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Study in France

France combines affordable public universities with world-known business and engineering schools. A growing number of programmes are taught in English, especially at master’s level.

Main intakes
September is the main intake; some business schools offer January starts
Student visa
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)
Region
Europe
Country
Flag of FranceFrance

The education system in France

Degrees follow the LMD system: Licence (bachelor’s, three years), Master (two years) and Doctorat. Grandes écoles and business schools run selective programmes alongside public universities.

Why students choose France

  • Leading business and management schools
  • Lower fees at public universities than many countries
  • Access to the wider European job market

Popular courses and study areas

These fields are well established in France. Availability, language of instruction and entry requirements still vary by university and level.

  • Business & Management
  • Luxury & Fashion Management
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Hospitality
  • Art & Design
  • Data Science

Universities in France

A few of the well-known universities students often consider. Drag or swipe to see more.

Listed for reference only — this is not a list of partner institutions. We shortlist from all recognised universities in France based on your profile, budget and goals.

Choosing a university in France

Rankings are a starting point, not the answer. When we build a shortlist for France, we compare:

  • Course modules, teaching style and any placement or project components
  • Entry requirements against your marks, backlogs and test scores
  • Total cost — tuition, living costs in that city and visa funds
  • Intake dates and deadlines that fit your timeline
  • Recognition of the institution and what your final certificate will state

See how we approach this in course and university selection.

Admission requirements

Indian students usually apply through the Campus France “Études en France” procedure for public institutions. Business schools often accept direct applications with an interview.

Typical documents are listed in our guide to preparing university application documents.

Language requirements

English-taught programmes ask for IELTS or TOEFL. French-taught programmes require DELF/DALF or TCF results.

Not sure which test to take? Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test.

Tuition fees and living costs

Public universities charge regulated fees, with a higher rate for most non-EU students; private schools set their own fees. You must show monthly living funds for the visa.

Fees and required funds change, so we don’t publish fixed figures here. We confirm current costs for each programme on your shortlist using the university’s and government’s own websites.

Scholarships and funding

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

French government scholarship for master’s and PhD study, nominated by institutions.

Charpak Scholarships

Offered by the French Embassy in India for Indian students.

Eligibility, amounts and deadlines are set by each provider and change yearly. Read more about scholarship planning or ask about education loan guidance.

Student visa: Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)

Complete the Campus France procedure where required, then apply for the long-stay visa. Validate your VLS-TS online after arriving in France.

Official resources

Application timeline

September is the main intake; some business schools offer January starts.

  1. 1
    10–12 months before

    Research & tests

    Profile review, destination and course research, book language or admission tests.

  2. 2
    8–10 months before

    Shortlist & documents

    Finalise your shortlist, prepare statements and request recommendations.

  3. 3
    6–9 months before

    Apply

    Submit applications and scholarship applications.

  4. 4
    3–6 months before

    Offer, funds & visa

    Accept an offer, arrange funds and apply for the Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS).

  5. 5
    1–2 months before

    Get ready to fly

    Accommodation, travel and our pre-departure briefing.

  6. Intake

    Start your course

Information on this page was last reviewed in October 2026. Always confirm requirements on the official websites linked above.

FAQs about studying in France

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