Study in France

Experience the blend of rich culture and academic excellence.

Start Your France Journey View Top Universities

400K+

International Students

3500+

Higher Ed Institutions

Major Intakes

95%

IAEC Visa Success

Why Choose France for Higher Education?

France combines academic excellence with cultural richness, offering world-class education at affordable costs in the heart of Europe.

🎓

Academic Excellence & Innovation

Home to Sorbonne, PSL, Sciences Po - world-renowned institutions. 28 Nobel laureates from French universities demonstrate academic superiority.

💰

Highly Affordable Education

Public university fees from €170/year. Government subsidizes education making quality accessible. Lower living costs compared to UK/US.

🎨

Art, Culture & Heritage Capital

Birthplace of luxury brands, fashion, culinary arts. Access to Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Europe's richest cultural heritage.

🌍

Gateway to Europe

EU membership opens doors to 27 countries. Easy travel, work opportunities, and European residence pathways through French education.

💼

Work Rights & Career Opportunities

20 hours/week work during studies. Post-study work visa available. Major MNCs and luxury brands headquartered in France.

🥖

Quality of Life & Language

Learn French - global diplomatic language. High quality of life, world-class healthcare, and excellent social security system.

French Higher Education System (LMD)

Licence-Master-Doctorat system aligned with European standards

📋

Licence (L1-L3)

3 Years - 180 ECTS

Bachelor's degree equivalent with specialization options and broad academic foundation.

🎓

Master (M1-M2)

2 Years - 120 ECTS

Advanced specialization with research or professional tracks available.

👨‍🎓

Doctorat

3+ Years

PhD with original research, thesis defense, and international recognition.

🏫

Grandes Écoles

5 Years Elite

Prestigious institutions with selective admission and professional focus.

Academic Calendar & Institution Types

Academic Year Structure

• Semester 1: September - January
• Christmas Break: December 20 - January 3
• Semester 2: January - June
• Summer Break: June - September

Institution Categories

• 72 Public Universities
• 200+ Grandes Écoles (Engineering, Business)
• 3000+ Private Institutions
• Specialized Art & Architecture Schools

Top French Universities for International Students 2025

World-renowned institutions with global rankings and academic excellence

University	QS Ranking 2025	Annual Tuition (EUR)	Location
Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) France's highest-ranked institution	#24	€170 - €2,770	Paris
Institut Polytechnique de Paris STEM powerhouse and engineering excellence	#46	€500 - €6,243	Paris
Sorbonne University Historic prestige with global recognition	#63	€170 - €3,770	Paris
Université Paris-Saclay Research excellence and innovation hub	#73	€170 - €2,770	Paris
Sciences Po Political science and international affairs	#350	€0 - €14,720	Paris

French University Admission Requirements

Entry requirements for international students at French universities

🎓

Licence (Bachelor's) Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Baccalauréat or equivalent (12th grade) with good grades

French Language Proficiency

DELF B2/DALF C1 for French-taught programs, IELTS/TOEFL for English programs

Campus France Application

Complete Études en France procedure for visa application

Supporting Documents

Academic transcripts, motivation letter, recommendation letters

🏆

Master's Degree Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) with good academic standing

Language Requirements

DALF C1 for French programs, IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for English programs

Research Proposal

For research master's - detailed proposal and supervisor contact

Professional Experience

Some programs require relevant work experience, especially for business

Cost of Studying in France 2025

Europe's most affordable quality education with government subsidies

Annual Tuition Fees (EUR)

Public Universities (EU)€170 - €620

Public Universities (Non-EU)€2,895 - €3,941

Grandes Écoles€500 - €10,000

Private Universities€1,500 - €20,000

Monthly Living Expenses (EUR)

Accommodation (Paris)€600 - €1,200

Accommodation (Other cities)€300 - €600

Food & Groceries€250 - €400

Transportation€75 - €100

Books & Personal€100 - €200

Estimated Total Annual Cost

Bachelor's Programs

EUR €8,000 - €25,000

Master's Programs

EUR €10,000 - €30,000

France Student Visa Process 2025

Complete guide with Campus France and visa application steps

Campus France Registration

University Application

Apply to French universities through Campus France platform

Get University Acceptance

Receive acceptance letter from French institution

Financial Documentation

Show €615/month financial proof plus tuition fees

Visa Application

Submit visa application at VFS Global/Embassy with documents

Visa Validation

Validate VLS-TS visa within 3 months of arrival in France

Student Visa Types & Requirements

Visa Categories

• Short-stay (<90 days): Free Schengen visa
• Temporary (3-6 months): VLS-T visa
• Long-stay (>6 months): VLS-TS visa
• Research scholar: Special visa for PhD/research

Visa Fees & Processing

• Visa fee: €50-99 (country dependent)
• Campus France fee: €270
• Validation fee: €50 (in France)
• Processing time: 2-5 weeks

French Scholarships for International Students

Government and institutional funding opportunities for international students

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

French government's flagship program

For: Master's and PhD programs

Amount: €1,181-1,700/month + allowances

Duration: 12-36 months

Charpak Scholarship Program

Specifically for Indian students

For: Master's programs in France

Coverage: Partial tuition + living costs

Value: €8,000 per year

Erasmus+ Scholarships

EU mobility and exchange program

For: Exchange and joint programs

Amount: €250-700/month

Duration: 3-12 months

Campus Bourses

Database of French scholarships

Types: Government, regional, institutional

Amount: €1,000 - €20,000

Platform: CampusBourses.fr

University-Specific Scholarships

Institution merit-based awards

Examples: PSL, Sorbonne, Sciences Po

Amount: €2,000 - €15,000

Criteria: Academic excellence

Regional Scholarships

Local government funding

Regions: Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Support: Living costs + integration

Focus: Regional development

Work Opportunities in France

Study, work, and build your career in Europe's cultural and economic heart

During Studies

Student Work Rights

• 964 hours per year (20 hours per week)
• No work permit required
• Access to all sectors
• Social security benefits

Popular Student Jobs

• Teaching assistant: €12-15/hour
• Retail & hospitality: €10-12/hour
• Research assistant: €15-20/hour
• Language tutoring: €20-25/hour

Post-Study Opportunities

Graduate Work Visa

• APS visa: 24 months for Master's/PhD
• Job search and work authorization
• Path to EU Blue Card
• Residence permit pathways

Career Opportunities

• Luxury brands: LVMH, L'Oréal, Hermès
• Tech companies: Airbus, Dassault, Ubisoft
• Finance: BNP Paribas, Société Générale
• Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Capgemini

Graduate Salary Expectations (EUR)

Luxury & Fashion

€35,000 - €60,000

LVMH, Hermès, Chanel

Engineering & Tech

€38,000 - €65,000

Airbus, Thales, Safran

Finance & Banking

€40,000 - €70,000

BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole

Pharmaceuticals

€35,000 - €55,000

Sanofi, Servier, Ipsen

Consulting

€45,000 - €80,000

McKinsey, BCG, Capgemini

Hospitality & Tourism

€25,000 - €45,000

Accor, Club Med, Michelin

Why Choose IAEC for France Studies?

Expert guidance with proven success record and comprehensive support

🎯

University & Program Selection

Expert guidance to choose the right French university and program with career alignment.

🇫🇷

Campus France Support

Complete assistance with Études en France platform and Campus France application process.

💰

Scholarship Guidance

Identify and apply for Eiffel, Charpak, Erasmus+, and university-specific scholarships.

📋

Language Preparation

DELF/DALF French language training and IELTS/TOEFL preparation for English programs.

🛂

Student Visa Support

Complete French student visa guidance including VLS-TS application and validation process.

🏡

Pre-Departure & Settlement

Accommodation assistance, cultural orientation, and French lifestyle preparation.

Our France Success Record

95%

Student Visa Success Rate

1200+

Students in France

50+

Partner Universities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries about studying in France

Do I need to know French to study in France?

Not necessarily. Many programs are taught in English, especially at master's level. However, basic French helps with daily life and career opportunities.

How much can I work while studying in France on student visa?

International students can work up to 964 hours per year (20 hours per week) without requiring a separate work permit.

What is Campus France and is it mandatory?

Campus France (Études en France) is mandatory for students from select countries including India. It's the official platform for university applications and visa processing.

Can I stay in France after graduation to work?

Yes, master's and PhD graduates can get APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) visa for 24 months to search for work and gain professional experience.

What is the cost difference between public and private universities in France?

Public universities charge €170-€3,941/year while private institutions range from €1,500-€20,000/year. Government subsidies make public education very affordable.

Which French cities are best for international students?

Paris offers the most universities and opportunities. Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, and Strasbourg are also excellent choices with lower living costs and quality education.