Study in France: Colleges, Scholarships, Fees, Intakes

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Study in France

Step into a world of academic excellence in France, a top study destination known for innovation, culture, and globally recognized universities.

3,500+ Higher education institutions
370,000+ International students
44 Universities in QS World Rankings 2025
Post-study work opportunities for graduates

Study in France

France is the ideal place to study abroad owing to its rich cultural heritage, renowned universities, modern facilities, good food, and thriving student life!

France has positioned itself as a top study destination for international students with quality education, vibrant cultural immersion, and diversified academic life. In the academic year 2023-2024, France welcomed over 370,000+ international students, an increase of 3% on the previous year and 17% over five years.

International students now represent 14% of France’s overall student population, and the leading countries of origin are Morocco, Algeria, and China.

To Indian students studying abroad, France provides a strong option since it is of quality, has an affordable tuition cost, and has abundant cultural life. The rise in the number of foreign students shows that France’s reputation as a center of academic excellence and cultural understanding is growing.

Highlights of studying in France

France is a leading study destination offering high-quality education, diverse programs, and excellent career prospects. Here are the key highlights of studying in France:

Factors	France
Average tuition fees (per year)	Bachelor’s degree: €2,770 – €3,500 Master’s degree: €3,770 – €4,500
Duration of programs	Bachelor’s degree: 3 years Master’s degree: 1-2 years
Eligibility criteria	Academic credentials: High school diploma for Bachelor’s, relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s
Documents required	SOP, LOR, Passport, Student visa, Academic transcripts, Proof of funds, etc.
Student visa fees	€99 – €120
Popular courses	Business Administration, Engineering, Fashion and Luxury Management, Hospitality and Tourism, Artificial Intelligence, Political Science, Arts and Design
Test score requirements	GRE: 300+ (For selected Master’s and Ph.D. programs) GMAT: 550+ (For MBA and business-related programs) IELTS: 6.0 – 7.5 (Varies by institution and program) TOEFL: 85 – 100+ TCF/DELF: B2+ (For French-taught programs)

Why study in France

France is the most popular destination country for international students, providing top-quality education, wide-ranging study opportunities, and better career opportunities. With more than 370,000 international students in 2024, France has some of the world’s top universities, low tuition rates, and rich cultural life.

Here are some key reasons you must consider why studying in France.

Globally ranked universities

France has 40+ universities featured in QS World Rankings 2025, such as top universities like Sorbonne University and HEC Paris.

Low tuition fees

Tuition fees in France are lower compared to other leading study-abroad destinations, particularly at public universities. Scholarships are also commonly offered.

Good employability & career prospects

France has a good job market, with sectors such as fashion, technology, hospitality, and business management having lucrative career opportunities.

English-taught programs

More than 1,500+ English-taught programs are offered, and as such, it is convenient for international students to study without the need for French fluency.

Rich cultural & student life

From symbolic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower to museums and festivals of international renown, studying in France offers an unforgettable student and cultural life.

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Student visa requirements for France

To study in France, international students must obtain a france student visa based on the duration of their course. The process requires specific documents, eligibility criteria, and compliance with the latest regulations.

Documents required to apply for a France student visa

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond the visa duration
University admission letter: Proof of enrollment from a recognized French institution
Financial proof: Minimum funds of €615 per month to cover living expenses
Health insurance:Mandatory for students staying over 3 months

Types of student visas available

Short-stay visa (Visa de court séjour étudiant): For programs lasting less than 90 days
Temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T): Valid for studies between 3 to 6 months, non-renewable
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS): Issued for programs exceeding 6 months, with residency permit benefits
Talent passport – Researcher visa: For Ph.D. students and researchers undertaking long-term projects

Latest updates to keep in mind

France will grant 30,000 Indian alumni a 5-year Schengen visa by 2030
Launch of "Classes Internationales" Programme, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian PM Narendra Modi
Indian students can learn French for a year before university enrollment
Scholarships are available for students enrolled in the Classes Internationales program

Top courses to study in France

France is home to some of the world’s best universities, offering diverse programs in business, engineering, fashion, and more. With globally recognized degrees and strong industry connections, students gain excellent career prospects.

Below is the list of popular courses to study in the France:

Course name	Top universities offering the course	Average tuition fees (per year)	Average salaries (per year)
Business and Management	– HEC Paris – INSEAD – ESSEC Business School – EDHEC Business School – ESCP Business School	€10,000 – €20,000	€30,000 – €120,000
Engineering	– École Polytechnique – CentraleSupélec – Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA Lyon) – Grenoble Institute of Technology – École des Ponts ParisTech	€2,500 – €17,000	€45,000 – €70,000
Fashion and Luxury Management	– Institut Français de la Mode – ESMOD International – SKEMA Business School – Paris College of Art – Mod’Art International	€12,000 – €30,000	€30,000 – €90,000
Hospitality and Tourism Management	– Vatel International Business School – Ferrandi Paris – Le Cordon Bleu Paris – Institut Paul Bocuse – École Supérieure Internationale de Savignac	€7,000 – €18,000	€35,000 – €60,000
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence	– Université Paris-Saclay – Sorbonne University – Université Grenoble Alpes – Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) – École Normale Supérieure de Lyon	€3,000 – €20,000	€50,000 – €85,000

Please note: The tuition fees mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount will depend on the French university.

Top universities to study in France

France is home to some of the highly ranked universities. Overall, the 35 French universities are amongst QS world university rankings for 2024. Apart from this, 10 French universities are ranked among the 2022-2023 list of the top 300 global universities. Some of the highly-ranked universities according to QS World University Rankings 2024 are listed below:

Université PSL ( Paris Sciences and Lettres)

QS World University Rankings 2025: 24

Institut Polytechnique de Paris

QS World University Rankings 2025: 46

Sorbonne University

QS World University Rankings 2025: 63

Université Paris-Saclay

QS World University Rankings 2025: 73

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

QS World University Rankings 2025: 187

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

QS World University Rankings 2025: 283

Université Paris Cité

QS World University Rankings 2025: 302

Université Grenoble Alpes

QS World University Rankings 2025: 334

Sciences Po

QS World University Rankings 2025: 350

Cost of studying in France

Cost of studying in France affordable tuition fees compared to other top study destinations. While public universities have lower fees, private institutions, and specialized programs can be more expensive. Living costs vary based on the city and lifestyle.

Important factors for student expenses:

Public vs. private institutions – Tuition fees at public universities are much lower than at private institutions
City of residence – Paris has higher living expenses compared to other cities in France
Student privileges – There are discounts on transportation, entertainment, and dining
Health coverage – International students are required to have compulsory health insurance
Budget planning – Plan for initial expenses, including visa fees and housing deposits

The table below shows the costs of studying in France that students can consider.

Expense type	Average cost per year	Remarks
Bachelor’s degree tuition fees	€170 – €3,000	Key Public universities have lower fees; private institutions cost more
Master’s degree tuition fees	€243 – €20,000	Specialized programs at top schools can be expensive
Accommodation	€3,600 – €12,000	University dorms are cheaper than renting private apartments
Transportation	€300 – €900	Student discounts are available on public transport
Health Insurance	€300 – €600	Mandatory for international students; varies by provider
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.)	€600 – €1,500	Shared apartments help reduce costs
Miscellaneous	€1,200 – €3,000	Includes entertainment, shopping, and personal expenses
Food & groceries	€2,400 – €4,800	Cooking at home is cheaper than dining out
Student visa fees	€99 – €200	Includes long-stay visa and administrative costs

Please note: The expenses mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount may vary.

The average cost of studying at private universities can go as high as €3,000-€30,000 per year. Apart from this, living in Paris can cost up to €1,250-€1,400 per month.

Scholarships to study in France

Many universities offer scholarships to study in France specifically for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership potential, or other criteria.

Here are some of the prominent scholarships available for international students studying in France:

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program - This is a prestigious scholarship offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to outstanding international students. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other benefits.
Erasmus+ Scholarships - Erasmus+ is an EU- funded program that offers scholarships and grants to support student mobility and exchange programs in Europe, including France.
Campus France Scholarships - Campus France, a government agency promoting higher education in France, offers various scholarships and grants for international students based on specific criteria.
Region-Specific Scholarships - Some French regions and cities offer scholarships to attract international students to their universities. For example, the Île-de-France region and the city of Lyon offer specific scholarships.
Research Scholarships - Many universities and research institutions in France offer scholarships for international students pursuing research-based programs or Ph.D. studies.
French Government Scholarships - The French government offers a range of scholarships to international students through various ministries and agencies.
Institution-Specific Scholarships - Many universities in France offer their own scholarships and financial aid programs for international students. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based.

Intakes in France

Like most other countries, France also offers 2 primary intakes for admission into the universities.

Intakes	Deadline
January intake	July – August
September intake	March – May

Please note: The specific intake dates and application periods may vary slightly between different universities and programs in France.

September intake is the biggest intake in France. The timeline for application plays a crucial role when applying to any of the universities. Candidates must initiate their applications by March and should submit the required documents by June.

Job prospects in France

The employment market in France has shown strength, with the employment numbers expected to hit 28.6 million in 2025, representing a 0.35% rise from the last year.

The unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 7.3% during the second quarter of 2024, close to its lowest rate since 2008.

Following are some of the most in-demand career opportunities in france in 2025, along with their average yearly pay:

Part-time jobs	Average annual salary
Specialist Doctors	€180,000
IT Managers	€60,000 – €90,000
Engineers	€45,000 – €70,000
Financial Analysts	€50,000 – €80,000
Marketing Managers	€50,000 – €80,000
University Professors	€50,000 – €80,000
Pilots	€60,000 – €100,000
Lawyers	€50,000 – €100,000
Bank Managers	€70,000 – €90,000
Orthodontists	€150,000

Please note: The salaries mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount will depend on the individual’s skill set and credentials.

France attracts students from all corners of the globe. The country boasts a vast selection of academic programs, ranging from arts and humanities to science and engineering, ensuring that students can pursue their academic passions. Ultimately, studying in France provides an unforgettable journey of growth, education, and cultural discovery.

Embark on your journey to success with MSM Unify overseas education consultant, your guide to studying in the France. Explore the endless possibilities that await you!

FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

How much does it cost to study in France?

It costs €2,770 per annum for Bachelor’s and €3,770 per annum for Master’s programs in public universities. Private universities pay €8,000–€20,000 annually. The living cost is €800–€1,500 per month based on location and lifestyle.

How to get PR in France after studying?

Students can obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (APS) to remain for two years following graduation. Gaining full-time employment, living legally for five years, and becoming part of French society through language and culture are critical milestones for permanent residency.

What French level is required to study in France?

For English-language courses, French is not obligatory. French-language courses normally require B2 or C1 level French, evidenced by DELF/DALF tests. A few universities administer internal language tests as well to evaluate candidates’ French competence prior to admission.

Can I study in France without IELTS?

Yes, most universities also accept a medium of instruction certificate from previous studies. Some accept TOEFL, Duolingo, or internal language tests. For French-taught programs, IELTS is not necessary. Always refer to university-specific requirements before applying.

How to get a scholarship to study in France?

Scholarships such as Eiffel Excellence, Erasmus+, and Campus France provide funding. Numerous universities offer merit-based and area-specific scholarships. Good grades and early applications help to ensure increased chances of being funded for tuition and living costs.

Can international students work part-time while studying in France?

Yes, international students can work 964 hours a year (about 20 hours a week) while they study. Working in retail, hospitality, and tutoring are typical options.

What are the post-study work prospects in France?

Students can apply for a 2-year work permit renewal if they find employment based on their studies. IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare industries offer high demand for professionals.

Is it required to have health insurance to study in France?

Yes, one needs health insurance. Under-28s can enroll in French Social Security, which pays for most of the healthcare costs. Private insurance is necessary for students older than 28.

How easy is it for an international student to get accommodation in France?

It is easy for an international student to get accommodation to study in France, but that varies with the city. Some of the options are university residences (€200–€400/month), private apartments (€500–€1,000/month), and flat shares. Early booking is advisable due to demand.

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Study in France

Study in France

Highlights of studying in France

Why study in France

Interested in studying abroad?

Student visa requirements for France

Documents required to apply for a France student visa

Types of student visas available

Latest updates to keep in mind

Top courses to study in France

Top universities to study in France

Université PSL ( Paris Sciences and Lettres)

Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Sorbonne University

Université Paris-Saclay

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Université Paris Cité

Sciences Po

Cost of studying in France

Important factors for student expenses:

Scholarships to study in France

Here are some of the prominent scholarships available for international students studying in France:

Intakes in France

Job prospects in France

FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

How much does it cost to study in France?

How to get PR in France after studying?

What French level is required to study in France?

Can I study in France without IELTS?

How to get a scholarship to study in France?

Can international students work part-time while studying in France?

What are the post-study work prospects in France?

Is it required to have health insurance to study in France?

How easy is it for an international student to get accommodation in France?

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