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Study in FRANCE
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Discover world-class education opportunities and transform your future

Country Code: FR
Currency: Euro ()

Key Facts & Highlights

Essential information about FRANCE

World-Ranked Universities

30–40 globally ranked

Course Duration

UG: 3 yrs | PG: 2 yrs

Tuition Fees

€3,000 /yr – €15,000 /yr

Work Rights

20 hrs/week

Post-Study Work

1–2 yrs

Intakes

January and September

While most people know of France, from a cultural and gastronomic perspective, there is more to France. Most study abroad aspirants are flocking to this beautiful and scenic country in Europe for studies. You may feel inquisitive as to why. Let us explore the top reasons why one must choose to study in France. 

  • The tuition fees at France’s top universities are extremely attractive for international learners. 

  • You get outstanding research opportunities in France. 

  • France happens to be one of the top economic powers. 

  • The French lifestyle is one of the most popular ones in the world. 

  • After completing a degree in France, you get direct access to any of the 570 French companies operating in India. 

  • In France, over 1,700 courses are English-taught. 

  • If you happen to learn French while pursuing courses in France, it helps you in over 30 countries that speak the language. 

  • The environment is extremely friendly for entrepreneurs. 

  • The courses are professionally aligned, so that you can land lucrative work opportunities after completing them. 

 

As international students, it is extremely crucial for you to know about the education system in France. If you are looking forward to a rewarding educational and cultural experience, then this knowledge is non-negotiable. 

The French education system follows a three-tiered approach. It is similar to the Bologna process. The three-tier framework includes:

Level

Duration

Focus

Bachelor’s Degree

3 years 

Foundational knowledge in a specific stream

Master’s Degree 

2 years

Advanced professional knowledge and specialisation

Doctorate Degree 

3-6 years 

Research opportunities in a specific stream 

As international students aiming to study in France, you must know about the different institutions in France. They are listed below. 

  • Universities 

These institutions are ideal for students who want to pursue science, humanities, and law.

  • Grandes Ecoles 

These are aimed towards highly competitive fields like business, public administration, and engineering. 

  • Specialised Schools 

These are mainly vocational course-oriented and offer subjects and courses in fashion design, culinary arts, and hospitality.  

 

Those students who are eager to study in France must know about the top student cities, as the cost of living and education vary according to the choice made. 

  • Toulouse

  • Besançon

  • Montpellier 

  • Rennes

  • Caen

  • Grenoble

  • Lyon 

  • Nantes 

  • Strasbourg

  • Nancy

These are the top 10 cities in France, where students from all across the globe settle for the duration of their studies. Paris happens to be on the expensive side, so it is not ranked amongst the top 10. 

With almost 3,500 institutions operating in France, it is more than just a place for fashion, culture, and cuisine. If you aim to study in France, you ought to choose courses and universities that align with your aptitude and career goals. For now, here is a list of universities and top courses offered. 

Leading Universities In France

Courses Offered

Specialisation

HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, ESCP

Business Management

MBA, Finance, International Business

École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Télécom Paris

Engineering and Technology

Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aerospace

Le Cordon Bleu, Institut Paul Bocuse

Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Tourism, aviation, and bakery

Université Paris-Saclay, Télécom Paris, ENSAI

Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence

Data analytics, machine learning

Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), ESMOD, SKEMA

Fashion Management

Fashion design, merchandising, and luxury brand management

 

 

Before explaining the process of admission, it makes sense to know about the admission intakes. So, here are the details. 

France mainly has two intakes:

  • Fall/ September – Deadline is October – December of the previous year to start the process of application. 

  • Spring/ January – Deadline is March – August of the previous year to start the process of application.

Those students who are eager to start their academic journey must follow a certain stepwise process for successful application. Let us read about the same underneath. 

  • Choose your courses and specialisations. This step is extremely crucial, and one can successfully accomplish the same, if you choose to take an aptitude test beforehand. 

  • The next step involves shortlisting the universities. It is very important as the choice will decide your future course. 

  • Once you finalise the university, you must find out the admission requirements. 

  • Apply through the French Embassy in your country or online, through Campus France. You may get most common queries answered, there itself. 

  • Start compiling all your documents. Take note of any special requirements as well, and comply with the same. 

  • Non-EU students must pass the Preliminary Admission or ‘Demande d'Admission Préalable – DAP’ to apply to French institutions. 

  • After you receive the offer of acceptance, you must apply for your French visa. Contact the French Embassy for the visa. If you require any assistance in this process, you can connect with a study abroad advisor, like Admissify. 

You will be amazed to know that every year, the French Embassy and French companies award more than 500 scholarships to meritorious students. These are available at all the levels of education – undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral. Let us find out about some of them here. 

Scholarships

Level of Studies

Amount

French Excellence Charpak Scholarship

Bachelor's courses, master’s courses, lab internships and semester exchange courses

700-860 Euros per month, student visa, and campus France fee waiver

Eiffel  Excellence Scholarship

Master’s and PhD courses

1,181-1,700 Euros, round-trip flight ticket, national and local transport allowances

Legrand Empowering Scholarship

All levels

Monthly stipend and visa fee waiver

Shikhar Thales Scholarship

Master’s in Engineering

Monthly stipend of 700 Euros, visa fee, and Campus France fee waiver

French+Sciences Scholarship

Short-term language courses, science and technological study courses

Living allowance, travel fare, accommodation, and cultural activities allowances

There are many other scholarships which you can avail yourself of. To know all the details, it is important to work with a consultant, like Admissify

Cost of Studying in France

Those students intending to study in France must know about the costs involved. There are public universities, private ones, and elite ones, like the Grandes Écoles. And the cost at each one of these differs. Here is a breakdown of the cost of studying at French universities

University Name

Cost of Studying At Various Levels

Université Paris Cité

270 - 480 Euros 

Université Paris-Saclay

275 – 491 Euros 

Sorbonne University

270 – 480 Euros 

École des Ponts ParisTech

7,275 Euros

HEC Paris 

18,500 - 30,000 Euros

Paris School Of Business 

9,500 - 34,750 Euros

These tuition fees, as mentioned in the table above, span across bachelors’ to master’s and doctoral level courses. The fees at public universities are much lower than those at private universities. 

Cost of Living In France 

The cost of living in France will depend on the university you are enrolled on and the city where you will be staying. Let us take a look at the various cost heads. 

Expense Head

Amount Per Month

Accommodation

700  Euro

Transport

50  Euro

Food

300 Euro

Entertainment

200 Euro

Miscellaneous

100 Euro

Here are the various student accommodation options for international students. The costs will vary according to the city you stay in and also the type of accommodation you choose. On-campus accommodations will always be cheaper. 

Accommodation Type

Cost Per Month

CROUS University Residences 

200-600 Euros

Private Student Residences

500-800 Euros

Shared Apartments 

300-600 Euros 

Homestays 

Varies according to the city

After you have completed your postgraduate level studies from a French institution, you will be eligible for a 12-24 month post-study work visa. 

  • This allows graduates to stay in France and look for jobs. 

  • There are other long-term visas as well, which any PG student from France can avail of. These allow for a 5-year stay. 

  • The booming sectors in France for international students are engineering, technology, and business. 

Still have questions?

Our counselors are here to help

Top Universities

Explore world-class institutions

PSL Research University
Ranking
28
Type
Public
Courses
19
Scholarships
87
Know More
Paris-Saclay University

Paris-Saclay University

Bures-sur-Yvette, France

Ranking
46
Type
Public
Courses
67
Scholarships
87
Know More
Sorbonne University

Sorbonne University

Paris, France

Ranking
55
Type
Public
Courses
9
Scholarships
88
Know More
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Ranking
124
Type
Public
Courses
16
Scholarships
87
Know More
University Paris Cité
Ranking
172
Type
Public
Courses
31
Scholarships
88
Know More
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Ranking
234
Type
Public
Courses
5
Scholarships
87
Know More

Latest Blogs on Study in FRANCE

Stay updated with the latest news and guides about studying in FRANCE

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Post Study Work Visa in France 2026
September 26, 2025

Post Study Work Visa in France 2026

France has consistently been one of the top choices for Indian students to study in France, and for obvious reasons, such as the quality of education, globally recognised universities, and a diverse culture. But one common worry remains: “What happens after I finish my degree? Do I have to return home immediately?” That’s where the France Post Study Work Visa comes in. Officially called the APS Visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), this visa allows international students to stay back after graduation, work freely, and even prepare for long-term settlement. For Indian students, it means a smoother transition from university to career. Latest Updates on Post Study Work Visa in France Curious about the latest changes in France’s post study work visa? Let’s check them out- Update Details Duration 12 months, extendable up to 24 months Eligibility Master’s & higher degree graduates only Policy Reason Retain skilled graduates and support economy What is a Post Study Work Visa in France? Wondering what the APS Visa actually allows you to do? Here’s a quick look- Feature Details Official Name APS Visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) Duration 12 months (extendable to 24 months) Eligibility Master’s or higher degree from France Work Rights Full-time, part-time, freelance Sponsorship Not required initially Application Timing Before student visa expiry Benefits of Post Study Work Visa France Thinking about why the APS Visa is so useful? Here’s why students love it- Benefit How It Helps You Flexibility Work in any role or sector Freedom No immediate sponsorship required Network Connect with professionals and industries Career Boost European work experience for your CV Financial Relief Repay loans and manage living costs Settlement Path Easy transition to long-term residence Eligibility Criteria Want to check if you can apply for the APS Visa? Here’s the breakdown- Requirement Details Location Apply from inside France Visa Status Must hold a valid Student Residence Permit Degree Master’s, PhD, or higher from recognised French university University Confirmation Required proof of completion Nationality Non-EU/EEA students (like Indians) France Post Study Work Visa Duration Curious about how long you can stay in France after graduation? Here’s a simple guide– Qualification Visa Duration Extension Possible? Master’s Degree 12 months Yes, up to 24 months PhD/Doctoral Degree Case-specific (research/work visa) Yes Bachelor’s Degree Not eligible No How to Apply for Post Study Work Permit in France? Wondering how to actually apply? Follow these simple steps- Step Action Step 1 Apply at your local prefecture Step 2 Complete APS application form Step 3 Pay application fee (~€75) Step 4 Submit graduation documents Step 5 Provide biometrics if required Step 6 Wait for decision (few weeks) Documents Required Not sure what paperwork you’ll need? Here’s the checklist– Document Why It’s Needed Valid Passport Identity proof Student Residence Permit Current valid permit Degree Certificate Proof of graduation Accommodation Proof Rental contract or housing letter Financial Proof Bank statement Health Insurance Must cover duration of stay Translations For non-French documents Post Study Work Visa France Fees Wondering about the cost of APS? Here’s a quick table– Cost Type Amount Application Fee €75 Residence Permit Tax ~€225 Total (1 year) ~€300 Total (2 years) ~€525 Jobs After Post Study Work Permit in France for Indian Students Curious which jobs you can take up while on APS? Check this out- Sector Example Roles Average Salary (€ per year) IT & Computer Science Software Engineer, Data Analyst 32,000–40,000 Finance & Accounting Banking, Auditing, Consulting 35,000–42,000 Healthcare & Pharma Research, Biotech 33,000–41,000 Engineering Civil, Mechanical, Electrical 34,000–45,000 Luxury & Fashion Marketing, HR, Brand Management 30,000–38,000 What You Can and Cannot Do on a Post Study Work Permit in France? Wondering about the dos and don’ts on APS? Here’s a handy table- Allowed Not Allowed Work full-time/part-time Claim public benefits Freelance/self-employment Extend visa beyond 2 years Volunteer work Apply with only a Bachelor’s degree Travel in Schengen Bring new dependants Read more: Top Scholarships in France for Indian Students Transition After Post Study Work Visa France Curious about what happens once APS ends? Here’s your roadmap- Next Step Who It’s For Work Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) Students with sponsored jobs EU Blue Card High-skilled, high-paying roles Researcher Visa PhD graduates or researchers PR/Long-Term Residence After 5 years of continuous stay Conclusion The Post Study Work Visa in France is a golden opportunity for Indian students. It gives you freedom, flexibility, and time to build a career abroad. With no sponsorship requirement initially, it removes the biggest stress students usually face after graduation. For those planning to study in France, the APS Visa works like a bridge between university life and long-term settlement. Combined with the strong education system in France, it’s one of the best pathways for international graduates. FAQs
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Study in France for Indian Students in 2026
May 17, 2025

Study in France for Indian Students in 2026

Is France good for Indian students? Or is it free to study in France for Indian students? With top universities like Sorbonne, HEC Paris, and INSEAD, France is more than just fashion and food—it’s a global education hub. Whether you’re looking to study in France after 12th, do your master’s, or pursue BTech in France, this destination offers high-quality education, low tuition at public universities, and amazing scholarship options like the Charpak and Eiffel Scholarships. Wondering about career options? France offers stay-back visas, and jobs in global industries, and yes—France degrees are valid in India. From Campus France India support to English-taught courses and a growing Indian student community, this guide on how to study in France for Indian students has all you need to start strong. Discover how Indian students can study in France in 2026. Learn about top universities, affordable fees, scholarships, visa steps, and work opportunities. Why Choose to Study in France for Indian Students? While we’ll be listing the top universities and benefits below, let’s first understand why study in France for Indian students makes absolute sense in 2026: 10 Best Courses to Study in France for Indian Students Take note of these in-demand courses when planning to study in France for Indian students: Top Universities to Study in France Here are the most popular and reputed institutions for those wanting to study in France for Indian students: University Name Top Fields Average Tuition Fees (Annual) Global Ranking (2026) HEC Paris Business, Finance €39,700 – €41,000 #1 in Europe for Business ESSEC Business School Management €15,000 – €35,000 Top 100 Sciences Po Political Science, IR €10,700 Top 250 Sorbonne University Sciences, Arts €3,770 (public rate) Top 100 École Polytechnique Engineering, AI €12,000 – €15,000 Top 50 INSEAD MBA €89,000 #1 in Global MBA Rankings Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts €25,000 – €40,000 World-Renowned University of Paris-Saclay STEM €3,770 – €5,000 Top 50 Grenoble Ecole de Management Business €11,000 – €19,000 Top 150 University of Strasbourg Sciences, Medicine €3,000 – €4,000 Top 300 Scholarships to Study in France for Indian Students France offers a range of scholarships specifically designed to support international talent. Here are some top scholarships for those planning to study in France for Indian students: Cost of Studying in France (2026) Here’s a general breakdown of what it may cost to study in France for Indian students in 2026: Expense Estimated Cost (Monthly) Tuition Fees (Public) €2,770 – €3,770 annually Tuition Fees (Private) €8,000 – €30,000 annually Accommodation €300 – €800 Food €200 – €400 Transportation €20 – €70 Health Insurance €300 – €500 annually Miscellaneous €100 – €200 Popular Cities for Indian Students in France Looking to study in France for Indian students and wondering where to go? Here are student-friendly, culturally rich cities with strong university ecosystems: Work Opportunities France allows Indian students to work part-time during studies and full-time during vacations. Post-study, non-EU graduates can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (APS) to stay back and find jobs. Fields like luxury management, software engineering, AI, and culinary arts are actively hiring. Big companies like LVMH, Airbus, Dassault, Ubisoft, Michelin, and Capgemini actively recruit graduates from French institutions. General Admission Process: Study in France for Indian Students Here’s a simplified roadmap to study in France: Read Also: Part Time Jobs in France for International Students Total Cost of Living in France for Indian Students Conclusion When it comes to study in France, Indian students experience world-class education and have the chance to grow personally as well as professionally. France provides exceptional education along with a vibrant student experience in many fields of study. France is the ideal choice for Indian students in 2026. Dream big. Go global. Studying in France as an Indian student can help you start down the path to a remarkable global career.  FAQ’s Do Indian students pay no tuition fees when they study in France? Studying in France isn’t tuition-free, though fees are much lower than in other countries on average. Several Indian scholars take advantage of financial aid schemes such as the Charpak or Eiffel Awards to cover both their instruction and living expenses. Studying in France is much cheaper for Indian students than it would be elsewhere in countries like the US or the UK. Is study in France a wise choice for Indian students? Absolutely! Indian students choose France as their preferred study destination thanks to its excellent education range, lower fees, work prospects after graduation, and lively campus atmosphere. You’ll find innovative programs for studies like BTech, management, and others in fields like fashion design in plenty at most French universities, offered in English. It’s made even more enjoyable thanks to the close ties between both countries and the support provided by Campus France India. What are the most popular programs offered by institutes in France? The top courses for Indian students in France are: France is known for its niche and highly regarded programs that attract students from around the world interested in unconventional careers. Can you use a France degree in India? A qualification granted by top French educational institutions is acknowledged and recognized in India. A French degree can be recognized worldwide at any academic level. Students can easily apply for government jobs or opt for postgraduate education in India. Students can secure a promising future with the globally recognized French education they receive in France. Is it possible to pursue my higher education in France after passing 12th grade in India? Yes, you can. Plenty of French universities welcome Indian students after completing their Class 12 education in various subjects such as engineering, business, arts, and hospitality. The Campus France India website helps students through every stage of the admissions process. Early applications increase the possibilities of getting accepted, winning scholarships, and obtaining a student visa.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about studying in FRANCE