Study in France
Explore universities, selective higher education institutions and specialist schools across France. EduGuide helps you compare programmes, teaching language, entry requirements, tuition, living costs, application routes, visa steps and graduate options before you apply.
FRANCE at a glance
Grandes Écoles &
specialist schools
Master's &
Doctorate
October
Why Study in France?
France combines a broad public university system with selective higher education institutions and specialist schools. The right choice depends on programme content, award recognition, teaching language, total cost, location, career relevance and the route required for admission and immigration.
Diverse Study Options
Choose from universities, Grandes Écoles, engineering and business schools, and specialist institutions across France.
English & French-Taught Programmes
France offers more than 1,600 programmes taught fully or partly in English, alongside a wide range of French-taught options.
Research & Applied Learning
Explore research-led and practical programmes across engineering, technology, business, sciences, health and creative fields.
Study Beyond Paris
Compare cities such as Lyon, Grenoble, Toulouse, Lille and Bordeaux based on programmes, living costs, housing and career opportunities.
Top Universities in France
France includes leading research universities and selective institutions with different academic models. Rankings can support discovery, but students should also compare course content, recognition, entry requirements, language, fees, location and learning format.
Université PSL
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Sorbonne University
Université Paris-Saclay
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
Ranking year: QS World University Rankings 2027. Rankings change annually and do not guarantee admission, funding, a visa, employment or a particular learning experience.
Popular Courses to Study in France
France offers programmes across engineering, technology, business, sciences, creative disciplines and more. Compare each programme by curriculum, language, recognition, entry requirements and career relevance.
Engineering & Aerospace
Explore mechanical, electrical, aerospace, automotive, civil and sustainable engineering programmes across France.
Computer Science & AI
Explore computer science, software, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies.
Business & Management
Explore business management, finance, marketing, analytics, entrepreneurship and international business programmes.
Fashion, Design & Architecture
Explore fashion, luxury, graphic design, architecture, visual communication and other creative disciplines across France.
Life Sciences & Healthcare
Explore biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical research, public health and related life-science fields.
Hospitality & Tourism
Explore hospitality management, culinary arts, tourism, events and customer experience programmes across France.
Cost of Studying in France
Tuition in France varies by institution, programme and student status. For 2026/27, differentiated public-sector fees for eligible non-EU students are €2,902 for Licence programmes and €3,950 for Master's programmes, while private and specialist institutions may charge different fees.
| Expense | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's / Licence | €2,902/year* |
| Master's | €3,950/year* |
| Doctorate | €398/year* |
| CVEC | €105/year** |
France Student Visa & Financial Requirements
Plan for rent, housing deposits and other accommodation-related costs. Expenses vary significantly by city and accommodation type.
Budget for groceries, meals, personal expenses and everyday needs.
Transport costs vary by city, student status and the type of travel pass or subscription used.
Plan for health-related expenses and any complementary cover that may apply to your situation.
Allow for flights, intercity travel and other journeys during your studies.
Plan for accommodation deposits, administrative costs and initial expenses after arrival.
Important note: Tuition fees vary according to programme, institution, eligibility and exemption status. Differentiated public-sector fees may apply in certain cases, while private and specialist institutions may have their own fee structures. CVEC applies where applicable. The €877.50/month financial-resource requirement is a visa requirement and should not be treated as a fixed estimate of actual living costs. Always verify current fees and requirements before applying.
Intakes in France
September / October
Most programmes begin during this period, although exact start dates vary by institution and course.
January / Other Starts
Some programmes offer January or alternative start dates. Availability depends on the institution and specific course.
Start researching programmes, admission requirements, finances, accommodation and visa requirements early. Always confirm the exact course, teaching language, application route and deadline with the institution.
Check France Intake & DeadlinesCareer Opportunities After Studying in France
A French qualification can lead to career pathways across technology, engineering, business, sciences, creative industries and services. Career outcomes depend on your qualification, skills, experience, language ability and employer requirements.
Specific roles may require additional qualifications, professional certifications or registration.
What Makes Studying in France Different?
France combines a diverse higher-education system, a growing range of English-taught programmes and the opportunity to gain international experience while studying.
Explore more than 1,600 programmes taught fully or partly in English across French higher education.
Choose from universities, Grandes Écoles, engineering and business schools, and specialist institutions.
Eligible international students can generally work up to 964 hours per year under the applicable student residence rules.
Programme availability, institution type, language requirements and student-work conditions vary. Check the rules for your specific course and residence status.
Explore Study Options in FranceYour France Application Journey
Choose Your Study Goal
Select your study level, course, preferred city, budget, language and target intake.
Shortlist Institutions & Programmes
Compare course content, institution type, qualification, recognition, entry requirements and teaching language.
Check the Application Route
Check whether your programme uses Études en France, DAP, CampusArt, an institution-specific application or another route. India is included in the Études en France procedure.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather academic records, passport, language evidence, CV, statement, references, portfolio and other programme-specific documents.
Submit Your Application
Complete the relevant application process, pay applicable fees and monitor requests or updates.
Plan Your Finances & Accommodation
Review tuition, CVEC, living costs, available funding, accommodation and the current visa financial requirement.
Complete Your Visa & Arrival Process
Follow the current France-Visas and Campus France requirements, complete enrolment and prepare for arrival in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 2026/27, eligible non-EU students at applicable French public institutions may pay €2,902 per year for Licence programmes and €3,950 per year for Master's programmes. Doctoral registration is €398 per year. Fees can differ by institution, programme and exemption status, while private institutions may charge more.
Yes. France offers more than 1,600 programmes that are taught fully or partly in English, with a particularly strong selection at postgraduate level. Students should check the exact teaching language and language requirements of their chosen programme.
India is one of the countries covered by the Études en France procedure. However, the exact application route depends on the student's study level, programme and institution, so applicants should check the current Campus France requirements for their course.
September or October is the main intake for higher education in France. A smaller number of programmes begin in January or at other times, so students should confirm the intake availability and deadline for their specific course.
For long-stay student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026, applicants must provide evidence of financial resources of at least €877.50 per month. The accepted form of financial evidence should be checked against the current France-Visas requirements before applying.
Yes. Students with the relevant student VLS-TS or residence permit can generally work for up to 964 hours per year, equivalent to 60% of annual working time. Employer requirements and other conditions still apply.
Not always. France has many programmes taught fully or partly in English, particularly at postgraduate level. However, French can be useful for daily life, internships, networking and employment, even when your degree is taught in English.
Eligible graduates may be able to use the Job Search or Business Creation residence route for up to one year, subject to the qualification and other applicable requirements. Employment under this route must meet the relevant conditions, including requirements relating to the graduate's studies and salary.
Admission requirements vary by university and programme, but students generally need the required academic qualification, supporting documents and language evidence specified by the institution. Some programmes may also require entrance tests, interviews, portfolios or other selection requirements.
Explore Other Study Destinations
Compare destinations before you decide. Course availability, total costs, admissions, student-work conditions and post-study options differ by country.