Study in France

France offers internationally recognised qualifications, comparatively affordable public education, respected research institutions and strong programmes in business, engineering, science, arts, fashion, hospitality and the humanities. Students also benefit from France’s central European location and multicultural environment.

International students can choose from:

• Public universities
• Grandes écoles
• Engineering and business schools
• Schools of art, architecture and design
• Hospitality and culinary schools
• Specialised and private institutions

Admission procedures, tuition fees and entry requirements vary considerably between institutions.

France follows the European LMD system:

• Licence: Three years and 180 ECTS credits
• Master: Two additional years and 120 ECTS credits
• Doctorat: Usually three or more years after a master’s degree

Engineering diplomas and qualifications from certain grandes écoles may follow different structures but are generally aligned with recognised European qualification levels.

Yes. Qualifications awarded by accredited French institutions are generally recognised internationally. Students should confirm that the institution and programme are officially recognised, especially when applying to a private school.

Professional recognition may require additional procedures in fields such as medicine, law, teaching, architecture and engineering.

Popular fields include:

• Business and management
• Engineering
• Computer science and artificial intelligence
• Fashion and luxury management
• Hospitality and tourism
• Art, design and architecture
• International relations
• Economics and finance
• Life sciences
• Culinary arts

Universities and Courses

Popular institutions include:

• Paris Sciences et Lettres University
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris
• Sorbonne University
• Université Paris-Saclay
• École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
• Sciences Po
• HEC Paris
• INSEAD
• ESSEC Business School
• emlyon business school
• Grenoble INP
• University of Strasbourg

Rankings should be considered alongside programme content, accreditation, location, fees, industry links and graduate outcomes.

Yes. France offers many English-taught programmes, particularly at master’s level and in business, engineering, technology and international relations.

However, learning basic French is strongly recommended for accommodation, administration, employment and everyday life.

It depends on the programme. French-taught courses commonly require at least B2 proficiency, while certain demanding programmes may require C1. An English-taught programme may not require a French-language certificate, but the institution may ask for evidence of English proficiency.

For French-taught programmes, institutions may accept:

• TCF
• DELF
• DALF
• TEF, where specified

For English-taught programmes, accepted tests may include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English or another institution-approved qualification. Each university sets its own score requirements and exemptions.

Admissions and Applications

Requirements commonly include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• A valid passport
• Language-test results
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter
• CV or résumé
• Academic or professional references
• Portfolio for creative programmes
• Relevant entrance tests or interviews
• Certified translations, when required

Admission is not guaranteed simply because the minimum conditions are met.

The correct process depends on the student’s nationality, country of residence, programme and study level. Applications may be submitted through:

• The Études en France platform
• Parcoursup
• Mon Master
• A university’s application portal
• Directly to a grande école or private institution

The Études en France procedure applies to residents of participating countries and territories.

Études en France is an online service managed through Campus France. Eligible applicants can use it to submit applications, upload documents, communicate with Campus France and complete pre-consular procedures.

Not every student or course uses this system, so applicants should check the procedure for their country of residence.

DAP, or Demande d’Admission Préalable, is a preliminary admission procedure commonly used by certain foreign applicants seeking entry into the first year of a public university Licence programme.

The required route depends on nationality, residence and qualifications. Campus France explains the main higher-education application routes.

Students should normally begin researching 9–12 months before their course starts. Some undergraduate and selective-school deadlines occur many months before the September intake.

Deadlines differ between Études en France, Parcoursup, Mon Master and individual institutions. Students should follow the earliest applicable deadline.

Some institutions offer January, February or spring intakes, especially for business, engineering and private-school programmes. September remains the principal intake and usually provides the widest course selection.

An academic, admissions or Campus France interview may be required. Applicants should be prepared to explain:

• Why they selected France
• Why they chose the institution and course
• How the programme relates to their previous studies
• Their career plans
• How they intend to finance their education

There is generally no universal maximum age for university admission. Nevertheless, applicants should be able to explain their academic progression, employment history, study gaps and reasons for returning to education.

Scholarships and particular programmes may have separate age restrictions.

Yes, provided they are clearly documented and reasonably explained. Work experience, internships, family responsibilities, professional training or other meaningful activities can support an application.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Fees vary according to the institution, qualification and student’s status. For the 2026–27 academic year, standard national registration fees at relevant public institutions include approximately:

• Licence: €178 per year
• Master: €255 per year
• Doctorate: €391 per year

Non-EU students may be charged differentiated fees, although institutions can grant partial or full exemptions. Private and specialised schools can charge several thousand euros or more than €10,000 annually. Students must obtain the exact fee directly from their institution. Campus France explains current tuition costs.

The CVEC is the Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus. Most students in initial higher education must pay it or obtain an exemption certificate before completing enrolment.

The CVEC for 2026–27 is €105, although the amount is reviewed periodically. Exemptions apply to certain categories of students. Service-Public provides the official rules.

Yes. Possible funding sources include:

• France Excellence Eiffel scholarships
• French government scholarships
• Erasmus+ funding
• Regional and local authority awards
• University scholarships
• Institution-specific tuition exemptions
• Scholarships offered by a student’s home country

Students can explore opportunities through the Campus France scholarship information.

The France Excellence Eiffel programme supports selected international students in eligible master’s and doctoral fields. Candidates cannot normally apply directly; a participating French institution must nominate them.

For awards beginning from January 2026, the master’s-level allowance is €1,200 per month, with certain additional services. Applicants should check the current Eiffel Scholarship rules.

Completely free study is uncommon because students may still have registration, CVEC, insurance, accommodation and living expenses. However, public education can be comparatively affordable, and scholarships or institutional exemptions may substantially reduce tuition fees.

Student Visas

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa. Most other students need:

• A short-stay visa for an eligible course lasting up to 90 days; or
• A long-stay student visa for studies lasting more than 90 days

Students should use the official France-Visas student guidance to determine the correct visa.

The VLS-TS étudiant is a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit. It normally allows a non-EU student to enter France and remain for an initial period of up to one year, subject to validation after arrival.

The checklist may include:

• Passport
• Admission or enrolment confirmation
• Academic records
• Proof of financial resources
• Proof of accommodation
• Passport photographs
• Études en France documentation, where applicable
• Visa application and payment receipt
• Additional documents requested by the consulate

The personalised France-Visas checklist takes priority over general guidance.

Students are commonly required to demonstrate reliable resources of at least €615 per month. This is a minimum immigration threshold rather than a realistic total budget, particularly in Paris.

Applicants should also account separately for tuition, accommodation deposits, travel and initial setup costs.

The official France-Visas student page currently gives indicative charges of:

• €50 for applicants covered by the Études en France procedure
• €99 for certain other applicants

Fees and exemptions can vary, so students should confirm the amount shown during their application on France-Visas.

A student holding a VLS-TS generally needs to validate it online within three months of arrival and pay any applicable validation tax. Students should also complete university enrolment, arrange health coverage, open a bank account if necessary and begin searching for longer-term accommodation.

Yes, subject to eligibility. After the first year, a student may be able to obtain a one-year temporary residence card or a multi-year student card.

Renewal normally depends on continued enrolment, sufficient resources and genuine academic progress. Applications should be made before the existing visa or permit expires. Service-Public explains the student residence rules.

Family members do not automatically receive residence or work rights through an ordinary student visa. Each person must qualify for the appropriate visa or residence status.

Options depend on nationality, programme duration, finances and individual circumstances. Families should obtain case-specific advice from France-Visas or the responsible consulate before travelling.

Living in France

A practical planning estimate is:

• Outside Paris: approximately €800–€1,200 per month
• Paris and nearby areas: approximately €1,200–€1,800 or more per month

The total depends heavily on rent, lifestyle, transport and housing type. Initial costs can be higher because of deposits, insurance, travel and household purchases.

Students may consider:

• CROUS university residences
• Private student residences
• Shared apartments
• Private studios
• Homestays
• Temporary accommodation while searching

CROUS housing is usually affordable but limited. Students should apply early and avoid transferring money before verifying the property and contract.

Some international students may qualify for housing assistance administered by CAF, depending on their immigration status, accommodation and personal circumstances.

Assistance is not guaranteed, may take time to process and should not be used as the sole basis of a student’s financial plan.

International students staying long term generally register with the French public health- insurance system, Assurance Maladie. Registration is normally free, but public coverage does not always reimburse every medical expense.

Students may purchase supplementary insurance, known as a mutuelle. EU students may be able to use a valid European Health Insurance Card, depending on their situation.

France is generally a popular and manageable destination for international students. As in any country, students should take ordinary precautions, protect personal belongings, use verified accommodation and remain aware of local safety guidance.

Working During and After Study

Many non-EU students holding an eligible student visa or residence permit may work up to 964 hours per year, equivalent to 60% of standard annual working hours. Different limits can apply to certain nationalities; for example, special provisions apply to Algerian nationals. France-Visas warns that part-time work should be treated only as supplementary income and is unlikely to cover all expenses. See the official student work rules.

For employment within the permitted student limit, an eligible student visa or residence permit generally provides the necessary work authorisation. Employers must still comply with the required declaration and employment procedures.

Separate authorisation may be required in special cases or if the work exceeds the normal student allowance.

Yes. Many programmes include internships. An internship usually requires a formal tripartite agreement between the student, institution and host organisation.

Internships lasting beyond the applicable minimum duration must normally be compensated according to French rules.

Some international students can enter apprenticeship or professional-training contracts, but eligibility depends on residence status, the programme, length of stay in France and employer formalities.

Students should confirm their eligibility with the institution and employer before relying on an alternance salary to finance their studies.

Eligible graduates may apply for a residence permit or status allowing them to seek employment or create a business after completing qualifying studies. The conditions depend on nationality, qualification and existing residence status.

The job or business generally needs to be related to the graduate’s education and meet applicable legal conditions. The standard job-search/business-creation authorisation is normally valid for one year. Service-Public explains the post-study option.

No. A qualification or post-study permit does not automatically lead to permanent residence. Graduates must qualify for an appropriate work or business residence status and continue meeting immigration requirements.

Practical Questions

A valid French long-stay visa or residence permit generally allows short visits within other Schengen countries, subject to the 90-days-in-any-180-day-period rule and entry conditions.

It does not automatically permit long-term residence, study or employment in another European country.

Yes. Banks typically request identification, proof of address and evidence of student status. Requirements differ, and some banks offer accounts designed for international students.

A French or SEPA-compatible account can simplify rent, salary, reimbursements and utility payments.

International students can apply, but medical and related health programmes are highly selective and primarily taught in French. Entry may involve pathways such as PASS or LAS, followed by competitive progression requirements.

Students should also investigate whether a French medical qualification will meet licensing requirements in the country where they intend to practise.

Credit transfer may be possible under the ECTS system, but it is not automatic. The receiving institution assesses previous modules, learning outcomes, academic level and documentation before deciding how many credits to recognise.

The refusal notice should state the reason and available appeal procedure. Depending on the circumstances, a student may correct the problem and submit a new application or pursue an administrative appeal within the specified deadline.

Applicants should address the actual refusal reason rather than immediately submitting the same documents again.

Common problems include:

• Applying through the wrong platform
• Missing early deadlines
• Choosing an unrecognised institution
• Providing inconsistent academic or financial information
• Underestimating living expenses
• Using generic motivation letters
• Paying unverified accommodation providers
• Assuming part-time work will cover all costs
• Failing to validate the VLS-TS after arrival
• Relying on unofficial immigration advice

Before making a payment, confirm:

• The institution’s official recognition and accreditation
• The exact programme title and award
• Total tuition and additional charges
• Refund conditions following a visa refusal
• Teaching language and campus location
• Internship or placement arrangements
• Payment instructions from an official institutional account
• Whether the deposit is refundable or transferable

Start early, compare accredited programmes and develop a complete financial plan. Learn basic French even if the course is taught in English, confirm the correct application route and retain copies of every admission, financial, housing and immigration document.

Information checked in August 2026. Tuition fees, visa requirements, financial thresholds and residence rules can change. Applicants should verify their individual requirements through Campus France, France-Visas, Service-Public and their chosen institution before applying.