usually up to 964 hours per year (equivalent to 60% of a full-time contract).
- In Paris: expect €1,200–1,800 per month
- In cities like Lyon or Toulouse: living costs are around €800–1,000 monthly
Bring academic transcripts, passport, language scores (IELTS/DELF/TCF), SOP, and portfolio (if applicable).
Key options include:
- Eiffel Scholarship (€1,181/month for Master’s)
- Campus Bourses grants portal
- Emile Boutmy (Sciences Po)
- Scholarships at ENS and Grenoble Ampère
Including tuition, living, and insurance, international students spend between €8,000–€25,000 per year, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Elite schools like Sciences Po, ENS, and INSA Lyon focusing on business, engineering, and humanities—admission is competitive but prestigious.
- Licence (Bachelor’s): 3 years
- Master’s: 2 years
- PhD: 3 years
Not always. English-taught Master’s exist, but French language tests like TCF or DELF are needed for French-language programs.
Once admitted, apply through france‑visas.gouv.fr with your offer letter, financial proof, passport, and accommodation info; fee is around €50.
Start 4–6 months before the program start date, fall intake deadlines often fall around April–May.