France as a Study Destination for International Students
France has emerged as one of the top destinations for international students, offering a unique blend of world-class education, cultural richness, and affordability. Renowned for its prestigious institutions such as HEC Paris, Sorbonne University, and École Polytechnique, France provides a wide range of programs in fields like business, engineering, arts, hospitality, fashion, and technology. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, France offers quality education that is globally recognized.
One of the key advantages of studying in France is its affordable tuition fees, especially at public universities, where international students pay around €2,800 per year for bachelor’s programs and approximately €3,800 for master’s degrees. Doctoral programs are even more economical, with tuition ranging from €380 to €600 per year. Although private institutions and Grandes Écoles are more expensive (ranging between €8,000 and €30,000 per year), they offer specialized programs with strong industry connections and excellent career prospects.
International students, especially from India, benefit from a range of scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Charpak Scholarship, Erasmus+, and university-specific funding opportunities that can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Living expenses vary based on location, with Paris costing approximately €1,200–€1,800 per month, while other cities may range from €800–€1,200 monthly.
France’s student-friendly visa policies make it even more attractive. Once accepted into a French institution, students must register through the Études en France portal, book a visa appointment via VFS Global, and submit necessary documents including proof of funds (€7,380), accommodation, and health insurance. The VLS-TS student visa allows part-time work up to 964 hours per year (~20 hours per week), with a minimum wage of €11.65/hour. After graduation, master’s degree holders can apply for a 2-year post-study work visa (APS), and PhD graduates may qualify for a 4-year Talent Passport. Those earning €2,220 or more per month can also apply for a full work permit.
France also offers a clear pathway to permanent residency (PR). After five years of continuous work and integration into French society, students may be eligible to apply for PR. Proficiency in French and cultural integration can accelerate this process. Additionally, being a part of the Schengen Zone allows students to travel freely across 26 European countries during their stay.
There are various types of higher education institutions in France, including public universities with a wide selection of programs, elite Grandes Écoles for specialized fields, and private colleges that offer flexible admissions but at a higher cost. Popular fields of study for international students include Business and Management (e.g., HEC Paris, INSEAD), Engineering and Technology (École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec), Hospitality and Tourism (Le Cordon Bleu, Vatel), Fashion and Arts (IFA Paris), and Computer Science and AI (École Normale Supérieure, Sorbonne University).
Admission requirements for Indian students vary by level. For bachelor’s programs, completion of 12th grade with a minimum of 60–70% and English (IELTS/TOEFL) or French proficiency (DELF/DALF) is typically required. Master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree, language proficiency, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and Letters of Recommendation (LORs). For PhD programs, a master’s degree and an approved research proposal with a supervisor’s acceptance are essential.
Applications can be made through us. Go Global can assist with university selection, scholarship guidance, and the complete visa application process to make your journey to studying in France as smooth as possible.
With its rich cultural heritage, top-tier education system, and promising career prospects, France stands out as an excellent destination for students seeking international education and long-term opportunities in Europe.
