Comprehensive Guide to Studying in France
France is an attractive destination for international students seeking recognized qualifications, diverse academic programs and opportunities to experience European culture. Its higher education system includes public universities, private institutions, grandes écoles, technological institutions and specialist schools offering a wide range of academic and professional programs.
International students can explore undergraduate degrees, master’s programs, doctoral research and other eligible courses in fields such as business, engineering, information technology, fashion, healthcare, finance, economics and the arts.
Before applying, students should research suitable institutions, compare tuition fees, review admission and language requirements, and prepare a realistic budget for living in France.
Why Study in France?
Annual Intakes in France
French higher education institutions commonly offer a main intake in September or October, while selected programs also admit students in January or February.
- September/October Intake: The principal intake for many French universities, with a broad selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- January/February Intake: Available at selected institutions and for certain programs, but the range of options is generally more limited.
Application deadlines vary by institution, program and applicant category. Students should check the official admission calendar and allow sufficient time for any required Campus France procedure and visa application.
France allows eligible international students to undertake limited employment during their studies. Students holding the appropriate student residence permission may generally work up to 964 hours per year, subject to the applicable conditions.
After graduation, some international students may qualify for a residence permit or long-stay visa for job searching or business creation. Eligibility depends on the qualification obtained, the institution, the applicant’s circumstances and the relevant immigration rules.
Graduates of eligible master’s-level or equivalent programs may be able to obtain this permission for a limited period, commonly up to 12 months under the relevant route. It is not a universal two-year post-study work permit, and it does not automatically provide permanent residence.
Students should confirm the work and post-study options available for their particular qualification before choosing a program.
Top Courses to Study in France
In France, you can choose from a range of top-notch courses in:
- Business
- Engineering
- Fashion
- Winemaking
- Medicine
- Political Science
- Economics
- Finance
Top ranked universities in France
| University | QS Ranking 2024 | THE Ranking 2024 | ARWU Ranking 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Université PSL | 24 | 40 | 41 |
| École Polytechnique | 38 | 71 | 301 |
| Sorbonne University | 59 | 75 | 46 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 71 | 58 | 15 |
| ENS de Lyon | 184 | 251 | 201 |
| École des ponts ParisTech | 192 | 401 | – |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 294 | 301 | 101 |
| Sciences Po | 319 | 501 | – |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 328 | 801 | – |
| University of Montpellier | 382 | 301 | 151 |
Top Courses to Study in France
France offers programs across a wide range of academic and professional fields. Students should choose a course based on their previous qualifications, academic interests, language proficiency, tuition budget and long-term career objectives.
- Business
- Engineering
- Fashion
- Winemaking
- Medicine
- Political Science
- Economics
- Finance
Top ranked universities in France
Here is the updated list of the top 10 universities in France according to the QS World University Rankings:
| France Rank | Name of University | Global QS Rank | Location / City |
| 1 | Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) | 24 | Paris |
| 2 | Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 46 | Palaiseau / Paris |
| 3 | Sorbonne University | 63 | Paris |
| 4 | Université Paris-Saclay | 73 | Gif-sur-Yvette / Paris |
| 5 | École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon) | 235 | Lyon |
| 6 | Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 246 | Paris |
| 7 | Université Paris Cité | 302 | Paris |
| 8 | Sciences Po | 354 | Paris |
| 9 | Université Grenoble Alpes | 387 | Grenoble |
| 10 | Aix-Marseille University | 443 | Marseille |
Average Course Fees in France
Tuition fees in France vary depending on the institution, program, study level and eligibility for tuition exemptions. The following figures are the standard differentiated registration fees for non-EU students at covered public higher education institutions for the 2026–2027 academic year.
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees (EUR) | Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s/Licence) | €2,902 | $3,250 |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | €3,950 | $4,424 |
| PhD (Doctorate) | €398 | $446 |
These rates do not apply to every institution or student. Some international students qualify for exemptions or reduced fees, and private institutions and specialized programs may charge higher amounts.
Scholarships for International Students in France
France offers scholarship opportunities through government programs, universities, research institutions and other organisations. Eligibility depends on nationality, academic performance, study level, field of study and the conditions of the individual award.
Top Scholarships to Explore
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: A competitive French government scholarship for selected international master’s and doctoral-level candidates. It may provide a monthly allowance and specified benefits, but it does not automatically cover tuition fees. Applications are submitted through eligible French institutions rather than directly by students.
- Erasmus+: Offers funding for eligible European and international mobility and cooperation programs. Funding availability depends on the specific program and participating institutions.
- Charpak Scholarship: A scholarship program associated with Campus France for eligible Indian students. It should not be presented as a general scholarship available to all nationalities.
- Université Paris Cité Scholarships: The university may offer selected scholarship or funding opportunities, depending on the program and current application call.
- Émile Boutmy Scholarship: A selective scholarship for eligible non-EU applicants to Sciences Po, subject to the applicable academic, program and funding criteria.
Scholarship programs may cover part of the tuition fees, provide a stipend, support research or offer other benefits. Funding amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules change from year to year.
Students should check the official scholarship provider’s current terms before applying and should not assume that any scholarship will cover all study and living expenses.
Essential Documentation for Obtaining a Student Visa in France
The documents required for a French student visa depend on the applicant’s nationality, intended course, duration of stay and individual circumstances. Applicants should use the France-Visas visa wizard to generate the relevant checklist.
Common documents may include:
- Visa Application Form: Complete the online application and follow the instructions for printing or submitting the required application summary.
- Valid Passport: Provide a passport that meets the requirements for your intended stay and the visa application.
- Passport-Sized Photograph: Provide photographs that comply with the current visa application specifications.
- Letter of Admission or Enrolment: Evidence of acceptance or enrolment in the French institution and program.
- Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of accommodation for the initial period of your stay, or the documentation specified by the relevant visa office.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Evidence that you can meet your tuition and living costs. The applicable student residence requirement and evidence accepted depend on the case.
- Academic Records: Certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents required by the institution or visa office.
- Language Proficiency Evidence: French or English-language test results where required by your course or institution.
- Health Coverage Information: Evidence or arrangements required for the relevant visa and subsequent student health registration.
- Study Plan or Cover Letter: Information explaining your proposed studies, course choice and relevant academic background, where required.
- Evidence of Tuition Payment: Proof of tuition payment or other enrolment-related financial information if specified in the application checklist.
- Additional Supporting Documents: Any extra records required by the relevant visa office, Campus France procedure or the applicant’s particular circumstances.
Applicants should follow the official checklist applicable to their nationality and intended course.
Application Process for a Student Visa in France
- Choose an Eligible Course: Research courses and institutions that match your qualifications, language proficiency, interests and budget.
- Check the Admission Procedure: Determine whether you must use the Études en France procedure, Parcoursup, the institution’s own application system or another route.
- Apply to the Institution: Submit the required academic records, language evidence and application materials.
- Receive Your Admission Decision: Review the offer, program conditions, tuition fees and enrolment requirements.
- Complete the Campus France Procedure, Where Applicable: Applicants living in countries covered by Études en France must follow the relevant procedure for their circumstances. Applicants in Bangladesh should consult Campus France Bangladesh for country-specific instructions.
- Prepare the Visa Application: Use the France-Visas website to identify the correct visa category and generate your supporting-document checklist.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the application and follow the instructions for booking and attending the relevant visa appointment. Provide biometrics or additional information when required.
- Pay the Applicable Fee: Pay the government visa fee and any separately applicable Campus France or application-center charges.
- Wait for the Decision: Monitor your application and respond to any request for additional documents or information.
- Prepare for Travel: After receiving the appropriate visa, confirm your travel, accommodation and enrolment arrangements.
- Complete the Required Formalities After Arrival: If your visa is a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), validate it online within the required period. If your visa requires a separate residence permit application, follow the instructions for your visa category.
Application procedures and deadlines vary according to the institution, study level and country of residence. Always follow the instructions provided by Campus France, France-Visas and the relevant visa office.
Cost of Living in France
The cost of living in France varies by city, accommodation type and lifestyle. Paris and some other large cities can be significantly more expensive than smaller university towns.
The figures below are indicative student budgeting ranges, not official fixed costs. Actual expenses depend on rent, shared accommodation, transport, food habits and personal spending.
| Cost Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) | Approximate Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation outside Paris | €300–€700 | $336–$784 |
| Accommodation in Paris | €600–€1,000+ | $672–$1,120+ |
| Food and groceries | €250–€350 | $280–$392 |
| Transport | €20–€75 | $22–$84 |
| Phone, study supplies and personal expenses | €100–€200 | $112–$224 |
Estimated Overall Monthly Budget
| Location | Approximate Monthly Budget (EUR) | Approximate Monthly Budget (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cities outside Paris | €800–€1,200 | $896–$1,344 |
| Paris | €1,100–€1,600 | $1,232–$1,792 |
These estimates may not include tuition fees, visa charges, international travel, large accommodation deposits or all insurance-related expenses. Students should prepare a personalised budget and research current rental prices near their institution.
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