Public Universities in France: Fees, Admission & Scholarships

France is becoming a popular study destination for Indian students, thanks to its high-quality public universities and affordable tuition. As of the 2025/2026 academic year, Non-EU students pay just €2,850/year for a Bachelor's and €3,879/year for a Master's at French public universities—far lower than in many other parts of Europe. 
Backed by the government, these universities are a key part of the education system in France, offering globally recognised degrees in fields like engineering, business, arts, and science. Many also offer courses in English, making it easier for international students to study in France. 
With access to part-time work, scholarships, and a lively student life in France, these institutions make it possible to study in Europe affordably, without compromising on quality. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from fees and admissions to scholarships and top public universities—so you can plan your education journey with confidence.

Want to know why France is such a popular choice for Indian students? This guide breaks it down beautifully.

Overview: Public Universities in France

Key Factor	Details
Duration	2 years for most master’s programs; 3 years for bachelor’s
Top Universities	Sorbonne University, University of Paris-Saclay, Grenoble Alpes, Strasbourg, Montpellier
Tuition Fees	€2,770–€3,770 per year (₹2.5L–₹3.3L approx.) for non-EU students
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree (for master’s); Class 12 (for UG); language proficiency based on program language
Language Tests	IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; DELF/DALF for French-taught programs
Scholarships	Eiffel Excellence, Charpak, university-specific grants
Career Prospects	Data Analyst, Engineer, Business Consultant, Researcher; EU job market access after graduation
Post-Study Work Visa	1 year for master’s graduates (renewable); options to apply for residence permit
Cost of Living	€600–€1,000/month (₹54K–₹90K approx.), lower in smaller cities
Part-Time Work	Up to 964 hours/year (~20 hours/week); minimum wage applies

Interested in business programs? This list of business schools in France might help you compare options more clearly.

Top Public Universities in France for International Students

Indian students can apply to public universities in France without needing French citizenship or EU residency. Most universities now offer a mix of programs in both English and French—especially at the master’s level.

Top Public Universities in France (With Programs and Fees)

Here’s a list of top public universities in France for international students, along with their offerings:

University Name	Programs in English	Approximate Tuition Fee (Non-EU, per year)
Sorbonne University	Yes	€2,770–€3,770 (₹2.5L–₹3.3L)
University of Paris-Saclay	Yes	€2,770–€3,770 (₹2.5L–₹3.3L)
Aix-Marseille University	Yes	€2,770–€3,770 (₹2.5L–₹3.3L)
University of Strasbourg	Yes	€2,770–€3,770 (₹2.5L–₹3.3L)
University of Montpellier	Yes	€2,770–€3,770 (₹2.5L–₹3.3L)
University of Grenoble Alpes	Yes	€2,770–€3,770 (₹2.5L–₹3.3L)

These are standard public tuition fees for most bachelor's and master's programs in France. Doctoral programs usually cost less (around €380/year or ₹33,000), and a few specialized courses may cost more.

All of these public universities in France offer degrees that are globally recognized and accept students from India for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs.

Still deciding between public or private? Explore the top universities in France to see which ones match your course and budget.

Tuition Fees in Public Universities in France

Here is a look at the tuition fees in public universities in France for international students, including Indian students. These are the standard annual fees charged by the French government for public education.

Program Level	Non-EU Students (incl. Indian)	INR Approx. (Non-EU)
Bachelor’s	€2,770/year to €3,000/year	₹2.5 lakh to ₹2.7 lakh
Master’s	€3,770/year to €4,000/year	₹3.3 lakh to ₹3.6 lakh
Doctorate (PhD)	Around €380/year	₹33,000

Note: Some specialized or professional programs—like medicine, engineering, or MBA—may have higher fees depending on the university.

Planning your finances? Check out the cost of living in France to estimate rent, food, and other monthly expenses.

What Does the Tuition Fee Cover?

For Indian students, it’s important to understand what’s included in these amounts. Public university tuition in France generally covers:

• Course registration and academic access
• Library and lab usage
• Student support services
• Access to university campus facilities
• Exam registration and assessments

These tuition fees do not include costs like accommodation, meals, student insurance, or transport. You’ll need to budget separately for living expenses, which we’ve already covered in the cost table above.

If you're applying to highly specialized programs (like an MBA or design school), always check the exact fee on the university’s website. Fees can go up to €10,000 or more in those cases.

Common Programs Offered in Public Universities in France

Indian students can choose from a wide range of subjects. Many public universities in France for international students offer English-taught programs, especially at the master’s level.

Field of Study	Available in English	Available in French
Computer Science/IT	✔️	✔️
Engineering (various branches)	✔️	✔️
Business and Management	✔️	✔️
Law and International Relations	(limited)	✔️
Arts and Humanities	(limited options)	✔️
Medicine and Health Sciences	(mostly in French)	✔️

Considering medicine? MBBS in France is possible, but many programs need strong French skills.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

To apply to public universities in France, Indian students must meet basic academic and language requirements.

Criteria	Bachelor’s (UG)	Master’s (PG)
Academic Qualification	Class 12 (CBSE/ISC or State Board)	Bachelor's Degree (min. 3 years)
English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)	Required if course is in English	Required
French Language (DELF/DALF)	Required for French-taught courses	Required for French-taught
Documents Needed	Transcripts, SOP, LORs, Passport	Transcripts, SOP, LORs, Resume

SOP = Statement of Purpose; LORs = Letters of Recommendation

Applying for a master’s? Here’s a detailed guide on how to study for a master in France—what to expect, and how to prepare.

Living Expenses and Other Costs in France

Even though public universities in France have low tuition, students should still plan for additional costs like housing, food, transport, and health insurance.

Expense Type	Monthly Cost (in €)	INR Approx.
Student Housing/Rent	€300–€600	₹27,000–₹54,000
Food and Groceries	€150–€250	₹13,000–₹22,000
Public Transport	€20–€40	₹1,800–₹3,600
Health Insurance (annual)	€90/year	₹8,000
Campus Admin Fees	€100–€500/year	₹9,000–₹45,000

Admission Process for Public Universities in France

Planning to apply to a public university in France? You’ll need to meet basic academic and language requirements and follow the right application channel based on your program level and language of instruction.

Who Can Apply to Public Universities in France?

Indian students can apply for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs depending on their current qualifications.

Program Level	Minimum Academic Requirement for Indian Students
Bachelor’s	Class 12 certificate (CBSE, ICSE, or state board)
Master’s	3-year or 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
PhD	Master’s degree in a relevant field

Most programs do not require entrance exams. But some technical or design-related courses may ask for portfolios or interviews.

Once you're admitted, your next big step is getting the visa. This guide on France study visa walks you through it with clarity.

French vs. English-Taught Programs: What’s the Difference?

You’ll find public universities in France offering programs in both French and English. The requirements for each are different, so choose carefully.

Program Language	Language Proficiency Required	Notes for Indian Students
English-taught	IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (80–90 iBT)	Many master's programs in business, tech, science
French-taught	DELF B2 / DALF C1	French-taught programs are common at UG level

French proficiency is a must if you choose a French-taught course. If you plan to study in English, make sure the university confirms that no French skills are needed for coursework.

Where and How to Apply?

The application platform depends on your course level and nationality. Indian students generally apply through Campus France or the university’s own admission portal.

Platform	Use For	Website
Parcoursup	UG programs (mostly for French-taught)	www.parcoursup.fr
Campus France	Bachelor’s and master’s for Indian students	www.india.campusfrance.org
University Portal	Direct applications for many PG courses	Varies by university

Tip: Use Campus France if you're applying to multiple public universities. It simplifies the process and ensures your documents meet French standards.

Documents Required for Admission

Get your documents ready before applying. Public universities in France are strict about deadlines and document format.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (Class 10, 12, Bachelor’s, etc.)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Explains your study goals and why France
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Usually 1–2 from professors or employers
• CV/Resume – Especially for PG and PhD programs
• Language test scores – IELTS/TOEFL or DELF/DALF
• Passport copy
• Portfolio – Only for art, design, or architecture programs

Some universities may also ask for a motivation letter or a short video introduction.

Scholarships for International Students in France

Indian students applying to public universities in France can access various scholarships. These are offered by the French government, Campus France, and individual universities. Scholarships reduce tuition and help with monthly expenses, especially if you're applying to a full-time degree.

If you're targeting top public universities in France for international students, it's worth looking into funding options early.

Government and University-Specific Scholarships

Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of scholarships you’ll find:

Scholarship Type	Offered By	Covers
Government Scholarships	Campus France, French Ministry	Tuition, living costs, insurance
University Scholarships	Public universities in France	Tuition waivers, monthly grants

Top Scholarships for Indian Students

Indian students applying to top public universities in France have several strong options. Some scholarships are automatic; others need separate applications.

Scholarship Name	Open To	What It Covers
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship	Master’s & PhD students	Monthly grant, travel, insurance
Charpak Scholarship	UG & PG students (Campus France)	Tuition waiver, living support
Université Paris-Saclay Scholarship	Master’s applicants	€10,000/year (₹9 lakh), travel
Grenoble Alpes Scholarship	Master’s students	Tuition + monthly allowance
Emile Boutmy (Sciences Po)	Sciences Po only	Up to 100% tuition coverage

These scholarships apply across various fields—especially in engineering, science, and business—popular programs at most top public universities in France.

If funding is a concern, explore France scholarships for Indian students—there are many with great benefits.

When and How to Apply for Scholarships?

You should apply for scholarships at the same time as your university application. Some scholarships are built into the admission process. Others need a separate application through Campus France or the university’s financial aid portal.

Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• SOP or motivation letter tailored to the scholarship
• IELTS/TOEFL or DELF scores (based on program language)
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of income (for need-based support)

Don’t wait. Many scholarships close 2–3 months before regular admission deadlines.

Do Scholarships Cover Only Tuition?

No. Some do more. Several public universities in France for international students offer scholarships that cover:

• Tuition fees (fully or partially)
• Monthly living allowance (€700 to €1,200 or ₹63,000 to ₹1.08 lakh)
• Health insurance
• Travel expenses in some cases

That’s why students applying to public universities in France should always check both tuition and living cost support. A tuition waiver helps, but a monthly grant makes the real difference when you're living on your own in Europe.

Best Cities in France for International Students

Indian students applying to public universities in France can choose from several cities that offer quality education, affordable living, and a great student lifestyle. Some cities are known for science and tech, while others shine in arts, business, or healthcare. So the city you pick can shape your entire study experience.

Where Are the Top Public Universities in France Located?

Here’s a quick look at the best cities in France for international students, with the universities they’re known for and their academic strengths:

City	Public Universities in France for International Students	Known For
Paris	Sorbonne University, Paris-Saclay University	Arts, humanities, science, law, economics
Lyon	University of Lyon, Jean Moulin University Lyon 3	Political science, law, literature, management
Toulouse	University of Toulouse, INSA Toulouse	Aerospace, mechanical engineering, mathematics
Bordeaux	University of Bordeaux	Life sciences, medicine, wine science, data science
Grenoble	University of Grenoble Alpes	AI, robotics, physics, sustainability
Strasbourg	University of Strasbourg	Biology, chemistry, international relations
Montpellier	University of Montpellier	Pharmacy, environmental science, public health
Nice	Côte d’Azur University	Tourism, languages, information technology

Each of these cities hosts some of the top public universities in France, and they all admit international students.

Still choosing your ideal study destination? Compare options with these guides:

• France vs. Canada
• France vs. Australia
• France vs. USA
• France vs. Ireland

Which City Is Right for You?

It depends on what you're looking for. Some cities offer more English-taught programs. Others are more affordable. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

City	Average Living Cost/Month	Language Support	Student-Friendly
Paris	€1,000–€1,400 (₹90K–₹1.2L)	Moderate	High (but costly)
Lyon	€800–€1,000 (₹72K–₹90K)	Good	Very High
Toulouse	€700–€900 (₹63K–₹81K)	Good	Very High
Grenoble	€650–€850 (₹58K–₹77K)	Excellent	High
Bordeaux	€750–€1,000 (₹67K–₹90K)	Moderate	High
Strasbourg	€700–€900 (₹63K–₹81K)	Good	High

Costs vary by lifestyle, housing choices, and part-time work options.

Why Do Indian Students Prefer These Cities?

Here’s what stands out about these cities:

• Paris has top-ranked universities but the highest living costs.
• Lyon and Toulouse offer strong academics and lower expenses.
• Grenoble and Strasbourg are safe, student-oriented, and tech-driven.
• Bordeaux and Montpellier combine research with a relaxed lifestyle.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Study in France

Want to study at public universities in France but not sure how to go about it? We’ll help you get there—start to finish.

Here’s what you get with upGrad Abroad:

• 1:1 counseling to shortlist the right universities for your course and profile
• Expert help with SOPs and LORs that grab attention
• Application support for Campus France and direct university portals
• Guidance on scholarships—government, university, and need-based options
• IELTS/TOEFL prep so you meet all language requirements
• Visa and document support to keep everything on track

Speak to our counselors. Start your journey to France with clarity and confidence.