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    Study in France: universities, fees, and scholarships

    To study in France, Indian students choose from world-class universities and elite Grandes Ecoles, with low public tuition and more than 1,500 English-taught programs. You apply through the Campus France procedure, then a long-stay student visa. France offers strong scholarships and a 24-month post-study route, which makes it excellent value in Europe.

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    See the Campus France steps
    1,500+ English programs
    Low public fees
    24-month post-study route

    Data current as of June 2026

    Why study in France

    France pairs world-class universities and elite Grandes Ecoles with heavily subsidised public tuition, a rich culture, and a strong push to welcome Indian students, with a target of 30,000 by 2030.

    One thing to know early. Studying in France has no points test, unlike skilled migration to Canada or Australia. Admission depends on your academic record, your course requirements, your statement of purpose, and your language ability, and most Indian students apply through the Campus France procedure.

    With more than 1,500 English-taught programs, strong scholarships like the India-only Charpak, and a 24-month post-study route under the India-France agreement, France offers real value and a clear path into Europe. We guide Indian students through the whole journey.

    Your study in France journey

    France has one step Indian students must follow closely, the Campus France procedure. The diagram shows the full flow.

    Campus France Etudes en France file

    Admission Offer and interview

    Student visa VLS-TS Etudiant

    Study Work 964 hrs / year

    Post-study up to 24 mo

    The main steps to study in France, including the Campus France procedure unique to the process. Source: Campus France and France-Visas guidance, 2026.

    Best universities in France for Indian students

    France has 35 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026, including four in the global top 100. The table shows leading choices.

    Leading universities in France, 2026
    University Known for QS 2026 guide
    Universite PSL Research, sciences, top in France Around 28
    Institut Polytechnique de Paris Engineering and technology Around 41
    Universite Paris-Saclay Science, engineering, research Around 71
    Sorbonne University Humanities, sciences, medicine Top 100
    ENS Lyon Sciences and humanities research Top ranked
    Sciences Po Politics, international relations Top ranked
    HEC Paris and INSEAD Business and MBA, world leading Business leader

    Source: QS World University Rankings 2026 and Campus France data. Ranking positions vary by source and year and can change. France also has strong universities outside Paris, such as Grenoble Alpes. Confirm current requirements with each institution.

    France’s universities and Grandes Ecoles cluster by strength, with PSL and Paris-Saclay leading research, Polytechnique leading engineering, and HEC and INSEAD leading business. We help you shortlist the right ones to study in France.

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    Tuition fees and cost of living

    Public tuition in France is low because the government subsidises it heavily. The table shows the main costs, including how the fee rules work.

    Typical study costs in France for Indian students, 2026
    Cost Typical figure Notes
    Public bachelor’s tuition EUR 170 to 2,770 / yr Lower national or higher non-EU rate
    Public master’s tuition EUR 243 to 3,770 / yr Depends on the university
    Private and Grandes Ecoles EUR 5,000 to 30,000 Business schools cost most
    CVEC student-life fee About EUR 105 / yr Mandatory before enrolment
    Living costs EUR 800 to 1,400 / mo Paris higher, regions lower

    Source: French Ministry of Higher Education, Campus France, and university data, 2026. Many public universities charge the lower national rate, while some apply the higher differentiated non-EU rate. Figures change, so confirm before you apply to study in France.

    The fee you pay depends on whether your university applies the differentiated non-EU rate or the lower national rate, and a scholarship can reduce it further. We confirm the exact cost for your chosen program.

    Admission requirements at a glance

    France has no points test, but each program sets clear academic and language bars. This table is an indicative guide, not official cut-offs.

    Indicative admission requirements for Indian students, 2026
    Requirement Public university Grandes Ecoles, business
    Academic record Around 55 to 70% Higher and selective
    English test IELTS about 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS about 6.5 plus
    French, if French-taught DELF or DALF Varies by program
    GMAT or GRE Not usually needed Often for top MBA
    Other Statement of purpose SOP, work experience for MBA

    Source: Campus France and university guidance, 2026. These bands are indicative only, as each program runs its own selection and may ask for more. A strong statement of purpose and good documents matter. Confirm each program’s exact requirements.

    Because there is no single points score, your profile is judged on academics, fit, language, and your statement of purpose. We assess your eligibility honestly before you apply.

    Scholarships to study in France

    France offers strong scholarships for Indian students, most run through Campus France with early deadlines. The Charpak is exclusive to Indians.

    Main scholarships for Indian students, 2026
    Scholarship Offered by Can cover
    Charpak Scholarship French Embassy in India Tuition, stipend, visa fee, insurance
    Eiffel Excellence French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monthly allowance and benefits
    French Government Scholarship Government of France Tuition and living support
    Sciences Po and university awards Individual institutions Partial to full tuition waivers
    Business-school merit awards HEC, ESSEC, ESCP and others Partial tuition reductions

    Source: Campus France, the French Embassy in India, and university scholarship pages, 2026. Eligibility, amounts, and deadlines change each year and most are competitive with deadlines around January to March. Confirm current details before applying.

    The Charpak is the headline award for Indian students and can make a French degree highly affordable. We help you find and apply for the awards you qualify for.

    Want help applying for the Charpak or Eiffel?

    Get a free eligibility check and we will match you to the scholarships that fit your profile.

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    Popular courses for Indian students

    France is strong across business, engineering, and the creative fields, many with English-taught options.

    Business

    Business and MBA

    World-leading schools like HEC, INSEAD, and ESSEC, strong for management.

    Technical

    Engineering and tech

    Top engineering and data science at Polytechnique and Paris-Saclay.

    Creative

    Luxury, fashion, culinary

    Global leadership in luxury, fashion, hospitality, and culinary arts.

    The Campus France process and documents

    Most Indian students must go through Campus France before the visa. This table explains the key steps so nothing is missed.

    Key Campus France and visa steps for France, 2026
    Step What it is Why it matters
    Campus France account Create your Etudes en France file Mandatory first step for most
    Apply to programs Build your file and apply online Often by January to March
    Campus France interview Academic and motivation check Part of the procedure
    France-Visas and VFS Long-stay student visa application After admission, at VFS Global
    Validate on arrival Validate your VLS-TS online Acts as your residence permit

    Source: Campus France India and France-Visas guidance, 2026. Steps, fees, and timelines change, so confirm current rules. The Campus France procedure should be started well before your intake.

    Good planning is everything here. We build and check your Campus France file, prepare you for the interview, and manage the visa stage so each step lines up before your intake.

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    We build your Etudes en France file, prepare your interview, and manage your visa so nothing slips.

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    Work rights and post-study options

    France has clear rules for working during and after your studies, and a strong post-study route for Indian master’s graduates.

    Work and post-study rights in France, 2026
    Stage What you can do Notes
    During studies Work 964 hrs / year About 20 hours a week, no separate permit
    Holidays Work more in breaks Within the annual limit
    After master’s Up to 24 months India-France post-study route
    Job or business Search work or start up Temporary residence permit
    Longer term Move to a work permit Pathway toward residence

    Source: France-Visas and Campus France guidance, 2026, and the India-France migration and mobility partnership. Rules and durations change, so confirm current details before relying on them.

    The 24-month post-study route under the India-France agreement is a major draw, giving real time to find work or build a business. We explain how each stage connects.

    The Indian community in France

    France has a long-established Indian community with deep historic roots, which makes settling in easier for new students.

    Around 119,000 people of Indian origin live in metropolitan France, with the largest numbers in and around Paris. The historic core is the Tamil community from Pondicherry, the former French territory in India, many of whom first came as students and stayed. Newer arrivals include skilled professionals, IT workers, and a growing student community.

    History

    The Pondicherry link

    A large Tamil community traces back to Pondicherry, France’s former territory in India.

    Today

    Centred on Paris

    Most of the Indian community lives in and around Paris, with temples and Indian areas.

    For students

    Growing fast

    France aims for 30,000 Indian students by 2030, so student networks keep growing.

    For an Indian student, this established community and France’s active push to welcome Indian students mean a soft landing, familiar food, and ready support, especially in Paris.

    An honest view for Indian students

    France offers excellent value and career outcomes, but the Campus France timeline, costs, and language all need real planning.

    The Campus France procedure and interview take time, so start early. Public tuition is low, but Paris living costs and business-school fees are not, so budget honestly. Many programs are in English, though French helps daily life and jobs. Funds proof is examined, so prepare it well.

    France charges low, government-subsidised public university tuition, with some universities applying a higher differentiated rate for non-EU students, while Indian applicants use the mandatory Campus France procedure, can work up to 964 hours a year, and master’s graduates can access a post-study route of up to 24 months under the India-France agreement.

    Factual overview, drawn from Campus France, France-Visas, and the French Ministry of Higher Education, current for 2026. Fees, scholarships, and visa rules are set by the relevant authorities and can change.

    Meeting the requirements improves your chances, but admission and the final visa decision rest with the institutions and the French authorities. We give you a realistic view and manage the timeline with you.

    Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about studying in France

    Our education experts guide Indian students through every step to study in France, from universities and the Campus France procedure to scholarships, fees, documents, and the student visa. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free eligibility check today.

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    Study in France frequently asked questions

    Why study in France as an Indian student?
    France offers world-class universities and elite Grandes Ecoles, low public tuition heavily subsidised by the government, and more than 1,500 English-taught programs. Indian students benefit from the structured Campus France process, strong scholarships like Charpak, and a 24-month post-study work route under the India-France agreement. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps Indian students choose the right course and university to study in France.
    What are the best universities in France?
    Leading choices include Universite PSL, the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Universite Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University, ENS Lyon, and Sciences Po, alongside top business schools such as HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC. France has many strong universities outside Paris too. The right choice depends on your field. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you shortlist the best universities in France for your profile and budget.
    Is there a points system to study in France?
    No. Studying in France has no points test, unlike skilled migration to Canada or Australia. Admission is based on your academic record, the requirements of your course, your statement of purpose, and your language ability in English or French. Most Indian students apply through the Campus France Etudes en France procedure. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the real admission and visa requirements so you can plan to study in France with confidence.
    How much are tuition fees in France for Indian students?
    Public university fees are low because the government subsidises them. Some universities charge the differentiated non-EU rate, about 2,770 euros a year for a bachelor’s and 3,770 for a master’s, while many charge the lower national rate of about 170 to 243 euros plus a small student-life fee. Private schools and Grandes Ecoles cost far more. Figures change, so confirm. BestMigrationConsultant.com gives you a clear fee picture to study in France.
    What is the CVEC fee?
    The CVEC, the student and campus life contribution, is a small mandatory annual fee of around 100 to 105 euros that almost all students pay online before enrolment. It funds student services, health, sport, and campus life. It is separate from tuition and is required to complete your registration. BestMigrationConsultant.com makes sure your CVEC and registration steps are completed correctly to study in France.
    What is Campus France and Etudes en France?
    Campus France is the official body that manages applications from Indian students through the Etudes en France procedure, which is mandatory for most courses. You create an account, build your file, apply to programs, attend an interview, and then move to the visa stage. It links your admission to your visa application. BestMigrationConsultant.com completes and checks your Campus France file so your plan to study in France stays on track.
    What is the France student visa for Indian students?
    For courses longer than 90 days, Indian students need a long-stay student visa, the VLS-TS Etudiant, applied for through France-Visas and submitted at VFS Global after the Campus France stage. After arrival, you validate the visa online, which acts as your residence permit. BestMigrationConsultant.com guides you through the full France student visa process so your application to study in France is complete and on time.
    What scholarships are available to study in France?
    Indian students can apply for the Charpak Scholarship, which is exclusive to Indian nationals and can cover a tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, the visa fee, and insurance, the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, the French Government Scholarship, and university and business-school awards. Most run through Campus France with early deadlines. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you find and apply for scholarships to study in France.
    What are the admission requirements for France?
    Requirements vary by program. Public universities often accept Indian applicants from around 55 to 70 percent with IELTS about 6.0 to 6.5 or French proficiency, while top Grandes Ecoles and business schools are more selective and may ask for GMAT or GRE. A strong statement of purpose matters. Each program sets its own bar. BestMigrationConsultant.com checks your eligibility against your target programs to study in France.
    Can I study in France in English?
    Yes. France offers more than 1,500 English-taught programs, especially at master’s level and in business and engineering, so you do not always need French to study in France. That said, learning French helps a lot with daily life, part-time work, and job prospects, and many students take French classes alongside their course. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you find English-taught programs and plan any language needs.
    Can I work while studying in France?
    Yes. On the student long-stay visa you can work up to 964 hours per year, which is about 20 hours a week, without a separate work permit. This helps with living costs, and many students find part-time roles in cities. Rules can change, so confirm the current limit. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the work rights attached to your student status so you can plan to study in France realistically.
    What is the post-study work option in France?
    After a master’s level degree, eligible graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay and look for work or start a business, and under the India-France agreement Indian master’s graduates can access an extended post-study period of up to 24 months. This is a strong route into the French and European job market. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how the post-study route fits your plan to study in France.
    How much money do I need for the France student visa?
    You must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself, commonly evidenced at a monthly amount through bank statements, a scholarship, or a sponsor, in addition to tuition. A scholarship that covers living costs can reduce the financial proof needed. The exact amount is set by the authorities and can change. BestMigrationConsultant.com confirms the current funds requirement for your France student visa before you apply.
    What is the cost of living in France for students?
    Living costs commonly range from about 800 to 1,400 euros a month, with Paris the most expensive and cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, and Grenoble more affordable. Accommodation is the largest cost, and some students qualify for a housing subsidy through CAF. Sharing accommodation helps. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you plan a realistic budget so you can study in France comfortably.
    What documents do I need to study in France?
    You generally need your academic transcripts and certificates, an admission or enrolment certificate, English or French test results, a statement of purpose, proof of funds, accommodation proof, a valid passport, and your Campus France file. The exact list can vary by program and the France-Visas requirements. BestMigrationConsultant.com prepares and checks your full document set so your application to study in France is complete.
    What courses are popular for Indian students in France?
    Popular fields include business and management, engineering, computer and data science, fashion and luxury, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, and the sciences. France is especially strong in business, engineering, and luxury and design. The best course depends on your goals. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you match your profile to the right course and university to study in France.
    Does studying in France lead to permanent residence?
    Studying does not directly grant permanent residence, but it can be a strong first step. After your course, the post-study route lets you work, and from there you can move to a work permit, with longer-term residence possible over time under the rules that apply then. Rules change, so plan with current information. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how studying in France can fit into a longer plan toward residence.
    Is there an Indian community in France?
    Yes. France is home to a long-established Indian community of around 119,000 people in metropolitan France, with a historic core of Tamils from the former French territory of Pondicherry, mostly around Paris, plus newer skilled professionals, IT workers, and students. This means temples, Indian food, and cultural networks, especially in Paris. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you settle in well when you study in France.
    When should I apply to study in France?
    Start about a year ahead. The September intake is the main one, with a smaller January intake at some schools. Build your Campus France file and apply to programs, often by January to March, then apply for scholarships, and complete the visa stage after your admission. The Campus France timeline is the main thing to respect. BestMigrationConsultant.com builds a clear timeline with you so your plan to study in France stays on track.
    What if my France student visa is refused?
    A refusal often points to weak funds, an incomplete Campus France file, gaps in documents, or doubts about your study plan or intent. Many of these can be addressed and a fresh application made, and some decisions can be reviewed. Acting on the right reason matters. BestMigrationConsultant.com reviews the cause and helps you decide on the strongest next step for your plan to study in France.
    How can BestMigrationConsultant.com help me study in France?
    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students through every step to study in France. We run an eligibility check, shortlist universities and courses, build and check your Campus France file, support your admission and scholarship applications, confirm fees and funds, prepare your documents, and guide your student visa. We also explain working, the post-study route, and longer-term options. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com to start your free assessment and plan your studies in France with confidence.

    Written and reviewed by

    Author: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    Reviewed by: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students and professionals on overseas study, work, and PR pathways. University fees, scholarships, and visa rules are set by universities and governments and can change at any time. This page is guidance and application support, not legal advice.

    Last reviewed: June 2026