Table of Contents
Study in France - Key Highlights 2024
| Universities in France | 100+ |
| Tuition Fees | €8,000 to €20,000 / Year |
| Average living expense | 1,800 Euros each month |
| Part-time work allowance | Up to 80 hours per month |
| France study visa cost | €100 |
| Ranked Universities | 20 QS-ranked universities |
| 500 Global Top Universities list | |
| France Intakes | September and January |
| Eligibility Criteria | 65% marks in 10+2 or High School |
| Language | French |
| Popular courses in France | Hotel Management, Engineering, MBA, Fashion Designing, Finance, Luxury Brand Management, etc |
With 3,500+ reputed institutes and universities in France covering diverse fields from Engineering to Culinary Arts, study in France is a natural choice for more than 7,000 students from India every year. Undeniably, embarking on a journey to study in France for Indian students guarantees a transformation with academic experience. Studying in Paris has become a dream for thousands of Indian students who had French as their subject in school.
To study in France is a gateway to unparalleled academic excellence. The credits earned are well accepted throughout EU region. The Indian students apply to study in France to ensure a better future.
Why Study in France?
France offers a plethora of compelling reasons to embark on your study abroad journey. Read on to explore why studying in France is a top choice for international students.
- Top Ranked Universities: The most prestigious universities in France, such as the École Normale Supérieure and the University of Paris-Sud, provide top-quality education in France.
- Cost to study in France for Indian students: A low tuition fee to study abroad in France typically below 2000 euros per year at public universities in France for international students makes it a super choice.
- France scholarship for Indian students: The French universities in France offer diverse scholarships from the French government. The institutions also support scholarships in France for various subjects and study levels.
- Work Permit Flexibility: Upon completing studies, a one-year post-study work permit opens doors to career opportunities across 26 Schengen countries.
- French Language Proficiency: Learning French in French schools enhances employability and fosters connections, as it is the official language in 29 countries across all continents.
- Extended Stay for Job Search: After completing courses such as an MBA in France, an additional year of post-study visa for job seekers to work in France and across Schengen countries.
- Five-Year Visa for Master's Graduates: Study in France grants a five-year visa to Indian graduates (pursuing a Master's in France), allowing 90-day stays in the Schengen area, benefiting alumni of dual degree programs and their families.
Study in France for Indian Students
The most prestigious universities in France such as IFA Paris University & American University of Paris allure global students with diverse, government-funded programs. Preferred by international students, they offer services like French language course to aid and academic guidance for seamless settlement. Accordingly, every year, around 7,000 Indian students choose to study in France.
To study in France for Indian students become more attractive due to the financial support, including scholarships, low tuition and living costs. Many of the best Universities in France for international students deliver high-quality education at low cost in comparison with English-speaking countries. The globally acclaimed good universities in France provide diverse programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as per France education system.
The hundreds of courses in English apart from the regular courses in French from top uni in France add significant value to the career of international students. Accordingly, it is a great option to study in France for Indian students.
Top Universities in France for International Students
| S No. | University | City | QS Rank 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSL University | Paris | 24 |
| 2 | Institut Polytechnique de Paris | Palaiseau Cedex | 38 |
| 3 | Sorbonne University | Paris | 59 |
| 4 | Paris-Saclay University | Gif-sur-Yvette | 71 |
| 5 | École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | Lyon | 184 |
| 6 | Ecole des Ponts ParisTech | Paris | 192 |
| 7 | Paris Cité University | Paris | 236 |
| 8 | Grenoble Alpes University | Grenoble | 294 |
| 9 | Sciences Po | Paris | 319 |
| 10 | Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University | Paris | 328 |
| 11 | University of Montpellier | Montpellier | 382 |
| 12 | Aix Marseille University | Marseille | 387 |
| 13 | Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA) | Lyon | 392 |
| 14 | University of Strasbourg | Strasbourg | 421 |
| 15 | The University of Claude Bernard Lyon 1 | Villeurbanne | 452 |
| 16 | University of Bordeaux | Talence | 465 |
France is home to over 3,500 public and private institutions and offers a wide range of educational pathways. The master’s in France for international students is the most sought-after degree level. France for Indian students has emerged as one of the top destinations to study and settle in Europe.
Duration of the Course
Duration of Bachelor's and Masters programs in France:
| Degree | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 3 years (4 years for professional courses) |
| Master's | 1-2 years |
| M2 Course | 1 year (for students with a 4-year Bachelor's degree) |
| Master's Program | 2 years (for students with a 3-year Bachelor's degree) |
France offers various academic programs, spanning Bachelor's in France and Master's degrees. The Bachelor's typically lasts three years, while Master's varies from one to two years. The duration of a master's in France depends on prior academic qualifications.
French Language Courses in France Universities
French universities offer a diverse range of programs, from certificate courses in French language to master in French language. Sorbonne University offers a range of French courses for international students or those interested in studying at the Faculty of Medicine, you'll need to attain a C1 level in French for all degree programs. If you need to improve your language skills to meet these requirements, you can enroll in intensive language courses. French language course fees range between RS 6500 to RS 12500.
Explore French language and culture with online classes at MOKSH Academy. Whether you're new to French or almost fluent, our top-rated instructors can teach you the basics, grow your vocabulary, and help you sound better when speaking.
French Language Courses
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| PhD in French | 2 Year |
| Diploma in French | 1 Year |
| PG Diploma in French | 1 Year |
| Certificate in French | 6 Months to 1 Year |
Cost of Studying in France
| Degree | Public Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor | €2,770 | €8,000 to €20,000 |
| Master | €3,770 | €8,000 to €20,000 |
| Doctorate | €380 | €8,000 to €20,000 |
Tuition fees at public universities in France are low because the government helps cover the costs. So, Indian students enrolled in these universities usually pay a reasonable amount for their education.
Cost of living in France
| Particulars | Average Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing Apartments including facilities | 24,000 EUR |
| Food for Dormitory Residents | 6,480 EUR |
| Textbooks and Study Materials | 600 EUR |
| Dormitory Housing | 2,400 - 6,000 EUR |
| Miscellaneous | 240 - 1,200 EUR |
| Food | 1,800 - 3,600 EUR |
| Yearly Avg. Total living cost in Euro | 13920 - 41880 EUR |
| Yearly Avg. Total living cost in INR | Rs. 12,56,781 - Rs. 37,81,177 |
The cost of living in France varies according to your lifestyle. For students on a tight budget, staying in student accommodation is a practical choice. However, if you can afford it, renting your own room outside of campus is also an option. Here's an overview of the expenses you can expect while living in France.
Scholarship in France
France subsidizes tuition costs for international students pursuing higher education. Certainly, the availability of France scholarships for Indian students provides excellent opportunities for educational advancement and cultural enrichment. To check the scholarship in France for Indian students, visit the official website www.inde.campusfrance.org
International students are eligible to apply for the following scholarships in France:
- French Foreign Ministry Scholarships
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
- Regional Scholarships
- ERASMUS+ Mobility Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Bilateral Agreements
| Scholarship Program | Description | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Foreign Ministry Scholarships | Comprehensive scholarship program for Indian students worth Rs 12 crores (approximately USD 1.5 million) | Indian students | Financial support to pursue higher education in France |
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarships | Designed to attract top international students to France | Outstanding international students | Full tuition fee coverage, monthly stipend, travel allowance, comprehensive health insurance |
| Regional Scholarships | Scholarships covering tuition fees, living expenses, or a combination of both | International students | Varies by region |
| ERASMUS+ Mobility Scholarships | Mobility bursaries for international students | Students pursuing academic or professional opportunities in Europe, including France | Varies by program |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | Funding options for Master's students pursuing specialized fields through a multi-institutional research and coursework program | Outstanding students worldwide | Varies by program |
| Bilateral Agreements | Scholarships covering relocation and accommodation costs for students participating in exchange programs | Varies by agreement | Varies by agreement |
Admission Requirements for Study in France
The language requirements for international students depend on their academic aspirations. Let's delve into the language requirements for international students aspiring to study in France. The requirements to study in France for Indian students are the same as above.
| Degree | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Masters | Proof of academics (Bachelors) |
| French or English proficiency scores | |
| Proof of exams required based on the institution (GRE, GMAT, etc) | |
| Entrance Exam may be required | |
| References | |
| SOP | |
| CV | |
| Bachelors | Proof of academics (High School) |
| French or English proficiency scores | |
| Entrance Exam may be required | |
| SOP | |
| Doctorate | French or English proficiency scores |
| Proof of all academics (Masters) | |
| Entrance Exam may be required | |
| Research Proposal |
Study in France Eligibility Criteria
As you embark on your journey to study in France, you may wonder: Who can apply, and what are the eligibility criteria? Here's the breakdown:
| Eligibility | Bachelor's Program | Master's Program |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Background | At least 65% marks in 10+2 or High School (International Schools) | Secure a minimum grade of 60% in your Bachelor's studies. |
| Language Proficiency | No IELTS is required for English-medium courses. IELTS scores are required for candidates with regional language backgrounds. | No IELTS is required for English-medium courses. IELTS scores are required for candidates with regional language backgrounds. |
| Study Gaps | A gap certificate is required for candidates with breaks in their studies. | A gap certificate is required for candidates with breaks in their studies. |
| Age Criteria | Age should be over 18 years at travel and should not exceed 22 years. Parents must provide an affidavit of responsibility if the candidate is a minor. | For non-professional courses, the age limit is 26 years. For an MSc, candidates can apply up to 33 years. |
Admission Process in France
The admission process for French universities can be daunting, especially for international students. To streamline this process, here's a step-by-step guide to gaining admission to a French university in France:
Step 1: Apply to your preferred university and begin your academic adventure.
Step 2: Your application gets a thorough evaluation by the Program Director and Search Committee, ensuring you meet all essential criteria.
Step 3: Shortlisted candidates undergo a detailed interview to assess interests, program fit, and communication skills.
Step 4: Successful candidates receive official offer letters from the university, marking a milestone in their academic pursuit.
Step 5: Confirm your admission by making a tuition fee payment, securing your place in the program.
Step 6: After payment, receive the Final Acceptance Letter crucial for the visa application and, if needed, for securing financial support from a bank.
Each business university in France sets its admission criteria, considering the student's background and the program's requirements. Certified documents are required for admission, often involving apostille, translation, and notarization to ensure equivalency. Campus France is India's designated agency for document approval.
France Student Visa Requirements
To obtain a French student visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and submit the required paperwork. The documents needed for the France student visa requirements for Indian citizens include:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Letter of acceptance from a French university
- Language proficiency test (For French taught programs)
- Passport size photos
- Flight Ticket
The processing time for a France student visa typically takes 2-4 weeks. Apply for your visa well in advance of your planned departure date. The validity of a France student visa depends on the duration of your study program. The final step requires registering with your local prefecture within two months of your arrival in France.
Job Opportunities in France
Understanding the post-study stay options in France is essential. Bachelor's degree graduates can stay only if they secure paid employment. On the other hand, those completing a master's degree from French institutions can apply for a temporary residence permit known as APS, valid for 24 months, during which they can seek employment.
France offers numerous job opportunities for international students after completing their master's degrees. There are several sectors with high demand for skilled workers. Here's a brief overview of the top job sectors in France:
| Area of Specialisation | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Business & Finance | 48,000 EUR |
| Tourism/ Hospitality | 40,000 EUR |
| Management | 68,000 EUR |
| Engineering | 45,000 EUR |
| Teaching | 60,000 EUR |
