Study in France
Study in France – A top destination for international students, with its higher education system ranked 17th in the 2020 U21 Rankings and 12 universities in the QS Top 200. Its vibrant culture, from Paris’s art to Provence’s landscapes, inspires creativity. Affordable tuition and a welcoming spirit make France a place where dreams flourish and global connections thrive. Lastly, there’s a robust post study work visa regime that allows you to get valuable experience after your studies.
France Education Visa
For a France education visa, Indian students over 18, already accepted into a higher education program, must apply for a long-stay visa via the Études en France platform. Required for stays over 90 days, this visa, valid for three months to one year, also acts as a Schengen visa, allowing 90-day stays in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period. To extend your stay, apply for a residence permit at a French prefecture.
France Student Visa Requirements
To obtain a student visa for a bachelor’s or master’s in France, here are the France student visa requirements: applicants must be over 18, accepted into a recognized higher education program, and provide proof of admission. Indian students apply via the Études en France platform. A long-stay France education visa, required for stays exceeding 90 days, must be valid for three months to one year. Applicants need sufficient financial resources (around €7,380/year), health insurance, and a valid passport.
With regard to IELTS, TOEFL and PTE (internal links to relevant pages in www.studyunifees.io), these are not required for the visa process and MOI is quite common, but it is a good idea to take a language proficiency test to make the process of admissions smoother.
Look at the official Campus France page for how to prepare for a student visa application to France.
France student visa conditions and regulations
Key conditions for a French student visa include providing proof of accommodation in France (e.g., a lease or university housing confirmation) and a clean criminal record certificate for applicants over 18. You must also submit a motivation letter outlining your study plans and how they align with your future goals. Non-EU students, including Indians, need to register with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) within three months of arrival and may need a medical examination. Finally, you must not intend to permanently settle in France post-study.
Tuition Costs in France
Tuition costs for international students in France vary significantly. At public universities, non-EU students pay around €2,770 annually for bachelor’s degrees and €3,770 for master’s degrees, as set by the French government for 2025. Private institutions, like business or engineering schools, charge much higher, ranging from €7,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the program’s prestige. Some Grandes Écoles may exceed €30,000. Scholarships, like the Eiffel Excellence Program, can offset costs. France’s affordable public education, paired with its rich academic tradition, makes it a compelling choice for international students seeking quality without exorbitant fees.
Living Cost in France for International Students
Living costs in France for international students vary by city. In Paris, expect €500-€800/month for shared rentals or €800-€1000 for private studios.
Marseille and Toulouse are cheaper, with shared rents at €400-€600 and private at €600-€900. Lyon falls in between, at €500-€800 shared, €800-€1,200 private.
Food costs roughly €200-€300/month across cities, with affordable markets in Toulouse and Marseille.
Transport (bus/metro) averages €30-€50/month, with student discounts. Mobile plans cost €10-€20/month. Budget-conscious students can manage €800-€1,200/month outside Paris, balancing vibrant city life with reasonable expenses in France’s diverse regions.
Scholarships for International Students in France
France offers numerous scholarships for international students. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship provides €1,181/month for master’s and €1,700 for PhD students. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs funds over 25% of international students through embassy grants. Universities like Sorbonne and Sciences Po offer merit-based awards, covering €5,000-€10,000 annually. Erasmus+ grants support EU exchanges. These opportunities make France’s world-class education accessible and affordable.
Eiffel Scholarships
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supports international students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees in France. Eligible candidates, aged up to 25 (master’s) or 30 (PhD), must be non-French nationals and apply through a French higher education institution.
The Eiffel scholarship covers €1,181/month for master’s (12-36 months) and €1,700/month for PhD (6-12 months), excluding tuition. Priority fields include science, economics, law, and engineering. Applicants need strong academic records and a clear career goal aligned with their program. Applications are submitted by institutions, not individuals, with deadlines typically in January.
University Scholarships in France
French universities offer scholarships to attract international students, often based on merit or financial need. Sciences Po provides the Émile Boutmy Scholarship, covering €3,000-€12,300 annually for non-EU students with strong academics. Sorbonne University offers the Sorbonne Excellence Scholarship, awarding up to €10,000/year for master’s students in sciences or humanities. The University of Paris-Saclay grants €10,000/year plus travel expenses for international master’s students. These scholarships, typically requiring a solid academic record and application through the university, reduce financial barriers, making France’s prestigious institutions accessible while fostering global academic exchange.
Looking for a scholarship in France? Look no further. Click here to claim your scholarship.
Post Study Work Visa
After graduating with a master’s or higher degree from a French university on a France education visa, you can apply for a “Recherche d’emploi / Création d’entreprise” temporary residence permit. This permit is valid for 12 months (non-renewable), and allows you to stay in France to seek employment or start a business in a field related to your degree.
You must apply for a post study work visa within two months before your student visa (VLS-TS) expires at your local Prefecture. Requirements include proof of your diploma, health insurance, and sufficient funds (at least €1,801.80 monthly, equivalent to SMIC).
To move toward PR, secure a job related to your field of study during this 12-month period. The job must offer a minimum gross salary of 1.5 times the SMIC (€29,620.44 annually in 2022). Upon securing employment, you can apply for a residence permit such as:
PR in France: Eligibility
Green card for the EU
France University List : Public Universities
Public universities in France are significantly cheaper than private ones for international students. Public institutions charge around €2,770/year for bachelor’s and €3,770/year for master’s programs for non-EU students in 2025. Here is a France university list of public universities.
Most prestigious French universities
| University | Times Higher Education World University Rank 2025 | City |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris | 42 | Paris |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 64 | Paris |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 71 | Paris |
| Sorbonne University | 76 | Paris |
| Université Paris Cité | =183 | Paris |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 251-300 | Lyon |
| IMT Atlantique | 351-400 | Nantes |
| Institut Agro | 351-400 | Nice |
| Montpellier University | 351-400 | Montpellier |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 351-400 | Grenoble |
IT universities in France
Best Universities in France for International Students
France hosts world-class universities that attract international students with affordable tuition, diverse programs, and vibrant cultural experiences.
Here is a list of the best universities in France for international students:
American University in Paris France
The American University of Paris France, founded in 1962, is a private, liberal arts institution in the heart of Paris, offering a U.S.-style education with a global perspective. Accredited in both the U.S. and France, AUP provides over 25 undergraduate and graduate programs, taught in English, to a diverse student body from over 100 countries. With small class sizes and a focus on critical thinking, it fosters intercultural exchange. Located near the Eiffel Tower, AUP blends American academics with Paris’s vibrant cultural and intellectual life.