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Study in France

All about Studying in
France

Learn the basics of studying in France, from choosing a university to getting your visa.

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Why Study in France?

France is one of the most popular destinations for international students, known for its world-class education system, affordable tuition fees, and rich cultural heritage. With globally ranked universities, diverse programs taught in English, and vibrant student life, studying in France offers an experience that blends academic excellence with lifestyle sophistication.

Affordable Education

Affordable Tuition & Scholarships

France offers low tuition fees in public universities and numerous scholarships for international students through programs like Eiffel Excellence and Campus France.

Top Universities

World-Class Universities

French institutions like Sorbonne University, PSL, and École Polytechnique consistently rank among the top universities worldwide for research and innovation.

Learn French

Learn French & Global Exposure

Studying in France gives you the chance to learn French-the 5th most spoken language in the world-and expand your global professional network.

Innovation

Innovation & Research Opportunities

France is a global leader in science, technology, business, and the arts, offering research-driven programs and strong links with industries.

Culture

Cultural & Lifestyle Experience

From Paris to Nice, students experience France’s world-famous cuisine, architecture, art, and festivals, enriching both personal and academic life.

Career

Global Career Prospects

Degrees from France are globally recognized, and international students can stay post-graduation to gain work experience under France’s work visa policies.

Top Universities in France

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Sorbonne University QS Rank: ~42

Sorbonne University

Paris, France

Popular For: Humanities, Science, Medicine

Founded: 1257

Students

~55,000+

Estimated Tuition per year

€10,000

PSL University QS Rank: ~24

PSL University (Paris Sciences et Lettres)

Paris, France

Popular For: Mathematics, Physics, Arts

Founded: 2010 (merger of historic institutions)

Students

~17,000+

Estimated Tuition per year

€12,000

École Polytechnique QS Rank: ~53

École Polytechnique

Palaiseau, France

Popular For: Engineering, Physics, Computer Science

Founded: 1794

Students

~4,600+

Estimated Tuition per year

€15,000

Sciences Po QS Rank: ~200

Sciences Po

Paris, France

Popular For: Political Science, International Relations

Founded: 1872

Students

~14,000+

Estimated Tuition per year

€15,000

University of Paris-Saclay QS Rank: ~71

University of Paris-Saclay

Paris, France

Popular For: Science, Engineering, Medicine

Founded: 2015 (as merger of major institutions)

Students

~48,000+

Estimated Tuition per year

€9,000

HEC Paris QS Rank: ~10 (Business)

HEC Paris

Jouy-en-Josas, France

Popular For: Business, Management, Finance

Founded: 1881

Students

~4,000+

Estimated Tuition per year

€45,000

Rankings reflect universities recognised globally and include China’s growing presence in global higher education.

Cost of Studying in France

The cost of studying in France depends on the type of institution (public or private), the study level, program, and city of residence. Public universities are heavily subsidized by the French government, making them affordable for international students, while private institutions and grandes écoles may have higher tuition fees.

Category
Details
Cost Range (in EUR)
Undergraduate Tuition
Public Universities (Arts / Humanities / Social Sciences)
€2,770 - €4,000
Undergraduate Tuition
Engineering / Science / Specialized Programs
€3,000 - €6,000
Master’s / Graduate Programs
Public Universities (Business / Law / Humanities)
€3,770 - €5,000
Master’s / Graduate - Private Institutions
Elite schools like HEC, INSEAD, ESCP, Sciences Po
€10,000 - €45,000+
Diploma / Vocational Programs
Professional or short-term training courses
€1,000 - €3,000
Living Costs
Accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses
€9,000 - €15,000 per year

Studying in France: Admission Guide

Choosing to study in France is an exciting step. Here’s an overview of the key admission requirements and steps to get started as an international student.

1

Academic Qualifications

Undergraduate Programs

Completion of secondary education (high school diploma, Baccalauréat, or equivalent recognized by French universities).

Graduate Programs

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution, typically with strong academic performance.

2

Standardised Tests

Undergraduate

Some programs may require SAT, A-levels, IB, or French preparatory exams depending on the institution.

Graduate

Graduate programs may request GRE, GMAT, or institution-specific entrance tests, especially for business and engineering schools.

3

Language Proficiency

Exam Score

Programs taught in French require a B2 or higher in DELF/DALF; programs in English may require TOEFL or IELTS scores.

4

Application Materials

  • Academic transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation (1-2)
  • Statement of purpose / personal statement
  • Resume or CV
5

Financial Documentation

Documents Needed

Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and health insurance. Students applying for a French student visa must show bank statements or a financial guarantee.

6

Application Fee

Costs Range

Non-refundable application fees vary by institution: typically €50–€150 for public universities and higher for grandes écoles or private institutions.

Available Courses to Study

France offers a wide range of courses across STEM and non-STEM fields, many taught in English, and a chance to gain an education that blends global perspectives with local expertise.

STEM Courses

Computer Science

Computer Science

Explore software development, AI, data science and more in a country investing heavily in technology.

Engineering

Engineering

Study mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace and other engineering fields at modern Chinese institutions.

Data Science

Data Science

Analyse large datasets, learn machine learning and analytics in an innovation-driving environment.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Engage in life sciences, biotech research and global health topics in China’s rapidly advancing research institutions.

Non-STEM Courses

Business Administration

Accounting

Learn financial management and accounting principles to excel in the business world.

Law

Finance

Study financial markets, investment strategies, and corporate finance management.

Media Studies

Marketing

Learn the principles of marketing, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing techniques.

Psychology

Management

Study the principles of management and how to effectively lead teams and organizations.

Documents required to study in France

When applying as an international student in France, you typically need a set of documents to complete your application and visa process.

The documents may vary by institution and program, but common items include:

  • Application Form
  • Application Fees
  • Statement of Purpose / Essays
  • Resume or CV
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Marksheets & Certificates
  • Proof of Funds / Bank Statement
  • Passport Copy
  • Language Test Scores (DELF/DALF for French or TOEFL/IELTS for English programs)

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Visa Requirement

To study in France, international students need a student visa. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

  • International students planning to study in France must obtain a student visa, typically the "Long-stay Student Visa (Visa long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS étudiant)" for programs longer than 6 months.

Before you apply, you need:

  • Acceptance letter from your chosen French university or grande école.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance (€615/month minimum recommended by Campus France).
  • Completed visa application form and appointment with the French consulate or visa application center.

Required documents for visa interview:

  • Valid passport
  • Visa application form
  • Acceptance letter from the university
  • Proof of financial resources / bank statement
  • Health insurance coverage

Scholarship Opportunities for International Students

Studying in foreign countries can be expensive, but there are numerous scholarships available to help international students achieve their academic goals.

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Merit-Based

Awarded for academic excellence, leadership skills, or special talents

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Need-Based

Scholarships for students demonstrating financial need

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University Specific

Recognizing outstanding academic performance and potential

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Private organization Based

Scholarships offered by private companies, foundations, or NGOs for various achievements or backgrounds

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Government Funded

Scholarships provided by government agencies to support international students in their studies abroad