Study in France

Every year, thousands of international students flock to France for its outstanding education and prestigious degrees. France offers much more than just academics; it’s a country celebrated for its beautiful language, vibrant culture, and rich cuisine.

With a top-ranked education system and 25 business schools among the best globally, France is a prime destination for your study abroad journey. Renowned universities and Grandes Écoles consistently rank high in international lists like Times Higher Education, QS, and the Financial Times.

By choosing to study in France, you’ll immerse yourself in a world of innovation and creativity, all while making unforgettable memories and opening doors to exciting opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exceptional educational experience!

Why Should Students Choose France?

Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications

The agreement between France and India for the Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications, signed during President Emmanuel Macron’s maiden State visit to India in 2018, has come into force.

English-Taught Programs

Many universities and top business schools in France offer courses in English, allowing Indian students to study without the need to master the French language. Approximately 1,500 French programmes are taught in English

Language Immersion

French is a beautiful and expressive language. Learning French as part of your degree is beneficial, as it is the official language of more than 30 countries across five continents. Knowing how to speak and write in French will be useful, even after you leave France. Around 300 million people speak French worldwide, and in nearly 30 countries, it is an official language.

Affordable Tuition Fees

Benefit from affordable tuition fees in France, which make higher education more accessible for international students. Compared to many other study destinations, the cost of education in France is often more budget-friendly, reducing the financial burden and allowing you to concentrate on your academic pursuits.

Scholarships

Studying in France can be both fascinating and rewarding for Indian students, although it often comes with significant costs. Scholarships are available for students who meet specific criteria, such as academic or research excellence. Additionally, student loans and grants can help cover tuition and living expenses.

Intern Roles and Career Paths

The dynamic French economy offers many paid internships across diverse sectors such as Management, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, Fashion, Luxury Brands, Hospitality, and Technology. These internships not only provide valuable work experience but also serve as a stepping stone to future employment. Upon completing your studies, you can apply for a regular work permit to continue working in France.

Accommodation Refund Benefits

Under CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) and Crous (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires), the French government offers housing benefits to reimburse rent costs, making living in France more affordable.

Part-Time and Work Permit Opportunities

After completing their master’s degree, graduates can obtain a work permit for up to two years, opening up exciting career opportunities. While studying, students can also work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, with a minimum wage of €9.76 per hour.

Job Prospects

France has the world's fifth largest economy and 31 of the world's 500 most powerful companies. Many French industrial groups are leaders in their sectors with a global presence, including Airbus, Total, Orange, Sanofi, LVMH, L’Oréal, and Danone. A French degree provides access to the 570 French companies operating in India

Travel

A France student visa allows access to the Schengen Area for educational purposes. With this visa, students can travel freely within Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, making it easier to explore Europe during their studies.

Education System of France

Education systems differ significantly from country to country, influenced by various factors. The French education system is notable for its complexity, particularly regarding its diplomas and examinations. French schools are predominantly focused on academics and may offer fewer extracurricular activities compared to schools in other European countries. Events such as school dances and public posters are less common in French schools. Additionally, it is common practice in France for students to repeat a school year if they do not achieve the required average grades to pass their examinations.

Universities (Higher Education Institutions)

Universities attract 75% of foreign students opting for post-secondary education in France. These public institutes of higher education are financed by the French State. Located throughout France, the universities award nationally recognized degrees—Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate—that all hold the same academic value. Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enrol in first year. University programs cover a wide range of areas, including science, literature, languages, arts, humanities, medicine, and sports.

Grandes Écoles (Excellence in French Education)

About 20% of foreign students attend the Grandes Écoles, which include Écoles Normales Supérieures (ENS - Institutes of Advanced Studies), Instituts d’Études Politiques (IEP - Political Science Schools), engineering schools, business and management institutions, veterinary schools, and a few others. The Grandes Écoles are public and private institutes of higher education recognized by the state. They award degrees after five years of undergraduate study, and some award the title of Master. Much of the training is provided in English. Admission to the Grandes Écoles is highly selective and is based on a competitive entry exam after two years of preparatory classes. Some schools offer an integrated preparatory program that allows admission directly after high school. Tuition and fees are higher than those at universities.

Specialized Schools and Institutions (Focused Programs)

There are nearly 3,000 public and private institutions offering specialized education in areas such as medicine, audio-visual media, journalism, fashion and design, agronomy, and political science. These institutes award degrees and certificates that may or may not be recognized by the state. Admission to these specialized schools and institutions is based on a competitive entry exam or the applicant's academic record. Programs generally last two to five years.

Intakes in France

Main Intakes

- September - October
- January – February

Mid Intakes

- December
- March

01

Main Intakes

01

Main Intakes

02

Mid Intakes

02

Mid Intakes

01

Main Intakes

- September - October
- January – February

02

Mid Intakes

- December
- March

Connecting with an overseas education Consultancy for France can help ensure a smooth application process and provide valuable guidance on courses, universities, and other important matters.

  • Documents Required for Admission into Colleges and Universities
  • Campus France Application Process
  • Student Visa Requirements for France

Documents Required for Admission into Colleges and Universities

Admission to a French university is an exciting journey, but it requires a well-prepared documentation process.

Main Documentation

Begin with your passport, followed by all academic mark sheets from 10th grade onward, your passing certificate, degree certificate, and leaving certificate.

Recommendation and Experience

Gather recommendation letters from educational institutions and provide documented proof of any relevant experience.

Extra-Curricular Achievements

Provide your extracurricular certificates, internship certificates, and any project or research work.

Resume and Statement of Purpose

Prepare an updated resume and a statement of purpose. The statement should clearly explain your goals and reasons for applying to the program in France. It should also highlight relevant skills and qualifications that make you a suitable candidate.

Campus France Application Process

Campus France is a public institution that promotes French higher education abroad and welcomes foreign students and researchers to France.

For a period longer than 3 months (90 days), you must complete the Campus France application process before applying for the French visa.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Complete Online Registration

Attend Academic Interview with Campus France

Receive Confirmation of Interview Appointment from Campus France

Receive NOC from Campus France

Student Visa Requirements for France

When applying for a France student visa, you have two options: apply directly at a French consulate in your country or go through Campus France, which promotes higher education in France and has offices worldwide:

Here are the required documents for France student visa application:

Application Form

Complete the France study visa application form.

Travel Details

Include your airline ticket or reservation showing the departure date.

Passport and Photos

Provide two photos 35 x 45 mm and a valid passport with photocopies.

Accommodation

Provide documents verifying your living arrangements during your study period.

Language Proficiency (if applicable)

French: Show proof of French language proficiency if your course is taught in French.

IELTS: If your latest education was in English, you are exempt from taking the IELTS exam when applying to universities in France. However, if your previous education wasn’t in English, you will generally need to meet the minimum IELTS requirement of 6.0/6.5 for most universities in France.

Financial Means

Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover all expenses during your study period, typically around INR 12–15 lakhs. This can be shown through a bank account in your or your parent’s name, fixed deposits, bank loans, or savings accounts.

Admission Letter

Present the admission letter from the university, specifying the program, duration of study, tuition fee details, and payment receipt.

Health and Travel Insurance

Students must obtain health and travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies for the duration of their stay in France.

Cost of Studying in France

Public universities in France generally offer more budget-friendly tuition fees compared with many other countries. Here are some approximate figures for studying in France at different academic levels:

Bachelor’s Degree Tuition fees

On an average, €7000 to €12000 per year.

Master’s Degree Tuition fees

On an average, €10000 to €16000 per year.

Cost of Living in France

Housing or Accommodation Costs

University residence halls, managed by CROUS, offer affordable options with monthly expenses of around €200 in most cities, except Paris, where it’s around €400.

Private apartments can cost €500–€700 in smaller cities and around €900 in Paris.

Student residences, owned by private organizations, provide facilities but may be slightly more expensive than CROUS.

Sharing with others can reduce costs to €500–€700, making it a budget-friendly option.

Immerse yourself in French culture by living with a local family or elderly resident, with rents sometimes as low as €200 or even free in exchange for assistance.

Transportation and Travel Costs

Public Transportation

A monthly pass costs around €52 for buses, trams, or metros in most cities.

Taxi

Taking a taxi in Paris is relatively cheaper, around €1.50/km for short journeys.

Bike Rental

Velib bicycle rental program is popular in France and provides a convenient way to explore the city.

TGV High-Speed Trains

Travel to other cities using TGV costs around €30 per trip.

Youth Travel Card

Get an international youth travel card for exciting discounts while traveling across France.

Top Courses to Study in France

Studying in France offers an abundance of exciting opportunities. Here are some top courses that attract international students to the country:

Master in Management

Business Development / Management

Finance

Digital Marketing

Business Analytics

Supply Chain Management

Cyber Security / Artificial Intelligence/ Data Science

Computer Science and IT

Culinary and Wine Management Studies

Fashion and Luxury Brand Management

Hotel and Hospitality Management

Business Schools to Study in France

Kedge Business School

Essca Business School

ICN Business School

Montpellier Business School

Audencia Business School

Neoma Business School

ESDES Business School

Toulouse Business School

ISTEC Business School

College De Paris

IGS Groupe

CEFAM

On Campus Paris

Scholarships for Indian Students in France

The French government invests heavily in education and research to ensure accessibility for all. Here are some recommended scholarships for Indian students in France, providing excellent opportunities to achieve academic dreams. For details on eligibility criteria for these scholarships, connect with Global Colliance, as the scholarships are based on individual profiles.

Charpak Scholarship

Named after the renowned French physicist Georges Charpak, this scholarship is available to Indian students or holders of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status who are enrolled in an Indian institution of higher learning. It is open to students pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. The scholarship provides a living allowance of €700 per month and a tuition fee waiver of up to €5,000.

Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

This Master’s and Ph.D. level scholarship program is highly preferred by Indian students. Initiated by the French government, it offers generous support to international students worldwide, with an approximate allowance of €1,181 per month.

Erasmus+ Scholarship

The Erasmus+ Scholarship program supports education, training, and sports. It is an excellent opportunity for top international students to pursue higher education in France. Erasmus+ mobility scholarships cover living expenses and accommodation costs as well.

Emile-Boutmy Scholarship

Organized by Sciences Po, a research university in Paris, this highly competitive scholarship is available to international students pursuing undergraduate or Master’s programs. The Emile-Boutmy Scholarship offers a tuition grant ranging from €3,600 to €13,000 annually.

Job Prospects in France

Completing an internship is often mandatory in French college and university programs, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Internships enhance your CV and help build a professional network.

International students on a student visa can work part-time, with regulations allowing up to 964 hours per year (about 60% of full-time). Job opportunities are available in various sectors, including healthcare, tourism, hospitality, retail, fashion, and manufacturing.

Alumni networks like France Alumni offer excellent resources for job searching.

FAQs

Get All Your Answers Here

Visa applications are made stress-free! Discover expert insights, valuable tips, and get ready to embark on an enriching educational journey. Still have more questions? Reach out to our knowledgeable team—we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

Why should I choose Global Colliance for France study abroad guidance?

Go with Global Colliance, reliable France study abroad consultants, for a personal touch in university choice, visa application, and French language training, supported by their excellent visa success rate and connections with the best French schools.

What services does Global Colliance provide for studying in France?

With an all-inclusive service set for the study in France for Indian students, Global Colliance provides a personalized selection of universities and courses, French language courses, visa application assistance, and pre-departure orientation. Thanks to the specialized counselors, there is a great likelihood of students getting through the whole process by availing themselves of the opportunities for scholarships and professional support with the documentation.

Do I need IELTS or French language proficiency to study in France?

In the case of the study in France for international students program, the universities require IELTS (or TOEFL) for English-speaking programs and French proficiency (DELF/DALF B1/B2 level) for French-speaking ones. Many institutions named above even indicate the particular test according to the language of instruction. If your program exempts you from taking a test due to prior education in English/French, then no single test would be obligatory for you. However, getting a visa often depends on meeting the institution's language requirements.

Can Global Colliance help me with scholarships to study in France?

Indeed, Global Colliance can be your partner in getting scholarships for study in France. It will first prepare a list of the best options, then it will inform you about the eligibility criteria, and finally, it will assist you in presenting a strong scholarship application, which will be part of your entire Study in France plan.

What are the intakes for French universities?

French universities provide one major September/October (fall, primarily with most programs) and January (spring, secondary with fewer options) intake for education in France for international students. A few institutions might offer restricted April or summer intakes for some courses.

What is the cost of studying in France?

In the case of studying abroad in France, the fees for the public universities are usually €2,770–€3,770 per year, but private schools and grandes écoles can charge €8,000–€20,000 and more yearly. If likewise living costs of approximately €800–€1,200 per month are taken into consideration, the total yearly expense will be around €13,000–€16,000 for the majority of the international students.

What is the cost of a France student visa for Indian students?

The typical France student visa cost for Indian students is around €99 (approximately ₹9,000–₹9,500), along with extra fees such as Campus France processing (around ₹16,500) and VFS service charges. Budget about ₹30,000–₹40,000 for the France student visa cost for Indian applicants, which includes all necessary fees and validation costs.

Am I allowed to work in France?

Yes, as an international study permit holder, you are eligible to work part-time.

How much funds do I have to show at the time of visa filing?

You must provide proof of a full year’s tuition fees and a monthly living expense of €615.

Are Indian degrees recognised in France?

As per the agreement signed in 2018 between both governments, there is mutual recognition of academic qualifications.

What kind of scholarship options are available?

More than 500 scholarship options are available specifically for Indian students, including the Eiffel Scholarship, Charpak Scholarship, university-based scholarships, and many others.

What are the required documents to apply for a visa application?

The required documents include a cover letter, medical insurance, proof of funding and accommodation, and a valid passport.

What is CAF and CROUS?

CAF is a housing subsidy for students meeting income and family criteria, requiring a rental agreement in their name. CROUS residences, affordable and near campuses, are highly sought after. International students can use Lokaviz to find CROUS and private rentals. Living in CROUS may simplify visa and CAF applications.

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Guidance from Study Abroad France

France study abroad consultants

make it easier for students to study in France by guiding them through universities, Grandes Écoles, and specialized schools, while managing Campus France registration and the complete study abroad process for France.