Do I need to know French to study in France?
Not for English-taught programs (most MBA/MSc at top schools). For French-taught programs, B2-level French (DELF) is required.
🇫🇷 France · 323 Universities Listed
Study in France for Indian Students
World-class education at subsidised fees with a rich cultural experience
323
Universities
2026
Updated
Available
Free Counseling
Free India student shortlist
Get a France shortlist before you compare universities.
Share your phone or email and our counselors will send a country-specific shortlist, visa risk check, and document plan for Indian students.
No spamWhatsApp-first follow-upCounselor SLA tracked
Free France shortlist
For Indian students
Study in France — at a glance
World-class education at subsidised fees with a rich cultural experience
🛂
Student Visa
Student Visa (VLS-TS)
~4 weeks processing
💼
Post-Study Work
APS
24 months
🏠
PR Pathway
Talent Passport
Eligible after 60 months
💰
Living Cost
USD 900–1,500
per month
🎓 Why Study in France?
✦Public universities charge only EUR 243/year for master's (non-EU students may pay more at select schools)
✦1-year post-study job search visa for master's graduates
✦Home to HEC Paris, INSEAD, Sciences Po — world-class institutions
✦Over 1,500 English-taught programmes available
✦CAF housing allowance helps reduce rent costs for all students
Quick Facts
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench & English
CurrencyEUR (€)
TimezoneCET (UTC+1)
IntakesSeptember (Main), January/February (select schools)
📚 Top courses to study in France
🇫🇷 France Student Visa Guide
Step-by-step process to get your Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Visa at a Glance
Visa TypeLong-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Application FeeEUR 99
Processing Time2-6 weeks
Required Documents
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of admission (Campus France)
- ✓Proof of accommodation
- ✓Proof of financial resources (EUR 615/month)
- ✓Travel insurance
- ✓Academic certificates and transcripts
- ✓Motivation letter
Application Steps
1
Register on Études en France (Campus France)
2
Complete your Campus France interview
3
Submit visa application at French consulate
4
Pay the visa fee
5
Provide biometric data
6
Collect your visa and travel to France
How long does the France student visa take for Indian students?
Use the current official immigration guidance for France to check when you can apply and any processing estimate for your application route. We have not verified a current processing time for this summary.
Plan university deadlines and any required pre-application steps separately from the visa decision. Confirm the documents and appointments that apply to your application, and do not rely on a generic preparation buffer or processing estimate as a guaranteed decision date.
France Visa Planning Checks
| Planning area | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| University arrangements | Confirm offer, acceptance and enrollment deadlines with your institution. |
| Documents and appointments | Check the official requirements and appointment availability for your application. |
| Visa processing | Check any current official estimate, its scope, and when the processing clock starts. |
| Travel and accommodation | Check your visa status and booking cancellation or refund terms before committing. |
Visa rejection reasons for France
Weak financial proof
Funds must be traceable, sufficient, and consistent with tuition plus living cost requirements.
Unclear study intent
Your SOP should explain course choice, academic progression, career goals, and India ties.
Document mismatch
Names, dates, marksheets, bank letters, and offer details must match across the file.
Poor interview readiness
Students should be able to explain the university, course, budget, and post-study plan clearly.
💼 Highest Paying Jobs in France
Average salaries for international graduates in France
Software Engineer
Avg. Salary
EUR 48,000
Business Analyst
Avg. Salary
EUR 42,000
Luxury Brand Manager
Avg. Salary
EUR 55,000
Aerospace Engineer
Avg. Salary
EUR 52,000
Data Scientist
Avg. Salary
EUR 50,000
Highest paying jobs in France
| Role | Average Salary | Growth Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | EUR 48,000 | +12% |
| Business Analyst | EUR 42,000 | +8% |
| Luxury Brand Manager | EUR 55,000 | +6% |
| Aerospace Engineer | EUR 52,000 | +7% |
| Data Scientist | EUR 50,000 | +18% |
Salary figures are directional planning estimates and should be verified against current employer/location data before applying.
Can Indian students work part-time while studying in France?
In most cases, Indian students can work part-time in France if their student visa permits it. Common student jobs include campus assistant roles, hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery support, and entry-level tech or admin roles. Students should always follow the work-hour rules printed on their visa conditions.
Part-time work should be treated as support income, not the main funding source. The stronger plan is to show full financial capacity first, then use part-time income for living flexibility, local experience, and networking.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy counselor-reviewed country data
Popular job sectors in France
Technology and data
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Healthcare and life sciences
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Engineering and infrastructure
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Business, finance and analytics
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
🔑 Post-Study Work Visa in France
Visa Name
APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour)
Duration
1 year (renewable)
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓Completed master's or equivalent in France
- ✓Apply before current visa expires
- ✓Can work any job during this period
- ✓Transition to Talent Passport after finding qualified work
Does studying in France help with PR or settlement?
Studying in France can support long-term settlement only when the student chooses an eligible course, maintains visa compliance, gains relevant work experience, and meets immigration criteria at the time of application. A degree alone should not be treated as a guaranteed PR pathway.
APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) gives graduates time to gain local work exposure. Students targeting settlement should compare occupation demand, salary thresholds, regional rules, language scores, and work visa conversion routes before choosing a university or city.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy counselor-reviewed country data
💰 Cost of Living in France
Monthly expenses breakdown for international students
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Paris) | EUR 800-1,500/mo |
| Rent (1BR Outside Paris) | EUR 400-700/mo |
| Groceries | EUR 200-300/mo |
| Transport | EUR 30-75/mo |
| Dining Out | EUR 10-18/meal |
| Health Insurance (CVEC) | EUR 100/yr |
City-wise cost of living in France
| City | Average Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | EUR 1,200/mo | Business, Fashion, Arts |
| Lyon | EUR 650/mo | Engineering, Pharma, Food |
| Toulouse | EUR 550/mo | Aerospace, IT |
| Montpellier | EUR 500/mo | Sciences, Medicine |
Rent varies sharply by neighborhood, sharing type, and distance from campus.
🏆 Scholarships for France
Curated awards Indian students commonly shortlist — government, research, and university merit routes. Verify deadlines on the official site.
🏛️ 323 France Universities
COLLEGE DE PARIS
Collège de Paris is a private French higher education group based in Paris that brings together schools and programmes across business, management, luxury, tourism, digital, and related professional fields. It operates as a multi-school network rather than a single traditional research university, with campuses and partner sites mainly in the Paris region and elsewhere in France. The institution focuses on career-oriented bachelor’s, master’s, and specialised training, often with industry partnerships and pathways aimed at both French and international students.
View full profile →
CLCF (GALILEO GLOBAL EDUCATION)
📍 Paris, France
CLCF (GALILEO GLOBAL EDUCATION) is a private higher education institution in France, part of the Galileo Global Education group, which is one of the largest private education providers in Europe. The institution offers a wide range of programs in fields such as business, technology, design, and hospitality, with a focus on professional training and industry-relevant skills. CLCF is known for its international outlook, practical approach to education, and strong ties to the corporate world, preparing students for global careers.
View full profile →
GALILEO GLOBAL EDUCATION
Galileo Global Education is a leading private higher education group in Europe, with a strong presence in France. It operates numerous institutions offering programs in business, design, technology, and the arts. The group emphasizes innovation, employability, and international exposure, with a network of campuses across Europe and partnerships worldwide. Galileo Global Education aims to provide students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge to succeed in a globalized workforce.
💰 €10,500 / €10,500
View full profile →
Ecole Superieure De Publicite
📍 Paris, France
École Supérieure de Publicité (ESP) is a prestigious higher education institution in France specializing in advertising, communication, and marketing. Founded in 1986, ESP is part of the Groupe INSEEC, a leading French education group. The school offers a range of programs from bachelor's to master's levels, focusing on creative strategies, digital marketing, and brand management. ESP is known for its strong industry connections, providing students with practical experience through internships and partnerships with major advertising agencies and corporations. The institution emphasizes innovation and creativity, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in the global advertising and communication sectors.
View full profile →
Esade Business School
📍 Barcelona, France
ESADE Business School is a private university located in Barcelona, Spain. It is known for its strong focus on business and management education, with a particular emphasis on international business and entrepreneurship. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, as well as executive education and online courses. ESADE is also home to several research centers and initiatives, including the ESADE Research Center, the ESADE Center for Entrepreneurship, and the ESADE Center for International Business.
View full profile →
ESARC EVOLUTION (GALILEO GLOBAL EDUCATION)
📍 Aix, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, Rennes, Nantes, Rouen, France
ESARC EVOLUTION (GALILEO GLOBAL EDUCATION) is a prestigious university located in Paris, France. It is known for its innovative approach to education and its commitment to fostering a global community of learners. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, humanities, and sciences. ESARC EVOLUTION is also renowned for its research activities and collaborations with leading institutions worldwide.
View full profile →
Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
📍 Lausanne, France
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a Swiss federal institute of technology in Lausanne, Switzerland (not France). It is one of Europe’s leading science and engineering universities, known for research and teaching in engineering, computer science, life sciences, basic sciences, and architecture. EPFL operates as a public federal institution alongside ETH Zurich and attracts a highly international community of students and researchers. The main campus is in Ecublens, near Lausanne on Lake Geneva, and includes major research institutes, the Rolex Learning Center, innovation and startup facilities, and extensive student services. EPFL emphasizes interdisciplinary research, technology transfer, and close ties with industry and international partners.
View full profile →
ESADE
ESADE (Escuela Superior de Administración y Dirección de Empresas) is a prestigious private business school founded in 1958 in Spain. It operates as part of Ramon Llull University and is renowned for its programs in business administration, law, and executive education. The institution has two main campuses located in Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès, and it consistently ranks among Europe's leading business schools. ESADE is known for its strong international outlook, innovative teaching methods, and close ties to the business community.
View full profile →
Claude Bernard University Lyon 1
📍 Lyon, France
Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UCBL) is a major French public research university based in the Lyon metropolitan area. Named after physiologist Claude Bernard, it was created in 1971 when the historic University of Lyon was reorganized into specialized institutions. It is one of France’s largest science- and health-focused universities, covering exact sciences, technology, life and earth sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and sports sciences, with strong ties to Lyon’s hospitals, research organizations (including CNRS and Inserm), and industry. Teaching and research are spread across several urban campuses, notably La Doua in Villeurbanne (sciences and technology), Rockefeller and Lyon-Sud (health), and other sites in and around Lyon. Lyon 1 is known for large undergraduate and graduate enrollments, extensive laboratory infrastructure, and a significant international student and research community. It participates in the Université de Lyon academic consortium and offers programs from bachelor’s through doctoral level, including selective medical and engineering-related pathways.
View full profile →
Ecole de Condé
Ecole de Condé is a private secondary school located in Paris, France, offering rigorous preparatory courses in science, literature, and humanities for students aiming to enter top French institutions. The school is known for its strong academic tradition and a supportive environment that emphasizes critical thinking and research skills.
View full profile →
INSA Lyon - Institut National des Sciences Appliquées
INSA Lyon, or Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, is a public engineering school located in Lyon, France. It is part of the Université de Lyon and is known for its strong focus on applied sciences and engineering. The university offers a wide range of programs in fields such as computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science. INSA Lyon is also renowned for its research activities and has a strong international reputation.
View full profile →
AURA International School of Management
AURA International School of Management (Aura ISM) is a private business and management school in France focused on internationally oriented higher education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in management, international business, and related fields, with curricula designed to prepare students for careers in global business environments. The institution serves both French and international students through programs that emphasize practical management skills, international perspectives, and professional readiness. Its offerings typically include bachelor's degrees, master's programs, and MBA-style pathways aligned with France's private higher education sector rather than the public university system. Aura ISM operates as a specialized management school rather than a broad research university, concentrating on applied business education, international student mobility, and industry-relevant training in management disciplines.
💰 €10,400 / €11,300
View full profile →
ESCP
ESCP Business School (École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris) is the world’s oldest business school, founded in 1819 in Paris. It offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive programmes across six European campuses, emphasising a multi‑campus, international learning environment. The school is renowned for its strong alumni network, research output, and dual‑degree partnerships with leading universities worldwide.
View full profile →
3is Education
3is Education is a Research University located in France, established in 1990. With an international student body of around 5,000 and a total enrollment of approximately 25,000 students, the institution offers a diverse academic environment.
💰 €12,500 / €12,500
View full profile →
AD EDUCATION
📍 PARIS, France
AD EDUCATION is a prestigious private university located in Paris, France. Established in 1990, the university is known for its strong emphasis on education and research in various fields. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, attracting a diverse student body from around the world.
💰 $35,000 / $35,000
View full profile →
Aivancity
...
View full profile →
Aivancity School for Technology Business and Society
Aivancity School for Technology, Business and Society is a private higher education institution located in France, specializing in artificial intelligence, business, and their societal impacts. The school offers innovative programs designed to bridge the gap between technology and business, preparing students for careers in AI-driven industries. Aivancity emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining technical expertise with ethical and societal considerations to foster responsible innovation.
💰 €10,500 / €14,500
View full profile →
American Graduate School in Paris
📍 Paris, France
The American Graduate School in Paris (AGS) is a private, English-language graduate institution located in Paris, France. Founded in 1994, it specializes in master's-level programs in International Relations and Diplomacy and International Business, serving students who want an American-style graduate education in the heart of Europe. AGS is a small, specialized school rather than a large research university. Its programs are delivered in partnership with accredited U.S. partner institutions, and the curriculum emphasizes international affairs, diplomacy, global business, and cross-cultural leadership. The student body is diverse and internationally oriented, reflecting the school's mission to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, NGOs, international organizations, and global business.
💰 $35,000 / $35,000
View full profile →
ASSOCIATION LEONARD DE VINCI COMPRISING OF ESILV ENGINEERING SCHOOL & EMLV MANAGEMENT SCHOOL
📍 PARIS, France
The Association Leonard de Vinci is a French educational institution comprising two schools: ESILV Engineering School and EMLV Management School. It is known for its innovative approach to education and its emphasis on practical learning. The association offers a wide range of programs in engineering, management, and digital technologies, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
💰 €12,750 / €12,750
View full profile →
Atelier Chardon Savard
Atelier Chardon Savard is a private French fashion and styling school founded in 1988 by Cyrille Chardon and Dominique Savard. It is not a traditional university but a specialized higher education institution focused on creative and professional training in fashion design, fashion communication, personal styling, and brand creation. Programs include bachelors, masters, short courses, and postgraduate pathways, with qualifications recognized at RNCP Levels 6 and 7 (equivalent to bac+3 and bac+5). The school is part of Galileo Global Education and emphasizes hands-on creative development through workshops, studio work, and industry-facing projects. The institution operates urban campuses in Paris and Nantes. The historic Paris campus is located in the 11th arrondissement in a former printing house between République and Oberkampf, with an additional site at Cité Griset offering expanded creative and learning spaces. The Nantes campus is in the city center at rue Saint Léonard. Both sites provide studio spaces, technical workshops, and access to local fashion ecosystems, allowing students to study in either France’s capital or western France. Atelier Chardon Savard selects students through internal creative entrance exams and interviews rather than open university-style admissions. It welcomes international applicants and offers some English-language options, notably in the first year of the Fashion Designer program. Alumni include founders of fashion brands such as Vaillant, Arthur Avellano, and Victor Weinsanto.
💰 €12,500 / €12,500
View full profile →
Autograf: Art & Design School
Autograf is a private art and design school in Paris, France, specializing in creative and applied design education. It offers programs in areas such as graphic design, digital and interactive design, interior architecture and design, fashion design, and related visual communication fields, combining studio practice with professional project work. The school is oriented toward preparing students for careers in design agencies, studios, and creative industries in France and abroad. Instruction typically emphasizes portfolio development, contemporary design methods, and links with professional practice rather than a traditional research-university model.
💰 €8,900 / €10,650
View full profile →
CAMBRIDGE EDUCATION GROUP - CEG -
📍 Paris, France
Cambridge Education Group (CEG) is a private international education provider, best known for university pathway and preparation programmes (including brands such as ONCAMPUS and related colleges) rather than as a traditional French public university. It prepares and routes international students into partner higher-education institutions through foundation, English-language, and pre-university study routes. In the French context, CEG is typically referenced as an education group and pathway operator linked to UK and international networks, not as a standalone research university with a single historic French campus. Public listings usually emphasise private-sector pathway and college provision, admissions via group channels, and partnerships with host universities rather than a classic French grande école or université model. Reliable open sources consistently describe CEG as privately owned and commercially operated, with headquarters and core operations historically centred in the United Kingdom (Cambridge area), and a web presence under the Cambridge Education Group / CEG brand.
View full profile →
CASS European Institute of Advanced Studies
The CASS European Institute of Advanced Studies is a prestigious research university located in France. It is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and advanced studies across various fields, including social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The institute attracts scholars and students from around the world, fostering a dynamic academic environment. It is recognized for its contributions to cutting-edge research and its collaborative approach to addressing global challenges.
💰 €10,167 / €10,167
View full profile →
CEFAM
📍 Lyon, France
CEFAM is a research university located in Paris, France. It is known for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as research opportunities in various STEM disciplines. CEFAM is part of the prestigious Paris-Saclay University, which is a leading institution for higher education and research in France.
View full profile →
University Exploration
Non-predictive planning guidance for France. This panel does not assess admission chances or rank universities. No program-specific requirements have been verified here.
Academic requirements
Not verified here
Check the official program requirements for your qualification, grades and subject prerequisites.
English requirements
Not verified here
Check accepted exams, overall and section requirements, result validity and exemptions. IELTS and PTE use different scales.
Intake and campus
Not verified here
Confirm the program, campus, intake and current application deadline.
Total cost
Not verified here
Verify tuition, program duration and living costs against your budget. Do not count unawarded scholarships as available funding.
Use the directory to explore options, then review current program evidence before deciding where to apply. Final eligibility and admission decisions are made by the institution.
🌆 Popular Cities to Study in France
Explore top student-friendly cities and their living costs
Study in Paris
Avg. RentEUR 1,200/mo
Best forBusiness, Fashion, Arts
Explore Paris →
Study in Lyon
Avg. RentEUR 650/mo
Best forEngineering, Pharma, Food
Explore Lyon →
Study in Toulouse
Avg. RentEUR 550/mo
Best forAerospace, IT
Explore Toulouse →
Study in Montpellier
Avg. RentEUR 500/mo
Best forSciences, Medicine
Explore Montpellier →
City Comparison Tool
Planning prototype using the limited country-page dataset. Missing job, community, and immigration evidence is shown explicitly.
| Average rent | EUR 1,200/mo | EUR 650/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Business, Fashion, Arts | Engineering, Pharma, Food |
| Part-time job availability | Needs current local evidence | Needs current local evidence |
| Indian community | Check campus societies and neighborhoods | Check campus societies and neighborhoods |
| Immigration/job outlook | Needs occupation-specific evidence | Needs occupation-specific evidence |
Can Indian students study in France without IELTS?
Some universities in France may waive IELTS when the student has strong English-medium education proof, alternate tests such as PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo, or university-specific English assessments. Waivers are university-specific, so students should not assume every programme accepts a no-IELTS route.
The safest strategy is to shortlist universities by course first, then verify English waiver rules, visa acceptability, and scholarship impact. A low English score can sometimes be offset by a pathway or pre-sessional English programme, but it may increase visa or admission complexity.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy admissions research
Is MBBS in France a good option for Indian students?
MBBS in France should be evaluated carefully against recognition, licensing pathway, clinical exposure, total cost, language of instruction, and the student’s plan to practise in India or abroad. Students must verify current NMC and local medical council requirements before applying.
For medical applicants, NexStudy recommends a separate licensing checklist before deposits are paid: degree recognition, internship rules, exam pathway, hospital rotations, language requirements, and total living cost over the full programme duration.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy medical admissions checklist
Is MS in Computer Science in France worth it?
MS in Computer Science in France is usually strongest for students with a solid quantitative background, coding portfolio, internship experience, and interest in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or cloud roles. ROI depends heavily on university tier, city, tuition, and job-search execution.
Students should compare curriculum depth, co-op/internship access, alumni hiring, local tech clusters, and post-study work rules. A lower-cost university with strong employability can outperform a high-fee option with weak career support.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy course ROI research
Who should consider an MBA in France?
An MBA in France is best suited for students with clear career goals, leadership evidence, strong communication skills, and preferably work experience. Freshers should compare specialised business master’s degrees before choosing a general MBA.
The best MBA outcomes usually come from schools with strong employer networks, internships, career coaching, alumni access, and location advantage. Applicants should calculate ROI using tuition, living cost, opportunity cost, and realistic post-MBA salary ranges.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy MBA admissions research
Is Engineering in France a strong pathway for Indian students?
Engineering in France can be a strong pathway when the student chooses a discipline linked to local industry demand, such as computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, renewable energy, robotics, or biomedical engineering. Accreditation and internship access matter as much as rankings.
Students should compare lab facilities, capstone projects, industry placement, co-op options, and post-study work eligibility. For regulated engineering roles, verify local professional registration requirements before finalising the course.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy engineering admissions research
Student life in France
Housing
Compare student residences, shared apartments, commute time, and lease rules before paying deposits.
Indian community
Look for campus Indian societies, grocery access, festivals, temples/community groups, and peer networks.
Career building
Start LinkedIn, internships, faculty networking, and portfolio work in the first semester, not after graduation.
📊 Study Abroad ROI Planning Prototype
A user-input planning model for France, not a salary forecast or financial recommendation.
Model assumptions: 60% of gross salary is available before loan payments, loan repayment spans study plus five years, and 10-year earnings ignore tax, inflation, exchange-rate changes, unemployment, and salary growth.
25,000
15,000
2
20,000
9
70,000
🎯 Check Your France Fit Score
1/8Highest Qualification
🛂 Visa Readiness Checker — France
Check off items you've completed to see your visa readiness score
0%
Course Selector Engine
Prototype suggestions from fixed subject templates. Salary, eligibility, accreditation, and immigration outcomes are not verified here.
MS in Computer Science in France
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Data Science in France
Difficulty: High
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Cyber Security in France
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Scholarship Discovery Prototype
Marks are planning context only. Every recorded option stays visible; this prototype does not determine eligibility.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Amount: Monthly allowance (masters/PhD)
Deadline: Campus France institutional
Level: Masters / PhD
Ask NexStudy — Offline Answer Prototype
Template-based guidance only; no live university, visa, or policy sources are queried by this tool.
🇮🇳 Indian Student Guide — Study in France
✓Verified by NexStudy Counselors📊 Data context: QS, THE, Government Sources📅 Updated April 2026🤝 France Education Partner
Can Indian students study in France after 12th?
Yes, Indian students can pursue undergraduate programmes in France after completing their 12th standard. Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in 12th, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), and valid financial documentation.
Popular undergraduate programmes include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. Some universities offer foundation year programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Application deadlines vary by intake — check specific university pages on NexStudy for detailed eligibility.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy Research
What is the total cost of studying in France for Indian students?
Indian students typically need €EUR 800–€1,500 per year for tuition and living expenses, depending on the university, course, and city.
Cost Breakdown in France
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Paris) | EUR 800-1,500/mo |
| Rent (1BR Outside Paris) | EUR 400-700/mo |
| Groceries | EUR 200-300/mo |
| Transport | EUR 30-75/mo |
| Dining Out | EUR 10-18/meal |
| Health Insurance (CVEC) | EUR 100/yr |
Costs are approximate and vary by city and lifestyle. Updated April 2026.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy Research
Is studying in France worth it for Indian students?
France offers strong ROI for Indian students, especially in STEM and business fields. The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) (1 year (renewable)) provides valuable work experience after graduation. Use the ROI Calculator above to calculate your personal return on investment.
Updated: April 2026Source: NexStudy Research
Related Pages for Indian Students
🏛️Universities in France🛂France Student Visa🌍France Scholarships (hub)🛂France Post-Study Work🌍Cost of Studying in France🌍France Part-Time Jobs🌍France Without IELTS🏛️Affordable Universities (France)📚MS in Computer Science in France📚MBA in France📚Data Science in France📚Engineering in France🏙️Study in Paris🏙️Study in Lyon🏙️Study in Toulouse🌍Study abroad without IELTS🌍Cheapest countries to study abroad🛂Visa-friendly destinations🌍Free study abroad guides & checklists
Mistakes Indian students should avoid in France
Choosing only by ranking instead of course outcomes
Underestimating rent, insurance, deposits, and setup costs
Submitting weak SOP or unexplained academic gaps
Waiting until the final semester to build employability
Hidden costs to budget for in France
| Hidden Cost | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Application and test fees | Multiple university applications, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, score reporting, and courier costs add up. |
| Visa, medical, biometrics, insurance | These costs often come before the student receives the visa decision. |
| Housing deposit and setup | First month rent, bond/deposit, utensils, bedding, SIM, transport card, and winter clothing can be significant. |
| Course materials and placement costs | Software, lab kits, books, certification exams, and travel for interviews are often missed. |
Reality vs expectations: studying in France
| Expectation | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Part-time job will cover everything | Part-time work can support expenses, but visa compliance and academic performance come first. |
| Any university will give the same outcome | Course quality, city, internships, alumni network, and career services change outcomes. |
| Visa is automatic after admission | Admission helps, but financial proof, intent, documentation, and compliance still decide the case. |
| PR is guaranteed after study | Settlement depends on changing immigration rules, occupation demand, salary, work experience, and language scores. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Studying in France
How many universities does France have for international students?
There are 323 active university profiles in France on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
What IELTS score do I need for universities in France?
Most universities in France require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for master's programs. Top-tier universities may require 7.0+ overall.
Can Indian students get scholarships in France?
Yes — universities in France offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, plus government-funded awards. NexStudy's scholarship finder matches you to relevant scholarships based on your profile.
What is the cost of living in France for students?
Monthly living costs in France vary by city. Rent (1BR Paris): EUR 800-1,500/mo. Rent (1BR Outside Paris): EUR 400-700/mo. Groceries: EUR 200-300/mo. Transport: EUR 30-75/mo. Dining Out: EUR 10-18/meal. Health Insurance (CVEC): EUR 100/yr.
What are the post-study work options in France?
France offers the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) with a duration of 1 year (renewable). Completed master's or equivalent in France.
What is the student visa process for France?
You need the Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS). Application fee is EUR 99 with processing time of 2-6 weeks. Key documents include: Valid passport, Proof of admission (Campus France), Proof of accommodation, and more.
Ready to study in France?
Get a free profile evaluation, personalized university shortlist, and expert visa guidance from our counselors.