Europe's cultural capital
Study in France
Affordable public universities, top business schools and access to the Schengen area.
Overview
Why study in France?
France combines a long academic tradition with affordable public education and internationally respected business, engineering and design schools.
Students can choose from many programmes taught in English, especially at master's level, while experiencing French culture and travelling easily within the Schengen area.
Affordable education
Public university fees are regulated by the French state.
Renowned institutions
Leading business schools, engineering schools and universities.
Fashion and arts hub
A global centre for fashion, art and design.
Multicultural experience
A diverse international student community.
Career opportunities
Graduates may be eligible for post-study residence options.
Central location
Easy travel across Europe.
Higher education
The education system in France
French higher education includes public universities, grandes écoles (selective schools for engineering, business and public administration) and specialised schools for art, fashion, architecture and culinary arts. Degrees follow the European licence, master and doctorate structure.
Types of institutions
Public universities offer academic degrees at regulated fees. Grandes écoles and private business schools are selective and charge higher tuition, but often have strong industry links. Specialised schools focus on creative and technical fields.
Universities students often explore
- Sorbonne University
- École Polytechnique
- HEC Paris
- Sciences Po
- ESSEC Business School
- Université Paris-Saclay
Listed for information only. This does not imply a partnership or guaranteed admission.
Programmes
Popular courses in France
Subject areas international students frequently choose. Availability and requirements vary by institution.
- Business Management
- Fashion Design
- Culinary Arts
- Engineering
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- International Relations
Eligibility
General admission requirements
- Indian students apply through the Campus France "Études en France" procedure for most programmes.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Statement of purpose explaining your study project.
- Letters of recommendation and CV.
- English or French language test scores, depending on the programme.
English language requirements
English-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores. French-taught programmes require proof of French proficiency, such as DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF.
Documents commonly requested
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's degree and transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Two or three letters of recommendation
- English or French test score
- CV
- Proof of funds
- Campus France documents
Exact requirements depend on the institution, programme and visa route.
Budget
Tuition, living costs and funding
Public university fees are set nationally, while grandes écoles and private schools set their own tuition. Living costs are higher in Paris than in other cities. Health insurance and proof of funds are required; check Campus France and France-Visas for current amounts.
Fees and financial requirements change regularly. Always confirm current figures on the official and institution websites listed on this page.
Scholarships and funding options
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
French government scholarship for master's and PhD students, nominated by French institutions.
Charpak Scholarship
Programmes by the French Embassy in India for Indian students.
Erasmus+
EU funding for exchange and selected joint programmes.
Émile Boutmy Scholarship
Awards for non-EU students at Sciences Po.
Institutional scholarships
Many universities and schools offer merit-based and need-based awards.
Visa
French long-stay student visa: overview
Students staying longer than three months usually need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) after completing the Campus France procedure.
Campus France registration
Create your Études en France account and submit your documents.
Academic interview
Attend the Campus France interview about your study project.
University admission
Receive acceptance through the platform or directly from your school.
Visa application
Apply through France-Visas and submit documents and biometrics at the visa centre.
Validate on arrival
Validate your VLS-TS online within the required period after arrival.
Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant government authorities and cannot be guaranteed. Rules, fees and processing times change, so always check the official sources below. Learn about our visa guidance.
Planning
Intakes and application timeline
Fall intake (September)
The main intake with the most programmes. Campus France applications often open from October the year before.
Spring intake (January/February)
Limited programmes, mostly at master's level and in business schools.
We recommend starting 12 to 18 months before your intended intake. This leaves time for research, tests, applications, scholarships and your visa. Deadlines differ by institution, so we build a personal timeline for every student.
FAQ
Studying in France: common questions
Related destinations
You may also consider
Planning to study in France?
Talk to a counsellor about courses, universities and your next steps for France.