France is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, offering world-class universities, affordable education, a rich cultural experience, and excellent job opportunities. Whether you're interested in business, arts, engineering, or hospitality, studying in France opens doors to global career prospects.
If you are planning to study abroad in France, this guide will cover everything you need to know, including top universities, admission process, tuition fees, scholarships, student visa requirements, and career opportunities.
Why Study in France?
✔ World-Class Education: France has some of the best universities and business schools, offering globally recognized degrees.
✔ Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to the US, UK, or Australia, studying in France is more affordable, with low tuition costs at public universities.
✔ Wide Range of Courses: France offers over 1,500 English-taught programs in fields like business, engineering, arts, and sciences.
✔ Work Opportunities for Students: International students can work 20 hours per week during studies.
✔ Post-Study Work Visa (PSW): After graduation, students can apply for a 2-year post-study work visa to gain international work experience.
💡 Pro Tip: A degree from a French university enhances your global job prospects and gives you an edge in international companies.
Top Universities in France for International Students
France is home to some of the world’s best universities and business schools that consistently rank high in global education rankings.
📌 Top Universities in France (QS World Rankings 2024)
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2024 | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Sorbonne University | #59 | Arts, Literature, Humanities |
| University of Paris (PSL Research University) | #24 | Physics, Mathematics, Economics |
| École Polytechnique | #49 | Engineering, Data Science, AI |
| HEC Paris | #9 (Business Schools) | MBA, Finance, International Business |
| INSEAD | #2 (Global Business Schools) | MBA, Executive MBA |
| Sciences Po Paris | #3 (Politics) | International Relations, Public Policy |
💡 Why It Matters? Studying in a top-ranked university in France increases your chances of securing high-paying jobs worldwide.
Popular Courses to Study in France
French universities offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different fields.
📌 Best Courses to Study in France:
✔ Business & Management – MBA, MSc Finance, MSc International Business
✔ Engineering & IT – MSc Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity
✔ Health & Medicine – MBBS, Public Health, Biotechnology
✔ Law & Political Science – LLM, International Relations, Public Administration
✔ Fashion & Luxury Management – Paris is a global hub for fashion and design courses
💡 France is best known for Business Schools, Engineering, Arts, and Hospitality degrees.
How to Apply to Universities in France?
Applying to French universities involves choosing a program, submitting required documents, and applying for a visa.
✔ Step 1: Choose a university and check entry requirements.
✔ Step 2: Prepare documents (academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, resume).
✔ Step 3: Apply through Campus France (official platform for international students).
✔ Step 4: Receive an Offer Letter and pay the deposit.
✔ Step 5: Apply for a France Student Visa (VLS-TS).
💡 Application Deadlines:
- Fall Intake (Primary Intake) – Apply by January - May
- Spring Intake (Limited Programs) – Apply by September - October
France Student Visa Requirements (VLS-TS Visa)
📌 Student Visa Requirements for France:
✔ Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from a French University
✔ Proof of Financial Support (€615 per month)
✔ Accommodation Proof
✔ Health Insurance
✔ Language Proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or French language certificate, if required)
📌 Visa Processing Time & Fees:
| Visa Type | Cost (EUR) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (VLS-TS) | €99 | 2-4 weeks |
💡 Students can work up to 964 hours per year (20 hours per week) during their studies.
Cost of Studying in France
📌 Average Tuition Fees for International Students:
| Course Type | Annual Tuition Fees (EUR) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | €2,770 - €3,770 | ₹2.5-3.5 Lakhs |
| Private Universities & Grandes Écoles | €10,000 - €30,000 | ₹10-25 Lakhs |
| MBA (Top Business Schools) | €40,000 - €90,000 | ₹40-75 Lakhs |
📌 Living Expenses in France for Students:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 - €1,000 | ₹40,000 - ₹90,000 |
| Food & Groceries | €200 - €400 | ₹20,000 - ₹40,000 |
| Transport | €30 - €100 | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 |
💡 Total Cost (Including Tuition & Living): ₹10-35 Lakhs per year.
Scholarships for Studying in France
📌 Top Scholarships for International Students in France:
✔ Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – Covers tuition fees & living expenses.
✔ Campus France Scholarships – Government-funded scholarships for global students.
✔ Emile Boutmy Scholarship – For non-EU students at Sciences Po Paris.
✔ Erasmus+ Scholarship – Funded by the European Union.
💡 Apply early for scholarships to reduce study expenses!
Work & Job Opportunities After Studying in France
✔ Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV): Non-EU students can apply for a 2-year work permit after graduation.
✔ High Demand for Graduates: Business, IT, Engineering, and Healthcare professionals are in high demand.
📌 Average Salaries After Studying in France:
| Job Role | Salary (EUR/Year) | Salary (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | €50,000 - €85,000 | ₹50-85 Lakhs |
| Software Engineer | €45,000 - €80,000 | ₹45-80 Lakhs |
| Marketing Manager | €40,000 - €75,000 | ₹40-75 Lakhs |
💡 Paris is a global hub for Business, Finance, and Fashion-related careers!
FAQs About Studying Abroad in France
1. Can I study in France without knowing French?
✔ Yes! Many universities offer English-taught programs.
2. What is the total cost to study in France?
✔ ₹10-35 Lakhs per year, including tuition & living expenses.
3. Can I get PR (Permanent Residency) after studying in France?
✔ Yes! After working for 5 years, you can apply for PR in France.
4. Is France cheaper than the UK for studying?
✔ Yes! Public universities in France have lower tuition fees than UK universities.
Conclusion
Studying in France offers world-class education, strong career prospects, and an unforgettable cultural experience. Whether you choose Engineering, Business, Fashion, or Arts, a French degree enhances your global career opportunities.
