Study in France

Studying in France for Indian students offers a unique combination of high-quality education, affordable tuition, and global career opportunities. With world-ranked universities and Grandes Écoles excelling in Business, Engineering, Arts, and Fashion, France is a leading destination for study abroad in France. Admissions require a long-stay student visa (VLSTS) through the official Campus France (Études en France) procedure, ensuring a streamlined process for international applicants.

Indian students benefit from part-time work rights, post-study work permits, and scholarships such as Charpak and Eiffel Excellence, making higher studies in France for Indian students more accessible. The cost of studying in France for Indian students remains lower than in many countries, with public universities charging €2,770–€3,770/year (₹2,91,600–₹3,96,700) and private institutions ranging from €8,000–€20,000/year (₹8,40,700–₹21,01,800).

Key Highlights (2026):

Why France is the Right Study Abroad Destination for You?

Study in France has become one of the fastest-growing choices for Indian students, with France aiming to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030 under the Choose France initiative. In 2026, France expanded its Classes Internationales program to India, streamlining admissions and offering preparatory courses in language and academics. With affordable tuition, globally ranked universities, and strong post-study work pathways, France is a premier destination for higher studies in France for Indian students.

Key Reasons Why Choose France

• World-leading universities like Sorbonne University, PSL University, Paris-Saclay, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, and INSEAD rank among the global top 100.

• Diverse institution types like public universities (affordable), Grandes Écoles (elite), and specialized schools (fashion, arts, business).

• Strong STEM and business hubs; Paris for finance and fashion, Toulouse for aerospace, Grenoble for engineering and AI.

• Post-study work permits (APS); 2 years for Master’s graduates, with extensions for STEM/business programs.

• Popular high-demand courses like Business & Management, Engineering, Computer Science/Data Science, Fashion & Luxury, Arts & Humanities.

• Straightforward admissions via Campus France (Études en France) procedure, requiring academic transcripts, statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, proof of funds, and language tests (IELTS/TOEFL or French proficiency).

Recent Updates in France (2026)

• Classes Internationals expanded to India and six other countries, offering a preparatory year for international students.

• Campus France application fee for Indian students is ₹16,500 (Embassy of France in India).

• The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 and Charpak Scholarship campaigns are open, supporting Master’s and PhD students.

• Part-time work capped at 20 hrs/week (964 hrs/year), officially regulated by French law.

Education System in France (2026)

The education system in France for international students follows the LMD model: Licence (Bachelor’s), Master’s, and Doctorat (PhD). Students can choose between public universities, Grandes Écoles, and specialized schools, depending on their academic background, career goals, and budget.

French higher education emphasizes skill development through electives, internships, and research, with strong pathways for study in France after 12th or postgraduate studies. Master’s programs (2 years, 120 ECTS) blend coursework and thesis, while Doctorates (3–6 years) combine advanced courses with original research/dissertation.

Education Levels: Key Duration & Outcomes

Higher education levels in France build progressively from foundational knowledge to advanced research leadership.

Credit & Grading System

Credits quantify workload (1 ECTS ≈ 25–30 study hours). Full-time loads ensure visa compliance. France uses a 20-point grading scale, with 10/20 as the minimum pass mark.

Types of Institutions: Key Features and Examples

French institutions vary by funding and focus, from large public universities to elite Grandes Écoles. Each suits different goals, budgets, and career paths for international students.

Top Universities to Study in France for Indian Students (2026)

France offers over 1,500 English-taught programs in 2026, with leading institutions such as Université PSL (#24 QS 2026), Institut Polytechnique de Paris (#38), Université Paris-Saclay (#60), and Sorbonne University (#65) attracting Indian students across STEM, business, law, and management.

Tuition fees for non-EU students are officially set at €2,770–€3,770/year (≈ ₹2,91,600–₹3,96,700) for public universities, while private Grandes Écoles and business schools range from €8,000–€20,000/year (≈ ₹8,40,700–₹21,01,800).

Engineering

Engineering programs in France are globally recognized, especially in aerospace, renewable energy, and ICT, with strong ties to EU industries.

Management / MBA

France is a global hub for MBAs, with HEC Paris ranked #5 worldwide in QS Global MBA 2026.

MS (Computer Science / Data Science)

France is a hub for AI, machine learning, and data science, with programs linked to EU tech clusters.

LLM (Law)

LLM programs in France focus on European Union law, international business law, and human rights.

Masters in Management (MIM)

France dominates the QS Business Masters Rankings 2026, with HEC Paris ranked #1 globally for MIM.

Note: Public university tuition remains fixed at €2,770/year (Licence) and €3,770/year (Master’s), set by the French Ministry of Higher Education. Private institutions and Grandes Écoles (like HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC) are different, as they set their own tuition fees independently.

Acceptance Rate in France Universities for Indian Students (2026)

France’s higher education system offers over 1,500 English-taught programs in 2026. International students, including those from India, benefit from transparent admissions through Campus France and a high visa approval rate of 85–95% for well-documented applications.

Rate Breakdown by Tier:

Key Influencing Factors:

• Academic Metrics: Strong transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+), or French proficiency (DELF/DALF).

• Holistic Review: SOP, recommendations, motivation letter, and relevant work/academic experience.

• Indian Competition: STEM, business, and law programs see higher demand, lowering acceptance rates.

• Application Timing: Applying early through Campus France Joint Application Periods improves chances.

• Visa Success: France maintains one of the highest student visa approval rates in Europe (85–95%).

Admission Requirements for Study in France (2026)

Study in France requires academic qualifications, proof of language proficiency (English or French), and a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) validated upon arrival. Applications are centralized through Campus France India, which manages the Études en France procedure for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Eligibility by Degree Level

Requirements scale with degree level, with a bachelor’s degree requiring high school completion and a master’s degree requiring a recognized bachelor’s degree.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide academic, personal, and financial documents for both admission and visa stages.

Standardized Tests

France does not mandate GRE or GMAT for most programs. Admissions rely on transcripts, SOP, and sometimes entrance exams (especially Grandes Écoles).

Language Proficiency

English proficiency is mandatory for English-taught programs; French proficiency is required for French-taught courses.

Residence Permit Process (Student Visa)

Indian students must apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) after securing admission.

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students (2026)

The cost of studying in France for Indian students averages €2,770–€3,770/year (≈ ₹2.91–3.96L) for public universities, while private institutions and Grandes Écoles range from €8,000–€20,000/year (≈ ₹8.40–21.01L). Doctoral programs remain highly subsidized, with tuition fixed at €380/year (≈ ₹39,900). Visa fees are officially €99 (≈ ₹10,400) plus a Campus France application fee of ₹16,500.

Total Annual Cost Breakdown

Breakdown covers tuition, housing, and daily expenses; Paris is ~25–30% higher than mid-sized cities like Lyon or Toulouse.

Tuition Fees (Semester-wise)

French universities bill per semester; full-time load is 30 ECTS credits/semester for visa compliance.

Tuition Fees (Course Wise)

STEM and MBA programs command higher tuition; humanities and social sciences are more affordable.

Cost of Living in France for Indian Students (2026)

The monthly cost of living in France for Indian students averages €800–€1,200 (₹84K–₹1.26L) excluding tuition, varying by city. Housing dominates expenses, with CROUS student housing reducing costs by 30–40%. Residence permits require proof of funds (~€7,380/year ≈ ₹7.75L) and valid health insurance.

Breakdown of Monthly Expenses:

Total Monthly: ~€800 (₹84K) shared; ~€1,200 (₹1.26L) private.

Most Preferred Cities for Indian Students in France

The best cities for Indian students in France attract the majority of international enrolments due to strong universities, job hubs, and affordability.

1. Paris: Capital & Global Hub Paris is the top destination for Indian students, home to Sorbonne University, PSL, HEC Paris, INSEAD, and Sciences Po. It offers world-class programs in business, law, arts, and fashion, alongside strong career opportunities in finance and the luxury industries. Living costs are the highest in France, averaging €1,200/month (≈ ₹1.26L).
   

2. Lyon: Business & Gastronomy Lyon is known for emlyon business school and Université de Lyon, making it a hub for management, entrepreneurship, and life sciences. The city combines affordability with cultural richness, offering living costs around €900/month (≈ ₹94.5K).
   

3. Grenoble: Tech & Engineering Cluster Grenoble, often called France’s “Silicon Valley,” hosts Université Grenoble Alpes and Grenoble INP, specializing in engineering, ICT, and renewable energy. It’s a research-driven city with moderate living costs of about €850/month (≈ ₹89.3K).
   

4. Toulouse: Aerospace Capital Toulouse is Europe’s aerospace hub, home to Airbus HQ, ISAESUPAERO, and Toulouse Business School. Students benefit from strong industry links in aviation and engineering. Living costs are relatively affordable at €800/month (≈ ₹84K).
   

5. Montpellier: Medicine & Sciences Montpellier is famous for the University of Montpellier, one of Europe’s oldest universities, specializing in medicine, life sciences, and agriculture. It offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with lower living costs, averaging €750/month (≈ ₹78.8K).

Scholarships in France for Indian Students (2026)

France offers generous scholarships for Indian students in 2026, officially managed by Campus France and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The most notable programs are the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the Charpak Scholarship, alongside university-specific tuition waivers. In 2026, over 500 Indian students were awarded scholarships annually through the French Embassy in India and Campus France.

Major Scholarships for Indian Students Studying in France (2026):

How to Apply to Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarship applications in France are integrated into the Campus France Études en France admission process. Students apply for scholarships either through their university or directly via Campus France.

Key Deadlines (2026 Cycle):

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Applications open Oct 1, 2025; deadline Jan 8, 2026

• Charpak Scholarship: Deadlines vary by program (Bachelor’s/Master’s); typically Jan–March 2026

• University Scholarships: Same as admission deadlines (Jan–March 2026)

• Campus Bourses: Rolling applications year-round

PR and Settlement in France (2026)

For Indian students planning long-term careers in France, understanding the Permanent Residency (PR) and settlement pathway is crucial. France offers clear routes from student visas to post-study work permits, permanent residency, and eventually citizenship.

Pathway from Student to PR

Students begin with a long-stay student visa (VLSTS), valid for the duration of their program. After graduation, they can apply for a post-study work permit (APS) or transition directly to a work visa if employed. Continuous residence leads to PR eligibility.

1. Student Visa & Residence Permit for Studies

• Issued upon admission to a French university via Campus France.

• Valid for the duration of the program; renewable annually.

• Requires proof of funds (~€7,380/year ≈ ₹7.75L) and health insurance coverage (€30,000 ≈ ₹3.15L).

2. PostStudy Work Opportunities

• Graduates can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), valid for 12–24 months.

• Once employed, transition to a work visa (2–4 years, renewable).

• Popular sectors: aerospace, ICT, fashion/luxury, business, healthcare.

• Average graduate salaries: €2,000–€3,000/month (≈ ₹2.1–3.15L).

3. Permanent Residency (PR) Eligibility

• As of 2026, PR requires 5 years of continuous legal residence (study + work combined).

• Must show stable income, accommodation, valid insurance, and integration (French language/community ties).

• PR is issued as a 10-year renewable residence card.

• Fast-track PR available for highly skilled professionals and investors.

4. Citizenship Pathway

• Eligible after 5 years of residence (or 3 years if studied in France), extended to 8 years in some cases.

• Requires French language proficiency (B2 minimum) and a clean record.

• Grants full EU rights, including free movement, work, and residence across Europe.

Key Requirements for PR (2026 Update):

• Residence Duration: Minimum 5 years continuous stay (study + work).

• Employment/Income: Proof of stable job or sufficient income.

• Integration: Demonstrated integration into French society (language, community ties).

• Clean Record: No criminal offenses or immigration violations.

Job Opportunities in France for Indian Students (2026)

Studying in France opens diverse career paths for Indian students. With access to global companies, research institutes, and innovation hubs, students gain hands-on experience while building a strong European profile. Average graduate salaries range between €35,000–€75,000 annually (₹36–79L) depending on role and experience.

In-Demand Domains as per the Current Market Scenario

The French job market in 2026 reflects the country’s focus on technology, sustainability, and global business. Current high-demand sectors include:

• Technology & ICT: Software Development, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing

• Engineering: Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Robotics, Environmental Engineering

• Healthcare & Life Sciences: Nursing, Medical Research, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology

• Business & Finance: Consulting, Financial Analysis, International Business, Supply Chain Management

• Green Technology & Sustainability: Renewable Energy, Smart Grids, Circular Economy Solutions

Top Job Roles and Salary

Indian students graduating in these fields often secure competitive packages:

Note: Salaries are approximate averages from Glassdoor France and may vary depending on employer, experience, and region.

Future Trends

Looking ahead, certain domains are projected to see rapid growth in France:

• Artificial Intelligence & Automation: Expanding across ICT, manufacturing, and services.

• Green Technology & Renewable Energy: France’s climate goals drive demand for engineers and sustainability experts.

• Healthcare & Biotech: Growing opportunities due to aging population and strong research focus.

• Fintech & Data Analytics: Increasing adoption of digital financial services and smart solutions.

Work While Studying in France

According to Campus France (2026 update):

• International students with a residence permit can work up to 964 hours per year (≈ 20 hrs/week).

• This equals about 60% of full-time employment.

• Internships and thesis work that are part of the degree program are exempt from hour limits.

• Students earn at least the French minimum wage (€11.88/hour gross in 2026).

Challenges Indian Students Face in France (2026)

While France is known for its world-class universities and cultural richness, Indian students may encounter certain challenges when adapting to life and studies there. Understanding these in advance helps in planning better and settling smoothly.

• Language Barrier: Most degree programs are offered in English, but daily life, internships, and jobs often require French proficiency. Learning French is essential for long-term career opportunities, integration, and PR eligibility.

• Bureaucracy & Paperwork: France is famous for its complex bureaucracy. Indian students often struggle with visa renewals, residence permit validation, and administrative deadlines. Missing documents or delays can cause stress during registration and official processes.

• Housing Shortages: Affordable student housing is limited, especially in Paris. The French government pledged 35,000 new student housing units by 2027, but demand remains high. Students often face long waiting lists for CROUS residences and must rely on private rentals, which are more expensive.

• Cost of Living: Although tuition is lower than in the USA, living costs in Paris average €1,200/month (≈ ₹1.26L). Budgeting for housing, groceries, and transport is crucial. Smaller cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Montpellier are more affordable (~€750–€900/month) (₹78.8K–₹94.5K).

• Limited Part-Time Jobs: Students can work up to 964 hours per year (~20 hrs/week) under French law. However, English-only jobs are limited, and most part-time roles are in hospitality, retail, or university research projects. French language skills significantly improve employability.

• Integration & Social Life: French culture values independence and formality, which may feel isolating initially. Building networks through student unions, Indian associations, and international communities is important for integration and peer support.

Tips for Indian Students Planning to Study in France

• Learn Basic French Early – Even beginner-level French helps with daily life and employability. Free courses are often offered by universities and municipalities.

• Prepare for Housing Challenges – Apply early for CROUS residences; consider shared housing to reduce costs.

• Budget Smartly – Track expenses carefully, especially in Paris. Smaller cities offer cheaper living.

• Use University Career Services – French universities provide strong career support, internships, and company links.

• Engage in Student Communities – Join international student groups and Indian associations to build networks.

• Plan for PR & Settlement – Keep track of residence permit rules: PR requires 5 years of continuous stay as of 2026. Focus on language skills and stable employment to strengthen your PR application.