Study in New France
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1. Introduction
France—known globally as the land of art, fashion, romance, philosophy, and innovation—has always held a unique charm for students around the world. Every year, more than 370,000 international students choose France as their academic destination. This is not surprising: the country has some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, a dynamic global economy, rich cultural heritage, and an unmatched quality of life.
From Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, and Toulouse to Nantes, Montpellier, and Lille, France offers world- class educational institutions, multicultural campuses, and vibrant student-friendly cities. The French government invests heavily in education, which is one of the reasons international students enjoy high-quality programs at relatively low tuition fees compared to other top study- abroad destinations.
France is also home to cutting-edge research centers, multinational companies, and start-up incubators. Whether you want to study fashion, engineering, management, hospitality, arts, medicine, or political science, France offers programs that attract top talents worldwide.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about studying in France—costs, admission requirements, scholarships, visa procedures, intakes, work opportunities, lifestyle, and more. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to plan your educational journey in France.
2. Why Study in France?
France is one of the world’s most preferred study destinations, and for good reasons. Here are
the top factors that make studying in France an exceptional experience:
1. World-Class Education System
France consistently ranks among the top countries in global education quality. Prestigious
institutions like:
● Sorbonne University
● Sciences Po
● École Polytechnique
● HEC Paris
● INSEAD
● ESSEC
● Grenoble Ecole de Management
● Université PSL
These universities are not only academically rigorous but also well-connected with industries.
2. Affordable Tuition Fees
Thanks to government subsidies, public universities in France charge much lower tuition fees
compared to countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia. This makes France an extremely
cost-efficient option for high-quality education.
3. Programs Taught in English
While knowledge of French is helpful, thousands of programs—especially at the master’s
level—are completely taught in English. This increases accessibility for international students.
4. Vibrant Student Life
France is culturally rich—from museums, art galleries, theatres, and cafés to festivals, sporting
events, and nightlife. Students enjoy a dynamic campus environment and plenty of
opportunities for exploration.
5. Strategic Location in Europe
France is in the heart of Europe. Students can:
● travel freely across Schengen countries
● enjoy affordable travel options
● explore other European cultures
6. Global Career Opportunities
France is home to major multinational companies such as:
● Airbus
● Renault
● L’Oréal
● BNP Paribas
● TotalEnergies
● Capgemini
● Dassault Systemes
Graduates benefit from internships, part-time jobs, and post-study work visa options.
7. Rich History and Lifestyle
France offers a sophisticated lifestyle—culinary excellence, fashion, architecture, philosophy,
and literature. As a student, your learning extends far beyond the classroom into everyday life.
3. Cost of Studying in France
A. Tuition Fees
The cost of studying in France depends on the type of institution—public or private.
1. Public Universities
Public university tuition fees are among the lowest in Europe due to government subsidies. For
non-EU students:
● Bachelor’s (Licence): approx. €2,770 per year
● Master’s (Master): approx. €3,770 per year
Certain programs may have additional administrative fees.
2. Grandes Écoles and Private Institutions
Elite schools such as business schools, engineering schools, and specialized institutions may
charge higher fees.
● Business schools: €10,000 – €40,000 per year
● Engineering schools: €8,000 – €15,000 per year
● Fashion & luxury schools: €12,000 – €30,000 per year
B. Living Costs
Living costs depend on the city.
● Paris: €1,200 – €1,800
● Lyon: €900 – €1,300
● Toulouse – €900 – €1,200
● Montpellier: €800 – €1,100
● Lille: €850 – €1,200
Breakdown:
● Accommodation: €300 – €800
● Food: €200 – €300
● Transportation: €30 – €75
● Health insurance: €20 – €40
● Utilities & miscellaneous: €150 – €250
C. Hidden Costs
● Residence permit renewal
● Medical check-ups
● Books & supplies
● Travel & leisure
Overall, France is affordable compared to other high-quality destinations.
4. Admission Requirements for Studying in France
Admission requirements vary based on the level of study and institution.
A. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Requirements
● Completed high school education (equivalent to French Baccalauréat)
● Transcripts & certificates
● Passport copy
● Language proficiency (English or French)
● Statement of Purpose (SOP)
● Letters of Recommendation (optional but preferred)
● Resume/CV (for specialized courses)
● Portfolio (for art, fashion, architecture)
B. Postgraduate (Master’s) Requirements
● Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
● Academic transcripts
● Valid passport
● SOP / Motivation Letter
● Letters of Recommendation
● Resume/CV
● English or French proficiency test
C. Language Requirements
1. English-taught programs
● IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5
● TOEFL: 80+
● PTE Academic: 58+
2. French-taught programs
● DELF / DALF
● TCF / TEF
● B2 level or above preferred
D. Entrance Exams (if required)
Some institutions conduct:
● Interviews
● Aptitude tests
● Portfolio assessments
5. Student Visa Requirements
(Note: France does not use “Subclass 500”—that is an Australian visa. France uses the VLS-TS
(long-stay student visa). I will describe the correct French visa but keep your heading.)
A. Required Documents
● Valid passport
● Admission letter from a French institution
● Proof of financial capacity (approx. €750/month)
● Proof of accommodation in France
● Academic transcripts
● Language proficiency test results
● Health insurance
● Passport-sized photos
● Campus France registration proof
B. Visa Application Process
1. Register on the Campus France portal
2. Attend an academic interview (if required)
3. Submit visa application through VFS/embassy
4. Pay visa fee
5. Attend biometric appointment
6. Receive visa decision
7. Travel to France
8. Validate visa online within 3 months of arrival
6. Scholarships for International Students
France offers generous scholarships to international students.
A. Government Scholarships
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
○ Fully funded
○ For master’s & PhD students2. Erasmus+ Scholarships
○ For exchange programs
3. Charpak Scholarship (for Indian students)
○ Covers tuition & living expenses
4. Make Our Planet Great Again Scholarship
○ For environment & climate studies
B. University Scholarships
● École Normale Supérieure Scholarships
● Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
● HEC Paris MBA Scholarship
● INSEAD Scholarships
● Grenoble Ecole de Management Scholarships
C. External Scholarships
● Fulbright (US students)
● DAAD (Germany collaboration programs)
● AFD Scholarships
7. Total Intakes: What International Students Should Know
France has three major intakes, though not all institutions offer all intakes.
1. Fall Intake (September/October)
● Major intake
● Most programs available
● Higher competition
● Scholarship options available
2. Spring Intake (January/February)
● Limited programs
● Good for those who missed fall intake
● Less competition
3. Summer Intake (May/June)
● Mostly short courses
● Language programs
● Internships & summer schools
8. Work Opportunities While Studying
International students can work up to 964 hours per year (~20 hours per week) during the
academic year.
A. Types of Part-Time Jobs
● University assistant roles
● Hospitality jobs
● Retail and supermarkets
● Babysitting
● Tutoring
● Freelancing jobs
● Internships (paid or unpaid)
B. Average Salary
Students earn between €8 – €12 per hour, depending on the job.
C. Internships
Internships are often mandatory in master’s and engineering programs.
Paid internships have a minimum stipend of €600–€700 per month.
9. Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)
After completing your studies, you can apply for:
1. APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour)
● 12–24 months depending on degree
● Allows you to search for jobs or start a business
2. Talent Passport Permit
● For highly skilled graduates
● Allows long-term residence
3. Work Permit Transition
● Once you secure a job, your student visa can be converted into a work visa
10. Popular Courses in France
France excels in numerous academic fields. The most popular programs include:
A. Business & Management
● MBA
● Master in Management
● International Business
France is home to some of the best business schools globally.
B. Engineering
● Aerospace engineering
● Mechanical engineering
● Software engineering
C. Fashion & Luxury Management
Paris is the global fashion capital, making France ideal for courses in:
● Fashion design
● Luxury brand management
● Textile & design
D. Hospitality & Culinary Arts
Programs from:
● Le Cordon Bleu
● Ferrandi Paris
● Institut Paul Bocuse
E. Arts & Humanities
● Literature
● Languages
● Fine Arts
● Philosophy
F. Sciences
● Physics
● Biotechnology
● Chemistry
● Environmental science
11. Life in France as an International Student
1. Accommodation
Options include:
● CROUS student residences (cheapest)
● Private apartments
● Shared flats
● Homestays
2. Transportation
France has excellent public transportation—metro, bus, tram, and trains. Students enjoy
discounts and passes.
3. Food
French cuisine is celebrated worldwide. Students can enjoy:
● Affordable university meals (€3–€4)
● Fresh groceries
● Delicious pastries
● A wide range of international cuisines
4. Culture and Lifestyle
France has:
● World-class museums
● Historical monuments
● Festivals
● Outdoor cafés
● Sports and outdoor adventures
5. Student Support Services
Universities offer:
● Counseling
● Career services
● Language support
● Housing assistance
12. Before Moving to France
Prepare the following:
A. Documents
● Passport
● Visa
● University acceptance letter
● Accommodation confirmation
● Financial documents
B. Health and Insurance
● Mandatory student health insurance
● Medical check-up
C. Budgeting
Plan your monthly expenses.
D. Learn Basic French
Even basic knowledge improves everyday life and job prospects.
E. Pack Essentials
Adapt to the climate and lifestyle.
13. Conclusion
Studying in France is an enriching and transformative experience. From world-class universities and affordable tuition to exceptional lifestyle, cultural richness, and global opportunities, France
provides everything a student needs for academic and personal growth. Whether you’re pursuing engineering, business, arts, hospitality, fashion, or sciences, France offers programs that match your passion and ambition. As an international student, you will not only receive high-quality education but also build a global network, develop a deeper understanding of European culture, and explore career opportunities that will shape your future.
If you’re dreaming of studying abroad in a country that blends academic excellence with cultural charm, France is the perfect choice.
Jump to Topic | Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Why Study in France?
- 3. Cost of Studying in France
- 4. Admission Requirements for Studying in France
- 5. Student Visa Requirements
- 6. Scholarships for International Students
- 7. Total Intakes: What International Students Should Know
- 8. Work Opportunities While Studying
- 9. Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)
- 10. Popular Courses in France
- 11. Life in France as an International Student
- 12. Before Moving to France
- 13. Conclusion
