Study in France for Indian Students: Top Universities, Courses, Costs, Scholarships & Placements

Discover Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Scholarships & More


Last Updated on 19th December 2025

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

  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Fashion
  • Hospitality
  • IT, 
  • Medicine

Popular courses in France

  • B.Sc
  • B.Tech
  • BBA
  • MBA
  • M.Sc
  • MiM
  • Fashion Design
  • Culinary Arts

Duration

1–5 years (depending on program)

Top Cities for Study

  • Paris
  • Lyon
  • Toulouse
  • Lille
  • Grenoble

Top Universities

  • Sorbonne University
  • Paris-Saclay University
  • Ecole Polytechnique
  • HEC Paris
  • Grenoble INP


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

76

Universities

60000 EUR

Cost of Living

12

Work permit duration

443500

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

Management
Science

France

Guides

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.


Also Check:

Other Countries for Study Abroad

Study in Barbados

Study in Bulgaria

Study in Belarus

Study in China

Study in Finland

Study in Austria

Study in Lithuania

Study in Romania

Study in Serbia

Study in Malta

Study in UAE

Study in Denmark

Study in Belgium

Study in Greece

Study in Georgia

Study in Kazakhstan

Study in Uzbekistan

Study in Kyrgyzstan

Study in Tajikistan

Study in Russia

Study in Hungary

Study in Canada

Study in Germany

Study in Poland

Study in Ireland

Study in USA


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.

CapitalParis
Universities76
States18
Timezones13
CurrencyEUR
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