France

Country snapshot

• Capital: Paris

• Language: French (many programmes in English)

• Dial code: +33

• Currency: Euro (EUR)

• Main intakes: September/October (some programmes also start in January/February)

Why study in France?

You’ll access globally respected degrees, strong industry links (tech, aerospace, luxury, hospitality), and a rich cultural experience. Many universities offer English-taught tracks, while learning French boosts employability across Europe, Africa, and Canada.

Key benefits

• High academic standards and research strength

• Competitive tuition at public institutions

• Extensive English-taught options (especially at master’s level)

• Strong sectors: AI, aerospace, luxury brands, gastronomy, tourism

• Central European location with excellent travel connections

Eligibility (general)

• Undergraduate: Secondary school completion meeting programme prerequisites

• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree (minimum grade requirements vary)

• Language: English test (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programmes; French test (DELF/DALF/TCF) for French-taught

• Extras: Portfolios (arts/design), auditions (music), or work experience (MBA/management) where required

Required documents (typical)

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts and certificates (+ official translations if needed)

• Language test results (English and/or French)

• Statement of Purpose / study plan

• 1–3 Letters of Recommendation

• CV/Resume

• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs

• Passport-size photos and application forms

Visa & procedures (overview)

• Offer/acceptance from a recognised institution (admission letter)

• For many countries, applications run through the Etudes en France/Campus admissions portal before the visa step

• Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS): online application + biometrics; validate the visa upon arrival in France

• Health coverage: register for French social security after arrival; maintain comprehensive insurance

• Work during studies: generally permitted up to 964 hours per year (approx. 20 hrs/week during term), subject to current rules

Costs (guide numbers)

(Figures vary by institution and programme.)

• Tuition (public universities): typically a few thousand euros per year; some regions/institutions may set different rates or provide waivers for non-EU students

• Grandes écoles/private schools: higher, often €8,000 – €20,000+ per year

• Living expenses: about €900 – €1,600 per month (Paris on the higher end) covering accommodation, food, transport, insurance

• Student services fee (CVEC): payable annually (modest amount)

Work after graduation

Graduates from eligible programmes (often master’s level) may apply for a temporary residence authorisation to look for work or start a business, with options to transition to longer-term permits upon securing qualifying employment.

Top universities (examples)

• Sorbonne University

• PSL University (Paris Sciences & Lettres)

• École Polytechnique

• Université Paris-Saclay

• Sciences Po

• Université Grenoble Alpes

• Université Paris Cité

Scholarships & funding (examples)

• National excellence scholarships for master’s/PhD levels

• University-specific tuition waivers and merit awards

• Programme- or country-specific grants

• European mobility funding (where applicable)

Application steps

1. Shortlist programmes (language of instruction, prerequisites, deadlines)

2. Check if your country uses the Etudes en France route; follow portal steps if applicable

3. Prepare documents (transcripts, translations, SOP, references, CV, language tests)

4. Submit applications before the intake deadline; track decisions

5. Accept offer and arrange accommodation/insurance

6. Apply for the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) and complete biometrics

7. Travel, validate the visa on arrival, register for social security, and attend enrolment/orientation