France is home to some of the world’s top universities and Grandes Écoles, offering excellent academic programs.
Public universities offer low-cost, state-subsidized tuition, even for international students.
Over 1,600 programs are taught in English at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Rich in history, art, fashion, and cuisine — perfect for a holistic student experience.
Centrally located, offering access to 26 other Schengen countries.
Location: Paris
Known For: Humanities, Sciences
Location: Palaiseau
Known For: Engineering, Applied Sciences
Location: Paris & regional campuses
Known For: Political Science, International Relations
Location: Jouy-en-Josas
Known For: Business, Management, MBA
Location: Paris
Known For: Arts, Research
Location: Cergy
Known For: Business, Marketing
Location: Grenoble
Known For: Innovation, Entrepreneurship
Location: Fontainebleau
Known For: MBA, Executive Education
| Intake | Application Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Primary) | September/October | December – March (some as late as June) |
| Spring (Limited) | January/February | September – November |
| Note: Application deadlines vary by institution. Grandes Écoles may have earlier rounds. | ||
| Level | Tuition Range |
| Public Universities | €2,770 (UG), €3,770 (PG) |
| Grandes Écoles/Business Schools | €10,000 – €30,000 |
| Engineering Schools | €5,000 – €20,000 |
Student visa requires proof of funds (~€8,000/year)
Tip: Many universities offer need- or merit-based waivers and housing assistance.
One-stop platform for applications, visa guidance, scholarships, and pre-departure support
Helps with housing, dining, cultural events, and student discounts
Mandatory for all students; public health coverage is often free or subsidized
International student clubs, language exchange groups, cultural trips
France offers world-class education at a fraction of the usual cost — public universities charge very low tuition even for international students — plus over 1,600 English-taught programs and elite grandes écoles for business and engineering. You also gain access to the wider European job market.
Non-EU students at public universities pay roughly €3,000–4,000 per year, while private institutions and business schools charge €10,000–25,000. Living costs are around €800–1,400 per month, with Paris at the top of that range. Students also get subsidised housing support (CAF) and meals.
Not necessarily — hundreds of masters and a growing number of bachelor programs are taught fully in English (an IELTS score of about 6.0–6.5 is typical). French-taught programs require a DELF/DALF certificate. Most applications go through the official Campus France / Études en France process.
Often, yes — many French institutions accept TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo, and a large number waive English testing if your previous degree was taught in English (a Medium of Instruction letter). For French-taught programs an English test may not be needed at all — a French certificate takes its place.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (masters/PhD) is the flagship — around €1,200 per month plus benefits. Campus France lists dozens of regional and university awards, and Erasmus Mundus joint masters cover full tuition plus a living stipend for programs delivered across several European countries.
Yes — a student residence permit allows about 964 hours of paid work per year, roughly 20 hours per week. Many programs also include paid internships (stages), which are a normal and expected part of French higher education.
Student visas do not automatically include dependents, but family members can apply for visitor or family visas in parallel, and masters/PhD students with certain scholarships or research contracts have easier family routes. Plan this early — it affects housing and finances significantly.
Masters graduates can apply for a job-search/young-professional residence permit (APS) of 12–24 months depending on nationality agreements, and can convert to a work permit once employed. Time studied in France also counts toward long-term EU residency.
Figures and visa rules are indicative and change regularly — talk to our counsellors for the latest requirements.
