A comprehensive guide to
Study in France
With home to 3,500 universities and 500 top global companies, France is probably the best study destination in Europe.
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Partner Institutions
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Programs
Why study in France
The best European country to experience high-quality education combined with a multicultural environment.
World-Class Education
France is home to over 3,500 academic institutions, 35 of which are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Affordable Tuition Fees
French public universities charge the lowest tuition fees among all study destinations in Europe.
Great Student Life
International students can enjoy an excellent life in Europe by visiting the quiet mountains and the Mediterranean shore.
Strategic Location
France is located in the centre of Europe, making it easier for international students to visit other European destinations.
Work opportunities
International students are being allowed to work 20 hours in a week during term time and 40 hours in a week during the holidays.
Multicultural Diaspora
France hosts international students from 185+ countries, allowing you to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Study Intakes in France
French universities offer 2 types of study intakes to international students: Fall and Spring Intakes. Fall is the primary intake to study in France, offering the most number of programs. After the fall intake, the next best intake for international students is the spring intake, which lasts from January to July. Here are some more details about both the study intakes in France:
| Intake | Program Availability | Application Deadline | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall/September Intake | Most of the courses | March to August | September to June |
| Spring/January Intake | Fewer compared to the fall intake | September to November | January to July |
Study levels and disciplines
Types of Courses in France
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor's Degree (3-4 years)
Foundation Program (1 year)
Undergraduate Pathway (3.5 years)
Integrated Course (5 years)
Postgraduate Programs
Master's Degree (1-3 years)
Doctoral Degree (3 years)
Postgraduate Pathway (1.5-3 years)
Explore universities & colleges
Popular Universities in France for Indian Students
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College De Paris - Montpellier Campus
Occitanie, France • 3 Programmes
Tuition Fee : EUR 9000 - 9500 / year
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College De Paris - Lyon Campus
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France • 1 Programmes
ICN Business School - Nancy Campus
Grand Est, France • 4 Programmes
Tuition Fee : EUR 9200 - 9200 / year
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Eligibility Requirements
Academic Transcripts
IELTS/TOEFL/C1 Test Scores
French Language Test
GMAT/GRE for PG Programs
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Application Process to Study in France
Choose University and Program
Choose the best university and program in France based on location, accreditation, ranking, tuition fees, career prospects, and more.
Meet Eligibility
Check if you meet the eligibility criteria, such as academic qualification, English language proficiency, standardised test, and more.
Collect Documents
Gather the necessary documents such as academic transcripts, English test scores, LOR, SOP, resumes, and more (if required).
Submit Application
Apply for the program online through Parcoursup (for public universities) or seek the help of a professional study abroad expert.
Apply for a French student visa
After getting accepted for the program, apply for a French student visa (VLS-TS) with the required documents.
Enquire Now
Not sure what you are looking for? Fill in the details to get a call-back.
Cost of studying in France
Tuition Fee
One of the biggest expenses international students incur while studying abroad is the tuition fee. The tuition fee varies depending on the university and program the student chooses. Here is an estimated tuition fee for studying in France:
EUR 8,500 – 11,800
Bachelor’s Degree
EUR 9,500 – 25,500
Master’s Degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
International students can avail of various scholarships to make their studies in France affordable. Here are some of the best scholarships for Indian students to study in France:
| Name of University | Scholarship Name | Award Value |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy School of Business (BSB) | Merit-Based Scholarship | 10% on tuition fees |
| European Institute of Management and Technology (EIMT) | Standard Scholarship | Euro 2,000 |
Study Visa for France
There are mainly two types of French student visas: a short-stay visa and a long-stay visa. Short-stay visa lasts for 90 days, while a long-stay visa lasts for more than 90 days. However, there is one more visa, which is a temporary long-stay visa with a duration of 3 to 6 months. Some more details about the visas are as follows:
| Study Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa) | Less than 90 days | Suitable for short-term academic courses, internships, and language courses | It cannot be extended or converted to a long-term visa. |
| Temporary Long-Stay Visa (VLS-T) | 3 to 6 months | Semester exchange programs and short-term research | This visa is not renewable and does not require any registration. |
| Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) | More than 90 days | For pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees | This acts as a residence permit and lets students stay in France for the duration of their program. |
Costs of living in France
Living Expenses in France
International students have to pay for various types of costs while studying in France. After the tuition fees, the next big expense for students is living costs. It includes various expenses such as rent, food, travel, entertainment, utilities, etc. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in France for international students:
| Expenses | Average Monthly Cost (Approx. EUR) | Average Monthly Cost (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared apartment) | 600 – 800 | 58,260 – 77,680 |
| Travel (public transport like bus, metro, tram) | 30 – 80 (unlimited travel within city with Imagine'R card) | 2,913 – 7768 |
| Food | 200 - 300 | 19,420 – 29,130 |
| Entertainment | 80 – 200 | 7,768 – 19,420 |
| Health Insurance | 20 – 50 (depending on the coverage) | 1,942 – 4,855 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage, Internet) | 100 – 200 | 9,710 – 19,420 |
Job Prospects After Studying in France
After completing their Masters degree, international students are allowed to stay back on a 2 years post study work visa. Its like a job seekers visa. Once a candidate picks up a job (under CDD category) it can be switched to either APS or EU Blue card depending on the annual salary. The job market of France promises a great future since it's home to some of the top companies worldwide. Here are some high-paying job roles international students can avail of post-studies:
| Sector | Job Roles |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Computer Engineer, Mechanical Engineer |
| Management | Project Manager, Operations Manager |
| Tourism | Tour Guide, Event Coordinator, Travel Agent |
| Hospitality | Event Planner, Chef |
| Education | Primary Teacher, Secondary Teacher |
| Finance | Investment Fund Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Bank Manager |
| Energy Management | Nuclear Physicist, Electrical Engineer, Energy Management Consultant |
Work Opportunities
Part-Time Work for Students
International students can work for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during breaks (vacations, holidays). The minimum wage for international students as of 1 April 2025 is €11.65 per hour.
Post-Study Work Permits
The four types of post-study work permits in France are:
- 5-year validity short-stay visa:
Indian students who have completed a master’s or a higher degree will be issued a multiple-entry short-stay visa for 5 years. The duration of this visa will depend on the expiry date of the students’ travel document.
Note: This visa does not allow students to work or look for a job in France. - APS (Temporary Residence Visa)
This visa is issued to students with master’s degrees for a period of 12 months. During this time, they can find a job and work part-time. It can be renewed once, increasing the validity to 2 years.
- EU Blue Card (Skilled Residence Visa)
International students who have a job offer in hand can apply for the EU Blue Card. The minimum yearly salary requirement for the visa is € 53,836.50 for general occupations and €43,243 for bottleneck professions.
- Talent Passport Visa
The validity of the visa is 4 years with an option to renew. It allows holders of a Master's-level degree to stay in France to conduct research or teach at a university level in the framework of a hosting agreement.
Note: Students with bachelor’s degrees are not eligible for a post-study work permit.
Study in France - FAQ
The best courses to study in France are Business & Management, Hospitality, Engineering, Law, and Computer Science.
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