How to Study in France for Indian Students?

France ranks 8th globally and 5th in Europe as one of the best study destinations worldwide. More Indian students now think about France for their higher education. The numbers tell an impressive story – 7,344 Indian students enrolled in 2023-24, and experts predict this number will grow by 200% by 2030.

The Indian and French governments aim to bring 30,000 Indian students to France by decade’s end. This growing popularity makes perfect sense. Students can choose from over 1,700 English-taught programs, which are available without needing French language skills. Public universities in France keep their fees surprisingly affordable. Bachelor’s programs cost around INR 2,50,000, while Master’s programs run approximately INR 3,50,000.

The French government shows its commitment to Indian students by offering scholarships worth over Rs.15 crore each year. Students get amazing opportunities after graduation too. A two-year post-study work visa awaits after completing your studies. Master’s graduates from French schools can also get a five-year Schengen circulation visa.

Academic excellence combines with affordable education and great post-graduation opportunities in France. This piece covers everything you need to know about studying in France as an Indian student in 2024.

Why Study in France as an Indian Student

France has been a 50-year-old powerhouse in higher education that draws students from all corners of the world. Indian students find the French education system particularly appealing because it goes beyond just academics. Let me show you why France should be your next stop for international education.

Academic excellence and global rankings

French higher education enjoys worldwide recognition. The country ranks as the world’s fourth-largest hub for international students and leads non-English speaking nations in foreign academics. This comes from France’s steadfast dedication to academic quality and breakthroughs.

French universities rank impressively on the global stage. U.S. News rankings place institutions like Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, and Université Paris Saclay among the top. The Times Higher Education rankings show Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) Research University Paris as France’s highest-ranked institution.

France shines especially bright in mathematics, ranking second worldwide with thirteen Fields Medals. The country boasts sixty-two Nobel Prize winners, including the legendary Marie Curie. Students pursuing advanced degrees find this research excellence particularly attractive.

The French education system stands out because the government invests heavily in education and research. Education takes up over 20% of the state’s budget. Students get high-quality instruction without breaking the bank. This long-term vision has built one of the world’s most available yet excellent higher education systems.

Indian students looking at specific fields should note these strengths:

• Business education: INSEAD ranks 2nd worldwide in Business/Management, with HEC Paris at 9th position
• Political studies: Sciences Po Paris ranks 2nd in Politics and 12th in Social Policy
• STEM fields: French schools excel in Mathematics, Physics, and Natural Sciences

Affordable education and living

France costs nowhere near what you’d pay in the UK or USA. Public universities keep fees low thanks to substantial government support. While education costs about €10,000 yearly, the French government covers most of it.

The 2024/2025 academic year fees at public universities are €175 yearly for Bachelor’s, €250 for Master’s, and €391 for doctoral programs. Non-EU students pay more (€2,850 yearly for Bachelor’s and €3,879 for Master’s programs), but this is a big deal as it means that the fees are still lower than many English-speaking countries.

Private institutions, especially business schools, charge between €6,000 and €18,000 yearly. Notwithstanding that, these fees remain competitive globally.

Living costs change based on where you stay. Paris needs about €1,000 monthly, while cities like Lille, Montpellier, and Toulouse are comfortable with €700-€900 monthly. Most students spend €600 to €800 monthly on food, transportation, and housing outside Paris.

Housing takes the biggest chunk of your budget. University residence halls (CROUS) offer the best deal at around €200 monthly (€400 in Paris). Sharing apartments helps cut costs by splitting rent and utilities.

Cultural exposure and lifestyle benefits

France gives you exceptional cultural enrichment beyond books and lectures. The motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity) shapes your entire educational experience. You’ll learn new points of view through French culture, food, architecture, and student life.

This cultural immersion boosts your job prospects. Your French degree opens doors to 570 French companies in India. Employers value your knowing how to adapt to new environments and cultures. French stands as the third most used business language worldwide, creating more professional opportunities.

France’s quality of life makes your study experience even better. Paris topped QS Best Student Cities (2014), mixing cultural activities with academic excellence. The country offers countless festivals, museums, and dining experiences that UNESCO recognizes as intangible cultural heritage.

The French education system welcomes breakthroughs and entrepreneurship. France ranks sixth worldwide in international patents and houses 71 competitiveness clusters where laboratories, universities, startups, and major corporations work together. Your entrepreneurial dreams grow alongside your academic goals.

France gives Indian students a perfect blend of academic excellence, affordability, and cultural immersion. This combination helps you grow personally and professionally.

Understanding the French Education System

The French higher education system has a unique structure that is different from what many Indian students know. You should understand this system before starting your application process.

Types of institutions: Universities vs Grandes Écoles

French higher education works on a dual-track system with two main types of institutions that take completely different approaches to education.

Public Universities are government-funded institutions that welcome all students who have earned their Baccalauréat (high school diploma) or equivalent. These universities follow the European LMD system (License, Master, Doctorat) with degrees set up in semesters and European credits (ECTS). A License (Bachelor’s) needs 180 ECTS credits over six semesters, while a Master’s requires another 120 credits in four semesters.

Grandes Écoles, which are unique to France, are elite institutions that work outside the regular university system. These selective schools usually focus on one subject area—engineering, business, or political science. They take in only a small number of students (100-300 graduates yearly) through tough entrance exams. Most of France’s top scientists, executives, and political leaders studied at Grandes Écoles.

The admission process shows this key difference. Universities take all students with the right qualifications, but Grandes Écoles usually need:

• Two years of intensive preparatory classes (Classes Préparatoires or “prépas”)
• Passing tough competitive entrance exams
• Sometimes direct entry based on excellent high school grades

Popular courses for Indian students

Indian students often choose these fields when studying in France:

Business and Management is a top choice. French business schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC, and ESCP Europe rank among the world’s best institutions. MBA programs at IÉSEG School of Management and Grenoble Ecole de Management have triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) and draw lots of interest.

Engineering is very popular, especially at the prestigious École Polytechnique, ParisTech, and the INSA network[101]. French engineering degrees’ technical excellence and worldwide recognition are great assets for Indian students who want international careers.

Other popular fields include:

• Luxury Brand Management (a French specialty)
• Data Science and Computer Science
• Finance and Economics
• Fashion Design and Hotel Management

English-taught programs and language flexibility

France has mostly French-speaking institutions, but it now offers more than 1,700 degree programs taught completely in English. These include:

• 125 undergraduate programs
• 1,400 Master’s programs
• 75 professional courses
• 100 summer programs

This growth has made French education more available to Indian students who don’t speak French well. Language requirements vary by school and program:

French-taught programs at most public universities need a B2 level certificate in DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) or the TCF-DAP exam. Some programs ask for the advanced C1 level DALF certification.

English-taught programs usually need:

• IELTS (average minimum score of 6.5)
• TOEFL (average minimum score of 82)

Schools offer FLE (French as a Foreign Language) courses so international students can improve their French while studying their main subjects. These language courses help students fit into French culture without falling behind in their studies.

This basic knowledge of the French education system will help you handle your application process better and pick the right path for your academic goals and career plans.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Indian students need to follow a well-laid-out process to apply to French institutions through the Etudes en France procedure. A clear understanding of each step will help you direct your application smoothly and boost your admission chances.

1. Choose your course and university

Your first vital step is to research and pick programs that match your academic goals. France has many institutions with different specializations. Good research becomes essential before you start formal applications.

Look at your desired specialization and check university rankings in your field for postgraduate studies. Note that each institution has its strengths – some stand out in engineering while others lead in business education or arts programs.

Check specific entry requirements on university websites after you spot potential programs. This initial research creates the foundation for your next application steps.

2. Register on the Etudes en France portal

Indian students must use the “Etudes en France” procedure when applying to French higher education institutions. This online platform handles everything from applications to visa requests.

Start by:

1. Creating your personal account on the Etudes en France website
2. Selecting Campus France India as your location
3. Completing the registration form to get your file number (formatted as “INXX-XXXX”)
4. Keeping this number safe for future communications

You can browse program options and pick up to 7 courses for non-DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable) applications after registration. DAP applications, typically for first-year undergraduate studies, allow you to choose up to 3 programs.

3. Submit documents and appear for academic interview

Complete your application by uploading these required documents:

1. Copy of your passport or identity card
2. Passport-sized photograph
3. Academic transcripts and diplomas
4. Curriculum Vitae (resume)
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Language proficiency certificates (French or English, based on program requirements)

Campus France reviews your file after you submit documents and pay the application fee. You’ll then get a notification for an academic interview appointment. This interview evaluates your fit for the program. You explain your reasons for studying in France.

Be ready to discuss:

• Your chosen course and universities
• Your study plan and career goals
• Your knowledge about your selected cities
• Your study financing plans
• Your language skills

The interview happens online or in person, depending on current situations. Your application goes to your chosen institutions after you clear the interview.

4. Apply directly to universities (if required)

Some institutions—especially Grandes Écoles, grands établissements, and private universities—need direct applications despite using the Etudes en France platform. In these cases:

• Look up application deadlines and requirements on the institution’s website
• Send applications straight to each institution
• Get ready for extra requirements like entrance exams, interviews, or motivation letters

Specialized programs like MBA or engineering often have unique selection processes. These might include essays, recommendation letters, and entrance examinations.

A careful approach to these application steps raises your chances of getting into your preferred French institution. Your acceptance letter becomes a key document for your student visa application—the next step toward studying in France.

Admission Requirements for Indian Students

Getting admitted to French universities is a vital step for Indian students planning to study in France. The right qualifications and documents will help you direct your way through admissions and secure your spot at a French institution.

Academic qualifications and minimum scores

Indian degrees are now officially recognized by the French government, thanks to the 2018 agreement on mutual recognition of academic qualifications between France and India. This groundbreaking agreement—India’s first such intergovernmental arrangement—accepts various Indian qualifications including:

• All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE)
• CBSE and state board certificates
• Pre-university (PU) qualifications
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees

You need a higher secondary certificate (equivalent to the French Baccalauréat) from a recognized board to apply for undergraduate programs. Most French institutions want a minimum GPA of 12 out of 20 for undergraduate admissions.

A Bachelor’s degree is needed for postgraduate programs, and many institutions look for a minimum GPA of 14 out of 20. Your academic scores should stay competitive since requirements vary between universities and specific programs.

Language proficiency tests (IELTS, TCF, etc.)

Your chosen program’s language of instruction determines the language requirements:

For French-taught programs:

• DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française): Most universities need a B2 (intermediate) level certificate
• DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française): Some institutions need C1 (advanced) level
• TCF-DAP (Test de Connaissance du Français): You need a minimum score of 400 points

The TCF “tout public” has mandatory tests with multiple-choice questions. These cover listening comprehension, grammar comprehension, and reading comprehension. Written and verbal skills tests are optional.

For English-taught programs:

• IELTS: Most schools ask for 6.5, but top institutions might want scores between 7.0-8.0
• TOEFL: You typically need a minimum score of 82

A French language certificate might not be needed if your program is fully in English and the university doesn’t specifically ask for French proficiency.

Document checklist for application

Here’s what you need to complete your application:

• Identification documents
  • Valid passport (should stay valid for at least three months after your visa expires)
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
• Academic records
  • Original and copies of your latest degree/diploma
  • Academic transcripts with marks
  • Medium of Instruction Certificate (for English-taught programs)
• Language proficiency certificates
  • French (DELF/DALF/TCF) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) test results
• Administrative documents
  • Acceptance letter from your French institution
  • CV/Resume showing your academic and professional background
  • Statement of Purpose explaining your academic goals
  • Letters of recommendation (usually 1-2 from academic references)
• Financial documentation
  • Bank statements from the last three months
  • Scholarship letter (if applicable)
  • Financial guarantee letter if sponsored
  • Proof of sufficient funds covering at least your first year in France

Note that you must complete the Etudes en France procedure to apply for a student visa lasting more than 90 days. You’ll need to pay the Campus France processing fee of 18,500 INR. Once you have your acceptance letter, you can start your visa application through the France-Visas portal.

Cost of Studying and Living in France

Financial planning plays a key role for anyone looking to study in France. Students need to understand how costs differ between schools and cities to budget wisely.

Tuition fees in public vs private institutions

French public higher education gets strong government support, which keeps tuition fees low. Public universities in 2024/2025 charge just €175 for Bachelor’s programs, €250 for Master’s programs, and €391 for doctoral studies. Students from non-EU countries like India pay more: €2,850 each year for Bachelor’s and €3,879 for Master’s programs.

Private schools charge much higher fees. Students at private universities and business schools pay between €6,000 and €18,000 yearly. Top business programs can cost €30,000 or more per year.

Cost of living in major cities

Monthly expenses change based on where you live. Paris is the most expensive city, where students need €1,000-€1,200 monthly beyond tuition. Cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse are more budget-friendly at €800-€1,000 per month.

Here’s what students spend each month:

Student halls (CROUS) give the best value for housing. Students pay around €200 monthly outside Paris and €400 in Paris.

Budgeting tips for Indian students

Smart money management in France starts with these practical steps:

The French government’s CAF housing subsidy can save you €100-€200 each month. International students can get this help with the right paperwork.

Your student ID opens doors to savings on transport, museums, movies, and food. Yearly student travel passes cost less than regular tickets (€374 in Paris, €250-€300 in other cities).

Home cooking saves money compared to eating out. Monthly grocery bills run €200-€300, while restaurant meals cost €15-€20 each.

Smaller cities offer great education quality at lower costs. Students can save up to 40% on living expenses compared to Paris. This makes these locations worth thinking over for postgraduate studies.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

The French government spends over 2 million euros (equivalent to 17 crore rupees) each year to help Indian students through financial aid programs. Getting the right scholarship can make your dream of studying in France a reality.

Charpak and Eiffel Excellence Scholarships

The France Excellence Charpak Scholarship program honors Nobel laureate Georges Charpak and gives complete support to Indian students. Students can choose from these options:

• Charpak Master’s Scholarship: Students receive €860 monthly stipend, visa fee waiver, and help with accommodation
• Charpak Exchange Scholarship: Students get €860 monthly allowance for semester exchanges
• Charpak Lab Scholarship: Research interns receive €700 monthly

The prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship rewards outstanding master’s and PhD candidates. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs manages this program and gives €1,181 monthly to master’s students and €1,700 to doctoral candidates. French universities need to apply for their students by January 8, 2025.

Campus Bourses and university-specific grants

Campus France’s official online scholarship search engine, Campus Bourses, helps you find financial aid. The platform lists options from French and foreign governments, regional authorities, companies, foundations, and universities. You can filter by nationality, study level, and field to find the right opportunities.

Leading French institutions offer their own scholarships:

• Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship: Up to €12,200 yearly
• HEC Paris Eiffel Scholarship: Covers tuition, monthly allowance, and health insurance
• Grenoble INP Foundation: €5,000 per semester for engineering students

Tips to improve your scholarship chances

Good academic records are the foundation of most scholarship applications. Your Statement of Purpose should tell a compelling story about your motivation to study in France and career goals.

Start your applications early since many deadlines fall between December and April. Make each application unique instead of using the same content everywhere. Your leadership skills and extracurricular activities can help you stand out from other applicants.

Conclusion

French education gives Indian students an amazing mix of academic excellence, affordable fees, and rich cultural experiences. This piece shows how French schools rank among the world’s best yet charge much less than other popular study destinations. English-taught programs have made it easier for Indian students who worried about language barriers.

You now have a clear path to start your education in France. The process needs careful planning at every step – from choosing the right programs to using the Etudes en France portal and getting your documents ready. All the same, great scholarship options like Charpak and Eiffel Excellence programs will make your investment much more affordable.

Living expenses can seem high at first, especially in Paris. Smart budgeting tricks can help you save money effectively. Student housing, discounts, and rent subsidies will reduce your costs so you can focus on studies. The agreement between India and France means your degree will be recognized properly, creating excellent academic and career opportunities.

A French degree means much more than just academic success – it shows your global viewpoint, cultural awareness, and career flexibility. Master’s graduates get a two-year work visa and five-year Schengen visa to build their international careers. France welcomes you with its engineering excellence, world-class business education, and innovative research to turn your academic dreams into reality.