Study in France

About France

France (officially the French Republic) is a major Western European nation known for its profound global influence on art, culture, fashion, and cuisine. With its capital in Paris, it is the largest country in the European Union, boasting a population of over 68 million and a diverse landscape that includes the Alps, Mediterranean coastlines, and fertile plains. France is an excellent, top-tier destination for international studies, recognized as the world’s fourth-largest host for foreign students and France is generally safe for international students, If you’re dreaming of living and studying in France, explore our high school exchange programs and discover how you can make it happen.

Key Facts:

  • Location: Western Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and several European nations.
  • Area: 632,702 km²
  • Capital: Paris
  • Currency: Euro
  • Languages: French
  • Total population: 68.61 million to 69 million people.

Why Study in France?

Studying in France offers a premier, affordable, and globally recognized education, combining high-quality academic standards with a rich cultural experience.

  1. High-Quality, Affordable Education: France has a top-tier education system with low tuition fees, particularly in public universities, as the government subsidizes a large portion of costs.
  2. Top-Ranked Institutions: Home to world-class universities and prestigious Grandes Écoles offering diverse programs in business, engineering, and arts.
  3. English-Taught Programs: Over 1,700 programs are taught in English, allowing international students to study without being fluent in French.
  4. Affordable Cost of Living: Generally lower living costs compared to the UK, USA, or Canada, especially with student discounts on transport and food.
  5. Post-Study Work Visa: International graduates can secure a 2-year job-seeker visa after completing a Master’s degree.
  6. Strategic Location in Europe: A central location makes it easy to travel and explore other European countries.
  7. World-Class Research and Innovation: Ranked 2nd for Fields Medals and 4th for Nobel Prizes, providing excellent opportunities for research.
  8. Strong Economy and Employability: France is a major economic power and home to global corporations like Airbus, L’Oréal, and LVMH, enhancing career prospects.
  9. Cultural Experience and Lifestyle: A unique, enriching, and vibrant culture, with Paris often ranked as the top student city.
  10. Scholarships and Support: Numerous scholarships (over 500 for Indian students alone) and support for international students are available.

Top 15 Universities in France

1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) (Paris): A top-ranked collegiate university specializing in research.
2. Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Paris): Premier institution for science and engineering.
3. Sorbonne University (Paris): Renowned for humanities, sciences, and medicine.
4. Université Paris-Saclay (Gif-sur-Yvette): Leader in mathematics, engineering, and sciences.
5. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon) (Lyon): Highly selective, top-tier research in sciences and humanities.
6. Université Paris Cité (Paris): Strong, multidisciplinary, and research-focused.
7. École Polytechnique (Palaiseau): Top-ranked Grande École for engineering.
8. Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) (Grenoble): Renowned for physics, computer science, and engineering.
9. Aix-Marseille University (Marseille/Aix-en-Provence): One of the largest, strong in social sciences, law, and medicine.
10. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris): Highly regarded for law, humanities, and social sciences.
11. Sciences Po (Paris): Top institution for political science and international studies.
12. École des Ponts ParisTech (Marne-la-Vallée): Leading engineering school specialized in civil engineering and economics.
13. Université de Montpellier (Montpellier): Strong in medicine, biology, and environment.
14. Université de Bordeaux (Bordeaux): Known for neuroscience, medicine, and oenology.
15. Université de Strasbourg (Strasbourg): Renowned for interdisciplinary research.

Study In France

So.No.

Key Fact

 

1.

Top Courses

  • Business & Management (MBA/MiM)
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Fashion & Luxury Brand Management
  • Hospitality & Tourism Management
  • Finance & Accounting
  • Culinary Arts & Wine Management
  • Arts, Design & Media Studies
  • Political Science & International Relations
  • Law

2.

Duration

  • Bachelor’s (3-4 years),
  • Master’s (1-2 years),
  • PhD (3-5 years).

3.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Undergraduate: Completed 12th standard (min. 75% often required).
  • Postgraduate: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, GMAT/GRE (for Business Schools), and work experience for some programs.
  • Language: IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (68+) for English-taught, DELF/DALF B2 for French-taught.

4

Minimum Qualifications

  • Completed 10+2 for UG
  • Bachelor’s degree for Master’s.

5.

Approximate Fees (Per Semester)

  • Public Universities: ≈is approximately equal to≈€1,350–€1,900 per semester (avg. €2,770–€3,770 annually).
  • Private/Business Schools: ≈is approximately equal to≈€2,500–€15,000+ per semester (varies significantly).

6.

Intake

  • Fall (September/October – primary)
  • Spring (January/February).

7.

Top University

  • Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
  • Institut Polytechnique de Paris
  • Sorbonne University
  • Université Paris-Saclay
  • École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon)

 

Studying in English or French?

Studying in French

  • Benefits: Deepens understanding of the culture, enhances career opportunities in France (2nd in employability), and improves language proficiency for better social integration.
  • Challenges: Requires high proficiency (often C1 level) and is academically challenging.
  • Best for: Students aiming for long-term immersion, fluency, or specialized fields in French-speaking countries.

Studying in English in France

  • Benefits: Accessibility, with over 1,600 English-taught programs available, including many at the Master’s level. Allows for focusing on subject matter without language barriers.
  • Challenges: Risk of remaining in an “English bubble” and not fully experiencing the local culture.
  • Best for: Students seeking a top-tier international education while benefiting from French research and academic environments.

Popular courses to study in France include:
Business, Management & Finance
1. Master in Management (MiM) (Grandes Écoles)
2. MBA (Finance, Marketing, Strategy)
3. Luxury Brand Management
4. International Business
5. Finance & Investment Banking
6. Hospitality & Hotel Management
7. Marketing & Digital Strategy
8. Entrepreneurship

Engineering & Technology
9. 9. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
10. 10. Aerospace Engineering (e.g., ISAE-SUPAERO)
11. 11. Data Science & Data Analytics
12. 12. Computer Science & IT
13. 13. Mechanical Engineering
14. 14. Civil Engineering
15. Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing

Arts, Design & Humanities
16. Fashion Design & Luxury Marketing
17. Art History & Fine Arts
18. Film Studies & Cinematography
19. Architecture
20. Political Science & International Relations (e.g., Sciences Po)

Undergraduate Studies

France offers a wide array of undergraduate programs, particularly in business and management, with institutions like Burgundy School of Business (BSB), EM Normandie Business School, and Paris School of Business (PSB) being popular choices for international students.
Popular Programs

  • Business and Management
  • Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Arts and Design
  • Social Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychology
  • International Business Administration
  • Finance
  • International Finance
  • International Economics
  • Communication Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Geography
  • Art History
  • International and Comparative Politics
  • Sociology
  • Literary Studies
  • Film Studies
  • Global Communications
  • Creative Arts
  • Linguistics
  • French Studies
  • European and Mediterranean Cultures

Postgraduate Studies

France, postgraduate studies follow the LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorat), with Master’s programs typically being two years (M1 and M2), leading to a “Diplôme National de Master”.

CategoryDegreeDescription
Taught MastersMA, MSc and MEngThese are similar to undergraduate studies, with lecturers, tutorials and seminars. Students have to research topics on their own and take an independent approach to their studying.
Research MastersMRes and MA (Research)These are the prerequisites for entering a PhD in France and students must focus on improving their research skills through conducting independent research to produce a final project.
DoctoratePhDUsually completed after a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Students have to demonstrate the necessary aptitude to pursue independent research.

Language Requirements for Universities in France

1. French-Taught Programs: A minimum of B2 (Upper Intermediate) is standard, often required for university admission (DAP – demande d’admission préalable).
2. Proof of French Proficiency: Valid certifications include DELF B2 (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), DALF C1/C2 (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française), TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français), or TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français).
3. English-Taught Programs: Many universities offer English-taught, and proficiency can be demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests.
4. Exceptions: Students from French-speaking countries, those with a French high school diploma (AEFE), or those with previous degrees taught in French may be exempt.
5. PhD Programs: Typically require a high level of proficiency (C1 or C2) in French or English, depending on the research area.

Study in France for International Students After 12th

Indian students can study in France after 12th grade in a variety of programs, including undergraduate, diploma, and certificate courses. France is a popular choice for international students.
Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
  • Engineering, business, and economics
  • Medicine and healthcare
  • Culinary arts
  • Language courses
  • Fashion designing
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Art and design
  • Information technology and computer science

Study in France without IELTS

Universities Accepting Students Without IELTS
Many reputable business and engineering schools in France offer programs without IELTS, including:
1. American Business School, Paris
2. EBS Paris
3. EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
4. ESAIP School of Engineers
5. ESC Rennes School of Business
6. INSEEC Business School
7. NEOMA Business School
8. Paris School of Business
9. SKEMA Business School
10. Toulouse Business School

Study in France Scholarship

  • Charpak Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
  • Shikhar Thales Scholarship program
  • Bahman Samandari Scholarship Program
  • Amba- Dalmia Scholarship Program 
  • École Normale Supérieure International Selection
  • Ampere Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon
  • Emile Boutmy Scholarships at Sciences Po University
  • Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
  • Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation Scholarships
  • INSEAD MBA Scholarships

Cost of living & studying in France.

Studying in France costs between €650 and €1,300 per month for living expenses, with Paris being the most expensive (€1,000–€1,300+) and other cities like Lyon or Grenoble being more affordable (€650–€900).

Public university tuition is relatively low (€2,770–€3,770/year for non-EU), while private schools are costlier. Budget-friendly options like CROUS housing (€150–€400/month) help significantly.

For further guidance and assistance with visa applications, please contact us.

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