Study in France

Bachelor's programmes

Applicants normally need:

• A completed secondary-school qualification giving access to higher education
• Suitable grades and required subjects for the chosen programme
• French-language evidence for French-taught programmes
• English-language evidence for English-taught programmes, where required
• Official transcripts, graduation documents and identification
• Programme-specific items such as a motivation letter, portfolio or entrance examination

Master's programmes

Applicants normally need:

• A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant subject
• Official degree certificate and transcripts
• Evidence of French or English proficiency according to the programme
• CV and motivation letter or statement of purpose
• References, portfolio, interview, GMAT/GRE or other evidence where requested

Which visa is required?

• Study or training of up to three months normally requires a short-stay visa when the applicant's nationality requires one
• Study lasting more than three months normally requires a long-stay student visa, commonly a VLS-TS serving as a residence permit after validation

Main stages

1. 1Obtain admission from a recognised French higher-education institution.
2. 2Complete the Études en France/Campus France procedure if it applies to the country of residence.
3. 3Use the official France-Visas wizard to identify the correct visa and document list.
4. 4Complete the online visa form and upload supporting documents where available.
5. 5Book an appointment with the responsible consulate or authorised visa centre.
6. 6Submit the passport, photographs, enrolment certificate, financial evidence, accommodation evidence and other required documents.
7. 7Provide biometrics and attend an interview if required.
8. 8Wait for the decision and collect the passport according to local instructions.
9. 9After arrival, validate the VLS-TS online within three months and complete any other required residence formalities.

Indicative student-visa fees are currently €50 for applicants in countries using the EEF procedure and €99 for other countries, although exceptions and service-centre charges may apply.

Common supporting evidence

• Valid passport
• Admission or enrolment certificate
• Academic documents
• Campus France/EEF confirmation where applicable
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Evidence of accommodation or an initial address in France
• Visa application form and compliant photographs
• Additional documents generated by the France-Visas wizard

A visa is never guaranteed. Applicants must provide genuine, consistent and complete evidence and demonstrate a credible study plan.

The following institutions are widely considered by international applicants. This is not a definitive ranking.

• Université Paris-Saclay: science, mathematics, engineering, computer science and research
• PSL University: sciences, engineering, humanities, arts and interdisciplinary research
• Sorbonne University: humanities, science, engineering and medicine-related fields
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris: engineering, technology, mathematics, AI and economics
• Université Grenoble Alpes: engineering, science, technology, environment and social sciences
• University of Strasbourg: science, health, law, humanities and European studies
• Aix-Marseille University: science, health, law, economics and humanities
• University of Bordeaux: science, health, technology, law and social sciences
• University of Montpellier: science, environment, health, agriculture and law
• University of Lille: science, engineering, business, health and humanities
• Sciences Po: political science, international relations, public policy and social sciences
• HEC Paris: business, management, finance and entrepreneurship
• ESSEC Business School: business, management, finance and marketing
• emlyon business school: management, entrepreneurship, innovation and international business

Specialist engineering, business, art and culinary schools may use separate admissions procedures and charge substantially higher fees than public universities. Applicants should confirm that the institution and qualification are officially recognised and appropriate for their career goals.

Living costs depend heavily on the city and type of accommodation. Paris is generally more expensive than most regional cities. A realistic budget should include:

• Accommodation and deposit
• Food and household expenses
• Local transport
• Telephone and internet
• Study materials
• Health top-up insurance where appropriate
• Personal and leisure expenses

For long-stay student-visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026, France requires evidence of resources of at least €877.50 per month. Students should budget above the official minimum where possible, especially when studying in Paris.

France uses several application routes. The correct process depends on nationality, country of residence, study level and institution.

1. 1Complete an eligibility assessment: review qualifications, grades, language level, budget and career objectives.
2. 2Select suitable programmes: compare curriculum, recognition, teaching language, tuition, city and scholarship prospects.
3. 3Identify the correct application platform: the route may be Études en France, Parcoursup, Mon Master, a preliminary admission request or the institution's own portal.
4. 4Prepare supporting documents: these can include qualifications, transcripts, passport, language results, CV, motivation letter, references and portfolio.
5. 5Submit applications before the relevant deadlines: deadlines differ by platform and institution.
6. 6Complete the Campus France process where required: applicants residing in an Études en France country may need to submit an online file, pay the local fee and attend an academic interview.
7. 7Complete any tests or interviews: selective programmes and specialist schools may require additional assessment.
8. 8Receive and confirm admission: follow the institution's instructions, pay any required deposit and obtain the enrolment or admission certificate.
9. 9Apply for scholarships separately: many scholarship deadlines fall before final admissions deadlines.
10. 10Begin the visa process: complete the applicable Campus France pre-consular procedure and France-Visas application.

Applicants living in countries covered by the Études en France (EEF) procedure, including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Iran and many other countries, must follow the country-specific Campus France process.