Europe · French (some English-taught programmes)
Study in France
Prestigious Grandes Écoles and affordable public universities in the EU
University intakes
September/October (main)
Degree length (UG)
3 years (licence)
Language of instruction
French (primarily); English for many PG
EU membership
Yes
Top institutions
HEC Paris, INSEAD, Sciences Po, Polytechnique
Post-study work
1-year APS permit for Master's graduates
Overview: studying in France
France is one of the world's leading study destinations, attracting over 400,000 international students annually. Public French universities charge very low fees even for international students, and the country is home to internationally respected institutions including HEC Paris, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, and INSEAD. France offers a rich cultural experience, a global language, and access to the EU job market after graduation.
Pros and cons
Advantages of studying in France
- ✓Very affordable public university fees (even for international students)
- ✓Prestigious Grandes Écoles for business, engineering, and public affairs
- ✓French language — major global career advantage
- ✓Rich cultural experience, access to EU
- ✓CROUS subsidised housing and meals available to some international students
- ✓INSEAD, HEC, ESSEC ranked among world's best business schools
Things to consider
- –Most public university programmes in French — language investment required
- –Post-study work pathway shorter than Germany, UK, Canada, or Australia
- –Grandes Écoles admission is highly competitive (classes préparatoires system)
- –Administrative bureaucracy can be frustrating
- –Paris cost of living is high compared to other French cities
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
€2,770–€15,000EUR/yr
Per year. French public universities charge a standard registration fee for non-EU students (currently approximately €2,770–€3,770/year for licence/bachelor's). Grandes Écoles charge significantly more (€8,000–€20,000+/year). Private institutions have higher fees.
Postgraduate / Master's
€3,770–€20,000EUR/yr
Per year at public universities. Grandes Écoles programmes typically €8,000–€20,000+.
MBA (total programme)
€40,000–€90,000EUR
Total programme cost. HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC are among Europe's top MBA programmes. INSEAD MBA is typically around €90,000+ total.
Cost of living in France
Estimated monthly costs — Paris
€1,000–€1,600EUR/month
Includes: Accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal costs
Paris is the most expensive French city. Other major university cities (Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier) are significantly more affordable (€700–€1,100/month). CROUS student housing offers subsidised accommodation for eligible students.
France student visa: Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
Processing time
2–4 weeks (apply well in advance)
Key requirements:
Acceptance letter from a French higher education institution
Campus France registration (required for students from most African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries — check campusfrance.org)
Proof of financial resources (approximately €615/month for Paris; verify current amounts)
Valid passport
Medical insurance (or proof you will be covered)
Accommodation proof
EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa. Campus France interviews are required for students from many countries (called the 'CEF procedure'). Register on etudiant.campusfrance.org. On arrival, validate your visa online — it replaces the old police registration process.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic
6.0–6.5 for English-taught programmes
TOEFL iBT
80–90 iBT for English-taught programmes
Exemptions
French-taught programmes require French language proficiency (typically DELF B2 or TCF). Some Grandes Écoles and international business schools offer entirely English-medium programmes.
English-taught programmes in France have grown significantly, especially at master's level and at Grandes Écoles. Most undergraduate public university programmes require B2–C1 French.
Work rights
During study
Up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week)
After graduation
Job seeker permit: graduates from a French Master's or above can apply for a temporary residence permit ('Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour' or APS) for 1 year to seek work in France. Some nationalities have bilateral agreements for extended stays.
France's post-study work pathway is less generous than the UK or Germany in terms of duration, but access to the EU job market is a significant advantage for those who secure employment.
Top student cities in France
Paris
Sciences Po, Sorbonne, HEC (nearby), Polytechnique; most expensive, best job market
Lyon
Université de Lyon; food capital of France, pharma and tech hub
Toulouse
Université Toulouse; aerospace hub (Airbus headquarters)
Bordeaux
Université de Bordeaux; wine capital, beautiful city, affordable
Grenoble
Grenoble INP; engineering and nanotechnology hub
Popular subjects
Practical information
Language
French language proficiency (at least B2 DELF) is essential for most public university programmes. Many Grandes Écoles and international business schools offer English-medium programmes. Even on English programmes, French language skills significantly improve daily life and employability.
CROUS
CROUS (Centres Régionaux des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) provides subsidised student housing and university restaurant services (Restaurants Universitaires — RU) offering meals from €3.30. International students may be eligible. Apply as early as possible as demand far exceeds supply.
How to apply to study in France
Register on Campus France (campusfrance.org) — required for students from most non-EU countries
Apply through Parcoursup (for undergraduate) or directly to universities/Grandes Écoles (for postgraduate)
Receive and accept your offer
Apply for Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) through your French Consulate
On arrival, validate your visa online via the ANEF portal (anssi.gouv.fr) within 3 months
Register at your institution and set up health insurance (Sécurité sociale étudiante)
Scholarships for international students in France
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
Highly competitive French government scholarship for outstanding international students at master's and PhD level
Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by a French higher education institution. Strong academic record required.
Visit official website →French Embassy Scholarships
Various scholarships offered by French embassies in partner countries
Eligibility: Varies by country. Check the French Embassy or Institut Français in your country.
Visit official website →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in France?
Undergraduate tuition typically ranges €2,770–€15,000 EUR per year. Per year. French public universities charge a standard registration fee for non-EU students (currently approximately €2,770–€3,770/year for licence/bachelor's). Grandes Écoles charge significantly more (€8,000–€20,000+/year). Private institutions have higher fees.
What is the visa process for studying in France?
You will need a Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS étudiant). Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks (apply well in advance). Key requirements include: Acceptance letter from a French higher education institution; Campus France registration (required for students from most African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries — check campusfrance.org); Proof of financial resources (approximately €615/month for Paris; verify current amounts). EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa. Campus France interviews are required for students from many countries (called the 'CEF procedure'). Register on etudiant.campusfrance.org. On arrival, validate your visa online — it replaces the old police registration process.
Can I work while studying in France?
Up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week)
What are the post-study work options in France?
Job seeker permit: graduates from a French Master's or above can apply for a temporary residence permit ('Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour' or APS) for 1 year to seek work in France. Some nationalities have bilateral agreements for extended stays.
What IELTS score do I need to study in France?
6.0–6.5 for English-taught programmes. English-taught programmes in France have grown significantly, especially at master's level and at Grandes Écoles. Most undergraduate public university programmes require B2–C1 French.
Also considering the UK?
The UK has 3-year degrees, a 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route), and 90+ universities. Co Lab Education returns 50%+ of agent commission back to you as an education grant.