Study in France — universities, campus life and student cities

France flag Sukhada's Study Destination Guide

Study In France

Everything you need to know about tuition, cost of living, post-study work rights and top universities in France — backed by Sukhada's counselling team.

France at a Glance

Partner Universities 64+
Region Europe
Cost Tier Moderate
Post-Study Work 2 years (APS)
› Study Destinations › France

Why Study in France?

France offers low public university fees alongside world-famous business, engineering and design schools. A growing number of programmes are taught in English, and Indian master's graduates get extended post-study stay options.

  • Low regulated fees at public universities
  • Top-ranked business and engineering schools
  • Extended stay-back for Indian master's graduates

Quick Facts

Europe Moderate cost tier High PSW 2 years (APS) ★ Popular destination
Talk to a Counsellor

Key Numbers

64+ Partner Universities
Moderate Cost Tier
Europe Region
2 years (APS) Post-Study Work
332 Programmes
61 Universities with Scholarships

What Are the Most Popular Courses in France?

Our partner universities in France offer 332 programmes. The largest subject areas are Business & Management, Natural Sciences, Health & Medicine.

A programme can appear in more than one subject area.

France at a Glance

Official Name French Republic
Capital Paris
Population 68M
Currency Euro (EUR)
Official Language(s) French
Also Spoken English (in business schools)
Calling Code +33
Region Europe
Economy Developed
English Proficiency Moderate

How Does the Education System Work in France?

A bachelor's degree in France usually takes 3 years (Licence) and a master's takes 2 years. The main intakes are September, January (limited).

Bachelor's 3 years (Licence)
Master's 2 years
MBA 1–2 years
PhD 3 years
Academic Year Starts September
Intakes September, January (limited)

Grading system

0–20 scale; 10 is a pass, 16+ is excellent

Accepted tests

IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught; DELF/DALF for French-taught

What Is the Application Timeline for France?

Most students start 10–12 months before their intake. Exact deadlines vary by university and programme.

  1. ResearchShortlist universities in France that match your budget, course and career goals.
  2. ShortlistNarrow down to 4–6 programmes and note each deadline for your intake.
  3. TestsBook the tests your universities ask for: IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught; DELF/DALF for French-taught.
  4. ApplySubmit applications with transcripts, SOP, LORs and test scores.
  5. OfferAccept your offer and receive the Admission letter through Campus France.
  6. VisaApply for the Long-stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) as soon as your documents are ready.
  7. AccommodationBook on-campus or private housing before you travel.
  8. TravelArrange flights, forex and insurance, and carry original documents.
  9. EnrolComplete orientation, local registration and course enrolment.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in France?

Typical bachelor's tuition in France: EUR 2,895/yr at public universities; EUR 8,000–20,000 private. Master's tuition: EUR 3,941/yr public; EUR 12,000–30,000 at business schools. Living costs, covering rent, food and transport: EUR 800–1,300/month.

Bachelor's Tuition EUR 2,895/yr at public universities; EUR 8,000–20,000 private
Master's Tuition EUR 3,941/yr public; EUR 12,000–30,000 at business schools
Living Cost EUR 800–1,300/month
Proof of Funds About EUR 615 per month of stay

Monthly budget breakdown (Paris)

Rent (shared) EUR 600/month
Food & groceries EUR 250/month
Local transport EUR 40/month
Utilities & phone EUR 80/month
Personal & leisure EUR 80/month
Estimated Total EUR 1,050/month (approx.)

Accommodation options

On-campus housing EUR 450/month
Shared apartment EUR 550/month
Private studio EUR 900/month
Homestay EUR 600/month

Figures are indicative ranges for international students and change every year. Your counsellor will confirm exact fees for your shortlisted courses.

How to Get a France Student Visa

Indian students apply for the Long-stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) after receiving the Admission letter through Campus France. Visa fee: EUR 50 visa fee + Campus France fee. Typical processing time: 2–4 weeks after the Campus France interview.

Visa Type Long-stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Visa Fee EUR 50 visa fee + Campus France fee
Processing Time 2–4 weeks after the Campus France interview
Interview Yes (Campus France)

Step-by-step visa process

  1. Secure your admission Apply to your chosen university and accept the offer. You will receive your Admission letter through Campus France, which your visa application depends on.
  2. Arrange proof of funds About EUR 615 per month of stay. Keep recent bank statements, loan sanction letters or sponsor documents ready.
  3. Prepare your documents Collect your passport, academic records, English test scores, Campus France 'Études en France' registration, Proof of accommodation for the first months.
  4. Submit the visa application Apply for the Long-stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) and pay the fee: EUR 50 visa fee + Campus France fee.
  5. Biometrics and interview Give biometrics if requested. Visa interview: Yes (Campus France).
  6. Get your decision and travel Typical processing time: 2–4 weeks after the Campus France interview. Once approved, book your travel and complete any local registration after arrival.

Can You Work in France During and After Studies?

Part-time Work 964 hrs/year (about 60% of full-time)
Work During Breaks Within the annual 964-hour limit
Post-Study Work Temporary residence to seek work; up to 2 years for Indian master's graduates
After a Bachelor's 1 year temporary permit
After a Master's Up to 2 years for Indian master's graduates
PR Pathway Talent Passport or salaried work permit, then long-term residence
Typical PR Timeline About 5 years of legal residence

Immigration rules change often — always confirm on the official government website before you apply.

Documents You'll Typically Need

Exact document requirements vary by university and visa category. This is a general checklist — we'll confirm the precise list for your course.

Checklist

Academic transcripts & certificates
Valid passport
English proficiency score (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / DET)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Proof of funds / financial statements
Resume / CV (for PG programs)
Offer letter (once admitted)
Campus France 'Études en France' registration
Proof of accommodation for the first months

What Is the Weather Like in France?

Temperate in the north, Mediterranean in the south. Summers: Warm, 20–30°C. Winters: Cool, 3–8°C.

Average temperatures in Paris

January 3°C to 7°C
April 7°C to 17°C
July 15°C to 26°C
October 9°C to 17°C

How Do Students Open a Bank Account in France?

Most banks offer free student accounts; you need a French address and your visa. Opening one early helps with CAF housing aid.

Popular banks for students

BNP Paribas Société Générale Crédit Agricole LCL

Documents usually needed

Passport
VLS-TS visa
Proof of French address
Student card

Is France Safe for International Students?

Safety: High; watch for pickpockets in tourist areas. Healthcare: Excellent.

Health Insurance Yes (free French social security for students)
Typical Insurance Cost Free basic cover; top-up mutuelle EUR 100–300/yr

Common insurance options

Assurance Maladie (French social security) LMDE HEYME

Safety tips

  • Validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months
  • Apply for CAF housing assistance
  • Save local emergency numbers on your phone
  • Keep digital copies of your passport, visa and admission letter

What Is the Job Market Like in France?

Graduate job demand in France is moderate. Entry-level salaries are roughly EUR 32,000–40,000/yr, rising to about EUR 45,000–60,000/yr with experience.

Top hiring sectors

Luxury and fashion High demand
Aerospace High demand
Technology Medium demand
Hospitality Medium demand

Skills in demand

Engineering Data science Luxury management Finance French language skills

Salary figures are indicative gross annual ranges and vary by city, role and employer.

What Is Student Life Like in France?

Values art, food and debate; learning basic French makes daily life much easier.

Student life

  • Museums and cultural events
  • Cafés and food culture
  • Student associations (BDE)
  • Travel across Europe

Major religions

Christianity Islam No religion

Indian community

Community Size About 100,000 people of Indian origin
Indian Food & Groceries Available in Paris; limited elsewhere

Which Scholarships Can Indian Students Get for France?

Well-known options for France include Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Charpak Scholarship, Business school merit scholarships. Eligibility and deadlines change every year, so check the official page before applying.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship about EUR 1,200/month
Charpak Scholarship for Indian students
Business school merit scholarships Amounts vary; check the official page for current details

Scholarships for France

Our team tracks live scholarship listings across 150+ university and government portals. Here are the common categories students in France typically qualify for — talk to a counsellor for current deadlines and amounts.

All Levels Merit-Based

Merit Scholarships

Awarded by universities based on academic performance
France
UG / PG Need-Based

Need-Based Financial Aid

Partial tuition waivers based on demonstrated financial need
France
PG / PhD Government

Government & Institutional Grants

Country and institution-run funding programs for international students
France
All Levels Sukhada

Sukhada Partner Discounts

Fee-waivers and priority processing through our university partnerships
France

Partner Universities in France

We work directly with 64 verified universities across France — browse the full list and filter by course, budget and intake.

View All 64+

Top-ranked universities in France

PSL University Paris · Est. 2010
QS #28
Institut Polytechnique de Paris Palaiseau · Est. 2019
QS #41
Sorbonne University Paris · Est. 2018
QS #73
Université Paris-Saclay Gif-sur-Yvette · Est. 2019 · EUR 3,000–45,000/yr
QS #76
QS #235
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne Paris · Est. 1971 · EUR 3,000–45,000/yr
QS #246
Aix-Marseille University Marseille · Est. 1409 · EUR 3,000–45,000/yr
QS #443
CY Cergy Paris University Cergy · Est. 2020 · EUR 3,000–45,000/yr
QS #901

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical tuition for international students in France: EUR 2,895/yr at public universities; EUR 8,000–20,000 private for a bachelor's degree and EUR 3,941/yr public; EUR 12,000–30,000 at business schools for a master's. Living costs: EUR 800–1,300/month, depending on the city.

The visa you need is the Long-stay Student Visa (VLS-TS), and the application is based on the Admission letter through Campus France. Visa fee: EUR 50 visa fee + Campus France fee. Typical processing time: 2–4 weeks after the Campus France interview.

About EUR 615 per month of stay. The exact amount is revised from time to time, so confirm it with the official immigration website before applying.

Student work rules in France: 964 hrs/year (about 60% of full-time).

Post-study work in France: Temporary residence to seek work; up to 2 years for Indian master's graduates. Long-term settlement route: Talent Passport or salaried work permit, then long-term residence.

Safety in France: High; watch for pickpockets in tourist areas. Healthcare: Excellent.

Yes (free French social security for students). Typical cost: Free basic cover; top-up mutuelle EUR 100–300/yr.

Graduate job demand in France is moderate, led by Luxury and fashion, Aerospace, Technology, Hospitality. Entry-level salaries are roughly EUR 32,000–40,000/yr.

About 100,000 people of Indian origin. Indian food: Available in Paris; limited elsewhere.

The main intakes in France are September, January (limited). A bachelor's degree usually takes 3 years (Licence) and a master's takes 2 years.

IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught; DELF/DALF for French-taught. Minimum scores differ by university and course, so check each programme page.

We currently work directly with 64 verified universities in France, spanning a range of budgets and course levels.

Ready to start your journey to France?

Book a free session with a Sukhada counsellor — no obligation, no pressure, just a clear plan for France.

Free Counselling Zero Hidden Charges 94% Visa Success 12,000+ Students Guided
Handpicked For You

Top Universities Worldwide

A closer look at some of the institutions our students are applying to right now.

United States flag United States Cambridge
  • IntakesFall and Spring
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study Work12 months OPT (STEM +24 months)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20 hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, United States Est. 1861
QS WORLD#1
Annual Tuition US$66,720 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 93%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #4
Employer Reputation
100/100 #2
Faculty / Student
100/100 #16
Citations / Faculty
100/100 #7
Intl. Faculty
100/100 #63
Intl. Students
91.6/100 #153
Intl. Student Diversity
92.3/100 #130
Intl. Research Network
94.1/100 #98
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #7
Sustainability
93.8/100 #33
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-C4CA
United Kingdom flag United Kingdom London
  • IntakesSeptember
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study WorkUp to 2 years (Graduate visa)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Imperial College London

London, United Kingdom Est. 1907
QS WORLD#2
Annual Tuition £42,700 – £58,600 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 94%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
99.6/100 #22
Employer Reputation
100/100 #9
Faculty / Student
99.3/100 #42
Citations / Faculty
95/100 #69
Intl. Faculty
100/100 #74
Intl. Students
100/100 #35
Intl. Student Diversity
100/100 #22
Intl. Research Network
97.5/100 #28
Employment Outcomes
95.9/100 #68
Sustainability
98.3/100 #7
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-C81E
United States flag United States Stanford
  • IntakesFall and Spring
  • Visa Success82
  • Post-Study Work12 months OPT (STEM +24 months)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Stanford University

Stanford, United States Est. 1885
QS WORLD#2
Annual Tuition USD67,731 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 90%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #5
Employer Reputation
100/100 #3
Faculty / Student
100/100 #17
Citations / Faculty
99.7/100 #24
Intl. Faculty
94.2/100 #188
Intl. Students
73.5/100 #261
Intl. Student Diversity
76.1/100 #230
Intl. Research Network
96.5/100 #49
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #2
Sustainability
95.4/100 #19
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-ECCB
United Kingdom flag United Kingdom Oxford
  • IntakesOctober (Michaelmas term)
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study Work2 yrs; 18 months from Jan 2027
  • Cost of LivingGBP 1,405-2,105 / month
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom Est. 1096
QS WORLD#4
Annual Tuition GBP 39,620-66,580 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 90%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #
Employer Reputation
100/100 #
Faculty / Student
100/100 #
Citations / Faculty
91/100 #
Intl. Faculty
98.8/100 #
Intl. Students
98.6/100 #
Intl. Research Network
100/100 #
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #
Sustainability
77.9/100 #
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-A87F
United States flag United States Cambridge
  • IntakesFall
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study Work12 months OPT (STEM +24 months)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Harvard University

Cambridge, United States Est. 1636
QS WORLD#5
Annual Tuition USD 62,226 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 87%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #1
Employer Reputation
100/100 #1
Faculty / Student
98.3/100 #50
Citations / Faculty
100/100 #1
Intl. Faculty
79.1/100 #300
Intl. Students
81.4/100 #217
Intl. Student Diversity
60.6/100 #335
Intl. Research Network
99.4/100 #8
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #1
Sustainability
77.8/100 #201
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-E4DA
United Kingdom flag United Kingdom Cambridge
  • IntakesSeptember
  • Visa Success95
  • Post-Study WorkUp to 2 years (Graduate visa)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom Est. 1209
QS WORLD#6
Annual Tuition £29,052 – £70,554 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 95%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #3
Employer Reputation
100/100 #5
Faculty / Student
100/100 #23
Citations / Faculty
88.6/100 #107
Intl. Faculty
100/100 #80
Intl. Students
93.1/100 #144
Intl. Student Diversity
93.6/100 #120
Intl. Research Network
99.2/100 #12
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #5
Sustainability
78.4/100 #194
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-8F14
This Week's Picks

Scholarships worth applying to right now.

A rotating shortlist our counsellors flag as genuinely worth the paperwork.

United Kingdom flag
University of Reading United Kingdom
Master's Fully funded

Chevening Scholarships

Deadline: Contact counsellor for deadline
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
China flag
Donghua University China
All Levels Partial to full tuition

Shanghai Government Scholarship

Deadline: Contact counsellor for deadline
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
Germany flag
RWTH Aachen University Germany
All Levels Funding + benefits

DAAD scholarships

Deadline: Contact counsellor for deadline
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
Germany flag
Friedrich Schiller University Jena Germany
All Levels Funding + benefits

Deutschlandstipendium (merit-based)

Deadline: Contact counsellor for deadline
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
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