Study in France
Grandes écoles for business and engineering, low public university fees, and a growing catalogue of English-taught master's.
Why France
France offers two very different experiences: public universities with fees below €4,000 a year, and elite business and engineering schools that place graduates at the top of the European job market. English-taught master's are now common in business, engineering, computer science and international relations. Post-study rights are generous, especially for Indian graduates, who can get a two-year job-search permit.
Strong subjects
Intakes and deadlines
| Intake | What to know |
|---|---|
| September | Main intake. Public university applications through Campus France open in October and close in January to March. |
| January | Some business schools and private programmes. |
Working while you study
964 hours a year (about 60 percent of full time), which allows roughly 20 hours a week. Minimum wage €11.88 an hour gross minimum wage (SMIC, 2025).
What it costs
Indicative figures for 2026/27. €800 to €1,200 a month outside Paris; €1,200 to €1,800 in Paris
| Tuition | A year |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €2,850 a year at public universities for non-EU students; €6,000 to €15,000 at private schools |
| Postgraduate | €3,879 a year at public universities; €10,000 to €25,000 at grandes écoles and business schools |
| Living cost | A month in € |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 to €800 outside Paris, €700 to €1,300 in Paris (CROUS halls are cheapest) |
| Food and groceries | €200 to €300; university restaurants serve meals for about €3.30 |
| Transport | €30 to €90 with youth discounts |
| Utilities and phone | €60 to €110 |
| Health | Free enrolment in French social security; a top-up mutuelle costs €10 to €40 |
Student visa
- Create your Études en France file and get an academic interview at Campus France
- Receive admission and pay any deposit
- Apply for the visa online via France-Visas and book a VFS appointment
- Submit documents and biometrics; processing 2 to 4 weeks
- Validate the VLS-TS online after arrival and register for social security
Visa rules change without much notice. Everything here is checked against the official guidance, but confirm the current position before you apply. We do that with you as part of the application.
Universities in France
Open one to see courses, fees, entry requirements and intakes.
Questions students ask
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Not for an English-taught programme. Daily life, internships and jobs are far easier with French, and many schools include French classes in the fee.
How long can I stay after my master's in France?
12 months on the APS for most nationals, 24 months for Indian nationals. Bachelor's graduates are not eligible.
Is a French public university degree recognised abroad?
Yes. Public universities award national diplomas recognised across the EU and beyond. For business, check that a school's programme is Visa-accredited or triple-crowned (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).
Thinking about France?
Send us your results and your budget. We will tell you what you can get into, and what it will really cost.