France

Study in France

Study in France 2025

Overseas aspirants planning to study abroad in France boast this country as one of the most ideal location for higher studies worldwide. This foreign destination provides competent candidates with a rich combination of cultural backdrop, excellent educational curriculum and a friendly environment. 

France is a worldwide leader in higher studies, hosting respectable and esteemed universities in a broad range of areas like Humanities, Business, Fashion and many more.  
This European country is also popular for its vast economy, offering a unique academic curriculum recognized due to its multiplicity, consistency and diverse culture.

Especially, for applicants who intend to study specialized programs within Humanities, Business or Sciences, such nation-state offers an extensive range of options in the internationally approved institution.            

French Government offers a large variety of courses that attract the attention of foreign aspirants, making it a gradually known choice for individuals pursuing career and academic growth.
 In this article we are going to discuss France as the leading gateway for international students and why studying in France is considered a suitable option for many applicants worldwide.

Why Study in France?

France secures numerous benefits specifically for international students wanting to study higher education in prestigious French universities. It provides leading research opportunities to study in France for Indian students, including:  

  • The academic curriculum in France provides complete conventional training blended with modern methodologies so that candidates get to have an all-around experience with different types of specialization. Well-known universities in France collaborate with some of the world's leading and best international institutions, catering student opportunities on the global front.
  • The nation-state offers outstanding prospects for building a global network with colleagues, professionals, alumni, acquaintances, etc. Living and studying in French territory provides a unique cultural experience, allowing students to explore magnificent architecture, a rich historical background, food cuisine, tradition, and creativity, among many others. 
  • French-recognized degrees are broadly valued and approved across the globe. If an applicant is looking for a bachelor's or master's level education, an academic program from a well-established French institution can provide a gateway for many global opportunities. 
  • French language is considered one of the most powerful languages on the global front which is generally practiced in diplomacy, innovation, and business. 
  • In contrast to other renowned educational destinations like the UK and the USA, France provides a fairly reasonable fee structure, particularly within government-funded institutions. Even in private schools, fee structures are still more reasonable than in any other country. 
  • France Employment Market can be a good option for job seekers from outside countries especially for Business, Engineering and Technology students. Graduates are permitted for at least 12 months to stay in the country after completion of their studies to look for a job opportunity, thus it gets easier to secure a job at the end of education.
  • It is ranked among the best academic institutions and tailors opportunities in fields like engineering, and sciences to medical education. International candidates gain an advantage from the nation-state's comprehensive research platforms, competitive technologies and business partnerships, particularly in fields such as Machine Learning, Ecological Sustainability and Astronomical Science.
  • France is an ideal destination for foreign aspirants, providing a diverse cultural setting that is favourable as per individual personal advancement and education prospect. Many learning centres and universities promote dynamic engagement in extra-curricular events, sports and volunteer-related activities, helping applicants establish managerial expertise, staff coordination and cultural tolerance. 

Top Universities in France

The country contains numerous elite institutions that offer degree program in various fields. Here is the top universities list suitable for Indian students:

Sorbonne University

Renowned for research and education in the fields of humanities, science, and medicine, this university is one of the oldest and most eminent university in France. Top Popular Program within this institution comprises Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Philosophy and History. Generally, such university positions among the top-ranked universities around the world. Candidate usually applies between April and May for the intake of September.

École Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris

  • ENS is particularly known for its slot constraints for admission prospect and a friendly environment for students to work in research and academic field.
  • Popular Programs: Literature, Humanities, Philosophy, Sciences.
  • Ranking: It is counted among the top universities in the world for research.
  • Application Deadline: The deadline for applying to ENS is mid-December for the September opening.

HEC Paris

HEC Paris is regarded as the top business school worldwide, with a great reputation for its MBA, executive programs, and undergraduate business degrees. Popular Programs include MBA, Master's in Finance, Business Management, Marketing.
Application Deadline: September for fall intake, with early deadlines for international students.
 

INSEAD

INSEAD boasts a massive campus in Fontainebleau, France, becoming one of the finest universities for graduate business education in the world. This university is considered as the best option for budding aspirants. It includes well-known courses like MBA, Executive MBA and Master's in Management.

Ranking: A consistent top-tier member among the leading business schools around the world.

Application Deadline: The final round ending in March for the September intake is among many rounds of applications.

École Polytechnique

It is a leading institute of engineering and has a very rigorous academic curriculum which trains student for top management domain in science, engineering or business.

Popular Programs: Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics

Application Deadline: Generally closes in January for September intake

Université Grenoble Alpes

Another university founded in the beautiful "Capital of the Alps": comprises well-known courses like Mathematics, Engineering, Science and Technology.

Application Deadline: Typically in May for September intake.

 

Intake in France

Candidates living in France can immerse themselves in distinct cultural prospects, experiencing art, literature, music, tradition and language around the world.

Study in France Consultants rigorously assist aspirants to gain skills and knowledge while pursuing their education prospects in France, comprising worldwide accreditation within prestigious French universities, known for their good quality across the world. It also offers affordable tuition fees, making this nation-state a reasonable option in comparison to other European countries.

Major Intakes:

Autumn Intake (September/October): The most popular admission opening session for most programs in France is autumn, such as undergraduate and master's programs. The application deadline runs from January through May.

Spring Intake (January/February): One of the spring intakes that is offered by some universities is suitable for students who have not been able to enrol within the fall intake or want to study a specific program available only in spring.

Summer Programs (May-June): Summer programs of short duration are available in France for students who would like to study abroad without enrolling in a complete degree program. Such courses generally last between one to three months and outlines specific offer to selected subjects or areas of interest.  

Course

Hot Courses/Programs in France

This country awards innumerable degree courses in multiple fields and explains why study in France.

  • Engineering: Here, in France, there are prestigious universities and professional institutes, providing an ideal standing within engineering courses. Aeronautical engineering, mechanical, and computer engineering are commonly regarded as popular branches of engineering. 

Most of the eminent and elite academic institutions, such as CentraleSupélec and École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne [EPFL], furnish brilliant courses that are competitive enough to attract worldwide aspirants.

  • Business Administration: France is capital to some of the internationally recognized top business institutes around the world, for instance, INSEAD, HEC Paris, and ESSEC. Such academic establishments provide the finest grades of courses in Finance, Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and many more. The nation-state's robust economy and the presence of transnational organizations make it a favourable location for business aspirants to obtain real-world exposure.
  • Humanities and Arts: A candidate pursuing a degree program within fields like literature, history, arts and philosophy, also experiences unique cultural surroundings and active campus life. France tailors an enriching heritage within prominent areas ensuring applicants access to plentiful resources and prospects to work with certified experts and artists.
  • Sciences: French-based institutions operate at the forefront of methodological and scientific research, providing unique courses in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Ecological Sciences. Université Pierre et Marie Curie is a great option, with several great scientists making important contributions through scientific and cut-throat research which country holds till date.
  •  Fashion and Design: An applicant studying or pursuing a career in fashion and design in Paris, the international fashion hub, gains exceptional opportunities for academic excellence and creative experience at leading fashion schools like the Institut Français de la Mode, or the Paris College of Arts, which offer degree programs blended with academic knowledge and practical training.
  • Social Science: This country furnishes a broad variety of courses in fields like social sciences, including Political Science, Sociology, Global Relations and Psychology. Universities such as Sciences Po offers rigorous and internationally accredited degree program that fosters aspirant for careers in international governance, foreign institution and diplomacy. 

 

Planning your budget

How much does it cost to study in the France?

Sometimes, the cost of the study in France varies as per the university, program, and student's chosen location. In public universities, tuition fees for undergraduate courses ranges from around €200 to €700 per year.

 On the contrary, tuition fees for graduate programs or business schools could be higher usually between €1,000 to €15,000 a year depending on the institution and program. Elite business schools and private institutions may take it as high as €20,000 a year to €30,000.

Public Universities generally charge lesser tuition fees from €200 to €700 for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Private Business schools and specialized centres charge very high fees, from about €5,000 to about €20,000 per year.

Admission Process in France

The basic requirements to study in France for Indian applicants involve a systematic admission process that demands careful planning and attention to detail.

The process keeps updating a bit based on the university or program you're applying to, though it usually follows the stepwise process as given below -

Eligibility Requirements for Admission

These eligibility requirements to study in France for Indian students have to do with certain academic requirements, language proficiency and age limits (if applicable) that have to be fulfilled to study in France.

Level of Program

Main Highlights

 
  • Bachelor Program 

Entry Requisites: To get admission into an undergraduate program in France, an Indian student must complete his 12th standard examinations from any recognized board, which issues the Higher Secondary Certificate.

Language Proficiency: Though many universities provide programs specifically in English; some specific courses may require an applicant to have a working knowledge of French. For programs taught in English, an applicant must qualify and gain IELTS score (generally 6.0-7.0) or pass the TOEFL exam (80-100 marks).

Minimum Grades: Levels for all universities and all courses vary depending on the requirement of grades. For instance, for engineering courses, students generally need at least 60%-70% marks in their high school examinations.

Age Criteria: Generally, students must be between 18 to 24 years old for undergraduate programs.




 
  • Post-Graduation Degree Program
 

Eligibility: Candidates must complete their bachelor's degree (up to 3 years) in the designated field to attain admission into postgraduate degree programs. 

Proficiency in Language: It requires learner to hold proficiency in the French language while opting for courses tutored in French itself. For English programs, the basic criterion is usually within the 6.5 to 7.0 band score in IELTS or equivalent TOEFL assessment.

GPA Grade Requirements: Generally, a minimum of 3.0 GPA or better under 4.0 is expected for admissions into competitive programs. Some universities may specify additional courses as requisite for admission suitability.

Work Experience: A certain level of work exposure is compulsory for some programs like business schools and management programs (1-3 years).

 
  • Doctorate Courses
 

Students that wish to enrol in Ph.D. programs in France must have completed a Master's degree (or its equivalent) from a relevant field. PhD applications usually require a well-structured research proposal and may involve interviews with faculty members.

 

 

Application deadlines

The application closing date varies from university to university and program to program. However, for the fall intake, applications are usually due from January to May while the spring intake deadlines are between September and December.

How to Apply for Admission

 

A) The first step for studying in France would be to pick the right program and university. The official government website provides international students with overall academic assistance about different courses, universities, and their application deadlines.

  B) A list of documents for this application must be prepared. These documents usually include:

  • Official transcripts from high school (for undergraduate programs) or bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate programs).
  •  Proof of language proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL for English programs.
  • A personal statement that explains why you want to study in France, highlighting the chosen program, your long-term goals and the specific reason why you have selected France as a study destination.
  • Usually two recommendation letters that an academic instructor or professional mentor issues about your inclination as a student.
  • For postgraduate and research programs, a detailed CV that outlines the academic background, work experiences, and skills of a candidate.

C) Once you have the required documents, you can apply to universities directly through their portals.

D) Most universities do not conduct interviews for their admissions process. But in some cases, an entrance examination may be required as per the need of degree program.

E) After submission, universities usually screen and then process your application. If you are qualifying, an offer letter (or possibly a conditional offer) will be sent to you by the university.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Transcripts from high schools for undergraduates or bachelor's degrees for postgraduates
  • Language scorecard of assessments like IELTS/TOEFL/DELF/DALF
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (normally 2)
  • CV/Resume (for postgraduate courses)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsorship letters)
  • Proof of health insurance (required for visa application)
  • Financial Proof (a bank balance of at least €7,000 to €10,000 for visa purposes).

Admission Timeline in France

Popular Programs

  • Business
  • Natural Sciences
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Social Sciences

Scholarships in France

Scholarships in France for Indian Students

France is home to various scholarships open for international students, including Indian students. Such studentship aid secures aspirant by reducing their burden of funds while pursuing education overseas. Some of the most valuable scholarships for Indian students to study in France:

  • The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is allegedly one of the top scholarships for foreign students pursuing education in France. Set up by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, the benefit of this scholarship aims to bring the finest talents from the globe into higher educational institutions.
  • The Charpak Scholarship is ideal for Indian students keen on studying in France. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships that the Embassy of France awards to international students.
  • The prime aim of University Paris-Saclay International Master Scholarships is mostly to offer awards to foreign students who wish to undertake a Master's program with the teachings offered by Université Paris-Saclay, which is originally regarded as a primary grant for science and technology aspirants.
  • Emile-Boutmy scholarship is mainly accredited by Sciences Po, the biggest prestigious university in France which  provides this scholarship to international students from non-EU countries like India.

Other Scholarships include:

  • Erasmus + Scholarship (for students who study in the setting of an EU exchange program).
  • Bourse de la Ville de Paris (for students who study in Paris).
  • Campus France Scholarships (for a variety of fields).
  • Region-Specific Scholarships Foreign National Scholarships (for foreign students, mainly in cooperation with local universities of the designated region).

Visa Requirement in France

France Student Visa

A student visa is mandatory to study in France for Indian Citizens. Visa procedures can get complicated, but they are necessary to stay in France for proper study durations. With the help of Jagvimal Consultants an individual can attain valid study visa to study abroad in France. 

Different Types of French Student Visa:

Short-stay visa (3 months maximum): It is designed for short courses, summer programs, or language courses in France.

  • Closing date: 2-3 months before the intended departure date.
  • Documents Required: Acceptance letter, proof of financial means and accommodation details.

Long-Stay Visa (over 3 months): Granted to individuals for a full academic year or a continuous program of study. This visa also serves as a residence permit.

  • Application Deadlines: Mere 3 months before traveling.
  • Essential Documents: Acceptance letter, proof of finances (615 €/month), accommodation, health insurance, passport, and other verifying documents.

Steps for Application for a French Student Visa

  •  Secure the acceptance letter from a French University at the initial level.
  • Complete the registration process by visiting the official website of the French Embassy intended for international students, to initiate visa application.
  • Gather the necessary documents and submit your completed application for the required visa approval.
  • A candidate shall clear their schedule to attend an interview in some cases at the consulate.
  • Processing of a Visa normally takes somewhere around 15 to 20 days; therefore, early application is very essential.

Documents Required for a Student Visa

  • Currently valid passport
  • Acceptance letter from a recognized French university
  • Proof of satisfactory financial means
  • Health insurance coverage

Other Mandatory Key points are:

  •  Health insurance should apply to you as a student for the duration of your stay in France. The university might offer some student health insurance, or you can choose privatized health care.
  • You must also furnish proof that you have enough funds available to pay for living in France-about €615 monthly.
     

Cost Of Living in France

French living costs depend primarily on the city in which you reside, the type of accommodation you occupy and your lifestyle. The cost of living in major towns such as Paris, Lyon, and Nice is relatively higher if compared to quite small towns and cities.

Accommodation: Housing rent charges in France differs widely ranging from 300 to 1200 Euros, as aforementioned, it is available in university dormitories, student residences, or private apartments. Many students go for a shared accommodation to save costs.

Utilities: Such as electricity, water, and heating tools within an apartment usually costs around 50-100 Euros a month. The cost for same is divided among students who share the accommodation.

Foodstuff: It roughly charges about 150 euros to 250 euros for groceries. Most students are found cooking their food to save on expenditure, as others would spend 10-20 euros for meals in cheap restaurants with a weekly grocery bill of less than 50 euros for meal items.

Transportation: The metropolitan area of France have a well-established Public transport system, whereas the majority of students use the metro, bus, or tram to commute. 

The monthly pass for students costs between 30 and 75 euro depending on the city. However, it is also noted that the Paris metro has developed some specific considerations for student discounts on transportation.

There are also other areas where students gain such privileges, like saving on museum entry fees and even enjoy public events and gain cultural experiences. This is a great way to visit and benefit from exploring France's culture on a minimal budget.
 

Low High

Common Questions about Study in France

What is the estimated finances required to study in France for Indian students?

The academic expenses to study in France are comparatively cheap when compared with other study overseas locations such as the USA, the UK, etc. Students pursuing education within government-funded French institutions like undergraduate courses which cost up to €2,850 per annum and €3,879 yearly for post-graduate courses.

Applicants enrolling in bachelor program is required to complete a senior school diploma or equivalent grade with a qualified scorecard of a recognized university entrance test and linguistic assessment such as IELTS or TOEFL exam.

Every year, the French Consulate in India alongside renowned establishments and organizations furnish studentship aid to more than 500 worthy and highly qualified Indian aspirants who aspire to seek higher studies in France in a government and private institution.

Start Your Study

Abroad Journey New

Enquire now whatsapp
Call Us Whatsapp