Study in the France
Explore the Benefits, Costs, and Opportunities of Study in France for Indian Students
Explore the Benefits, Costs, and Opportunities of Study in France for Indian Students
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France is a country where one can connect with people worldwide, gain new experiences, and understand new perspectives. When you study in France you would observe how easily you adjust in a foreign country. It presents pools of opportunities, and you have 3,500 universities in France to choose from. To confirm your admission you can also apply to three universities at once. For Indian students, funding is a concern however, you can either go for scholarships for Indian students in France or get an education loan at low interest rates. Thus, don’t miss this opportunity and become part of the vibrant culture.
One can fly closer to their dreams after receiving a study visa. Therefore, here is some general information that one should know before planning their study abroad France travels.
| Factors | Description |
|---|---|
|
Average Cost of Study |
INR 3,30,000 – 13,00,000 per year (varies by course, public/private institution, and level of study) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
INR 7,00,000 – 12,00,000 per year (depending on city and lifestyle) |
|
Source of Funding |
Scholarships (e.g., Eiffel Scholarship), education loans, part-time jobs, personal savings |
|
Intakes |
September (major intake), January/February (some programs) |
|
Types of Visa |
C-Type (short stay, less than 90 days), D-Type (long stay, more than 90 days) for students |
|
Popular Cities to Study |
Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Montpellier |
|
France Study Visa Cost |
Approx. INR 8,500 – 10,000 for a long-term student visa (D-Type) |
France is a country known for its modern education system and as one of the largest economies, which provides confidence in employment after completing studies. Other than this, from the academic lens, it stands out with 11 universities ranking in the top 100 according to the QS World Ranking. It has become an education hub for fields such as business, fashion, engineering, and the arts.
Recently, the French government announced that it would approve 30,000 Indian study visas for a 5-year Schengen visa by 2030. This has made France a more appealing study-abroad destination. However, students can also enjoy the work-life balance, and work for 964 hours per year while they are pursuing their studies in France.
Students who seek affordable yet high-quality education in France choose Toulouse to save a significant amount on living expenses. However, they move out to the high-paying city when they obtain their post-study work visa.
France has a modern education system that attracts students from around the world. Here are some universities that are popular among Indian students. You can find both public and private universities in France.
| University | Under-Graduate Course Requirement | Post-Graduate Course Requirement | MBA Course Requirement | Some Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sorbonne University |
Completion of secondary education (French Baccalauréat or equivalent) |
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in a related field) |
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in business or related field) |
History, Literature, Philosophy, International Relations |
|
Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) |
Completion of secondary education with high academic performance; admission may include entrance exams |
Master’s degree (selective admission, strong academic background required) |
Not specifically offered; focus on high-level academic research |
Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Philosophy |
|
University of Lorraine |
Completion of secondary education with relevant subjects; French language proficiency may be required |
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field |
Bachelor’s degree; relevant experience may be necessary |
Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science |
|
University of Jean Moulin Lyon 3 |
Completion of secondary education (French Baccalauréat or equivalent); language proficiency may be required |
Bachelor’s degree; relevant experience may be beneficial |
Not typically offered; may have related programs |
Law, Political Science, Humanities |
|
EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science |
Completion of secondary education (preferably with a focus on science and math) |
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferably with a strong technical background) |
Not specifically offered; technical and management courses available |
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence |
There is a general criteria that students must meet to study in France. However, the criteria may vary depending on the university and course you choose.
Students must be 18 or older. There are no strict age limits, and you can apply for admission even in your 20s or 30s.
To secure admission to a French university, applicants are generally required to score at least 50% in their secondary examination, and universities in France for masters asked for a minimum 2.0 GPA in bachelors. However, specific requirements may vary by course and institution.
French is the native language and English is the secondary language. However, some students also apply for courses which they have to study in French. In this scenario, students should have the proficiency in both languages. Commonly accepted language exams include DELF or DALF for the French language and IELTS/ TOEFL for the English language.
Applicants may need to appear for the standardized admission tests. Colleges in France do not have additional exams beyond the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) which are compulsory for the master's degree in France. For undergraduate courses interviews are common but, standardized tests are usually not required. Confirm the details and exact process from the university’s official website.
Most France universities require LOR from teachers or mentors to verify the applicant’s character, strengths, and achievements. Learn to write a killer LOR? Read here!
The Statement of Purpose is a personal essay explaining your motivation to study in France and your future academic plans. Sample of SOP that explains you thoroughly.
The next crucial step is obtaining a study visa which confirms that you can study in France as an Indian student. To apply for a study visa, you’ll need to gather the following essential documents:
Make sure to read the France Study Visa guide to streamline your application process and reduce stress!
The cost of studying in France is around INR 90,000 per month, meaning you require around INR 10 Lakh in immediate funds, excluding the tuition fees of colleges in France. Below is a breakdown that might help you plan your study in France.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (€) | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
France University Fees |
EUR 3,000 – 10,000 per year |
Tuition fees for academic programs, with public universities being more affordable; private institutions and engineering schools tend to charge higher fees. |
|
Visa Application Fee |
EUR 50 – 100 |
The fee for applying for a student visa (typically D-Type long stay); may vary based on processing time and nationality. |
|
Health Insurance |
EUR 200 – 700 per year |
Mandatory health insurance coverage for international students; costs depend on the plan and provider. |
|
Rent |
EUR 400 – 1,500 per month |
Monthly accommodation costs vary by city (e.g., Paris is more expensive) and housing type (private apartment vs. shared dorm). |
|
Grocery |
EUR 250 – 400 per month |
Monthly food and household expenses; can vary based on personal preferences and dietary habits. |
|
Electricity |
EUR 50 – 120 per month |
Monthly utility costs, including electricity, water, and heating, depending on usage and apartment size. |
|
Travel |
EUR 30 – 70 per month |
Monthly public transportation costs (bus, metro, tram); students may receive discounts through passes. |
|
Books & Supplies |
EUR 300 – 500 per year |
Annual expenses for course materials, textbooks, and other study-related supplies. |
|
Internet & Phone |
EUR 25 – 50 per month |
Monthly costs for internet and mobile phone plans, with variation based on provider and type of contract. |
|
Off-Campus Fun |
EUR 100 – 250 per month |
Entertainment, social activities, and dining out; Paris and other large cities may have higher expenses for leisure. |
|
Miscellaneous |
EUR 50 – 100 per month |
Additional personal expenses, such as clothing, toiletries, or emergency costs. |
You can go for the education loan for France at low interest rates. Have queries? Book a call for 30 minutes and get them resolved for free.
You can also study in France without paying tuition fees by securing scholarships offered by universities or the French government. Here are some scholarships that might help you achieve cost-free education in France:
It is provided by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs which aims to attract international students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs.
This is offered by the French Embassy to Indian students and aims to support Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in France.
This scholarship is sponsored by the University of Ottawa and supports students facing unexpected financial difficulties.
Studying abroad in France is a great opportunity, and you can make the most of it by working while studying to cover your monthly living expenses. There are several part-time job opportunities available to students, which can help you manage your finances while studying in France.
However, it is essential to score well in your exams and follow the time limits allowed on your visa. Check out the part-time jobs you can take up while staying in France.
To settle after completing study in France, you can apply for a Post-study Work Visa (PSW) or a Residence Permit. This allows you to stay and work for 12-24 months, during this period you can either search for a job or start your own business. Once employed, you can switch to a long-term work permit which depends on your job and salary. Over time, you may also become eligible to apply for permanent residency, allowing you to settle in France.
No, universities in France charge the same tuition fees for international students as they do for European citizens. You can expect to pay approximately EUR 2,850 per year for bachelor’s programs.
One of the biggest challenges of studying in France is the language barrier, as communicating with locals can be difficult without knowledge of French.
You can enroll in short-term French language courses. Organizations like BAAM offer free courses for international students.
You can start with online courses to learn the basics of French, which will help you communicate more easily with native speakers.
There are many excellent universities in France, but Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) Research University Paris is considered one of the best.
Bordeaux is known for its reputed colleges and offers excellent job opportunities in various fields, making it a great place to study.
The cost of a master’s degree ranges from EUR 1,500 to 3,500 per academic year.
Most master’s programs are two years long, though research-oriented courses may take a few additional months to complete.
