Student Loans in France for International Students: Eligibility, Lenders & How to Apply

Studying in France is a dream for many international students—but financing your education can be challenging.

The good news? There are multiple student loan options in France for international students, including private lenders, international loan providers, and limited government-backed schemes.

This guide covers everything:

• Loan types available

• Eligibility criteria

• Top lenders

• Loan amounts (€5,000–€50,000)

• How to apply step-by-step

Can International Students Get Student Loans in France?

Yes, international students can get education loans for France, but:

• Government loans are mostly for EU citizens

• Private lenders are the main option

• Some lenders offer no collateral loans

• Few options exist without a co-signer

 This is the most important reality students must understand before applying.

 Types of Student Loans in France

Loan Amount, Interest & Repayment

• Loan Amount: €5,000 – €50,000

• Interest Rate: 6% – 14% (varies by lender)

• Repayment Start: 6–24 months after graduation

• Tenure: 5–15 years

Key Insight: International lenders focus more on future earning potential than current income.

Student Loan Eligibility in France

To apply for a student loan in France, you typically need:

• Admission to a recognized university

• Valid student visa

• Academic records

• Co-signer (in most cases)

• Proof of repayment ability

 How to Apply for a Student Loan (Step-by-Step)

1. Get admission to a French university

2. Decide loan type (bank vs international lender)

3. Check eligibility requirements

4. Gather documents

5. Apply online/offline

6. Wait for approval

7. Accept loan terms

Student Loan Providers for France

1. Prodigy Finance

• No collateral required

• Based on future income

• Best for international students

2. Lendwise

• Competitive interest rates

• Fast approval

• Flexible repayment

3. Crédit Agricole

• Traditional bank loan

• Requires co-signer

• Lower interest rates

4. Société Générale

• Good for residents

• Flexible plans

5. Caisse d'Épargne

• Student-focused loans

• Moderate interest

 Loan Without Collateral or Co-signer

• Possible with lenders like Prodigy Finance

• Based on:

• University ranking

• Course ROI

• Future earning potential

 This is ideal for students who cannot provide guarantees.

Student Loans for Indian Students

Indian students usually:

• Take loans from Indian banks OR

• Use international lenders

 Popular options:

• Prodigy Finance

• Lendwise

How to Choose the Right Loan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without comparing lenders

• Ignoring interest rates

• Not checking repayment terms

• Borrowing more than needed