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Nursing in France 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Admission Process, Top Universities, Scholarships & Career Scope

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Srijita Saha • 10 Mins read • 29 Jan 26
Nursing in FranceNursing in France

Nursing in France is a 3-year State Diploma in Nursing in Bachelor's level with the help of a recognised Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers (IFSI). The top universities for Indian students to study nursing in France are Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University, Université Paris Cité, Aix-Marseille University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université Côte d'Azur.

Nursing in France Admissions 2026 require the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, strong French proficiency, such as DELF B2 or C1. The yearly tuition fees to study Nursing in France for international students range between €2,770 and €3,770, though this varies.

Nursing in France Scholarship 2026 includes the France Excellence Charpak Scholarship, which provides partial funding and is open to Indian citizens admitted to a full-time bachelor’s degree (Licence) programme in France. Nurses in France normally earn between €2,000 each month at the entry level and up to €35,000 gross each year, with experience, though this varies as per location and roles.


Read More: Study in France for Indian Students


Nursing in France: Quick Overview 2026

Look at the table below to have an understanding of a quick overview of nursing in France.

Particulars

Details

Course

Nursing in France (State Nursing Diploma)

Duration

3 years (6 semesters)

Top Universities

  • Université Paris-Saclay
  • Sorbonne University
  • Université Paris Cité
  • Aix-Marseille University
  • Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
  • Université Côte d'Azur

Eligibility Criteria

Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology

NEET Exam

Not required

Medium of Teaching

French

IELTS/TOEFL

Not compulsory

French Proficiency

B2 or C1 on the CEFR scale

Annual Tuition Fees

€2,770 and €3,770

Cost of Living

€600 to €800 per month

Main Intake

September or October (Fall semester)


Don’t Miss: MBBS in France 2026


Why Study Nursing in France?

Below are the reasons why students can study Nursing in France.

  • France has an established and long tradition of training excellent medical staff, which makes it easy to form relationships with mentors and colleagues. 
  • France has some of the most advanced medical technologies in Europe, which makes it an ideal location for students to learn about cutting-edge treatments.
  • Most of the French institutions provide scholarships or other financial aid options to the students, which makes studying abroad more financially feasible.
  • In practical healthcare studies such as nursing, hands-on experience is necessary. French medical training facilities team up with the top-tier hospitals, where the students can obtain clinic-relevant skills with expert supervision.
  • Students will be exposed to a varied cultural environment by studying in France, as they will get the opportunity to interact with fellow students globally.


Nursing in France: Accreditation and Recognition

Refer to the points below to know the accreditation and recognition of the nursing qualifications in France.

  • France Éducation international (ENIC-NARIC France)
  • ENIC-NARIC Network
  • Service-Public.fr
  • Ministère de la Santé (French Ministry of Health)
  • Agences Régionales de Santé (ARS)


Nursing in France: Important Dates 2026

The important dates for 2026 to study Nursing in France for Indian students are provided in the table below.

Events

Important Dates 2026

Opening of Parcoursup information portal

December 2025

Beginning of Parcoursup account creation

January 2026

Deadline for submitting nursing (IFSI) choices

12 March 2026

Deadline for confirmation of application and documents

1 April 2026

Announcement of admission results

From June 2026

Complementary admission phase

June to September 2026

Start of the academic year

August or September 2026 (differs by the institute)


Nursing in France: Top Universities 2026

The top universities to study Nursing in France for Indian students, along with QS World University Rankings 2026, are given below.

Nursing in France: Top Universities 2026


Nursing in France: Duration

Nursing education in France is a 3-year (6 semesters) undergraduate degree program, which is called “Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier” (State Diploma in Nursing). This is essential for practising as a registered nurse in France. The diploma is equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in India in terms of undergraduate level; however, it prioritises more on the practical skills as well as clinical practice than the traditional academic degree.


Nursing in France: Fee Structure 2026

The nursing fees in France vary from one university to another. Check the table below to find the nursing in France fee structure 2026 for Indian students.

Universities

Yearly Tuition Fees 2026

Université Paris-Saclay

€2,770–€3,770

Sorbonne University

€2,895 (Licence level)

Université Paris Cité

€2,895 

Aix-Marseille University

€2,850  (Bachelor level)

Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1

€2,895

Université Côte d'Azur

€2,895 


Note: The fees listed above for the French universities can vary and are subject to change. Candidates must verify the fees on the official website of the university.


Nursing in France: Cost of Living

Students must have a monthly budget of €600 to €800 for covering food, housing and transport expenses to live in France. However, this amount differs based on the accommodation type or location of the student.


Nursing in France: Admission Process 2026

The admission process 2026 for Indian students to study nursing in France is given below.

  • Students have to register on the official Parcoursup platform to apply for IFSI (nursing training) in France.
  • Students have to create their candidate profile, which started from 19 January 2026 and validate their personal Parcoursup account.
  • Students have to submit their vœux (choices) for IFSI programs by 12 March 2026.
  • Students have to confirm and finalise their candidate dossier on Parcoursup by 1 April 2026 after submission of all the required documents.
  • Applications such as school records, motivation, etc., are evaluated by IFSI under Parcoursup selection procedures, and there is no separate written exam for most of the initial training admissions.
  • The main admissions decisions, as well as offers, are published during the official Parcoursup calendar from the start of June 2026 onwards.
  • Students have to accept an IFSI offer within the deadlines on Parcoursup and also follow the instructions for final administrative enrollment.
  • Students with 3 years of professional experience in France can access IFSI with the help of formation professionnelle continue and special selection procedures, such as oral interview, dossier review, managed directly by the institute.


Nursing in France: Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for studying Nursing in France are given in the points below for Indian students.

  • Need to be a minimum of 17 years old by 31 December 2026.
  • Should have qualified for Class 12, which is equivalent to French Baccalauréat.
  • Strong recommendation for a Science background, in which Biology is preferred.
  • Have to apply through the official Parcoursup platform for the initial training.
  • Indian qualifications have to be recognised as equivalent at the time of admission.
  • Must have French language proficiency (at least B2 level) for nursing studies.
  • Candidates with more than 3 years of professional experience might apply through Formation Professionnelle Continue (FPC) instead of Parcoursup.


Nursing in France: Documents Required

The documents required during the admission process for Indian students to study Nursing in France are given below.

  • Class 10 and Class 12 certificates
  • Valid passport
  • Academic transcripts or mark sheets
  • French language proficiency proof, such as DELF / DALF or equivalent
  • Submission of the motivation statement on Parcoursup
  • Medical fitness, along with vaccination certificates (submitted after admission)
  • Official translations of documents into French (if needed)
  • CVEC payment certificate (compulsory before enrollment)
  • Health insurance proof (needed for clinical training)




Nursing in France: Syllabus

The 3-year Nursing program in France involves a broad syllabus for the students, which is mentioned year-wise below.

Years

Main Subjects

1st Year (Foundation & Basics)

  • Fundamentals of Nursing Care
  • Introduction to Pathology & Microbiology
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • Observation & Basic Clinical Training

2nd Year (Intermediate Clinical & Medical Knowledge)

  • Medical-Surgical Nursing 
  • Maternal and Child Health Nursing 
  • Pharmacology 
  • Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing
  • Intermediate Clinical Training

3rd Year (Advanced Practice & Professional Integration)

  • Advanced Nursing & Critical Care 
  • Research & Evidence
  • Community & Public Health Nursing 
  • Ethics, Law & Professional Practice
  • Final Clinical Internship / Practicum

 

Nursing in France: Scholarships 2026

The table below shows the scholarship for Indian students and its funding type and target.

Scholarship Type

Funding Type

Target

France Excellence Charpak Scholarship

Partial Funding 

Indian citizens who have been admitted to a full-time bachelor’s degree (Licence) programme in France, such as nursing, if the programme is classified as a Licence


Nursing in France vs Nursing in India

Check the table below, where you will find the comparison between Nursing in France and Nursing in India.

Aspect

Nursing in France

Nursing in India

Regulatory system

  • French health authorities
  • Integration of nursing training in higher education (Bachelor's level)

Indian Nursing Council (INC)

Primary qualification

Diplôme d’État d’Infirmier (State Nursing Diploma, which is equivalent to a Bachelor’s)

  • BSc (Basic) Nursing is the standard undergraduate degree
  • Also, the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) or Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) diploma paths

Duration

3 years

  • B.Sc. Nursing: 4 years
  • GNM: 3 years

Programme structure

A combination of theoretical education, along with clinical internships, with the competency assessments

Theory and practical training with the semester exams

Instruction language

Mostly in French

Primarily in English (varies)

Entry requirement

  • French Baccalauréat or equivalent
  • Selection through Parcoursup for entry into IFSI

10+2 science (PCB) with English for B.Sc. Nursing

Progression of career path

Postgraduate or master's nursing and specialisations after a diploma or a Bachelor's degree

B.Sc. Nursing → M.Sc. Nursing → M.Phil or PhD levels


Nursing in France: Career Opportunities

Nursing in France provides various career opportunities to students, which are driven by higher demand in the public hospitals, specialised care and clinics. The table below shows the salary for the different job roles after studying Nursing in France.

Job Roles

Salary

Theatre Nurse - Paris

€2,000 per month (starting salary)

Geriatric Nurses – Paris

€2,000 per month (starting salary)

Operating Room Nurse - Reims

€35,000 gross per year

General Care Nurse - Reims

€35,000 gross per year


Also Check:

Nursing Courses Abroad

Country/Region

Select Your University Link

Canada

USA

MSc Nursing in USA

UK

BSc Nursing in UK

Australia

Hungary

Nursing in Hungary

Georgia

Nursing in Georgia

Sweden

Nursing in Sweden


Nursing in France: FAQs


Ques: How can students become nurses in France?

Ans: To become a registered nurse in France, students have to pass the entrance exam at Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers (IFSI), after which they have to undergo a 3-year training program, which might be provided at the university of the student.


Ques: Can students study in France if they only speak English?

Ans: Yes, studying in France with English is possible. Francophiles who do not speak French can live their dreams in France by studying in English.


Ques: What is the BSc Nursing cost in France in private nursing schools?

Ans: The private nursing schools or programs in France can have significantly greater tuition fees, which range broadly between €6,000 to over €10,000 each year, based on the school’s reputation, the comprehensiveness of the program, and the facilities of the school.


Ques: Is there a demand for nurses in France?

Ans: Yes, in healthcare, there is an increasing need for nurses, pharmacists, and carers, especially in rural areas where there are acute staff shortages.


Ques: What is the duration of a Bachelor's in France?

Ans: A Bachelor's degree in France is the same as in England, which is an undergraduate degree that normally has a duration of 3 to 4 years. A Bachelor's degree in France can be referred to as a Licence, while a Bachelor's degree in England can be either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).


Ques: Can students study in France without IELTS?

Ans: Yes, most of the French universities allow Indian students to apply without IELTS after they prove English language proficiency through the medium of instruction certificate, which is a letter from their previous school or college that confirms that they studied in English.


Ques: How to study nursing in France?

Ans: Candidates have to apply through Parcoursup, fulfil the French language requirements, have equivalent secondary qualifications, get admission to an IFSI and complete a compulsory clinical training in France.


Ques: What are the nursing universities in France?

Ans: The top colleges for Indian students to study nursing in France are Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University, Université Paris Cité, Aix-Marseille University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université Côte d'Azur.


Ques: What are the nursing jobs in France?

Ans: The nursing jobs in France include general care nurses, geriatric nurses, operating room nurses, theatre nurses, community health nurses, and mental health nurses across public healthcare facilities and hospitals. 


Ques: What is the nurse salary in France?

Ans: As per the public health pay scales, nurses in France can earn about a monthly salary of €2,000 at the entry level, with yearly gross salaries increasing to €35,000 with experience, though this varies as per roles and location.


Ques: Can any student study nursing in France for free?

Ans: In France, public nursing education is low-cost; it is not free for international students, as they have to pay higher tuition fees as set by the French government as well as universities.