- France ranks among the world's top study destinations with PSL at #28 and Institut Polytechnique de Paris at #41 in QS World Rankings 2026
- Non-EU tuition fees are EUR 2,902 per year for bachelor's and EUR 3,950 per year for master's programs
- From August 2026, the France student visa requires proof of EUR 877.50 per month in financial resources.
France is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, offering excellent educational, research, and professional opportunities. It is home to a diversified academic environment with affordable public university fees and a welcoming atmosphere for international students. France ranks third globally in attracting international students, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
Indian students are increasingly choosing France as a study destination, and France has been proactive in welcoming them to its world-class institutions. The number of Indian students in France has tripled in the previous three years and is anticipated to continue to rise. Studying in France for Indian students is an appealing option because of the low cost of public higher education.
Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian StudentsRead →How Do You Get a Visa to Study in France?
A student visa can be obtained at a French consulate in your country or through Campus France, an institution promoting higher education in France with offices in almost all countries worldwide. In order to obtain a student visa in some countries, you must first register with Campus France.
- Through the official website of the French consulate in your area, you can schedule an in-person interview or appointment.
- You can view the available dates and hours on the online calendar.
- Make the appointment at least 90 days before your departure for France.
- Pay the visa processing fee: 50-100 EUR based on your nationality.
- Wait for the visa to arrive. Depending on your nationality and the number of students applying at the same time, the processing time varies.
Why Should You Study in France?
France offers some of the world's best universities at very affordable tuition fees, with 35 institutions ranked in QS World Rankings 2026, including four in the global top 100. International students benefit from a rich cultural experience, strong business schools, and programs available in English, all in one of Europe's most vibrant study destinations.
- France has one of the best higher education systems in the world. International students can afford to study in France because of the low tuition fees at public universities. Every year, French universities rank among the top institutions globally.
- France is an excellent choice for people interested in studying business-related disciplines. The country is a major center for international business and management education, with numerous business schools scoring highly in international rankings.
- France has 71 public institutions, all of which are supported by the government and provide quality education at a low cost to both domestic and international students.
Which Are the Top Universities to Study in France?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, France has 35 entries, with four universities in the global top 100. PSL leads at #28, followed by Institut Polytechnique de Paris at #41. These rankings consider academic and employer reputation, research impact, and international outlook.
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2026 | Non-EU Annual Fees (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Universite PSL | 28 | Varies by programme (from 2,902) |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 | Varies by programme |
| Universite Paris-Saclay | 71 | 170-243 (public rate) |
| Sorbonne University | 72 | 170-243 (public rate) |
| Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon | 205 | 184-243 (public rate) |
| Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne | 257 | 2,972 |
| Universite Paris Cite | 300 | 170-243 (public rate) |
| Universite Grenoble Alpes | 321 | NA |
| Universite de Strasbourg | 420 | 194-256 (public rate) |
| Aix-Marseille University | 428 | 170 (public rate) |
Can Indian Students Study in France After 12th Grade?
Indian students can study in France after completing 12th grade by enrolling in bachelor's programs at French public universities. France offers affordable education, strong business and engineering programs, and a rich cultural experience. Students need to apply through Campus France India, meet academic and language requirements, and obtain a VLS-TS student visa.
France is one of Europe's safest and most popular study destinations. The education system in France is regarded as one of the greatest in the world. It is not only affordable but also easily accessible. Business and financial courses are extremely popular in France, which is also known for its outstanding management-related degrees at top business schools.
Can You Study in France for Free?
Regardless of their country of origin, international students may study in France at very low cost because the French government heavily subsidizes public university education. EU and EEA students pay as little as EUR 178 per year, while non-EU students pay around EUR 2,902 per year for bachelor's programs, far below the actual cost of education.
Although university fees are technically enforced at public institutions in France, they are a fraction of those levied in most other countries, with EU/EEA/Swiss students at the undergraduate level paying just EUR 178 per year.
What Is the Cost of Studying in France?
When you choose to study in France, you receive access to high-quality programs at affordable public universities. Because the French government subsidizes higher education, non-EU students pay EUR 2,902 per year for bachelor's programs and EUR 3,950 per year for master's programs as of 2026-2027. The following table explains the estimated cost of studying in France.
Tuition Fees
The government subsidizes tuition fees at French public higher education institutions. Private business schools charge tuition to students separately. Tuition fees to study in France can range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 38,000 per academic year depending on the institution and program type.
Pre-arrival and post-arrival costs
In France, the cost of living is significantly dependent on the city and university location. Some cities, such as Paris, have a high standard of living, while others are relatively inexpensive.
| Type of Expenditure 2026 | Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 650 |
| Books and Supplies | 600 |
| Food and Beverages | 250 |
| Miscellaneous | 163 |
| Transport | 160 |
Can You Study in France Without IELTS?
Many students struggle with language proficiency tests. You can apply for a student visa in France if you have an acceptance letter from a university that does not require IELTS. Once you receive your university acceptance, you can apply for a France student visa through the French consulate or VFS France without submitting IELTS scores.
Many students struggle with language proficiency tests and are discouraged by the prospect of taking IELTS or TOEFL. You can apply for a student visa in France if you have an acceptance letter from a university in France that does not require IELTS. Once you receive your No Objection Certificate, it is time to apply for a France student visa through VFS France.
Can You Study in France in English?
France was one of the first non-English speaking European countries to establish English-taught university programs. The Bologna Process, which comprises Licence (undergraduate), master's, and doctoral degrees, is also used in the French education system, making French degrees internationally recognized and acceptable to employers and institutions worldwide.
- Universite PSL
- Ecole Polytechnique
- Sorbonne University
- CentraleSupelec
- Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon
- Ecole des Ponts Paris Tech
- Sciences Po
How Can Indian Students Study in France?
Students from India can only study in France if they have a valid student visa issued by the French government. For programs lasting more than six months, Indian students require a VLS-TS long-stay visa. After receiving admission from a French university, students must contact the French consulate in India and submit the required documents.
Students from India can only study in France if they have a valid student visa issued by the French government. If you want to enroll in a study program, you will require a VLS-TS long-stay visa. After being accepted by a French university, Indian students can apply for a student visa. To apply for a visa, students must contact the French consulate in their home country and submit the necessary documents, which include an acceptance letter from a French university, proof of financial funds, a return ticket to their home country, and proof of accommodation in France. Because the visa application process takes time, Indian students should begin the process as soon as they receive acceptance from a French university.
What Are the Requirements to Study in France?
To study in France, Indian students must hold a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognized institution, submit academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, and demonstrate English or French language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or DELF scores. Students also need to apply through Campus France India and obtain a student visa.
- Academic transcripts, financial statements and proof, certifications and internships, a statement of intent, a letter of recommendation, an application form, an application fee, a passport, and passport-size pictures are all essential documents.
- Students from India seeking admission to postgraduate programs in French universities must hold a UG degree in the relevant field from a recognized board with a minimum of 70% marks. There should be no gaps in your studies until you graduate.
- The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a crucial academic requirement for Indian students. It is a formal paper in which applicants must explain why they have chosen France, French universities, and a specific degree program.
- Students must take TOEFL and IELTS English language competency examinations.
- The application requires two to three letters of recommendation (LOR).
- Students must take the GRE and GMAT exams to be admitted to management, scientific, information technology, and engineering programs.
What Documents Are Required to Study in France?
To apply to French universities, Indian students must prepare a complete set of documents including academic transcripts, a valid passport, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, language test scores, and proof of financial funds. An application fee payment slip and passport-size photographs are also typically required for the admission process.
- Academic transcripts
- Identity proof
- Passport
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Test scores
- Application fees payment slip
- Financial proof
What Scholarships Are Available to Study in France?
Several scholarships are available to help international students fund their studies in France. Indian students can apply for the Charpak Scholarship and Raman-Charpak Fellowship offered by the French government, as well as the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs for eligible applicants.
| Scholarship Name 2026 | Awarding Body | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Charpak Scholarship | French Government | 700+ monthly living allowance |
| Raman Charpak Fellowship | French Government | 1,500 per month |
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarship | European Commission | 49,000 total (approx.) |
| Technical Fellowship - UICC | UICC | 5,600-7,000 |
How Can You Do a Master's Degree in France?
France, like the rest of Europe, adheres to the Bologna Process. In France, there are three stages of higher education: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies, also known as PhDs. The master's degree in France is the most popular among overseas students. In France, the institutions also offer a greater number of master's programs in English.
- Universite Paris Cite
- Universite Grenoble Alpes (UGA)
- Aix-Marseille University
- University of Montpellier
- University of Strasbourg
- Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris
Can You Study Medicine in France?
France has made significant advances in medicine, from discovering the genetic basis of Down Syndrome in 1958 to the first human autotransfusion of red blood cells from stem cells in 2011. Studying medicine in France offers prospective students excellent clinical training, affordable public university fees, and internationally recognized degrees at world-class medical schools.
Medicine in France has progressed significantly. From the discovery of the genetic basis of Down Syndrome in 1958 to the first human autotransfusion of red blood cells derived from stem cells in 2011, France has carved out a place in medical history that is recognized worldwide. Prospective medical students can complete internships and benefit from the excellent student experience provided by French universities, all at a very reasonable cost.
- Universite Paris Cite
- Sorbonne University
- Universite Paris Saclay
- Aix-Marseille University
- Universite de Bordeaux
- University of Montpellier