Study in France — Discover Education in a Global Cultural Destination
Explore French universities, grandes écoles and business schools, understand the Campus France procedure and plan your student visa application with confidence.
Information last reviewed: October 2026
An Overview of Studying in France
France combines a long academic tradition with a modern, internationally connected higher education system.
French higher education follows the European LMD structure: Licence (bachelor’s level, three years), Master (two years) and Doctorat (doctorate). Alongside universities, France has specialised institutions including grandes écoles (selective schools of engineering, business and other fields), schools of art and architecture, and specialised institutes.
Studying in France also means access to rich cultural life, central European location and the chance to learn one of the world’s major languages.
Choosing Your Institution and Language of Study
Public and private institutions
Public universities offer a wide range of degree programmes, with registration fees set by the French state. Since 2019, many non-EU students pay differentiated (higher) fees at public universities, although some institutions grant exemptions.
Grandes écoles and private schools, including many business and engineering schools, set their own tuition fees, which are generally higher. Check accreditation and the recognition of the qualification awarded.
English-taught and French-taught programmes
A growing number of programmes — particularly at master’s level and in business, engineering and sciences — are taught fully in English. Most bachelor’s programmes at public universities are taught in French.
Even if your programme is in English, learning basic French will make daily life, part-time work and integration much easier.
Popular fields include business and management, engineering, computer science and data, fashion and luxury management, hospitality, culinary arts, international relations, art and design, and life sciences.
Admission and Language Requirements
- Academic transcripts, certificates and, where requested, translations
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae and letters of recommendation
- For English-taught programmes: proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, as specified by the institution
- For French-taught programmes: proof of French proficiency, commonly through the DELF/DALF diplomas or the TCF/TEF tests, at the level the institution requires
- Entrance tests, interviews or portfolios for some schools and programmes
Each institution sets its own requirements and deadlines, so we help you track them carefully.
Tuition, Living Costs and Scholarships
Tuition and living-cost considerations
Costs vary significantly between public universities and private schools. Living costs in Paris are generally higher than in other cities such as Lyon, Toulouse, Lille or Montpellier.
Students may be eligible for housing assistance from the French family allowance fund (CAF), subject to conditions. For the visa, you must show sufficient resources for your stay, at the minimum monthly amount set by French authorities.
Scholarships and funding
Options include the French Government’s Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (for selected master’s and PhD candidates, nominated by French institutions), and scholarship programmes offered by the French Embassy in India, such as the Charpak scholarships. Many institutions also offer their own merit scholarships or fee reductions.
Scholarship availability and criteria change each year; check official sources for current details.
The Campus France Procedure and Student Visa
Research Programmes
Shortlist institutions and programmes and check their admission routes.
Create an Études en France Account
Indian students generally apply through the Campus France online platform.
Submit Your File
Upload academic documents, statements and language results and pay the procedure fee.
Campus France Interview
Attend an interview with Campus France India to discuss your study plans.
Receive Admission
Accept an offer from your chosen institution.
Apply for Your Visa
Apply for a long-stay student visa via France-Visas and the visa application centre.
Accommodation and Pre-Departure Planning
Housing in France — especially in Paris — can be competitive, so start your search early. Common options include university residences managed by CROUS, private student residences, shared apartments and homestays.
- Arrange accommodation (and a housing guarantee, if required) before you travel.
- Understand health insurance: international students generally register with the French social security system after arrival.
- Open a French bank account and keep copies of all key documents.
- Complete your visa validation and any other post-arrival formalities on time.
- Learn some everyday French to help with daily life.
Work during and after study
International students with a valid student residence permit can generally work part-time up to an annual limit set by French law. After graduation, some graduates may be eligible for a temporary residence permit to look for work or start a business, subject to current conditions.
Study in France: FAQs
Can I study in France in English?
What is Campus France?
Are public universities in France expensive?
Do I need to know French?
Can I work while studying in France?
Official sources to check
- Campus France India
- Campus France — Official French higher education portal
- France-Visas — Official visa website for France
- Embassy of France in India
Requirements, fees and processing times change. Always confirm the latest information on these official websites before applying. Last reviewed: October 2026.
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Explore Study Options in France
Speak to our counsellors about French institutions, English-taught programmes, Campus France and the student visa.