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Masters in France: Top Universities, Cost, Courses, Requirements, Eligibility and Scholarships

Pursuing Masters in France or Master’s programs in France offers access to world-class programs and strong career opportunities. Leading universities include HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC Business School, and Grenoble Ecole de Management. Tuition ranges from €10,000–€45,000 (₹9–38 lakh) per year, with English proficiency via IELTS or TOEFL required. Top Master’s programs in France also provide scholarships and merit-based awards to support tuition and living costs.

 

France has emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students seeking quality higher education. Access to world-class institutions, innovative programs, and excellent career prospects are among the top reasons to study in France. Pursuing Masters programs in France comes with the added benefit of being offered at affordable costs. 

The French higher education system, particularly through its prestigious Grande École network, provides a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience that prepares graduates for successful global careers. 

In the sections ahead, we will explore in detail the eligibility, intakes, admission process, fees, scholarships, best universities, and career opportunities; everything you need to know about pursuing a Masters in France. 

Masters in France Overview 

Aspect 

Details 

Number of Universities 

200+ universities and Grandes Écoles offer Master’s programs 

Average Tuition Fees 

€3,770 (INR 3.4L) per year at public universities; €10,000 – €25,000 (INR 9L – 22L) at private/Grande Écoles 

Top Universities 

Sorbonne University, HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD, Paris-Saclay University 

Popular Specializations 

Business & Management, Finance, Data Science, Engineering, Fashion, International Relations 

Top Scholarships 

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Charpak Scholarship (for Indians), Emile Boutmy, Erasmus+, Regional Scholarships 

Average Annual Salary 

€35,000 – €60,000 (INR 31L – 54L) depending on field 

Top Job Roles 

Data Scientist, Financial Analyst, Project Manager, Marketing Manager, AI Engineer, Business Consultant 

What are the top universities in France for Masters?

French universities are divided into public universities (affordable, research-based) and the private schools which are part of the Grande École system. Around 70% of international students enroll in public universities due to low tuition fees. 

Here are some of the top 10 universities in France for Master's programs: 

University 

QS World Rank 2026 

Approximate Annual Tuition Fee 

Université PSL 

(Paris Sciences & Lettres) 

28 

€2,770 (INR 284,451.30) - €25,000 (INR 2,567,250.00) 

Institut Polytechnique de Paris 

41 

€13,000 (INR 1,334,970.00) - €21,000 (INR 2,156,490.00) 

Université Paris-Saclay 

70 

€3,770 (INR 387,141.30) - €12,000 (INR 1,232,280.00) 

Sorbonne University 

72 

€2,770 (INR 284,451.30) - €13,907 (INR 1,428,109.83) 

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon 

205 

€2,000 (INR 205,380.00) - €8,000 (INR 821,520.00) 

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne 

257 

€2,000 (INR 205,380.00) - €5,000 (INR 513,450.00) 

Université Paris Cité 

300 

€3,400 (INR 348,846.00) - €4,500 (INR 462,105.00) 

Université Grenoble Alpes 

321 

€3,000 (INR 308,070.00) - €5,000 (INR 513,450.00) 

Sciences Po Paris 

367 

€15,000 (INR 1,540,350.00) - €25,000 (INR 2,567,250.00) 

What Are the Top Masters Specializations in France?

France offers 1,500+ English-taught Master’s programs across disciplines. According to the French Ministry of Education, fields like Business, Engineering, and Data Science attract the highest number of international applicants. 

Here’s a list of top Master’s specializations offered by the top universities in France across different streams: 

Stream 

Specializations 

STEM 

• Computer Science  
• Data Science & AI  
• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering  
• Civil & Environmental Engineering  
• Biotechnology & Life Sciences  
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering 

Business & Management 

• Finance & Accounting  
• International Business  
• Luxury Brand Management  
• Marketing & Digital Marketing  
• Business Analytics  
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation 

Arts & Design 

• Fashion Design & Luxury Management  
• Architecture  
• Fine Arts  
• Film & Media Studies 

Emerging & Interdisciplinary 

• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics  
• Cybersecurity  
• Sustainability & Environmental Studies  
• Healthcare & Health Informatics 

Students pursuing masters in France gain access to extensive networking opportunities, internships with multinational corporations, and exposure to diverse industries ranging from luxury goods and technology startups to established firms.  

Keeping in line with the global trend, top universities in France have also seen a surge of applicants wanting to pursue the data science/data analytics field. By 2028, demand for AI & Data Science professionals in France is expected to grow by 20%, making STEM programs a strong career choice. 

What is the admission process for Masters in France? 

The admission process for Masters in France involves several structured steps. International students usually apply through the Études en France (Campus France) portal, except for some private institutions and Grande École schools that have direct applications. 

Step 1. Research Universities and Programs - Identify the top universities in France offering your chosen specialization. Check tuition fees, program language (English or French), and career opportunities. 

Step 2. Meet Academic Requirements - To qualify for admission: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (3–4 years). 
  • Minimum GPA: 60–70% (competitive programs may need higher). 
  • English proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL iBT 90+. 
  • French proficiency: DELF/DALF B2–C1 (if course taught in French). 
  • Optional: GMAT/GRE for business or technical programs. 

Step 3. Prepare Documents - Collect the required documents: 

  • Academic transcripts & degree certificate. 
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP). 
  • 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs). 
  • Updated CV/Resume. 
  • IELTS/TOEFL or DELF/DALF scores. 
  • Proof of funds (~€7,380 per year minimum as per visa requirement). 
  • Valid passport & photographs. 

Step 4. Apply Online - Submit applications via Campus France portal or directly on the university’s website. Ensure deadlines (usually January–March for Fall intake, September start). 

Step 5. Pay Application Fees - Application fees range between €50–€150, depending on the institution. 

Step 6. Attend Interviews (if required) - Some universities and business schools conduct interviews (in-person/online). 

Step 7. Receive Admission Decision - Decisions are released between April–June for Fall intake. Secure your seat by paying the enrollment deposit. 

Academic Requirements for Masters in France 

To qualify for a masters program in France, you need: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to Licence in France). 
  • Minimum GPA: 60–70% (varies by program). 
  • Language proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+ for English-taught; DELF/DALF B2–C1 for French-taught. 

Documents Required 

Prepare these documents when applying: 

  • Degree certificates & transcripts 
  • Updated CV/Resume 
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
  • 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs) 
  • Language test scores 
  • Proof of funds 

Visa Requirements for France (Student Visa – VLS-TS) 

Once admitted, apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS): 

  1. Register on Campus France and get acceptance. 
  2. Complete visa application via French consulate portal. 
  3. Pay visa fee of €99 (INR 10K). 
  4. Provide documents: admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation proof, passport, photographs. 
  5. Attend biometrics/visa interview. 
  6. On arrival, validate the visa within 3 months of entering France. 

What is the Cost of Studying Masters in France?

Pursuing a Masters in France is one of the most affordable options in Europe compared to the USA and UK. Tuition fees depend on the type of university — public universities charge low, government-subsidized fees, while private institutions and Grandes Écoles charge higher but offer more specialized programs. 

On average, international students spend EUR 8,000 – 25,000 (INR 8.2 – 25 lakh) per year, including tuition, student fees, and living expenses. 

Here is the estimated cost of studying Masters in France per year: 

Cost of Studying Masters in France 

Expense Type 

Estimated Cost (Per Year) 

Tuition Fees (Public Universities) 

€ 3,770 (INR 3.87 lakh) 

Tuition Fees (Engineering Schools) 

€ 601 – 3,770 (INR 61,600 – 3.87 lakh) 

Tuition Fees (Private Universities / Grandes Écoles) 

€ 5,000 – 25,000 (INR 5.13 – 25.65 lakh) 

Student Fees (Admin, Library, Labs) 

€ 300 – 1,000 (INR 30,800 – 1.03 lakh) 

Health Insurance (Mandatory) 

€ 200 – 600 (INR 20,500 – 61,600) 

Books & Study Materials 

€ 200 – 500 (INR 20,500 – 51,300) 

What is the Cost of Living in France? 

The cost of living varies across cities. Paris is among the most expensive cities in the world, while smaller student hubs like Lyon, Toulouse, and Grenoble are more affordable. On average, a student spends EUR 800 – 1,200 (INR 82,000 – 1.23 lakh) per month excluding tuition. 

Here are the average monthly living costs in France: 

Cost of Living in France 

Category 

Average Monthly Cost 

Rent (Shared Accommodation) 

€300 – €700 (INR 30,800 – 71,800) 

Food & Eating Out 

€200 – €400 (INR 20,500 – 41,000) 

Utilities & Internet 

€80 – €150 (INR 8,200 – 15,400) 

Transportation (Monthly Pass) 

€30 – €75 (INR 3,100 – 7,700) 

Leisure & Miscellaneous 

€100 – €200 (INR 10,300 – 20,500) 

Total 

€800 – €1,200 (INR 82,000 – 1.23 lakh) 

Students in France can apply for CAF housing aid, which reduces rent by EUR 150 – 200/month. 

What are the Top Scholarships for Masters in France?

France offers numerous Fully Funded Scholarships to support international students, including fully funded and partially funded options. Many are provided by the French government, institutions, and the EU. According to Campus France, 30% of international students in France receive some form of financial aid. 

Here’s a look at the top scholarships for Masters in France: 

Top Scholarships for Masters in France 

Scholarship Name 

Eligibility 

Funding Amount 

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 

Non-EU students in Science, Law, Economics, Management 

EUR 1,181/month + tuition + travel 

Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po) 

Non-EU students 

EUR 3,000 – 12,300 per year 

Charpak Scholarship (For Indian Students) 

Indian students applying via Campus France 

Tuition + visa + living allowance 

Erasmus+ Program 

Exchange & mobility students 

Tuition + living allowance 

French Regional Scholarships 

Based on local regional councils 

Partial tuition + living expenses 

Eiffel Scholarship is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of only 8–10% annually.  

 What are the Top Jobs in France after Masters? 

Graduates from French universities are highly employable in Europe and globally. The employment rate of international graduates in France is 89% within 6 months of graduation. Industries like finance, technology, luxury, and AI offer the best opportunities. 

Here are the top job roles after Masters in France with approximate salaries: 

Top Jobs in France after Masters 

Job Role 

Approximate Annual Salary (€ / INR) 

Data Scientist 

€45,000 – €60,000 (INR 46.2 – 61.6 lakh) 

Financial Analyst / Investment Banker 

€40,000 – €55,000 (INR 41 – 56.4 lakh) 

AI & Machine Learning Engineer 

€50,000 – €70,000 (INR 51.3 – 71.8 lakh) 

International Business Manager 

€48,000 – €65,000 (INR 49.2 – 66.7 lakh) 

Marketing & Brand Manager 

€42,000 – €60,000 (INR 43.1 – 61.6 lakh) 

Project Manager 

€40,000 – €58,000 (INR 41 – 59.5 lakh) 

Top Recruiters after Masters in France 

French and global corporations hire actively from universities and Grandes Écoles. Many also offer internships that lead to full-time placements. 

Top Recruiters after Masters in FrancE 

Company Name 

Industry 

L’Oréal 

Luxury & Cosmetics 

Louis Vuitton (LVMH) 

Luxury & Fashion 

Airbus 

Aerospace & Engineering 

BNP Paribas 

Banking & Finance 

Capgemini 

IT & Consulting 

Dassault Systèmes 

Technology 

TotalEnergies 

Oil & Energy 

Accenture 

Consulting & IT Services 

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55 results found

Master of Science International sport & event management

KEDGE Business School, France

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 15.40L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability and Business Development

Paris School Of Business, France

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 13.02L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

MSc Data Engineering & Cloud Computing

Aivancity School for Technology, Business and Society, France

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 12.50L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    NOV 2025
View details

MSc in Marketing Analytics and Data Intelligence at PSB France

Paris School Of Business, France

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: EUR 13,717

Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation

HEC Paris, France

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 32.55L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JAN 2026
View details

MSc Digital Business Analytics at EMLV France (Admission closing)

EMLV Business School, France

  • DURATION
    Online:11 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: EUR 10,800

MSc Luxury and Innovation Management at EMLV France

EMLV Business School, France

  • DURATION
    Online:11 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: EUR 10,800

MSc in Sustainable Luxury and Creative Industries at Excelia

Excelia Business School, France

  • DURATION
    Online:11 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: EUR 12,750

MSc in Luxury and Fashion Management at PSB France

Paris School Of Business, France

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: EUR 17,700

MSc in International Finance at PSB, France

Paris School Of Business, France

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: EUR 13,717

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