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Admissions • Costs • Scholarships • Visas • Student Life
Study in France
Complete international student roadmap for French universities and grandes écoles
Overview
France combines centuries-old academic tradition with cutting-edge research. More than 3,500 public and private institutions deliver recognised qualifications from short-cycle BTS diplomas to doctoral degrees. Degrees follow the Bologna LMD structure (Licence, Master, Doctorat), ensuring compatibility with the European Higher Education Area and global recognition.
International students can choose from French- or English-taught programmes in business, engineering, fashion, health sciences, the arts, and public policy. Campus France’s Etudes en France portal centralises applications for most non-EU applicants, while Parcoursup and eCandidat manage domestic and intra-EU admissions. Universities offer orientation, visa assistance, language bridging modules, and integration support to help students settle quickly.
France’s investment in innovation, sustainable development, and culture continues to attract talent. Postgraduate pathways such as the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) and Passeport Talent allow graduates to gain professional experience and transition to long-term residency, making France an excellent launchpad for careers across Europe.
Why Choose France
Global academic prestige
Powerful industry links
Multicultural experience
Accessible tuition
Top Universities in France
Sorbonne University
Key Strengths
Université Paris-Saclay
Key Strengths
École Polytechnique
Key Strengths
HEC Paris
Key Strengths
Sciences Po
Key Strengths
Université Grenoble Alpes
Key Strengths
Université de Strasbourg
Key Strengths
Université de Montpellier
Key Strengths
Popular Programs & Entry Pathways
Programmes in France balance theory with professional immersion. Most undergraduate courses include mandatory language, soft-skills, and internship components, while master’s programmes combine research labs, corporate chairs, and consulting projects.
Students can enter through selective preparatory classes (Classes Préparatoires), direct university admissions, or international foundation years. Many institutions now offer English-taught bachelor’s degrees, dual diplomas with European partners, and apprenticeship contracts that blend salaried employment with classroom study.
Engineering & Applied Sciences
Strong focus on aerospace, renewable energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing with access to national labs and corporate R&D centres.
Featured: Université Paris-Saclay, École Centrale de Lyon, IMT Atlantique
Business, Luxury & Hospitality
France leads in luxury management, gastronomy, tourism, and entrepreneurship with apprenticeships in leading maisons and hotel groups.
Featured: HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, Institut Paul Bocuse
Arts, Culture & Design
From cinema and contemporary arts to fashion design, programmes integrate studio practice, museum partnerships, and creative residencies.
Featured: Sorbonne University, Paris College of Art, ENSAD
Health & Life Sciences
Medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental sciences benefit from cutting-edge hospitals, agritech clusters, and biotech start-ups.
Featured: Université de Montpellier, Université de Bordeaux, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Admission Requirements
Academic selection combines prior grades, prerequisite subjects, language proficiency, and motivation statements. Some programmes, particularly grandes écoles, may add entrance exams or interviews.
Submit certified translations for any documents not originally in French or English. Verify whether your target programme belongs to the Etudes en France workflow, Parcoursup, or a direct institutional portal.
undergraduate
- Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French baccalauréat with strong grades in relevant subjects.
- Language proficiency: TEF/TCF B2 or IELTS 6.5 for English tracks; some programmes accept French-language bridging courses.
- Motivation letter outlining academic goals and career plans.
- Portfolio or audition for creative arts schools; mathematics/physics prerequisites for engineering.
postgraduate
- Four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent licence with honours in a related discipline.
- Minimum GPA equivalent to 12/20 (roughly 3.0/4.0) and strong references.
- Language proficiency: DELF/DALF C1 or IELTS 6.5-7.0 depending on the programme.
- CV, detailed statement of purpose, and research proposal or project brief for research-based degrees.
Language test benchmarks
TEF / TCF
B2 for most undergraduate and postgraduate admissions
DELF / DALF
B2-C1 for competitive programmes
IELTS Academic
6.5 overall (7.0+ for top business/engineering schools)
TOEFL iBT
90-100 depending on programme
Application Steps
The French admissions process is structured but varies by institution. Most non-EU applicants start through the Etudes en France platform, while selective schools manage their own portals. Plan 12–18 months ahead to complete language tests, portfolio development, and visa preparation.
1. Research and shortlist
Compare universities, grandes écoles, and foundation programmes; confirm language requirements and selection criteria.
2. Create Etudes en France / Campus France dossier
Submit identity documents, academic transcripts, language scores, and motivation statements in the national portal.
3. Apply via Parcoursup or institutional portals
Rank programme choices, upload supporting materials, and respond to any written tests or interviews.
4. Receive admission and confirm enrolment
Accept your offer, pay administrative fees, and request official admission letters for visa procedures.
5. Secure housing and insurance
Apply for CROUS residences or private accommodation, arrange health insurance, and gather proof of funds.
6. Prepare visa application
Schedule a TLScontact appointment, gather biometrics, and submit your Campus France validation letter with financial evidence.
18-15 months before intake
- Define academic goals, research programmes, and draft a testing plan for French or English-language proficiency.
- Request transcript copies and begin portfolio preparation for arts or architecture tracks.
15-10 months before intake
- Sit language exams, gather recommendation letters, and complete Etudes en France profile.
- Submit Parcoursup/eCandidat dossiers or school-specific applications before deadlines.
10-5 months before intake
- Attend interviews or written tests, review admission offers, and secure scholarships or financing.
- Confirm housing arrangements and prepare visa documentation.
5-0 months before intake
- Complete visa appointment, purchase travel insurance, and finalise travel reservations.
- Attend Campus France pre-departure briefing and plan arrival logistics for orientation week.
Cost of Studying in France
Public tuition is subsidised by the French government, while grandes écoles and private institutions set higher fees. Budget carefully for housing—costs vary greatly between Paris and regional cities—and factor in insurance, transport, and student union dues.
Students benefit from discounts on public transport, cinema, museums, and dining via the Carte Étudiant. CROUS cafeterias offer subsidised meals from EUR 3.30 (≈ 36 MAD).
public universities
EUR 2,770-3,770 per year (≈ 30,200-41,100 MAD)
grandes ecoles
EUR 8,000-15,000 per year (≈ 87,200-163,500 MAD)
business schools
EUR 10,000-25,000 per year (≈ 109,000-272,500 MAD)
Paris
EUR 1,200-1,600 (≈ 13,100-17,500 MAD/month)
Includes shared housing (EUR 650-900), transport pass (EUR 42 with Imagine R), groceries, and personal expenses.
Lyon
EUR 900-1,200 (≈ 9,800-13,100 MAD/month)
Lower rent than Paris, strong gastronomy scene, efficient tram and metro network.
Toulouse
EUR 800-1,050 (≈ 8,700-11,500 MAD/month)
Aerospace hub with ample student housing and cycling infrastructure.
Nantes
EUR 750-1,000 (≈ 8,200-11,000 MAD/month)
Creative coastal city with expanding tech ecosystem and generous cultural subsidies.
| Expense | EUR | MAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (public) | EUR 2,770-3,770 | 30,200-41,100 MAD |
| Tuition (grandes écoles) | EUR 8,000-15,000 | 87,200-163,500 MAD |
| Accommodation (annual) | EUR 5,400-9,600 | 58,900-104,600 MAD |
| Food & groceries | EUR 3,000-3,600 | 32,700-39,200 MAD |
| Transportation | EUR 350-600 | 3,800-6,540 MAD |
| Insurance & campus fees | EUR 300-800 | 3,270-8,720 MAD |
| Personal expenses | EUR 1,500-2,400 | 16,350-26,160 MAD |
Scholarships & Funding
France offers generous government, institutional, and EU-funded scholarships. Apply early—most awards require proof of admission and language proficiency, and many demand a separate application essay or interview.
Combine scholarships with part-time work, housing subsidies (CAF), and student loans to build a sustainable funding mix.
Government & Cultural Institutes
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Monthly stipend EUR 1,181 + travel allowance (≈ 12,900 MAD)
Outstanding master’s and doctoral candidates nominated by French institutions across science, engineering, economics, and law.
Learn more →France Excellence Europa
EUR 860 per month + travel support (≈ 9,400 MAD)
Non-French EU citizens enrolling in priority master’s programmes; selection based on academic record and country quotas.
Learn more →Institutional Merit Awards
HEC Paris Excellence Scholarship
Up to EUR 25,000 (≈ 272,500 MAD)
Awarded to top international admits to the Master in Management and MBA programmes based on academic excellence and leadership.
Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship
EUR 3,900-13,100 per year (≈ 42,500-142,000 MAD)
Supports non-EU students with exceptional academic profiles and social engagement.
INSA Lyon International Scholarship
EUR 2,500 tuition reduction (≈ 27,250 MAD)
Helps engineering students finance the first year before accessing apprenticeship contracts.
External Foundations & EU Programmes
Erasmus+ Mobility Grant
Semester or double-degree exchanges within the European Union with monthly stipends up to EUR 520 (≈ 5,670 MAD).
Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
Project-based funding for studies in Francophone institutions, especially in STEM and educational innovation.
French-African Foundation Young Leaders
Leadership programme covering travel and training for emerging professionals pursuing postgraduate study in France.
Student Life & Support
French campuses balance academic rigour with vibrant cultural life. Student unions (BDE) organise welcome weeks, clubs, and national events, while international offices offer integration workshops, buddy programmes, and language tandems.
Healthcare is accessible through the Assurance Maladie system; students register online after arrival and can purchase complementary insurance (mutuelle) for expanded coverage. Cultural exploration is easy thanks to discounted museum passes, festivals, and proximity to European destinations.
Campus Experience
Expect blended learning with lectures, tutorials, labs, and project-based coursework. Continuous assessment and group assignments are common across disciplines.
Housing Options
CROUS residences, private student studios, coliving apartments, and homestays. Apply early for subsidised options in major cities.
Cultural & Community Support
International student offices, Erasmus Student Network, and city-led welcome desks provide mentoring, legal advice, and cultural outings.
Health & Wellbeing
Access university medical centres, mental health counsellors, sports facilities, and discounted gym memberships. Register with Assurance Maladie within three months of arrival.
Working During Studies
International students may work up to 964 hours per academic year (about 20 hours per week during teaching periods) and full-time during scheduled holidays.
Part-time work offers valuable language practice and helps cover daily expenses, but ensure it does not compromise academic progress or attendance requirements.
Work hours: 964 hours per academic year (≈20 hrs/week during term, full-time in holidays)
Minimum wage: EUR 11.65/hour (≈ 127 MAD) before taxes
Popular roles: Campus ambassador roles, Hospitality & retail, Tutoring and language exchange, Research or lab assistantships
Internships: Many degrees include a convention de stage (paid placement) lasting 3-6 months; apprenticeship contracts provide salaried employment while studying.
Post-Graduation Options
France offers generous post-study work routes that allow graduates to build careers locally or within the broader EU. Relevant work experience can also lead to long-term residence and eventual citizenship for those who meet integration criteria.
Leverage alumni networks, innovation hubs, and start-up accelerators such as Station F, Paris&Co, and regional competitiveness clusters to access internships and full-time roles.
Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS)
Duration: 12 months (extendable to 24 months for master’s graduates)
Completed a master’s degree or equivalent and can demonstrate resources while seeking employment or launching a business.
Application window: Apply within four months of programme completion via the local préfecture.
Passeport Talent - Jeune Diplômé qualifié
Duration: Up to 4 years
Hired in a role paying at least 2× the French minimum wage; applicable to STEM, business, research, and creative industries.
Application window: Submit once an eligible employment contract is secured; renewals possible while meeting salary thresholds.
Passeport Talent
Multiple sub-categories (researcher, highly qualified employee, artistic professions, entrepreneur) provide long-term residence with family reunification rights.
EU Blue Card
For highly skilled professionals with contracts above the national salary threshold, granting mobility within other EU Member States after 18 months.
Visa Pathway
Most non-EU students apply for the long-stay VLS-TS Étudiant visa after Campus France approval. The process includes an online application, Campus France interview or document verification, and a TLScontact appointment for biometrics.
Step 1
Create or update your Etudes en France application and receive a conditional offer.
Step 2
Validate admission, pay the Campus France fee, and upload signed learning agreements.
Step 3
Book a TLScontact appointment, gather passport photos, proof of funds (EUR 615/month), and housing attestation.
Step 4
Attend biometrics appointment, submit visa file, and respond to any additional requests from the consulate.
Step 5
Upon arrival, validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months and schedule medical checks if required.
Explore the France visa guide
Essential Documents Checklist
Academic Records
- Certified transcripts for the last three academic years with grading scale.
- Diploma or degree certificates; include sworn translations when not in French or English.
- Course outlines or syllabi for credit transfer requests.
Financial Evidence
- Recent bank statements or guarantor attestation showing at least EUR 615 per month (≈ 6,700 MAD).
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, CROUS confirmation, or attestation d’hébergement) and travel insurance covering the first three months.
- Scholarship award letter or sponsorship agreement, if applicable.
Supporting Documents
- Passport valid for the duration of studies.
- Etudes en France validation letter (for non-EU applicants).
- Motivation letter.
- CV.
- Recommendation letters (if applicable).
- Language test scores (if required).
- Photocopies of identity documents (passport, ID card, birth certificate).
Application Timeline
18-15 months before intake
- Define academic goals, research programmes, and draft a testing plan for French or English-language proficiency.
- Request transcript copies and begin portfolio preparation for arts or architecture tracks.
15-10 months before intake
- Sit language exams, gather recommendation letters, and complete Etudes en France profile.
- Submit Parcoursup/eCandidat dossiers or school-specific applications before deadlines.
10-5 months before intake
- Attend interviews or written tests, review admission offers, and secure scholarships or financing.
- Confirm housing arrangements and prepare visa documentation.
5-0 months before intake
- Complete visa appointment, purchase travel insurance, and finalise travel reservations.
- Attend Campus France pre-departure briefing and plan arrival logistics for orientation week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study in France?
Budget EUR 12,000-18,000 per academic year (≈ 130,000-196,000 MAD) including public tuition, shared housing, transport, food, insurance, and personal expenses. Grandes écoles and business schools can exceed EUR 25,000 per year (≈ 272,500 MAD).
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Many master’s and specialised bachelor’s programmes are taught in English, but everyday life and internships require at least B1-B2 French. Most institutions provide language courses to help you reach proficiency.
How long does the student visa process take?
After Campus France validation, the VLS-TS Étudiant visa typically takes 3-6 weeks to process at TLScontact. Apply as soon as you receive your final admission letter to avoid delays during peak periods.
Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes. International students can work up to 964 hours per academic year (around 20 hours per week) and full-time during vacations. Ensure you remain enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Is healthcare coverage mandatory?
Registration with Assurance Maladie is compulsory for stays over three months. It is free for students; you can add complementary insurance (mutuelle) for dental, optical, and extended coverage.
Are internships compulsory in France?
Most bachelor’s and master’s programmes include a convention de stage lasting from 8 weeks to 6 months. Internships are paid when they exceed two months and count towards graduation requirements.
Can I bring family members with me?
Dependants are not included on the initial student visa. Once you secure a Passeport Talent or long-term residence permit, you may request family reunification, subject to income thresholds.