Study in France for Indian Students: Top Universities, Courses, Costs, Scholarships & Placements
Discover Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Scholarships & More
France
Overview
Study in France provides a great opportunity for Indian students to study at top universities and experience the country's culture. Students can study in France for their Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, MBBS, and PhD studies across a variety of fields, including Engineering, Business and Management, Medicine (MBBS), Computer Science, Arts, Fashion, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality. Common Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are B.Sc., B.Tech, BBA, MBA, M.Sc., MiM, and MBBS (among many specialised degrees). Degrees received in France carry global recognition and aid students in building a successful career.
Study in France typically takes 1 to 5 years, depending on the course. Tuition fees for Indian students studying at public universities are approximately €2,850 – €3,879 per year (₹2.57 – ₹3.49 lakh). Private university or business schools incur higher expenses of €6,000 - €18,000 per year (₹5.4 – ₹16.2 lakh) per year. Living expenses in France range from €605 – €1,184 per month (₹54,000 – ₹1.07 lakh) per month, with Paris being the highest-priced city. France also offers scholarships, which can greatly support access to education, and can cover 25% to 100% of the tuition for you based on competence, talent, or economic means, which will lessen your overall cost.
Study in France has some basic admission rules. For undergraduate courses like B.Sc., B.Tech., BBA, or MBBS, students must have completed 10+2. For master's courses like M.Sc., MS, MBA, or MiM, students need a bachelor's degree. Students also need to meet language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL for English or DELF/DALF for French) and submit important documents like mark sheets, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Study in France. Read on for complete details!
Study in France: Quick Highlight
The table below shows the key details for Study in France.
Particulars | Details |
Universities in France | 3,500+ colleges and universities |
Language of Study | English & French |
Popular Stream in France |
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Popular courses in France |
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Duration | 1–5 years (depending on program) |
Top Cities for Study |
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Top Universities |
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Is France a good place to study?
France offers affordable, high-quality education, many course options, cultural experiences, work opportunities, and top universities in major cities.
- High-Quality Education - France has world-ranked universities and modern teaching methods. Many courses are recognised globally.
- Variety of Courses - There are programs covering Engineering, Business, Fashion, IT, Medicine, and Hospitality, to name a few.
- Affordable Tuition – Public universities are less expensive than you'd find in the USA, the UK, and Australia. Tuition fees can start at €3,000 per annum.
- Cultural Experience - France is known for many things: The Arts, Culture, Cuisine, and History, to name a few. Living here is a fantastic life experience.
- Work Experience - Students can work part-time while studying and some can remain in France after their studies have ended to work.
- Multilingual Advantage - It is correct that since many programs are delivered in English, knowing French will benefit your everyday life and your job opportunities.
- Top Cities & Universities - It is true; Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Lille have the most. Universities such as Sorbonne, HEC Paris, and Ecole Polytechnique rank very highly among the best in the world and certainly in Europe.
Study in France: Popular Courses
There is a range of courses available to international students in France, including undergraduate courses such as BBA, B.E. and B.Tech., and postgraduate courses such as MBA, PGDM, M.Sc. and MS, with the duration of these courses ranging from 1 year to 4 years. Tuition is also quite affordable, with BBA and B.Tech courses costing around ₹7–16 lakh and MBA or M.Sc. courses ranging from ₹25 lakh to under ₹1 crore, depending on the University and course type.
Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fees (EUR) | Tuition Fees (Approx ₹) | Degree Type |
MBA | 1–2 years | €20,000–50,000 | ₹18–₹45 lakh | Postgraduate |
PGDM | 1–2 years | €20,000–50,000 | ₹18–₹45 lakh | Postgraduate |
M.Sc. | 1–2 years | €5,000–20,000 | ₹4.5–₹18 lakh | Postgraduate |
MS | 1–2 years | €5,000–20,000 | ₹4.5–₹18 lakh | Postgraduate |
BBA | 3 years | €6,000–15,000 | ₹5.4–₹13.5 lakh | Undergraduate |
B.E | 3 years | €8,900 – €17,800 | ₹8–₹16 lakh | Undergraduate |
MBBS | 6 years | €3,000–4,000/year | ₹2.7–₹3.6 lakh/year | Undergraduate |
B.Tech | 3-4 years | €8,900 – €17,800 | ₹8–₹16 lakh | Undergraduate |
Read More:
What is the Admission Process for Study in France?
The table below shows the simple steps to apply get admission and move to France for your studies.
Step | Details |
Pick Course & University | Choose what you want to study and which university. |
Check Requirements | Make sure you have the right marks and can speak English or French. Some courses require the GRE or GMAT. |
Prepare Documents | Keep passport, mark sheets, letters, SOP, and English/French test ready. |
Apply Online | Apply on the university website or the Campus France portal. |
Get Admission Letter | The university sends a letter saying you are accepted. |
Apply for a Student Visa | Use the admission letter to get a student visa. |
Arrange Housing & Travel | Arrange where you will stay and book your trip. |
Register at the University | After reaching France, register and attend orientation. |
Read More: MBA in France 2025
Study in France University: Intake Timeline and Application Steps
The table below shows the intake timeline and key steps for study in France.
Intake Type | Timeline / Month | Steps / Activities |
Fall Intake (September) | November–December 2025 | Continue application preparation and submit the required documents |
January–March 2026 | Wait for university responses and admission decisions | |
April–May 2026 | Complete any additional admission formalities | |
June–August 2026 | Arrange visa, accommodation, and travel | |
September–October 2026 | Join the university, register, and attend orientation |
Study in France: Documents Required
The following documents are needed for admission and the visa process when you plan to study in France.
- Passport – Must be valid for your stay.
- Recent Passport-Size Photographs – As per university rules.
- Academic Certificates – 10th, 12th, and graduation mark sheets/degrees.
- Language Proof – IELTS/TOEFL for English programs, DELF/DALF for French programs.
- Resume – Your education and activities.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Why you want to study in France.
- University Offer Letter – Admission confirmation.
- Financial Proof – Bank statements or scholarship letters.
- Other Documents (if needed) – GRE/GMAT scores, portfolio (for design/fashion), medical certificate, visa forms.
Study in France Student Visa: Eligibility, Requirements & Process
If you are planning to study in France, a student visa will need to be obtained if your course runs longer than 90 Days. You will need to first check that you meet the eligibility requirements, then prepare the documents, and finally apply to the French consulate or apply through Campus France. Different types of visas are available for short-term, temporary, long-term or long-term courses.
Who Can Apply for a Study in France Student Visa?
If you meet the following requirements, you can apply for a student visa to study in France.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You have a formal acceptance letter from a recognised university in France.
- You select the appropriate visa for your course:
- Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Less than 90 days.
- Temporary Long-Stay Visa (VLS-T) - 3 - 6 months.
- Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) - Over 6 months (and serves as a residency permit).
Study in France Student Visa Requirements (Checklist)
The following documents are needed if you want to study in France and apply for a student visa.
- Passport - valid for your stay
- current passport-sized photographs
- university admission letter
- proof of finances - bank statements or scholarships
- proof of language - IELTS/TOEFL for English/or DELF/DALF for French
- cv/resume - education and activities
- letter of purpose (LOP) - reasons to study in France
- health insurance - coverage for your study period in France
- visa application form & fee receipt
- Other documents you may need - GRE/GMAT scores/portfolio/medical certificate
How to Apply for a Study in France Student Visa?
Follow these easy steps to get your student visa and start your journey to study in France.
- Register with Campus France - As an Indian or international student, you will need to apply through the Etudes en France portal.
- Collect All Documents - Use a checklist to avoid missing anything.
- Book Appointment - Submit your documents and biometrics at the French embassy or VFS centre.
- Visa Interview - You may be required to answer a few questions.
- Wait for Visa Approval - It will take a few weeks, so apply in the early stages of the Visa process.
- Validate your Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) - Once you arrive in France, validate your Visa online within 3 months.
Success Tips:
- Start your application process early (2-3 months before the start of your course).
- Be sure that all of your documentation is either in French or in English.
- Be honest and complete with all of your documentation.
Educational Requirements to Study in France
The table below shows the basic education, marks, language tests, backlogs, and other requirements needed to study in France.
Level | Education Needed | Minimum Marks | Language Test | Backlogs | Other Tests |
Bachelors | 12 years of schooling (10+2) or diploma | 60% | IELTS 5.5 (each band) | Up to 10 | NA |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 3–4 years graduate degree | 60% | IELTS 6.5 (no band 6) | None | GRE/GMAT may be needed for some courses |
Read More: BBA in France
Study in France: Top Entrance Exams
The table below shows the main exams you may need to take if you want to study in France, depending on your course and language of instruction.
Exam Name | Purpose / For Which Course | Details |
GMAT | MBA / Business programs | Used by most business schools and Grande Écoles for admission |
GRE | Master’s programs (Science, Engineering, Economics) | Accepted by many Master's programs; some business schools accept the GRE instead of the GMAT. |
TAGE MAGE | Management / MBA programs | French aptitude test for business schools (Grandes Ecoles). |
SIM / IAE Message Test | Public university business schools (IAE network) | Tests general knowledge, reasoning, and language skills (French + English). |
DELF / DALF / TCF | French-taught programs | French language proficiency tests are required for programs in French. |
IELTS / TOEFL | English-taught programs | English language proficiency tests are required for programs in English. |
Read More: PhD in France
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Universities
60000 EUR
Cost of Living
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Work permit duration
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International Students
France
Top Universities in France
The table below shows some of the top universities in France along with their QS World Ranking 2026. These universities are popular among international students for high quality education and global reputation.
University Name | QS World Rank 2026 |
University PSL | 28 |
Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 |
Sorbonne University | 72 |
University Paris - Saclay | 70 |
Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon | 205 |
University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 257 |
University of Paris City | 300 |
University Grenoble Alpes | 321 |
Sciences Po | 367 |
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA) | 406 |
Best Business & Management Universities to Study in France
The table below shows the top business and management schools in France, along with their QS World Ranking. These courses are highly preferred for MBA and management programs by international students.
University Name | QS Subject Rankings |
INSEAD | 4 |
HEC Paris Business School | 13 |
ESSEC Business School | 39 |
ESCP Business School - Paris | 54 |
Emlyon Business School | 76 |
EDHEC Business School | 125 |
University PSL | 137 |
University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne | 145 |
Grenoble Ecole de Management | 151-200 |
KDGE Business School | 151-200 |
Best Engineering Universities to Study in France
The table below shows the top engineering universities in France along with their QS Subject Rankings 2026. These universities are popular among international students who want to study in France for engineering and technology programs.
University Name | QS Subject Rankings |
Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 40 |
University Paris - Saclay | 40 |
University PSL | 72 |
Sorbonne University | 76 |
University Grenoble Alpes | 149 |
Grenoble Institute of Technology | 162 |
IMT Atlantique | 201 |
Institut National des Sciences Appliquees de Lyon | 220 |
Ecole des Ponts ParisTech | 260 |
Ecole Centrale de Lyon | 304 |
Top Cities to Study in France: QS Best Student City Rankings 2025
The table below shows the top cities to study in France along with their QS Best Student City Rankings 2025. These cities are popular choices for international students who want to study in France due to quality education, lifestyle, and opportunities.
Top Cities in France | QS Best Student City Rankings 2025 |
Paris | 7 |
Lyon | 47 |
Toulouse | 97 |
Montpellier | 138 |
France
Cost of Studying in France
The table below shows the tuition fees for public and private universities in France, helping students plan their budget to study in France.
Type of University | Tuition Fees (Per Year in EUR) | Tuition Fees (Approx in ₹) |
Public Universities | Bachelors: €2,850 | Bachelors: 2.57 lakhs |
Masters: €3,879 | Masters: 3.49 lakhs | |
Private / Business Schools | €6,000 – €18,000 | ₹5.4 lakhs – ₹16.2 lakhs |
France
Cost of Living in France
The table below shows the tuition fees for public and private universities in France, helping students plan their budget to study in France.
Expense | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (Approx ₹) |
Rent (1‑bedroom apartment) | €605 – €768 | ₹54,450 – ₹69,120 |
Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | €188.45 | ₹16,960 |
Transport | €62 | ₹5,580 |
Internet / Phone | €52.95 | ₹4,765 |
Recreation / Leisure | €50 | ₹4,500 |
Food & Drink | €145 | ₹13,050 |
Total Average | €1,184.90 | 1.07 lakhs |
France
France Scholarships for Indian Students
The table below shows the scholarships available for international students to study in France, helping them reduce their overall study expenses.
Scholarship Name | Name | Benefits | Who Can Apply |
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Monthly allowance (€1,181 for Master's), travel, insurance | International students selected by a French university |
Charpak Scholarship (India) | Bachelor / Master / Exchange | €860/month, visa fee waiver and social security | Indian students applying through the French Embassy |
Raman-Charpak Fellowship | PhD / Research | €1,500/month, travel, stay | Indian PhD students (2-6 months research in France) |
MOPGA Scholarship | Masters | €1,190/month | Students studying climate, environment, and energy |
Paris-Saclay Scholarship | Masters | €10,000/year + €1,000 travel | Strong international academic students |
Grenoble INP Scholarship | Masters | Up to €5,000/semester | Engineering/Science students at Grenoble INP |
Emile Boutmy (Sciences Po) | Bachelor / Master | €3,000–€12,300/year | International students from outside the EU |
HEC Paris MBA Scholarship | MBA | Up to €20,000 tuition waiver | International students noting their MBA with an international location |
ENS International Selection | Bachelor / Master | Monthly grant + tuition support | International students in their MBA with an international location |
Study in France: Experience, Education, Region, Gender & Industry-Wise Average Salaries
Study in France not only offers you quality education but also helps you learn about the employment market and the money you will earn. Average earnings in France can vary based on your experience, education, city, gender and industry. This guide illustrates what you would expect to earn under various circumstances, especially assisting students considering studying in France with their career decision-making.
Study in France: Experience-Wise Average Salary in France
The table below shows the average yearly salaries in France based on experience levels for students who plan to study in France.
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Junior Level | EUR 42,000 |
Mid-Career | EUR 59,000 |
Senior Level | EUR 65,000 |
Top Management | EUR 90,000 |
Study in France: Education-wise Average Salary In France
The table below shows the average yearly salaries in France based on education levels for students planning to study in France.
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Bachelor’s Degree | EUR 35,000 |
Master’s Degree | EUR 45,000 |
PhD | EUR 50,000 |
Study in France: Region-Wise Average Salary In France
The table below shows the average yearly salaries across major regions in France for students planning to study in France.
Regions | Average Salary Per Year |
Bordeaux | EUR 44,500 |
Lille | EUR 44,200 |
Lyon | EUR 50,600 |
Marseille | EUR 53,600 |
Montpellier | EUR 49,000 |
Paris | EUR 54,100 |
Toulouse | EUR 50,600 |
Strasbourg | EUR 50,800 |
Nice | EUR 50,000 |
Nantes | EUR 48,300 |
Study in France: Gender Wise Average Salary In France
The table below shows the average yearly salaries in France based on gender for students planning to study in France.
Gender | Average Salary Per Year |
Male | EUR 50,000 |
Female | EUR 48,600 |
Study in France: Industry-Wise Average Salary In France
The table below shows the average yearly salaries in France across different industries for students planning to study in France.
Industries | Average Salary Per Year |
Banking & Finance | EUR 54,000 |
Hospitality | EUR 39,009 |
Architecture | EUR 41,000 |
Marketing / Advertising | EUR 46,000 |
Information Technology | EUR 49,000 |
Sales & Business Development | EUR 54,100 |
Healthcare | EUR 73,000 |
Engineering | EUR 45,000 |
Human Resources | EUR 40,000 |
Conclusion
In this blog, we have shared the complete guide for study in France. With quality education from leading universities, affordable tuition, in English or French medium, and a rich cultural experience. This information, including Courses, fees, living expenses, admission process, and scholarships, among others, is helpful for Indian students: both discerning whether to study in France, or for any students, particularly from India, as they weigh their options for study abroad in France.
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Study in France: FAQs
Ques: Why should I choose to study in France?
Ans: Study in France offers high-quality education, globally recognised degrees, affordable tuition (especially in public universities), a wide variety of courses, cultural exposure, and work opportunities during and after studies.
Ques: What are the popular courses to study in France?
Ans: Popular courses include Engineering (B.Tech/B.E), Business & Management (BBA/MBA/MiM), Medicine (MBBS), Computer Science, Fashion, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Arts.
Ques: What is the course duration of courses in France?
Ans: Duration of courses in France typically takes 1–4 years for undergraduate programs; 6 years for MBBS; postgraduate programs, for instance M.Sc., MBA, MS will take 1-2 years.
Ques: Do scholarships exist for international students in France?
Ans: Several scholarship options are available, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Charpak Scholarship, Paris-Saclay Scholarship, and HEC Paris MBA Scholarship. They may cover tuition fees and potentially provide a monthly allowance.
Ques: How do I apply to a college in France?
Ans: Students should check the university website or the Campus France website and apply online for admission. Provide all requirements as noted above and await the admission letter. Once the letter is obtained, you can apply for a student visa, arrange accommodation and travel, and register for your course.
Ques: Is it possible to work while Study in France?
Ans: Yes, international students can work part-time while studying. Upon graduation, some can apply for work permits to stay and work in France.
Ques: What are the best cities and universities to study in France?
Ans: The best cities are Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, and Grenoble. The best universities are Sorbonne University, University of Paris-Saclay, Ecole Polytechnique, HEC Paris, and Grenoble INP.
Ques: How many Indian students are studying in France?
Ans: Roughly 30,000–35,000 Indian students year to year. A lot of students study in France in various disciplines such as engineering, business, medicine, and the arts.
Ques: Is France a good place for Indian students?
Ans: Yes, France is an excellent location as it provides a good quality of education at an affordable price, with scholarship programs and opportunities to work. Many students choose to study in France for these reasons.
Ques: Which country do most Indian students study in?
Ans: The US has the largest number of Indian students, followed by Canada, Australia, and the UK. However, a rising number of Indian students choose to study in France because of the world-class universities and culture.
Ques: What percentage of students go for university education in France?
Ans: Around 45–50% of the whole population aged 18–24 goes into higher education in France. Students who want to study in France benefit from universities and numerous specialized institutions.










