ENSAI National School of Statistics and Information Analysis

Over the years, France has become one of the favourite destinations to study abroad for international students. Some of the benefits of studying in France include witnessing a different culture and society, allowing one to become the best version of themselves from within, studying at one of the top universities in France, and the affordable cost of studying. According to reports, the number of Indian students enrolling on universities in France has been increasing in recent years. In other news, France is all set to welcome 20,000 Indian students by 2025 and reach 30,000 by 2030, therefore creating opportunities for new businesses, start-ups and innovation.

Why Study in France?

France is gradually becoming a top destination for international students who want to pursue their higher education. Here is a student guide to study in France, it covers answers to all od the doubts that emerge in Indian students' mind when they plan to study outside India.

Some of the reasons to study in France are:

• World-class universities: France is home to some of the top colleges and universities in the world. While deciding to study in a French university, students are assured of quality education coupled with practical training. Furthermore, a globally recognised degree after graduating from France will lead to higher job prospects in France.
• A chance to witness a multicultural society: By choosing to study in France, students will have a chance to discover a society that is multicultural, open, and proud of its history.
• Cost of studying: Compared to destinations like the UK or the USA, the cost of pursuing a degree in France is remarkably low.
  • Public Universities: Non-EU/EEA international students studying at public institutions pay standardised, subsidised rates of €2,895 per year for Bachelor’s (Licence) programs and €3,941 per year for Master’s programs.
  • Private Institutions: Tuition at private institutes and elite business schools ranges from €6,000 to €18,000 annually, which remains highly competitive when compared to equivalent global programs.
• A country of elegance: France is known for its high and off-the-rack fashion. Be it Designer boutiques, department stores, or international stores, there is something for everyone in France.
• Economic powerhouse: France is one of the major economies in the world. As a country, it is traditional, with very high-quality craftsmanship. It is home to international corporations like Airbus, L’Oreal, Orange, Danone, Sanofi, etc.

Study in France: Key Highlights

Education System in France

When it comes to higher education in France, there are various programmes available for foreign students, whether they speak French or not. As per Campus France, French higher education involves 2.5 million students. Out of this, 12% of students are from abroad. In France, there are more than 3,500 public and private institutes of higher education.

Top Universities in France 2027

Here is the list of the best universities in France as per the QS World University Rankings 2027:

Top Courses in France

Studying in France is an affordable option for international students. While France is the perfect destination for a few business courses, there are some other courses that have become very popular in recent years. Some of the best courses to study in France are:

• MBA
• Aerospace Engineering
• Luxury Brand Management
• Film Studies
• Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
• Fashion Design
• Computer Science
• Finance
• Data Science
• International Relations & Political Science

Admission Requirements to Study in France 2026

In many universities and colleges in France, the medium of instruction is French. Hence, it is advised to appear for some of the French language tests. For undergraduate programs, a 10+2 certificate from a recognised board is required along with proof of an English language proficiency test score.

On the other hand, to study a postgraduate course in France, students must have an undergraduate degree, scores of GMAT/GRE, English language proficiency test scores, and work experience (if applicable). In case students want to take admission into PhD courses, they must have a master’s degree or equivalent.

Opting for French language-taught courses? Read "How to Learn French Language to Study Abroad?"

Student Visa in France 2026

The standard long-stay visa for studies exceeding three months to one year in France is the VLS-TS Student Visa. It serves as a temporary residence permit and within three months of arriving in France, you must validate your VLS-TS online via the official ANEF platform. The long-stay student visa in France also grants the holder freedom of movement to travel anywhere within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without applying for a separate visa.

To apply for a France student visa, one must visit the following site - https://france-visas.gouv.fr/. You can also submit all required documents online on your application platform here - https://france-visas.gouv.fr/documents/d/france-visas/fiche-pratique-numerisation.

Since India is affected by the "Etudes en France" procedure, Indian students need to apply to a French higher education institution through the Etudes en France platform. Thus, the cost of a French student visa for Indian students is €50. Indian students can expect to spend around ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 on initial visa-related expenses, including Campus France registration, visa fee, VFS service charges and post-arrival visa validation fee, but excluding tuition and living costs. Upon acceptance by the desired university, the visa applications will be sent to the French consular authorities automatically.

Important point to note - applicants must prove that they have an income of at least €615 per month to cover living expenses as part of the French student visa requirements. This amounts to €7,380 for a full year. This requirement must be proven through official documentation - such as bank statements showing locked funds, a bank loan certificate, or official scholarship letters.

Top Cities in France Preferred by Students

Every year, the number of students from across the world coming to study at French higher education institutes increases. But they often remain confused as to which city to choose in order to reside in France. Undoubtedly, Paris is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and apart from this, it is one of the top student cities. In the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, Paris is placed in the =7 position. Besides Paris, some of the other top cities in France for students are Lyon, Montpellier, Toulouse, Grenoble, Lille, Nice, Nantes, etc.

Scholarships to Study in France

Merit and need-based scholarships to study in France are available for international students. Students with strong academic records, good scores in standardised exams and extra-curricular achievements will be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. In order to make the perfect use of these opportunities, make sure to apply before the deadline.

Students can apply for the scholarships that are offered by French higher education institutes such as Rennes Business School, EDHEC Business School, and the Émile Boutmy Scholarships by Sciences Po. Apart from this, as per Campus France, more than 500 French Government scholarships are provided to meritorious Indian students who want to pursue higher education in France.

Note:- The French government has announced that up to 60% of scholarship funds will be reserved for priority fields including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum studies and biotechnology. Additionally, tuition fee exemptions will be limited to 10% of eligible international applicants.

Education Loan for Studying in France

In order to cover the tuition fees, cost of living, and other expenses in France, students can apply for an educational loan. As a result, banks provide educational loans to study in France.

In order to get quick approval for a student loan, it is advised to keep all the documents ready beforehand and meet all the eligibility conditions. Some of the expenses that an educational loan covers are fees payable, accommodation charges, exam, laboratory and library fees, expenses like books, equipment like a computer, uniforms, caution deposit, and other expenses needed to complete the course, such as project work, study tours, or thesis.

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in France

Every foreign student has the right to work while studying in France. Note that students who are not European Union nationals must have a student residence permit. According to French Law, foreign students can work up to 964 hours per year. While working in France, whether a student or not, a minimum wage is guaranteed by law. At present, the minimum wage is €11.88 per hour (before taxes), which becomes €9.40 per hour after the deduction of taxes.

Post-Study Work Permit in France

Non-European students, after graduating, need to hold an employment offer or work contract in order to stay in France. They should also be paid or about to be paid a minimum of 1.5 times the minimum wage. In case you do not have an offer in hand, you should ask for an Autorisation Présoire de Séjour (APS - temporary resident permit), which you can use till the time you find a job. The validity for the same is 12 months, and it cannot be renewed. In order to be considered eligible for this, you need to have a bachelor's or a master's level degree, or be about to start your own venture.

As a measure to strengthen ties between India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the extension of the French Post-Study work visa for Indian students. Those who have moved to France in order to pursue a master’s degree from India will now be able to obtain a five-year long-term post-study visa. Earlier, they could obtain only a two-year work visa before this decision was taken.

How the above two work together -

Indian master's graduates have the following advantages over the two tracks:

• APS/RECE permit - stay and work in France for up to 24 months post-graduation
• 5-year alumni circulation visa - return to France multiple times over 5 years for networking and opportunities, even after leaving

This combination makes France one of the most attractive post-study destinations in Europe for Indian students.

Useful Websites for Your Studying in France Journey

For studying in France, you will have to surf through multiple official websites for your college admissions and for getting a French student visa. Since there are multiple websites for visa application, requirements, process, training and working, you might easily get confused and lose track. For that reason, we are compiling the important websites and terms below for you to refer to while proceeding with your studying in France journey.

1. Campus France (http://www.campusfrance.org/en): It's the official French national agency that works in promoting French higher education across the globe, and helps students with their queries on international training and mobility.
2. Etudes en France (https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html?codeLangue=EN): It's the official government website to apply to universities and for a French visa.
3. ONISEP: This website gives generalised information around training and working in France.
4. OFII (http://www.ofii.fr/defaut.php3): website for the French immigration and integration office

Study in France FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to study in France for Indian students in 2026?

A. For Indian students, the total annual cost to study in France in 2026 typically ranges from ₹9 lakhs to ₹13 lakhs at public universities, while the cost of studying at private universities or engineering schools in France can exceed ₹27 lakhs per year.

Q. Is 20 lakhs enough to study in France?

A. Yes, ₹20 lakhs is considered enough to cover the total cost of studying in France for one year. However, if studying at a public university, this amount can cover both tuition and living expenses for up to two years.

Q. Can students work in France?

A. Every foreign student has the right to work in France while studying. French law allows students to work up to 964 hours per year. With this, students are also given a minimum wage. The minimum wage is €12.02 per hour (before taxes) as of 01 Jan 2026. Students working the legal 20 hours/week can earn approximately €800 net/month at the new minimum wage rate.

Q. Is France good for international students?

A. France, as a study-abroad destination, is an excellent choice for any international student. This is because it is a welcoming country with an interesting and diverse culture. It also has many schools that are internationally renowned, like business and fashion schools.

Q. Is studying in France expensive?

A. The cost of studying in France is among the lowest in the world. The government subsidises the tuition fees in higher public institutions. The tuition fees for international students enrolled in public higher education institutes are €2,895 per year at the bachelor’s level and €3,941 per year at the master’s level. The fee hike does not affect current non-EU students already enrolled - it applies to new entrants from September 2026. However, the cost of studying in private French institutes may be higher, i.e. from €6000 to €18,000 per year.

Q. Can I live in France without knowing French?

A. France is one of the friendliest, most open and most welcoming countries in the world. However, it is advised to know some basic French language terminology to survive better. But there are some courses that are available in English. It is better to have knowledge of the language, as this will help you with practical matters like buying groceries, paying bills, understanding directions and instructions, etc.

Q. List some of the courses that are popular in France.

A. Some of the most popular courses in France for international students include Economics and Business, Fashion, Hospitality, Technology and Tourism.

Q. How can I go to France after 12th?

A. After completing 12th grade, consider pursuing higher education in France. Start by researching programs and universities, focusing on their admission criteria, which often include language proficiency tests like DELF/DALF for French programs or IELTS/TOEFL for English ones. Once you've chosen your preferred universities, submit your applications. If admitted, apply for a student visa. Some French universities offer "classes internationales," designed for international students, often taught in English or with French support, easing the transition to academic life. Also, consider tuition fees, living costs, and visa processing times.